Lil' Bit This... Lil' Bit That...

FATHER'S DAY

2010-06-19T14:55:00.001-05:00

What Did You Say?

2010-03-26T00:34:00.002-05:00

Welcome to Friday Funnies! I thought I'd end the week with a few smiles and a bit of laughter! Enjoy!!!

Pancakes Galore

2010-03-26T00:18:00.000-05:00

MARCH 25, 1882

PANCAKES FIRST MADE in NEW YORK CITY!

THURSDAY 13 PANCAKE RECIPES

1. Good Old Fashion Pancakes- Just like Grandma use to make!

2. Corn Fritter Pancakes- Are you brave enough?

3. Gluten-Free Pancakes- For those who have wheat allergies!

4. Peanut Butter & Jelly Oatmeal Pancakes- These sound delicious! Has anyone tried them before?

5. Fluffy Vegan Pancakes- Moist and delicious!

6. Chocolate Chip Pancakes- I've never tried this recipe personally, however thought it looked yummy! Does anyone have a true and tried recipe for chocolate chip pancakes you'd like to share?

7. Pancake Banana Splits- What will they think of next?

8. German Pancakes

9. Pineapple Upside Down Pancakes- ewwww, yuck!

10. Pancakes Fit For A King- These are said to taste like IHOP pancakes!

11. Pancake Mix In A Jar - Great gift for the holidays!

12. Easy Apple Cinnamon Pancakes - These use Bisquick, so they have to be simple! Gotta love that!

12. Eggy Pancakes- These are MY families FAV! They are very thin and can be rolled up. I'd love to share the recipe, but it's a family secret!

I'd love to hear from you. Does your family have a favorite pancake recipe? If you've tried any of the recipes above how do they rate? Please feel free to leave me comments and suggestions! I'm always looking for new scrumpdillyicious recipes all the time!

HAPPY THURSDAY 13!

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Chocolate Covered Raisins

2010-03-24T05:59:00.001-05:00

Happy "Chocolate Covered Raisin" Day! Who would've thunk? Yet, today is the day! I found a scrump-dilly-icious recipe for Chocolate Raisin Bars for all you raisin lovers! Feel free to share your favorite raisin recipe in the comment section below!

INGREDIENTS
2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs
1/2 cup cocoa
3 tablespoons sugar
2/3 cup cold butter, cut into pieces
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1 cup peanut butter chips
1-1/3 cups raisins
1 cup chopped walnuts

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat oven to 350°F.

2. In a medium bowl, stir together the crumbs, cocoa and sugar. Cut in the butter until crumbly.

3. Press mixture evenly on the bottom and 1/2-inch up the sides of 13x9x2-inch baking pan.

4. Pour the condensed milk over the crumb mixture and sprinkle on the peanut butter chips and raisins. Sprinkle nuts over the top and press down firmly.

5. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Cover with foil and let stand several hours before cutting into bars.

ENJOY!
(Let me know how these turn out. My family isn't much into raisins!)

One Nation Under God

2010-03-24T05:24:00.001-05:00

Proverbs 14:34 (The Message)

God-devotion makes a country strong; God- avoidance leaves people weak.

“Freedom prospers when religion is vibrant and the rule of law under God is acknowledged.”

“If we ever forget that we are One Nation Under God, then we will be a nation gone under.”

“Without God, democracy will not and cannot long endure.”

Ronald Reagan

If ever a Godly man was chosen to lead our great country, it was the 40th President of the United States, Ronald Wilson Reagan. I long for the days the Reagan Administration was in office. It frightens me of what is to come of America and those living in her now. However, centuries before Reagan, another man, King Solomon wrote in the book of Proverbs, that we MUST stand UNITED and recommit ourselves to being a GOD-DEVOTED NATION in order to remain strong! Perhaps, history is repeating itself. One thing I’m certain of, is that America and her leaders need the prayers of the American people NOW more then ever! Please commit to praying DAILY for our leaders. I urge you to pray that the upright in heart will be established in positions of leadership in this land and the unrepentant wicked will be rooted out of it!

(Proverbs 2:21-22) (I Timothy 2:1-4)

“Man is never so tall as when he kneels before God – never so great as when he humbles himself before God. And the man who kneels to God can stand up to anything.”

