Im playing around with my new camera that takes video!!!
Enjoy!
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Why do bad things happen to good people?
Why do bad things happen to good people? That was something that was discussed in part in our Bible Study last night.Because of the tragedy of Opal Thomas, there are alot of things that might be going thru the minds of Christians and Non Christians alike.
Maybe some doubting questions..." Why would God allow this to happen to such good people?"
I have asked myself questions like this for a long time. I think the biggest tragedy that happened in my life was when my mom died of cancer when I was 11 years old.
It was awful to watch my mom dwindle away and not see family pulling together. My own family was falling apart in so many ways.
But here is the thing....
The person I have become today is (I believe) very much related to what happened to me in my life. That tragedy made me focus on the person I wanted to be and how much children, husbands and family really mean. Of course, I didn't REALLY come to realize it all until I became a Christian many years ago, but when my children need me, I'm here for them. I try not to take my family for granted because I know first hand it can be gone in a moment.
Why did this happen to the Thomas's? I do not know. But God knows and I know that Harold loves God and trusts God. The song that comes to mind is " My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame but wholly lean on Jesus name, On Christ the solid rock I stand all other ground is sinking sand...." Our faith must be on Christ and what He did and what promises God has made us time and time again in scripture. Maybe this was Opal's time and God wanted to spare her the suffering by taking her in a way that she didn't suffer and the docs have said that she did not suffer so that is great!!
Alot of people will see how Harold and his family from National Road are handling this loss....What a statement to make to the world!!!! God may be bringing many people to Him thru this loss. Yes, its our loss but her gain. She is with the Lord. She will be there waiting for Harold for when his time is called up yonder and those she left behind. Oh what a sweet reunion that will be.
Harold and the Thomas family, I am very sorry for your loss. I will be praying for your family during this incredibly hard time. I didn't know Opal well, but what I did know of her was all fantastic.
Harold, please know that if there is anything I can do for you, don't hesitate to ask.
A little poem I found online..
Comfort
Surrounded by friends
yet all alone
the one I loved
God has called home
the hugs of friends
helps ease the pain
and I know my loss
is my loved one's gain
but tears now flow
across my face
as I long for just
one more embrace
then comfort comes
and I see Christ's face
He hugs my loved one
and I feel God's grace.
Author Unknown
Opal, you will be missed here on this earth by many, many people.
But someday, all of God's children will be together and the reunion will be sweeter than our imaginations can even conjure up.
Until then dear sister,
Until then
Nikki Vilano
Maybe some doubting questions..." Why would God allow this to happen to such good people?"
I have asked myself questions like this for a long time. I think the biggest tragedy that happened in my life was when my mom died of cancer when I was 11 years old.
It was awful to watch my mom dwindle away and not see family pulling together. My own family was falling apart in so many ways.
But here is the thing....
The person I have become today is (I believe) very much related to what happened to me in my life. That tragedy made me focus on the person I wanted to be and how much children, husbands and family really mean. Of course, I didn't REALLY come to realize it all until I became a Christian many years ago, but when my children need me, I'm here for them. I try not to take my family for granted because I know first hand it can be gone in a moment.
Why did this happen to the Thomas's? I do not know. But God knows and I know that Harold loves God and trusts God. The song that comes to mind is " My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame but wholly lean on Jesus name, On Christ the solid rock I stand all other ground is sinking sand...." Our faith must be on Christ and what He did and what promises God has made us time and time again in scripture. Maybe this was Opal's time and God wanted to spare her the suffering by taking her in a way that she didn't suffer and the docs have said that she did not suffer so that is great!!
Alot of people will see how Harold and his family from National Road are handling this loss....What a statement to make to the world!!!! God may be bringing many people to Him thru this loss. Yes, its our loss but her gain. She is with the Lord. She will be there waiting for Harold for when his time is called up yonder and those she left behind. Oh what a sweet reunion that will be.
Harold and the Thomas family, I am very sorry for your loss. I will be praying for your family during this incredibly hard time. I didn't know Opal well, but what I did know of her was all fantastic.
Harold, please know that if there is anything I can do for you, don't hesitate to ask.
A little poem I found online..
Comfort
Surrounded by friends
yet all alone
the one I loved
God has called home
the hugs of friends
helps ease the pain
and I know my loss
is my loved one's gain
but tears now flow
across my face
as I long for just
one more embrace
then comfort comes
and I see Christ's face
He hugs my loved one
and I feel God's grace.
Author Unknown
Opal, you will be missed here on this earth by many, many people.
But someday, all of God's children will be together and the reunion will be sweeter than our imaginations can even conjure up.
Until then dear sister,
Until then
Nikki Vilano
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
The grinch that stole Mommy!!!
The Grinch That Stole Mommy
By Jenny Runkel
I hate the Christmas season. Ok, maybe hate is too strong a word. That's the problme with being a writer. Everyone pays really close attention to your words and if you're not careful, they come back to haunt you in one way or another. So which word really pinpoints my feelings about Christmas? Bitterness? Melancholy? Cynicism? Dread? Hmm…that has a nice ring to it. Yes, I think that just might be it. I dread Christmas.
Sad, but true. I dread “the most wonderful time of the year.” I should be traipsing around town spreading cheer and drinking Peppermint Lattes, but I just can’t. To tell you the truth, I feel more like curling up into the fetal position and trying to sleep my way through the craziness. There is just something panic-inducing about the month of December. I have never sat down to try and outline what makes me so anxious whenever I hear Bing Crosby dreaming of a White Christmas, but with another yuletide quickly approaching, it’s high time I did just that.
Maybe it’s the catalogs that arrive before I’ve even finished sneaking the KitKats out of my kids’ Halloween bags. Those things are relentless. The catalogs, I mean. They clog my mailbox daily, promising lifetime guarantees on “gift solutions that make life easier.” Let’s think about that for a moment. Does a chocolate fondue fountain really make my life easier? What about a hand-held gnome that repeats phrases you give it in a “gnome accent?" You know what would really make my life easier? Not getting any more catalogs! Maybe it’s the supermarkets. I went to the grocery store on November 1st this year to do my weekly shopping. I expected the Halloween candy to be on sale and I knew Thanksgiving trimmings would greet me at the door—stacks of cranberry sauce, perhaps even rows of Indian corn. What I didn’t expect was to be hit in the face by Christmas. Literally. A gigantic inflatable Santa smacked me in the head just as I walked down the greeting card aisle. On November 1st! The clerk hauling Jolly St. Nick to his appointed spot apologized profusely, saying that she didn’t see me around the corner, but I know better. I saw the look on Santa’s face as they headed down aisle 14 to meet up with the candy canes. He was definitely smirking.