***Mr. Sam Clausen, is credited for taking the picture of the Eagle in my WFW for today. This a young man with a God-given talent for seeing and depicting God’s creation in a way many of us only dream of! Please visit his Photography facebook page and commend him on his work.

The home of WFW is at Amy’s 160 Acre Woods

Join our WFW host today:

with Susan @ Forever His

For more of my Word-Filled Wednesday previous posts take a gander here!

Thanks for stopping by! Have a wonderful Word-Filled Wednesday!

13 Special Days

2010-03-18T04:33:00.001-05:00

13 Favorite Holidays or Special Days

1. CHRISTMAS - My Savior's birthday and my favorite of them all! Although I've found it just isn't the same as when I was little. Why is that?

2. JULY 4th - PROUD to be an American! My favorite president is RONALD REAGAN. I wrote him a letter when I was in 5th grade and he took the time to write me back!! He even signed it himself and no one can tell me ANY different!

3. EASTER - Many childhood memories, which began with getting up at the crack of dawn for sunrise services then on to church for breakfast. (Although, I never remember actually eating breakfast, but rather sitting with my friends on the church curb waiting for the one stoplight in town to stop flashing. Ahh, the little things!) After the stoplight would come on, it was time to rush home and change into my new Sunday dress. (Some years, with a little luck, I'd even have time to open my Easter basket before church!) Easter Sunday also meant giving 30 pieces of silver to God. (This was to represent the 30 pieces of silver Judas Iscariot was paid to betray Jesus.) After church my mom always fixed a HUGE lunch for our family then we'd color and hide eggs. How I miss those days!

4. THANKSGIVING - RAT HUNTING! That's right, RAT HUNTING! Although, I must admit, this was not something I grew up with. No, it wasn't until after I became part of the "Spore clan" that I was blessed with such a tradition. After becoming a Spore myself in 1991, we'd spend each Thanksgiving at my husband's grandparents farm in Newkirk, Oklahoma. It was here, I learned the art of hunting rats! To my surprise, all you needed was a bunch of men and lil' boys, a tractor to lift the brush piles up and a big ole' stick to wallop the rats on the head when they came dartin' out! WHOoo-EEEeee! You never truly lived until ya got yourself that first mangy rat! Can't say I ever participated, but I did ride the tractor with G-Paw a time or two. That there was enough excitement for this city girl! Anyone else out there had the privilege of hunting them there rats?

5. HALLOWEEN - WAS, I repeat WAS a favorite of mine. I use to love to dress up my boys each year. My oldest, Logan, was once a blue LEGO! I'm not talking a mini size lego, but a HUGE gigantic lego! He was SO big, we had to take him around in the bed of our truck trick-or-treating because he wouldn't fit inside! Another year, my middle son, Ethan was a "Cereal Killer" with boxes of cereal, knives, and blood all over him (not one of mom's favorites). All this was fine and dandy until October of 1998 when Ethan, then 4 years old, was diagnosed with Type 1 Juvenile Diabetes. Now, I can honestly say I H-A-T-E it! Mind you, I rarely use the wore "hate." As I always told my students, "Hate is a STRONG word!" But in this case, I reserve the right to use it! H-A-T-E

6. BIRTHDAYS - I "use" to love celebrating my birthday. Every year, for 18 years PLUS, my mom would bake me a cake. She always made sure each year was special for me. However, with the big 4-0 around the corner... I'm not as excited as I use to be! I do, however, LOVE to celebrate the birthdays of my three wonderful boys! This year we will be celebrating 18, 16, and 13. A hard year indeed, as they are growing up, but thankful they are with me everyday!

7. My BAPTISM - October 1, 1978. The day I was immersed and committed my life to Jesus. It wasn't until I was in my 20's, however, that I actually understood WHY I believed what I was TOLD to believe all those years growing up. It was then I felt Jesus come into my heart.

8. D DAY - November 2, 1998. Ethan, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. (No, I haven't lost it, although I've asked myself the same thing a time or two.) We celebrate this day because we are thankful that Ethan has SURVIVED yet another year with this deadly disease without complications. We are thankful for the new and upcoming technologies that make his life easier. Yet, we still pray and yearn for a cure!

9. D DAY II - May 31, 2005. Caleb, our baby, was also diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. Just when we didn't think we could take anymore.... God saw different. And again, five years later, we are SO very thankful Caleb is still fighting and not letting his life be controlled by this deadly disease.