Maybe it’s the magazines lining the checkout counters. While I’m wrestling my kids away from the Skittles (and remembering that one of them hasn’t had a dentist appointment in ages), I’m faced with photos of darling children in precious Christmas sweaters making their own ornaments and baking cookies while Mom is scrapbooking the moment as it happens. AUGH!!!!
And then it hits me. I don’t really dread Christmas itself. It’s the pressure of the Holidays that make me woozy. All the glitz and glitter that the stores and commercials try to sell us has left me feeling empty and small. Real holidays, at least the holidays I’ve experienced, usually involve hurt feelings and awkward conversations. The catalogs, stores, and magazines don’t show you that side of things. They show the plastic side of Christmas.
It’s not the decorations or shopping that make me crazy, it’s the expectations that I’ve attached to those things. I’ve been listening to my inner “Should” without even recognizing it. This voice tells me what I’m supposed to do, how I’m supposed to look, how my children are supposed to behave. Apparently, it doesn’t stop there, though. It also tells me what the Holidays are supposed to be like. It tells me that I should bake cookies and put up Christmas lights. I should get the perfect gifts for my kids’ teachers, crossing guards, and coaches (not to mention friends and family). I should decorate the house and create a warm, cozy environment. I should write the perfect holiday letter and take the perfect holiday photo. I should catch up with all my long lost friends who send those same perfect letters and photos to me. I should record all these fantastic moments for eternity with pictures and videos. And I MUST do it all in precious Christmas sweaters.
I’m exhausted just thinking about it all. I am paralyzed by the sheer volume of things that need to be done. What am I doing to myself? To my family? This is Christmas, not the Mommy Olympics. Although sometimes it feels like it, there is no one watching my every move and waiting to give me a score, The loud echo of The Should doesn’t have to govern my actions and attitudes
No more! I am a smart, successful woman. I have the power and ability to overcome the lure of The Should and start enjoying the winter wonderland along with the best of them. From now on, I will listen to a new voice in my head. One that is a little more gentle, a little more wise and a lot more sane. I will call this my Maya Angelou voice. She sits on a windowsill in my mind waiting to comfort me with a smile and a nod. When I feel the urge to deck something other than the halls, I will hear her say to me in her warm, buttery voice,
“It’s ok to say no. You don’t need to attend all those parties and volunteer for every activity.”
“Put your feet up and take care of you for a change. When’s the last time you had some peace and quiet?”
“You are not alone. Just about everyone gets stressed around the holidays.”
“Be creative. There is not one right way to do everything. Revel in your unique approach.”
“Work smarter, not harder. Figure out what you’re not great at and let someone who is lend you a hand.”
“Enjoy the little moments. You will one day miss the way your child furrows her brow when writing to Santa.”
“Be gentle with yourself and with others. That is a gift worth giving.”
My inner Angelou. She makes me feel better already. There’s one problem with my plan. The Should won’t go away easily. It’s comfortable in my head. It’s been there for a long time and if I’m not careful, it will choke out Maya at the first sign of stress. I’ve got to think up a way to take that annoyingly persistent whine out of my head before it ruins yet another Christmas.
An epiphany! I know what I will do. I will order the Talking Gnome. I can give my Should another home and this time, instead of sounding like me, it will have a “silly gnome accent”. Maybe that Gnome really will make my life easier, after all.
By Jenny Runkel
I hate the Christmas season. Ok, maybe hate is too strong a word. That's the problme with being a writer. Everyone pays really close attention to your words and if you're not careful, they come back to haunt you in one way or another. So which word really pinpoints my feelings about Christmas? Bitterness? Melancholy? Cynicism? Dread? Hmm…that has a nice ring to it. Yes, I think that just might be it. I dread Christmas.
Sad, but true. I dread “the most wonderful time of the year.” I should be traipsing around town spreading cheer and drinking Peppermint Lattes, but I just can’t. To tell you the truth, I feel more like curling up into the fetal position and trying to sleep my way through the craziness. There is just something panic-inducing about the month of December. I have never sat down to try and outline what makes me so anxious whenever I hear Bing Crosby dreaming of a White Christmas, but with another yuletide quickly approaching, it’s high time I did just that.
Maybe it’s the catalogs that arrive before I’ve even finished sneaking the KitKats out of my kids’ Halloween bags. Those things are relentless. The catalogs, I mean. They clog my mailbox daily, promising lifetime guarantees on “gift solutions that make life easier.” Let’s think about that for a moment. Does a chocolate fondue fountain really make my life easier? What about a hand-held gnome that repeats phrases you give it in a “gnome accent?" You know what would really make my life easier? Not getting any more catalogs! Maybe it’s the supermarkets. I went to the grocery store on November 1st this year to do my weekly shopping. I expected the Halloween candy to be on sale and I knew Thanksgiving trimmings would greet me at the door—stacks of cranberry sauce, perhaps even rows of Indian corn. What I didn’t expect was to be hit in the face by Christmas. Literally. A gigantic inflatable Santa smacked me in the head just as I walked down the greeting card aisle. On November 1st! The clerk hauling Jolly St. Nick to his appointed spot apologized profusely, saying that she didn’t see me around the corner, but I know better. I saw the look on Santa’s face as they headed down aisle 14 to meet up with the candy canes. He was definitely smirking.
Maybe it’s the magazines lining the checkout counters. While I’m wrestling my kids away from the Skittles (and remembering that one of them hasn’t had a dentist appointment in ages), I’m faced with photos of darling children in precious Christmas sweaters making their own ornaments and baking cookies while Mom is scrapbooking the moment as it happens. AUGH!!!!
And then it hits me. I don’t really dread Christmas itself. It’s the pressure of the Holidays that make me woozy. All the glitz and glitter that the stores and commercials try to sell us has left me feeling empty and small. Real holidays, at least the holidays I’ve experienced, usually involve hurt feelings and awkward conversations. The catalogs, stores, and magazines don’t show you that side of things. They show the plastic side of Christmas.
It’s not the decorations or shopping that make me crazy, it’s the expectations that I’ve attached to those things. I’ve been listening to my inner “Should” without even recognizing it. This voice tells me what I’m supposed to do, how I’m supposed to look, how my children are supposed to behave. Apparently, it doesn’t stop there, though. It also tells me what the Holidays are supposed to be like. It tells me that I should bake cookies and put up Christmas lights. I should get the perfect gifts for my kids’ teachers, crossing guards, and coaches (not to mention friends and family). I should decorate the house and create a warm, cozy environment. I should write the perfect holiday letter and take the perfect holiday photo. I should catch up with all my long lost friends who send those same perfect letters and photos to me. I should record all these fantastic moments for eternity with pictures and videos. And I MUST do it all in precious Christmas sweaters.
I’m exhausted just thinking about it all. I am paralyzed by the sheer volume of things that need to be done. What am I doing to myself? To my family? This is Christmas, not the Mommy Olympics. Although sometimes it feels like it, there is no one watching my every move and waiting to give me a score, The loud echo of The Should doesn’t have to govern my actions and attitudes
No more! I am a smart, successful woman. I have the power and ability to overcome the lure of The Should and start enjoying the winter wonderland along with the best of them. From now on, I will listen to a new voice in my head. One that is a little more gentle, a little more wise and a lot more sane. I will call this my Maya Angelou voice. She sits on a windowsill in my mind waiting to comfort me with a smile and a nod. When I feel the urge to deck something other than the halls, I will hear her say to me in her warm, buttery voice,
“It’s ok to say no. You don’t need to attend all those parties and volunteer for every activity.”
“Put your feet up and take care of you for a change. When’s the last time you had some peace and quiet?”
“You are not alone. Just about everyone gets stressed around the holidays.”
“Be creative. There is not one right way to do everything. Revel in your unique approach.”
“Work smarter, not harder. Figure out what you’re not great at and let someone who is lend you a hand.”
“Enjoy the little moments. You will one day miss the way your child furrows her brow when writing to Santa.”
“Be gentle with yourself and with others. That is a gift worth giving.”
My inner Angelou. She makes me feel better already. There’s one problem with my plan. The Should won’t go away easily. It’s comfortable in my head. It’s been there for a long time and if I’m not careful, it will choke out Maya at the first sign of stress. I’ve got to think up a way to take that annoyingly persistent whine out of my head before it ruins yet another Christmas.
An epiphany! I know what I will do. I will order the Talking Gnome. I can give my Should another home and this time, instead of sounding like me, it will have a “silly gnome accent”. Maybe that Gnome really will make my life easier, after all.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Mary's Choice
by Phil Ware
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The story is familiar, maybe to the point that we have forgotten how incredible it is. Some have trouble accepting the virgin conception and birth of Jesus because it is so outside our experience. Since we believe that God created and ordered a universe beyond our comprehension, it is not so difficult to believe he could create a child in the womb of a virgin. What is truly amazing to me is that this young, peasant, pious, small-town Jewish virgin would accept such an awesome and challenging task.
Let's read the story again with just a few questions and comments to help us hear the story again and rejoice.
Do you think Mary ever imagined an angel would speak to her personally? (Luke 1:26-29 TNIV)
In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you."
Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.
How could Mary think God would notice a poor girl like her from despised Nazareth? Even the Bible itself reminds us that people of Mary's day asked, "Can anything good come from Nazareth?" Why would God notice her, in this out of the way place, among a group of people with no claim to power or position? (Luke 1:30-33; John 1:46)
But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."
Legend has it that Jewish women often prayed that they could be the mother of the Messiah. But could Mary actually dare to pray such a prayer? What right, what claim, did she have to even be able to utter these words? The angel's words pull back the curtain of life and help us see God's grace at work. (Luke 1:34-37)
"How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?"
The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail."
How could she believe God would bless her when it appears in every way that he hadn't? After all, she was poor, her country under the heel of the Roman boot, and her people had been under political subjugation for hundreds of years. Mary had no financial or legal claim to expect God would bless her in this way. Yet Mary does believe that God has seen her situation and has come to bless her, and through her, the Almighty would bless his people! (Luke 1:46-49)
And Mary said: "My soul glorifies the Lord
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
for the Mighty One has done great things for me — holy is his name.
Looking at the horrid political situation of her time — coupled with the religious hypocrisy and power struggle — how could Mary think of Herod and the Romans, yet still pray for God’s deliverance? God's deliverance seemed blocked by the power-mongers and the dishonest religious leaders in the system. Yet Mary proclaims: (Luke 1:50-52)
His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones
How could she believe God would bless her so?
but has lifted up the humble.
Don't you think it must have caught in her throat when she saw Pharisees & Sadducees gloating in their rich and religiously arrogant sense of superiority? But, Mary steadfastly trusted that God would turn the tables and make things right for his downtrodden people. (Luke 1:53-55)
He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
to Abraham and his descendants forever,
just as he promised our ancestors."
Most of all, Mary surely realized the mess she would bring on herself by accepting this challenge! How could her friends believe her? Wouldn't her reputation be trashed as the rumors of her pregnancy swirled in the small village of Nazareth? She must have realized that even going to live with Elizabeth during her pregnancy would not silence the skeptics and she would be disgraced in her home town — for how could anyone understand this miracle inside her? (Luke 1:56) Don't you think she knew her son, Jesus, would one day be called "Mary's Boy" because no one would believe his miraculous conception? (Mark 6:3) Most of all, Mary surely had to anticipate possibly losing her betrothed husband, Joseph, for how could he understand? (Matthew 1:18-24;Joel 1:9)
Mourn like a virgin in sackcloth grieving for the betrothed of her youth.
When given the open challenge of bearing the Messiah miraculously conceived in her womb by God's Holy Spirit, Mary said, "Yes!" This is the power of God's miracle — Mary is willing to partner with God in a mystery she could not fully understand. Mary said, "Yes!" to the challenges and joys as well as the surprises and wounds. She said, "Yes!" to the precious moments she would share with her baby, but she also said, "Yes!" to hearing her son being called Mary's boy in ridicule. She said, "Yes!" to wonder of the Magi and their gifts and also said "Yes!" to the horrifying moments as she watched her boy crucified before a hardened and mocking mob. While she could not anticipate where all this would lead anymore than she could understand the miracle of her son's conception, Mary said, "Yes!"
You see, one verse, the miracle verse of the whole story, stands out. When faced with this blessing and this cost, with this joy with such challenge, Mary answers the Lord with these incredible words of pledge: "I am the Lord’s servant ... May it be to me according to your word." (Luke 1:38)
Such is the stuff of miracle and grace — the gift of character that forms us to be like the Savior and provides us our way back to God!
by Phil Ware
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The story is familiar, maybe to the point that we have forgotten how incredible it is. Some have trouble accepting the virgin conception and birth of Jesus because it is so outside our experience. Since we believe that God created and ordered a universe beyond our comprehension, it is not so difficult to believe he could create a child in the womb of a virgin. What is truly amazing to me is that this young, peasant, pious, small-town Jewish virgin would accept such an awesome and challenging task.