10. DATE DAY - April 27, 1989 Dating anniversary to my high school sweetheart. Who would've thought after all this time, we'd still be together?

11. WEDDING DAY - July 27, 1991 Wedding anniversary to the love of my life! The same guy as above :) Thank you for changing my world!

12. SURVIVAL DAY - September 19, 1993 The day God spared my fathers life, after a drunk driver hit him head on, traveling at speeds close to 90 +/- an hour! My father is still with us today at the ripe old age of 75!

13. TBD - What's yours????

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1 Lord, 1 Faith, 1 Baptism

2010-03-18T01:28:00.005-05:00

(A day late a dollar short.)

Welcome to Word-Filled Wednesday on Thursday!

1 LORD + 1 FAITH = 1 BAPTISM

This is my youngest son.

A heartfelt joy, witnessing one you've been blessed with, come to know and accept Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior!

T ake a look at more WFW here!

For more WFW please join CRITTY JOY , our host this week!

The 160 Acre Woods

Basketball, Then And Now

2010-03-11T00:01:00.007-06:00

2009-2010 INDIANS BASKETBALL TEAM

"Teamwork: The fuel that produces uncommon results in common people."

Anonymous

These are pictures of my son's high school basketball team this year. Each boy contributed something unique in making the team a success! Sadly, the season ended Saturday night for the Indians, as they lost in the Championship game of Sub-State. However, they had one heck of a season and our little town is VERY proud of them!

March 11, 1892 some 118 years ago TODAY, the first public game of basketball was played! James Naismith was the Canadian P.E. teacher who invented basketball in 1891. The original THIRTEEN rules were as follows:

1. The ball may be thrown in any direction with one or both hands.

2. The ball may be batted in any direction with one or both hands, but never with the fist.

3. A player cannot run with the ball. The player must throw it from the spot on which he catches it, allowance to be made for a man running at good speed.

4. The ball must be held by the hands. The arms or body must not be used for holding it.

5. No shouldering, holding, pushing, striking or tripping in any way of an opponent. The first infringement of this rule by any person shall count as a foul; the second shall disqualify him until the next goal is made or, if there was evident intent to injure the person, for the whole of the game. No substitution shall be allowed.

6. A foul is striking at the ball with the fist, violations of Rules 3 and 4 and such as described in Rule 5.

7. If either side makes three consecutive fouls it shall count as a goal for the opponents (consecutive means without the opponents in the meantime making a foul).

8. A goal shall be made when the ball is thrown or batted from the grounds into the basket and stays there, providing those defending the goal do no touch or disturb the goal. If the ball rests on the edges, and the opponent moves the basket, it shall count as a goal.

9. When the ball goes out of bounds, it shall be thrown into the field and played by the first person touching it. In case of dispute the umpire shall throw it straight into the field. The thrower-in is allowed five seconds. If he holds it longer, it shall go to the opponent. If any side persists in delaying the game, the umpire shall call a foul on them.

10. The umpire shall be the judge of the men and shall note the fouls and notify the referee when three consecutive fouls have been made. He shall have power to disqualify men according to Rule 5.

11. The referee shall be judge of the ball and shall decide when the ball is in play, in bounds, to which side it belongs, and shall keep the time. He shall decide when a goal has been made and keep account of the goals, with any other duties that are usually performed by a referee.

12. The time shall be two fifteen-minute halves, with five minutes rest between.

13. The side making the most goals in that time shall be declared the winner.

A mere 30 minutes of game time, both a referee and umpire, and three fouls = a goal? How times have changed!

What can I say? I'm a mother of all boys! Ironically, I'm not much of a basketball fan, but when your kid is playing....you can learn to like anything!

These are pics of our "E-Rad" The pink socks were worn in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness. The theme was, "Get Your Pink On" Over $2000 was raised and given to charities supporting cancer awareness and in finding a cure! GO INDIANS!

Happy Thursday!

For more Thursday 13:

Please visit the others in this meme!

Innocence Of A Child

2010-03-10T01:19:00.001-06:00

Innocent child and snow-white flower!
Well are ye paired in your opening hour.
Thus should the pure and the lovely meet,
Stainless with stainless, and sweet with sweet.