Let's read the story again with just a few questions and comments to help us hear the story again and rejoice.
Do you think Mary ever imagined an angel would speak to her personally? (Luke 1:26-29 TNIV)
In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you."
Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.
How could Mary think God would notice a poor girl like her from despised Nazareth? Even the Bible itself reminds us that people of Mary's day asked, "Can anything good come from Nazareth?" Why would God notice her, in this out of the way place, among a group of people with no claim to power or position? (Luke 1:30-33; John 1:46)
But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."
Legend has it that Jewish women often prayed that they could be the mother of the Messiah. But could Mary actually dare to pray such a prayer? What right, what claim, did she have to even be able to utter these words? The angel's words pull back the curtain of life and help us see God's grace at work. (Luke 1:34-37)
"How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?"
The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail."
How could she believe God would bless her when it appears in every way that he hadn't? After all, she was poor, her country under the heel of the Roman boot, and her people had been under political subjugation for hundreds of years. Mary had no financial or legal claim to expect God would bless her in this way. Yet Mary does believe that God has seen her situation and has come to bless her, and through her, the Almighty would bless his people! (Luke 1:46-49)
And Mary said: "My soul glorifies the Lord
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
for the Mighty One has done great things for me — holy is his name.
Looking at the horrid political situation of her time — coupled with the religious hypocrisy and power struggle — how could Mary think of Herod and the Romans, yet still pray for God’s deliverance? God's deliverance seemed blocked by the power-mongers and the dishonest religious leaders in the system. Yet Mary proclaims: (Luke 1:50-52)
His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones
How could she believe God would bless her so?
but has lifted up the humble.
Don't you think it must have caught in her throat when she saw Pharisees & Sadducees gloating in their rich and religiously arrogant sense of superiority? But, Mary steadfastly trusted that God would turn the tables and make things right for his downtrodden people. (Luke 1:53-55)
He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
to Abraham and his descendants forever,
just as he promised our ancestors."
Most of all, Mary surely realized the mess she would bring on herself by accepting this challenge! How could her friends believe her? Wouldn't her reputation be trashed as the rumors of her pregnancy swirled in the small village of Nazareth? She must have realized that even going to live with Elizabeth during her pregnancy would not silence the skeptics and she would be disgraced in her home town — for how could anyone understand this miracle inside her? (Luke 1:56) Don't you think she knew her son, Jesus, would one day be called "Mary's Boy" because no one would believe his miraculous conception? (Mark 6:3) Most of all, Mary surely had to anticipate possibly losing her betrothed husband, Joseph, for how could he understand? (Matthew 1:18-24;Joel 1:9)
Mourn like a virgin in sackcloth grieving for the betrothed of her youth.
When given the open challenge of bearing the Messiah miraculously conceived in her womb by God's Holy Spirit, Mary said, "Yes!" This is the power of God's miracle — Mary is willing to partner with God in a mystery she could not fully understand. Mary said, "Yes!" to the challenges and joys as well as the surprises and wounds. She said, "Yes!" to the precious moments she would share with her baby, but she also said, "Yes!" to hearing her son being called Mary's boy in ridicule. She said, "Yes!" to wonder of the Magi and their gifts and also said "Yes!" to the horrifying moments as she watched her boy crucified before a hardened and mocking mob. While she could not anticipate where all this would lead anymore than she could understand the miracle of her son's conception, Mary said, "Yes!"
You see, one verse, the miracle verse of the whole story, stands out. When faced with this blessing and this cost, with this joy with such challenge, Mary answers the Lord with these incredible words of pledge: "I am the Lord’s servant ... May it be to me according to your word." (Luke 1:38)
Such is the stuff of miracle and grace — the gift of character that forms us to be like the Savior and provides us our way back to God!
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Boy its been a while
Things have been so incredibly busy here that I haven't had much time on my own computer.
My two oldest boys computers died and they are almost fixed. Michael got his back and Joey is supposed to get his back no later than Tuesday. THEN I only have to share with Angel and Tony lol!!!!
Its been a busy season getting ready for the Holidays. This week finds me making cookies and fudge....planning Christmas dinner, ordering my Heavenly Ham, wrapping presents, still BUYING presents lol, and trying to find joy in the midst of all the craziness.
I've been going thru many trials and tribulations lately but I have to say that God is bring me thru each and every one of them.
Its like I'm being carried. It feels so peaceful knowing that I'm not alone.
Tuesday I have an interview for a new day care girl who is 2. She will come 3 days a week so thats a good start since my daycare inspection probably won't even happen until the end of January. Boy Ohio is sooo slow at trying to get their providers ready to accept kids. Its almost like they don't want us.
Well, the weather sure was frightful today. COuldn't even venture out for church. This morning, weather wasn't bad but we decided to wait until evening to make sure the roads had been cleared. We got ready to go to evening church when the snow started to come down and come down heavy.....soooo needless to say, we didn't make it.
well, there's an update. They have been few and far between but I hope to do better once I have more time to get on here lol.
Blessings to all
Nikki
My two oldest boys computers died and they are almost fixed. Michael got his back and Joey is supposed to get his back no later than Tuesday. THEN I only have to share with Angel and Tony lol!!!!
Its been a busy season getting ready for the Holidays. This week finds me making cookies and fudge....planning Christmas dinner, ordering my Heavenly Ham, wrapping presents, still BUYING presents lol, and trying to find joy in the midst of all the craziness.
I've been going thru many trials and tribulations lately but I have to say that God is bring me thru each and every one of them.
Its like I'm being carried. It feels so peaceful knowing that I'm not alone.
Tuesday I have an interview for a new day care girl who is 2. She will come 3 days a week so thats a good start since my daycare inspection probably won't even happen until the end of January. Boy Ohio is sooo slow at trying to get their providers ready to accept kids. Its almost like they don't want us.
Well, the weather sure was frightful today. COuldn't even venture out for church. This morning, weather wasn't bad but we decided to wait until evening to make sure the roads had been cleared. We got ready to go to evening church when the snow started to come down and come down heavy.....soooo needless to say, we didn't make it.
well, there's an update. They have been few and far between but I hope to do better once I have more time to get on here lol.
Blessings to all
Nikki
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Calling all Shoppers!!!
well, its almost the biggest shopping day of the year!!
On that day, I do not leave my house :)
I wanted to share with you all that I finally have my creative juices flowing again.
In the picture you see today are things I made called Wax Dipped Room Fresheners.
They are dipped in a mixture of wax and scent and give off a fantastic aroma without burning a candle. I make these in a variety of animals but the picture shows the ones I did yesterday.