White as those leaves, just blown apart,
Are the folds of thy own young heart;
Guilty passion and cankering care
Never have left their traces there.

Artless one! though thou gazest now
O’er the white blossom with earnest brow,
Soon will it tire thy childish eye;
Fair as it is, thou wilt throw it by.

Throw it aside in thy weary hour,

Throw to the ground the fair white flower;
Yet, as thy tender years depart,
Keep that white and innocent heart.

William Cullen Bryant

For more WFW please visit our host for today, Lori @ All You Have To Give

or The 160 Acre Woods

I have to brag a little! This is a picture is of one of my GREAT nephews. His mother, my niece, was told by her doctors that the chance of her having children were slim, to none. Then along comes this bundle of joy! A miracle from above, born May 1, 2009! Thank you Jesus for this precious baby boy. He has been a blessing to all those he has touched.

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!

2010-03-04T14:46:00.002-06:00

Today's Thursday 13 are quotes by none other then Dr. Seuss!

FAVORITE DR. SEUSS QUOTES!

March 2, 1904 - September 24, 1991

Happy 106th Birthday Dr. Seuss!!!

“I have heard there are troubles of more than one kind. Some come from ahead and some come from behind. But I’ve bought a big bat. I’m all ready you see. Now my troubles are going to have troubles with me!”

“Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.”

"Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."

"How did it get so late so soon? Its night before its afternoon. December is here before its June. My goodness how the time has flewn. How did it get so late so soon?”

"A person's a person no matter how small!"

"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not!"

"Oh the places you'll go! There is fun to be done! There are points to be scored. There are games to be won. And the magical things you can do with that ball will make you the winning-est winner of all."

“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. ”

"I'm sorry to say so, but sadly it's true that bang-ups and hang-ups can happen to you."

"Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened."

"So the writer who breeds more words than he needs, is making a chore for the reader who reads."

"The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go."

"Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the things you can think up if only you try!"

Smiles,

Lil' Bit This...Lil' Bit That..

"Ant-Like"

2010-03-03T13:58:00.002-06:00

²⁴ There are four things on earth that are small but unusually wise:

²⁵ Ants—they aren’t strong,
but they store up food all summer.

Proverbs 30:24-25 (NLT)

If I asked you to paint a picture of how an ant spends its day, what would we see? Is it sleeping? Perhaps, taking it easy and relaxing on a blade of grass? Maybe the tiny little creature is even kicked back with an Ice Tea in one leg and the daily newspaper in the other.

Whoooaa! That's not the picture I see. Ants ALWAYS seem to be busy. They always seem to be working. And even though they are tiny, they accomplish much! Though a small, weak, feeble creature, ants will travel over rocks and stones, climb trees, enter into towers, barns, cellars, places high and low, in search of food; never slowing down. And if that isn't enough, the ant not only helps itself, but helps others. No one ant carries it burdens alone!

Did you know?

1. Some worker ants are given the job of taking the rubbish from the nest and putting it outside in a special rubbish dump? They are a neat and tidy insect.

2. Ants can lift 20x their own body weight!

3. Ants are known to be the smartest species of insects with about 250,000 brain cells!

4. Ants are fast runners! If a human had the legs equal to those of an ant, we would be able to run as fast as a racehorse!

5. When a worker ant finds a source of food, it leaves a trail of scent to attract other ants in the colony to it.

WOW! No wonder the Bible instructs us to learn from these little guys!

God's message in Proverbs 6:6 is directed at just the opposite type, SLUGGARDS! A sluggard is a lazy person, who wants to do anything BUT work! The sluggard is described in Proverbs 12:27: 'A lazy life is an empty life, but "early to rise" gets the job done!' What's the old saying? "Early to bed, early to rise, will make a man healthy, wealthy and wise." (Benjamin Franklin)

Yet, have you ever needed to get something done, but just didn't want to? Are you one of those people who thinks, "Aw, there's always tomorrow." PROCRASTINATION? Think, "Nike"... God doesn't want us to just talk about it, but DO IT!

Lazy people START things, but they don't follow through and FINISH what they start. How many projects and activities do you start and not finish? Often we get enough energy to start something but we do not FOLLOW THROUGH and FINISH. (I must admit, I'm bad about this.) Does God FOLLOW THROUGH and FINISH what He starts?