I do these in bayberry, buttercream and gingerbread scent but will be adding lovespell to that soon also.
The crosses you see in the picture are what Joey makes. In case you all don't know who Joey is, he is my 15 year old son. The crosses are made with bent nails and wire and can be done in any color!! The favorites seems to be Steelers colors of black and gold and also USA, the red white and blue ones.
His crosses go for $10 each.
The animals pictured sell for $8.
Its so much fun to do!!! If you have a favorite stuffed animal you would like done to match something in your home, let me know and I'll do my best to see if I can find it to scent for you .
Nikki
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Fantastic Idea!!!!!
http://jen365.blogspot.com/2007_01_01_archive.html
If you go to the above site, you will begin reading about a lady getting ready to turn 29. So for the next year, she will do something different, that she has never done until her 30th Birthday.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE that idea!!!
Now, I want to do my OWN version of this. On December 3rd, I will turn 40 and I want to do something different each day that I am 40. 40 is such a big number for me!!! (Isn't it for everyone???)
Ok everyone, I need ideas. Her ideas aren't exactly what I would do.....but I need lots of ideas...
I only have a couple of weeks to plan this but I want to do this!! I think it would be fun and give my #40 some fun that it needs!!!!!
Jump in and email me or comment me!!!!!
Nikki
If you go to the above site, you will begin reading about a lady getting ready to turn 29. So for the next year, she will do something different, that she has never done until her 30th Birthday.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE that idea!!!
Now, I want to do my OWN version of this. On December 3rd, I will turn 40 and I want to do something different each day that I am 40. 40 is such a big number for me!!! (Isn't it for everyone???)
Ok everyone, I need ideas. Her ideas aren't exactly what I would do.....but I need lots of ideas...
I only have a couple of weeks to plan this but I want to do this!! I think it would be fun and give my #40 some fun that it needs!!!!!
Jump in and email me or comment me!!!!!
Nikki
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Just stuff :)
Hello everyone.
Can you believe Thanksgiving is one week from Thursday? Time seems to fly by. Next thing you know, it will be Christmas...and I am no way at all ready for that.
Things here are good.
Nothing much has changed really.
I'm still waiting on my home inspection for my childcare certification.
I am getting myself into some crafts though.
I make wax scented bears (stuffed animals) and will be trying my hand at candles too. I still continue to make my lip balm and one that about myself that I hate is that I think of a bunch of good ideas, but do nothing.....
Kids are all doing fine.
Happy Birthday Rachel.(my sister in law)
Love
Nikki
Can you believe Thanksgiving is one week from Thursday? Time seems to fly by. Next thing you know, it will be Christmas...and I am no way at all ready for that.
Things here are good.
Nothing much has changed really.
I'm still waiting on my home inspection for my childcare certification.
I am getting myself into some crafts though.
I make wax scented bears (stuffed animals) and will be trying my hand at candles too. I still continue to make my lip balm and one that about myself that I hate is that I think of a bunch of good ideas, but do nothing.....
Kids are all doing fine.
Happy Birthday Rachel.(my sister in law)
Love
Nikki
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
What is YOUR identity?
How many of you out there feel like as you've gotten older have lost your "identity"?
I've been married for 20 years and sometimes I feel like I've lost my identity. I tend to take on the identities of those around me. I'm not me anymore. I'm Angel's mom or Joey's mom, or Mike's wife. I "think" at one time I knew who I was....but now, I have no idea :)
I know as a Christian I am not my own but I am Christ's. But how does one find out who you are after giving so much of yourself away year after year to others? I would think back....what music did I listen to years ago, and why did I stop. Yes, I listened to the Carpenters years ago. I loved that music. I think over the years, no one else liked it so I stopped listening to it.
I know as Christians we are to consider others better than ourselves. We are supposed to put others first. But where do we as individuals in Christ fit in then? I know its healthy to be an individual and have your own interests and likings....How does it all fit together to form a healthy human being?
Please, email me your thoughts on this...
Winter is coming....
Nikki
I've been married for 20 years and sometimes I feel like I've lost my identity. I tend to take on the identities of those around me. I'm not me anymore. I'm Angel's mom or Joey's mom, or Mike's wife. I "think" at one time I knew who I was....but now, I have no idea :)
I know as a Christian I am not my own but I am Christ's. But how does one find out who you are after giving so much of yourself away year after year to others? I would think back....what music did I listen to years ago, and why did I stop. Yes, I listened to the Carpenters years ago. I loved that music. I think over the years, no one else liked it so I stopped listening to it.
I know as Christians we are to consider others better than ourselves. We are supposed to put others first. But where do we as individuals in Christ fit in then? I know its healthy to be an individual and have your own interests and likings....How does it all fit together to form a healthy human being?
Please, email me your thoughts on this...
Winter is coming....
Nikki
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Report cards for parents
City Considers Grading Parents
MANCHESTER, Conn. -- A member of the Manchester Board of Education has proposed grading parents of the district's students with report cards.
Steve Edwards said the idea is meant to get more parents involved in their children's academic careers and to make them more responsible.
"There are people who see it as anti-parent, I see it as pro-parent," Edwards said.
The idea stirred controversy in Chicago after a short-term implementation.
Parents who spoke to Eyewitness News said that they are considering the idea.
"I think it's a good idea because I don't think parents step up to the plate these days," said Manchester parent Maureen Madrak.
If passed, teachers would keep tabs on parents in five different areas. Teachers would evaluate whether students are doing their homework, arriving at school on time, eating a good breakfast, dressed appropriately for the weather and if parents are actively participating in parent-teacher conferences.
"This isn't a program to evaluate a program or someone's lifestyle -- this is a program to help figure out how kids can succeed in school," said Edwards.
Edwards said currently the plan is just an idea and that he plans to discuss it more at future Board of Education Committee meetings.
~~~~Nikki Here.....Interesting article. Hmmmm if parents fail on their report card, do they get grounded by their child??? Detention maybe? Joking aside....Parents need to be involved!!!
There is a book I am very interested in reading called Screamfree Parenting. I will start reading it soon and posting info about it here. If its really good, I might want to start a once a month book club about this book. OOPS, if i say it outloud, I might have to actually do it :) :)
Be Blessed
Nikki
MANCHESTER, Conn. -- A member of the Manchester Board of Education has proposed grading parents of the district's students with report cards.
Steve Edwards said the idea is meant to get more parents involved in their children's academic careers and to make them more responsible.
"There are people who see it as anti-parent, I see it as pro-parent," Edwards said.
The idea stirred controversy in Chicago after a short-term implementation.
Parents who spoke to Eyewitness News said that they are considering the idea.
"I think it's a good idea because I don't think parents step up to the plate these days," said Manchester parent Maureen Madrak.
If passed, teachers would keep tabs on parents in five different areas. Teachers would evaluate whether students are doing their homework, arriving at school on time, eating a good breakfast, dressed appropriately for the weather and if parents are actively participating in parent-teacher conferences.
"This isn't a program to evaluate a program or someone's lifestyle -- this is a program to help figure out how kids can succeed in school," said Edwards.
Edwards said currently the plan is just an idea and that he plans to discuss it more at future Board of Education Committee meetings.
~~~~Nikki Here.....Interesting article. Hmmmm if parents fail on their report card, do they get grounded by their child??? Detention maybe? Joking aside....Parents need to be involved!!!
There is a book I am very interested in reading called Screamfree Parenting. I will start reading it soon and posting info about it here. If its really good, I might want to start a once a month book club about this book. OOPS, if i say it outloud, I might have to actually do it :) :)
Be Blessed
Nikki
Monday, October 29, 2007
Been in Ohio for 1 year now
Well, the one year mark has come and gone.
What a crazy year its been. That is for sure!!!
When we arrived in Ohio, I hadn't even seen the home we were going to live in.
But God worked it out.
The kids and I managed to get thru the time without Mike here.
God worked it out.
Once Mike arrived home, the retirement pay and unemployment monies were no where to be found...
God worked it out.
With the job situation, so many doors were shut, couldn't understand why...
God worked it out.
Now, Mike likes his job in Pittsburgh and we can see how God was working the whole time.
Remember, God IS working in our lives. Whether it is painful or not, He is working.
Sometimes the anvil is painful but He is molding us. Call it growing pains I guess but God WILL work it out
NIkki
What a crazy year its been. That is for sure!!!
When we arrived in Ohio, I hadn't even seen the home we were going to live in.
But God worked it out.
The kids and I managed to get thru the time without Mike here.
God worked it out.
Once Mike arrived home, the retirement pay and unemployment monies were no where to be found...
God worked it out.
With the job situation, so many doors were shut, couldn't understand why...
God worked it out.
Now, Mike likes his job in Pittsburgh and we can see how God was working the whole time.
Remember, God IS working in our lives. Whether it is painful or not, He is working.
Sometimes the anvil is painful but He is molding us. Call it growing pains I guess but God WILL work it out
NIkki
Thursday, October 25, 2007
A neat thought on Pumpkins :)
THis was sent to me in an email and I thought it was a neat thought :)
Being a Christian is like being a pumpkin. God lifts you up, takes you in, and washes all the dirt off of you. He opens you up, touches you deep inside and scoops out all the yucky stuff-- including the seeds of doubt, hate, greed, etc. Then He carves you a new smiling face and puts His light insi de you to shine for all the world to see. This was passed on to me from another pumpkin. Now, it is your turn to pass it to a pumpkin. I liked this enough to send it to all the pumpkins in my patch.
Being a Christian is like being a pumpkin. God lifts you up, takes you in, and washes all the dirt off of you. He opens you up, touches you deep inside and scoops out all the yucky stuff-- including the seeds of doubt, hate, greed, etc. Then He carves you a new smiling face and puts His light insi de you to shine for all the world to see. This was passed on to me from another pumpkin. Now, it is your turn to pass it to a pumpkin. I liked this enough to send it to all the pumpkins in my patch.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Just an update :)
Hello!
Wow, its been a couple of weeks since I last wrote and really, my last few posts have just been some neat video's I've found.
Things here are good.
Mike still likes his job in Pittsburgh.
I miss having him home and having the ease of having my van at all times but I'll get used to it again. Its a good thing I'm 4 houses from Convenient Store :)
Michael is now working pretty much full time at Deluxe toy and hobby store in Martins Ferry which is also only a block and a half from our house.
Joey and Tony and Angel are working on school and soon will be making plans for Thanksgiving Feast!! Joey is my cook so I hope maybe he can come up with something really delicious. It will be our 1st Thanksgiving in many many MANY years to be here with family.
My daycare certification is coming along. WHen I talked to my worker, she said she is hoping within a month or so ...to have the interview with me and be done! SOoooo, that means working on my house to getting everything done that needs to be done for it. With my certification, it means I can accept state paid kids. I wish I had kids in here now but so far, nothing.
Well, there is an update. Sorry its been so few and far between. I think of things to write about as I lay in bed, then forget by the time I wake up....
More later
Be Blessed
Nikki
Wow, its been a couple of weeks since I last wrote and really, my last few posts have just been some neat video's I've found.
Things here are good.
Mike still likes his job in Pittsburgh.
I miss having him home and having the ease of having my van at all times but I'll get used to it again. Its a good thing I'm 4 houses from Convenient Store :)
Michael is now working pretty much full time at Deluxe toy and hobby store in Martins Ferry which is also only a block and a half from our house.
Joey and Tony and Angel are working on school and soon will be making plans for Thanksgiving Feast!! Joey is my cook so I hope maybe he can come up with something really delicious. It will be our 1st Thanksgiving in many many MANY years to be here with family.
My daycare certification is coming along. WHen I talked to my worker, she said she is hoping within a month or so ...to have the interview with me and be done! SOoooo, that means working on my house to getting everything done that needs to be done for it. With my certification, it means I can accept state paid kids. I wish I had kids in here now but so far, nothing.
Well, there is an update. Sorry its been so few and far between. I think of things to write about as I lay in bed, then forget by the time I wake up....
More later
Be Blessed
Nikki
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Monday, October 01, 2007
Friday, September 28, 2007
What book is described here?
Always have a book at hand, in the parlor, on the table, for the family; a book of condensed thought and striking anecdote, of sound maxims and truthful apothegms. It will impress on your own mind a thousand valuable suggestions, and teach your children a thousand lessons of truth and duty. Such a book is a casket of jewels for your housebold. - Tryon Edwards
Hmmmm the only book that would really teach truth to your children is the B-I-B-L-E!
Hmmmm the only book that would really teach truth to your children is the B-I-B-L-E!
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Looking for a job?
A friend of mine Beth Johnson sent me this in an email...
Enjoy.
If you are not working in the church because no one has given you a job, wait no longer.
Christ has a job for you.