⁶ 'And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.' Philippians 1:6

Thank you Jesus!!! Thank you for not tossing me to the side, only to forget about me. Thank you for staying WITH me through ALL things and helping me carry my burdens! Thank you for NEVER giving up on me! Please help me to work hard and to accomplish much for your glory and for the good of others.

Take note: Desires are fine, but we need to put some muscle and sweat and toil and effort into living to make those desires come true! Diligence and hard work are virtues and pleasing to God. God wants us to be "ant-like" as He works in the heart of the believer .

¹³ For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.'

Philippians 2:13 (NLT)

What are some ways YOU can be more diligent?

More "ANT-LIKE?"

Check out pennyraine.com the hostess of today's WFW for more inspiring verses/pictures!

Thursday 13!!!

2010-02-26T00:16:00.001-06:00

Thursday 13 is a weekly meme with a simple theme: each Thursday you blog a list of 13 things. What kind of things? Any kind! Just come up with a list theme and run with it. So here it goes....... my first ever Thursday 13 (with only an hour left before it's Friday...ha!)

My youngest has a middle school dance tomorrow night. Thus, my theme: Middle School Dances....ugh!

1. No one wants to be the first one at the dance, yet the dance would never start if SOMEONE didn't show up first!

2. The boys, for the most part, are still bunched up on one side of the room like a herd of cows waiting on a storm to pass.

3. The girls on the other hand, are either on the dance floor shaking their tail feathers or gathered in a swarm chatting away.

4. Slow songs at a middle school dance? Are they really necessary? (This of course coming from a mother of a 12 year old son who is sure he doesn't need to be dancing with any other females than his mama! )

5. The girls bathroom.....still the place to run and cry when "Mr. Wonderful" asks your best friend to dance and not you.

6. The classic middle school dance form hasn’t changed at all, with the girl’s hands on the boy’s shoulders, and his hands around her waist. The couple then steps side to side or around in circles, usually out of time to the song. O how I wish this would last in the years soon to come!

7. What to wear to a middle school dance? How about what NOT to wear?

8. Food... a must at every middle school function!

9. Please tell me that's not a TEACHER I see out there!!??!?!

10. I thought MUSIC was suppose to be played at dances... what is this stuff they're playing now-a-days????

11. Bouncers at a middle school dance? Are you kidding me?

12. No other night brings out so much of the "He said" "She said" as a night on the dance floor.

13. It wouldn't be a dance without "Y.M.C.A." although I still prefer "The Bird" by the Time Machine. Think I'll stop there. Good thing I hit 13!

Want to see more Thursday 13??? Check 'em out!

Wait For The Lord

2010-02-24T15:58:00.007-06:00

WELCOME TO WFW!

The purpose of Word filled Wednesday is to share God’s word through photos & verse (no famous quotes or literature). If You’d like to join Word Filled Wednesday, simply click on WFW and follow the instructions.

The home of WFW is at Amy's 160 Acre Woods.

I'm an amateur at this, but there are many other participants of WFW that create AH-MAZING depictions of God's word! Please leave me a comment (I love feedback!) then visit the other WFW blogs while you're at it too!

I don't know about you, but "wait" is not a word in my vocabulary! Neither are; pause, rest, delay, stand by, or hold everything!!!!! Are you kidding me? I don't have the TIME or the PATIENCE for any of those things! Yet, the Lord instructs me to WAIT for him.

"Lord, come on. Give me a break! You know I'm not good at this stuff! Why not ask me to "go, go, go" or "move it, move it, move it!" That's what I know! That's what I'm use to! That is my life! Yet, instead, I've hit a ROAD BLOCK and all you can say is, "WAIT for me? UGH!"

As I studied this verse closer, I found that "wait for" focuses on the sense of expectation one has. When one "waits on the Lord," a person is dependent upon that person or something that the person will do.

"Lord you want me to be dependent upon you? That would mean trusting in you.. completely... I do that already Lord, well.....for the most part. I believe in you too so there has to be more."

And indeed there is. When we "wait for" the Lord, we find ourselves looking to Him for some specific need. We are expecting him to help us out with that special need. We do not have CONTROL over the circumstances. We give him EVERYTHING!

"But...but, Lord? That would mean opening myself up and giving you complete control of my life. That scares me Lord! What if I don't like the outcome or what if I get hurt in the process or what if......." and then the words of the Lord fall upon me like a glistening star falling from the sky...

"I am the Lord your God. I always have your best interest at heart lil' one. Be strong and take heart and wait for me!"

Calmness and peace envelop me as I not only hear but feel the Lord's love for me! Now, I press on, as I "wait for" (isn't that an oxymoron?) God in any and all roadblocks of life! For I know that it is not only biblical, but a necessary part of the Christian life. It is an active display of faith in God during impossible situations!

I'mmmmmm Baaaccckkkk!!!

2010-02-21T01:06:00.001-06:00

Welcome back friends! It's been toooo long! As of a year ago, I was running two blogs; The Spore Family Blog and Lil' Bit That.. Lil' Bit This. After much contemplating, I've decided to combine the two into one. I'm currently working on improving the look of the blog, so please be patient during this transition time.

I've also started a new project at "Off And Running!" I hope you'll drop in for a visit soon. I welcome your feedback, so leave a comment and let me know you were there!

With that being said, I'll be checking in again soon to catch everyone up on the past year's worth of "Spore family drama!"

Until then... WeLcOmE bAcK and God bless!!!

MOVING...

2009-02-23T08:31:00.002-06:00

Please be patient and check back often!

Word-Filled Wednesday #4

2009-01-28T04:15:00.009-06:00

Two Shall Become One Tuesday's

2009-01-27T02:13:00.002-06:00

Last week, was a bit rough with my Master classes starting back up for the semester. I wasn't able to do a full post for Two Shall Become One Tuesday's The beginning of this week has also been rough, not to mention stressful....

Monday afternoon, as the ice began pelting the Midwest, my phone rang. "Hello?" {{pause}} "Penny, what do you have going on for the next...oh...four or five hours?" the broken-up voice said on the other end. "Um...why mom?" I immediately and suspiciously responded. Faintly and with a voice full of tears she continued, "Could you take me to the hospital? I'm having severe chest discomfort and my doctor is insisting I go straight to the hospital. I've tried to get a hold of your dad, but he isn't answering his phone." Since the doctor merely suggested she be taken by ambulance, instead of insisting on it, she chose to call me instead (and for those of you that know my mom, that shouldn't surprise you!) I immediately began scurrying around the house throwing a few "can't do without" items into a bag, jumped in the car, and headed to pick her up. By the time I arrived, my dad was back home (he had been gone on church business) and ready to go as well. The nearest facility with a cardiologist on staff was some 56 miles away so we headed out, as quick as the weather would allow. After two and half hours of driving through sleet, freezing rain, a burnt out headlight and a windshield wiper gone crazy, we safely made it to Bartlesville where she was admitted to Jane Phillip's Medical Center.

The recliner beside her hospital bed is where I am writing from now. It's in the middle of the night and she is resting as peaceful as one can being hooked up to a million different machines and lying in a bed covered with plastic. Since being admitted, she has endured over 15 sticks and pokes (her veins were playing hide-and-seek from the Phlebotomist upon arrival), a Nuclear (Thallium) stress test, and a Cardiac Catheterization. I am ecstatic to report that the grass seems a bit greener now that she is on the "recovery" side of things.

What does this have to do with "Two Shall Become One Tuesday's?" If it weren't for my supportive and loving husband who was willing to take care of our boys and everything at home, I would not be able to be by my mother's side now.

Thank you sweets! You are truly THE best! And thank you Jesus for taking care of my mother, my family while I've been gone, and giving me the best husband I wife could ever hope for.

"He stands tall, like a cedar,
strong and deep-rooted,
A rugged mountain of a man,
aromatic with wood and stone.
His words are kisses, his kisses words"
Song of Solomon 5:15-16

Memory Monday #4

2009-01-26T13:06:00.006-06:00

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."

Romans 12:12 (NIV)

My family is getting ready to face a difficult time in the months ahead and we could sure use the prayers of those who are willing to do so. Although I know the bible teaches us to be joyful, patient, and faithful in prayer, I have a hard time with the "patient" part. I want answers and I want them now! Sitting still, waiting on the Lord, is not my forte! That is why I picked this week's scripture found in Romans 12:12.

I am also taking this week to review the past three Memory Mondays

Week #1: II Corinthians 5:17

Week #2: Isaiah 40:29

Week #3: Psalms 139:13

Good luck and God bless!