1. Feed the hungry, give a drink to the thirsty, help strangers, clothe the naked, visit the sick (Matthew 25:34-40).
2. Bear one another's burdens (Galatians 6:2).
3. Comfort one in trouble (2 Corinthians 1:4).
4. Do good, communicate (Hebrews 13:16).
5. Warn the unruly (1 Thessalonians 5:14).
6. Restore one overtaken (Galatians 6:1).
7. Study the Scriptures (John 5:39).
8. Teach (2 Timothy 4:2-4).
9. Give (Matthew 5:42; 10:42).
10. Sing (Colossians 3:16; Ephesians 5:19).
11. Pray (Matthew 6:9-15).
12. Bear fruit (Philippians 1:11; 4:15-17).
13. Increase your faith in God (John 6:29).
14. Exhort one another daily (Hebrews 3:13).
Christ has already handed out the assignments. Let us strengthen our hands to the task that is before us.
It gave me something to think about.
With so many "jobs" to do, I should never have reason to say I'm bored lol.
Be Blessed
Nikki
Enjoy.
If you are not working in the church because no one has given you a job, wait no longer.
Christ has a job for you.
1. Feed the hungry, give a drink to the thirsty, help strangers, clothe the naked, visit the sick (Matthew 25:34-40).
2. Bear one another's burdens (Galatians 6:2).
3. Comfort one in trouble (2 Corinthians 1:4).
4. Do good, communicate (Hebrews 13:16).
5. Warn the unruly (1 Thessalonians 5:14).
6. Restore one overtaken (Galatians 6:1).
7. Study the Scriptures (John 5:39).
8. Teach (2 Timothy 4:2-4).
9. Give (Matthew 5:42; 10:42).
10. Sing (Colossians 3:16; Ephesians 5:19).
11. Pray (Matthew 6:9-15).
12. Bear fruit (Philippians 1:11; 4:15-17).
13. Increase your faith in God (John 6:29).
14. Exhort one another daily (Hebrews 3:13).
Christ has already handed out the assignments. Let us strengthen our hands to the task that is before us.
It gave me something to think about.
With so many "jobs" to do, I should never have reason to say I'm bored lol.
Be Blessed
Nikki
Thursday, September 20, 2007
The America We Love to Call our Own!!!
You can read about this beautiful boy here :
http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/09/20/burned.boy.surgery/index.html
This boy while living in his own home country had someone pour gasoline on him and burn him.
He survivied and someone here in America heard about this story and he is now in the States and doctors here are doing the surgeries necessary for him.
Read the story at the link above and for those Christians who read this, PLEASE pray for him, the doctors and all who are caring for this boy.
This story brought tears to my eyes and also the heart of those who are caring for this child.
We are blessed, people, blessed to be living in a nation that cares about people. Not just people that look like us, but all people.
Nikki
PS Mike starts work with the security agency on Friday!!!!
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
What should I write about today?
I clicked on my blog site, and sat here.....thinking...." What am I going to write about today?"
I thought that I should be writing something to inspire those who read it, but I've got nothin'.....
I thought that you all are tired of me writing the same old thing about family....but that is really all I have to write about .
So, in order to update my blog ....back to the same old stuff I guess lol.
Mike: Had his 3rd job interview yesterday with this security agency. One way or another, he should be working for this agency in some manner. The one job he was applying for ...the interview went well but the owner of the company said if this position didn't get filled by him, he wants to offer Mike another position. Not many details on that...but we should hear something by the end of the week. Hahaha....I feel funny saying that cause that is what they told us before and it took two weeks lol.
Me: Lost two daycare kids yesterday. I only have 3. Two kids that come 2 days a week....and one little boy who comes 1.5 hours a week lol. The two kids that come twice a week were good kids and Angel and Tony had alot of fun with them. They will be missed.
I'm glad to see the warmer weather returning for a bit cause I really haven't had the time to go shopping for cooler weather clothing lol. Uh oh...did I say that?
Kids: They are doing fine. Michael is glad to be home and the kids are glad to have him here.
Our homeschooling year is going fine. Joey is moving right along. We've started now for 2 weeks and already have turned in quite a bit of work to American School of Correspondence.
I really would like him to graduate early to take a year of working before he heads off to Culinary School.
Angel joined American Heritage Girls. Its an alternative to Girl Scouts. Its fantastic and she is excited about it very much. The troop is doing a Varity Show for their first fundraiser so she is trying to decide if she wants to do something for it. She is a bit...LOTSABIT...stagefright...so this is a challenge for her. In a couple of weeks is a daycamp for her group too. I will probably be helping out with that so she will have a blast.
Tony recieved a junior metal detector a couple of weeks ago and its perfect timing cause as we are redoing our backyard, he can take it out and find lots of treasures. Ask him about what he has found. He likes to talk about it.
Ok all, there is your update.
Its 9:30 and time to get a move on with my day.
Have a great Tuesday and be Blessed
Pray for the Josephs as they are in the Ukraine now and they need prayers for safety and that they can do God's work while they are there.
Nikki
I thought that I should be writing something to inspire those who read it, but I've got nothin'.....
I thought that you all are tired of me writing the same old thing about family....but that is really all I have to write about .
So, in order to update my blog ....back to the same old stuff I guess lol.
Mike: Had his 3rd job interview yesterday with this security agency. One way or another, he should be working for this agency in some manner. The one job he was applying for ...the interview went well but the owner of the company said if this position didn't get filled by him, he wants to offer Mike another position. Not many details on that...but we should hear something by the end of the week. Hahaha....I feel funny saying that cause that is what they told us before and it took two weeks lol.
Me: Lost two daycare kids yesterday. I only have 3. Two kids that come 2 days a week....and one little boy who comes 1.5 hours a week lol. The two kids that come twice a week were good kids and Angel and Tony had alot of fun with them. They will be missed.
I'm glad to see the warmer weather returning for a bit cause I really haven't had the time to go shopping for cooler weather clothing lol. Uh oh...did I say that?
Kids: They are doing fine. Michael is glad to be home and the kids are glad to have him here.
Our homeschooling year is going fine. Joey is moving right along. We've started now for 2 weeks and already have turned in quite a bit of work to American School of Correspondence.
I really would like him to graduate early to take a year of working before he heads off to Culinary School.
Angel joined American Heritage Girls. Its an alternative to Girl Scouts. Its fantastic and she is excited about it very much. The troop is doing a Varity Show for their first fundraiser so she is trying to decide if she wants to do something for it. She is a bit...LOTSABIT...stagefright...so this is a challenge for her. In a couple of weeks is a daycamp for her group too. I will probably be helping out with that so she will have a blast.
Tony recieved a junior metal detector a couple of weeks ago and its perfect timing cause as we are redoing our backyard, he can take it out and find lots of treasures. Ask him about what he has found. He likes to talk about it.