Friday Funnies 2

2009-01-23T18:38:00.002-06:00

You Are An Exclamation Point

You are a bundle of... well, something.
You're often a bundle of joy, passion, or drama.

You're loud, brash, and outgoing. If you think it, you say it. Definitely not the quiet type, you really don't keep a lot to yourself.

You're lively and inspiring. People love to be around your energy. (But they do secretly worry that you'll spill their secrets without even realizing it.)

You excel in: Public speaking

You get along best with: the Dash

What Punctuation Mark Are You?

Thankful Thursday #3

2009-01-22T20:48:00.010-06:00

For "Thankful Thursday" this week I am honoring none other than the love of my life, my husband, Mark. He is my knight in shining armor! We went to junior high and high school together, but didn't start dating until April of our Senior year. Looking back, I never dreamed he was the one God was preparing for me. We were and still are complete opposites, oil and water. He was a country boy and I was a city girl; he was quiet and kept to himself and I was loud and boisterous; he was spontaneous and I was a planner; he was smart...VERY smart and I was "average;" he liked to kill animals (hunting) and I wanted to keep them all as pets! Needless to say, our differences were part of the reason I fell in love with him. (Not to mention his teddy bear brown eyes and heart melting smile!)

However, Mark isn't only a remarkable husband, but a top-notch father full of compassion, love, and dedication for our children. He is more patient with our boys than I could ever hope to be. By watching their father, our boys have learned to persevere, take risks, be gentlemen, and respect their elders. I thank God for giving me a man with these qualities and one who respects the gift of life itself.

I love you sweets! Thank you for putting up with me and loving me until the end.

Word-Filled Wednesday #3

2009-01-21T01:38:00.007-06:00

“Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to death; don’t stand back and let them die. Don’t try to avoid responsibility by saying you didn’t know about it. For God knows all hearts and he sees you. He keeps watch over your souls, and he knows you know..."
Proverbs 24: 11-12 –

Lord, please with those mother's who are facing an unwanted pregnancy for this can be a confusing and frightening time. Comfort them, guide them, and surround them with your unconditional love.
Let them feel your presence and know they are not alone.
In Jesus Name.

Two Shall Become One Tuesday's

2009-01-19T02:35:00.006-06:00

I am sorry for my late posting. I'll be back tomorrow. However, I wanted to get the results of the poll up I took last week so you could have a chance to look at the results and ponder over them.

Marriage Poll

Do you still treat your spouse as good as when you were first married? (Going out of your way, remember the little things, dress to impress?

RESULTS:

Sometimes 50%

No 28%

Yes 11%

Are you kidding??? 11%

I'd appreciate your thoughts on this. Please leave a comment and let me know your feelings. Thanks!

Memory Monday #3

2009-01-18T22:15:00.018-06:00

I chose this verse in Psalms to commence my week long celebration of LIFE and the right to life!

Week #3 verse:

"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made..." Psalms 139:13

Amazing, simply amazing! I am made by God! His hands created me. I've been touched by the Master's hands {{catching breath}} THAT in itself is the most exciting ever! He knew me and was watching over me even before anyone else knew I existed. I'm feeling especially special right now...like warm and fuzzy all over! And guess what? YOU were made by him too! A pretty awesome feeling to know that we are all amazing works of art in God's own gallery, don't you think?

Yet, sadly enough, there are many...many...people who are literally terminating God's handiwork. Why you ask?

1% of all abortions occur because of rape or incest
6% of abortions occur because of potential health problems regarding either the mother or child
93% of all abortions occur for social reasons (i.e. the child is unwanted or inconvenient).

{{{Shaking head in disgust!}}} INCONVENIENT; not suited to your comfort, purpose or needs? It "should" be inconvenient not to have a vehicle in today's society, NOT killing an innocent life because it's awkward, cumbersome, disaccommodating, disadvantageous, embarrassing, inopportune, objectionable, troublesome, uncomfortable, and unseasonable????? Ugh!

Two precious lives. Two beating hearts. Two people worth protecting. Why can't we love them both? BOTH lives "should" count! If you're on a one-man raft in the middle of the ocean, would it be okay to throw the other overboard to save your own life? Every effort, no matter the situation, should be made to save the lives of both the mother and the child!

Please know, I am in NO way, judging those that have had an abortion. I merely want to expose abortion for what it is, taking the life of an innocent child and to let women of all ages know there is hope! We are all God's children. He loves us unconditionally, no matter what we've done. If you are reading this post and have had an abortion, remember God loves you and is willing to forgive you. He is a merciful God and is waiting for you. Remember you were once touched by His hand's, you too are His creation!

"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made..." Psalms 139:13

Sanctity of Life Day 2009

2009-01-18T07:18:00.001-06:00

Today is National Sanctity of Life Day as proclaimed by President George W. Bush on January 15, 2009.

All human life is a gift from our Creator that is sacred, unique, and worthy of protection. On National Sanctity of Human Life Day, our country recognizes that each person, including every person waiting to be born, has a special place and purpose in this world. We also underscore our dedication to heeding this message of conscience by speaking up for the weak and voiceless among us.

The most basic duty of government is to protect the life of the innocent. My Administration has been committed to building a culture of life by vigorously promoting adoption and parental notification laws, opposing Federal funding for abortions overseas, encouraging teen abstinence, and funding crisis pregnancy programs. In 2002, I was honored to sign into law the Born-Alive Infants Protection Act, which extends legal protection to children who survive an abortion attempt. I signed legislation in 2003 to ban the cruel practice of partial-birth abortion, and that law represents our commitment to building a culture of life in America. Also, I was proud to sign the Unborn Victims of Violence Act of 2004, which allows authorities to charge a person who causes death or injury to a child in the womb with a separate offense in addition to any charges relating to the mother.

America is a caring Nation, and our values should guide us as we harness the gifts of science. In our zeal for new treatments and cures, we must never abandon our fundamental morals. We can achieve the great breakthroughs we all seek with reverence for the gift of life.

The sanctity of life is written in the hearts of all men and women. On this day and throughout the year, we aspire to build a society in which every child is welcome in life and protected in law. We also encourage more of our fellow Americans to join our just and noble cause. History tells us that with a cause rooted in our deepest principles and appealing to the best instincts of our citizens, we will prevail.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim January 18, 2009, as National Sanctity of Human Life Day. I call upon all Americans to recognize this day with appropriate ceremonies and to underscore our commitment to respecting and protecting the life and dignity of every human being.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifteenth day of January, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.

GEORGE W. BUSH

Please take time to pray for and remember the unborn children and their rights. Now more than ever, no matter your faith, we need to unite and pray for those who cannot speak for themselves.

FOCA Would Wipe Away Every Restriction on Abortion Nationwide

This would eradicate state and federal laws that the majority of Americans support, such as:

Bans on Partial Birth Abortion
Requirements that women be given information about the risks of getting an abortion
Only licensed physicians can perform abortions
Parents must be informed and give consent to their minor daughter's abortion

FOCA would erase these laws and prevent states from enacting similar protective measures in the future.

What would be the FIRST thing YOU would do as president?

Barack Obama seems to be a decent human being, in fact, I like the guy. However, I do NOT agree with nor will I support him in his agenda to pass the FOCA (Freedom Of Choice Act!)

Call and write your senators and representatives NOW. Time is running out!

NATIONAL RIGHT TO LIFE

AMERICA'S UNITED FOR LIFE

SHOUT FIRST ASK QUESTIONS LATER! THIS IS A MUST SEE BLOG POSTING!!!!

Because of Him,

Update! Read All About It!

2009-01-17T20:56:00.009-06:00

I wanted to update you on my special friend from Florida who has been fighting Stage IIIB Breast Cancer for almost a year now. I first blogged about Tisha Rambaransingh, single mother of two beautiful kids, back in October '08. You will also find her story on GodTube.com she is known as GodsGirl35

"COME SEE WHAT GOD HAS DONE,

HOW AWESOME HIS WORKS IN MAN'S BEHALF."

(Psalms 66:5)

I'm ecstatic to announce that Tisha's pathology reports came back reporting NO SIGNS OF BREAST CANCER!!! My heart is overjoyed for Tisha and her family. {{{{BIG HUGS}}}} to you Tisha! I've never felt so happy for another as I do right now. I continue to be amazed at God's power, so much it leaves me breathless. Thank you God for saving my friend Tisha and giving her the miracle of life again!

Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you to live.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Because of Him,