Ok all, there is your update.
Its 9:30 and time to get a move on with my day.
Have a great Tuesday and be Blessed
Pray for the Josephs as they are in the Ukraine now and they need prayers for safety and that they can do God's work while they are there.
Nikki
Friday, September 14, 2007
A beautiful poem
This poem I am posting is written by the grandaughter of a dear friend who teaches for a school in Chennai India. Her grandaughter is only like 13 or 14 years old at the most....what a talent.
The Faithful and Wise Servant
There's dishes piled in the sink,
And laundry left to fold,
The table isn't fully cleared
Of breakfast that is cold.
Throughout the day there's chores to do
That often can be fun,
But there are days when any job
Seems dull to anyone.
These jobs seem unimportant now,
So easy to let slip,
To set aside for later time,
Then carelessly forget.
The foolish servant idly said,
"My Lord delayeth to come;
Those needful things? Some other time!
For now whatever I want."
Then as a thief would come at night,
Unhailed, his Lord returned;
He cast that slothful servant forth
To sorrow and to burn.
But to the servants who had watched,
Who faithfully had labored
In little things, He gave them much,
and blessed them with His favor.
So when I'm wishing I'd a more
Important job to do,
I remember if I'm faithful now,
I'll get the big jobs too.
~Nikki here....What thoughts for a young one to convey so beautifully.
My son Michael returns from Virginia Beach tomorrow!!! YAY!!!
He's been gone a month and its been such a very long month for his mother :)
I need to take some pictures of the house projects we are doing and let you see the home we bought a few months ago. It still has alot of work to do but the jobs require extra money and that we just don't have right now .
My daycare certification is moving along. My references recieved their letters in the mail that they must fill out and answer the questions the state is asking..not sure what the next step is after that but I still have to take a class to get my cpr and first aid certification and take a class in October as well.
Well, I'm off to my work for the day which consists of schooling, laundry, dishes, and I must remember, these are important jobs that I am doing for the Lord. Its a blessing to be home...
Love to you all
Nikki
The Faithful and Wise Servant
There's dishes piled in the sink,
And laundry left to fold,
The table isn't fully cleared
Of breakfast that is cold.
Throughout the day there's chores to do
That often can be fun,
But there are days when any job
Seems dull to anyone.
These jobs seem unimportant now,
So easy to let slip,
To set aside for later time,
Then carelessly forget.
The foolish servant idly said,
"My Lord delayeth to come;
Those needful things? Some other time!
For now whatever I want."
Then as a thief would come at night,
Unhailed, his Lord returned;
He cast that slothful servant forth
To sorrow and to burn.
But to the servants who had watched,
Who faithfully had labored
In little things, He gave them much,
and blessed them with His favor.
So when I'm wishing I'd a more
Important job to do,
I remember if I'm faithful now,
I'll get the big jobs too.
~Nikki here....What thoughts for a young one to convey so beautifully.
My son Michael returns from Virginia Beach tomorrow!!! YAY!!!
He's been gone a month and its been such a very long month for his mother :)
I need to take some pictures of the house projects we are doing and let you see the home we bought a few months ago. It still has alot of work to do but the jobs require extra money and that we just don't have right now .
My daycare certification is moving along. My references recieved their letters in the mail that they must fill out and answer the questions the state is asking..not sure what the next step is after that but I still have to take a class to get my cpr and first aid certification and take a class in October as well.
Well, I'm off to my work for the day which consists of schooling, laundry, dishes, and I must remember, these are important jobs that I am doing for the Lord. Its a blessing to be home...
Love to you all
Nikki
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Remember those of 9-11
Do you remember exactly where you were or what you were doing when you heard the tragic news that the World Trade Center was hit?
I do...
Mike was away with other Navy guys. He had just made chief and was out and about with them.
We lived in Dahlgren, VA then and I was Navy Certified doing childcare and we lived on base.
When this happened, they closed down the base and you couldn't do anything. Those in care had to leave immediately. I didn't know what was happening.
It was the most horrible feeling.
Imagine those who found out they had loved ones in this situation that we were watching.
Those who are on foreign grounds and those fighting here, they are doing this to keep our freedoms alive that we all take for granted.
Let us look back and remember ....do not ever forget....because there are many who lost their lives that day and days following....and those who are still around that will never be the same.
I do...
Mike was away with other Navy guys. He had just made chief and was out and about with them.
We lived in Dahlgren, VA then and I was Navy Certified doing childcare and we lived on base.
When this happened, they closed down the base and you couldn't do anything. Those in care had to leave immediately. I didn't know what was happening.
It was the most horrible feeling.
Imagine those who found out they had loved ones in this situation that we were watching.
Those who are on foreign grounds and those fighting here, they are doing this to keep our freedoms alive that we all take for granted.
Let us look back and remember ....do not ever forget....because there are many who lost their lives that day and days following....and those who are still around that will never be the same.
Thursday, September 06, 2007
a Poem i found
Thank you Sistah J (whoever you might be for these beautiful words)
I am loved...I am hated.
I am joy anticipated.
I am instruction to the wise.
I am that which fools despise.
I am knowledge on the lips of few.
I am understanding which the diligent pursue.
I am the way which is often rejected.
I am the hedge of those protected.
I am your strength in times of adversity.
I am your peace in the midst of tragedy.
I am the crooked, made straight.
I am the reward of those who wait.
I am shelter in your pouring down rain.
I am He who is able to keep you sane.
I am the hand on the surgeon's knife.
I am the very hand that saved your life.
I am the wind that encompasses your soul.
I am the only one who can make you whole.
I am the river flowing toward your drought.
I am He who breaks shackles with a shout.
I am the book of Genesis through Revelation.
I am the only hope of your salvation.
I am the First and the Last.
I am the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit...all in one cast.Who am I?
I will tell you, even as I told Moses...I AM THAT I AM.
Copyright © 1998 By Sistah J
I am loved...I am hated.
I am joy anticipated.
I am instruction to the wise.
I am that which fools despise.
I am knowledge on the lips of few.
I am understanding which the diligent pursue.
I am the way which is often rejected.
I am the hedge of those protected.
I am your strength in times of adversity.
I am your peace in the midst of tragedy.
I am the crooked, made straight.
I am the reward of those who wait.
I am shelter in your pouring down rain.
I am He who is able to keep you sane.
I am the hand on the surgeon's knife.
I am the very hand that saved your life.
I am the wind that encompasses your soul.
I am the only one who can make you whole.
I am the river flowing toward your drought.
I am He who breaks shackles with a shout.
I am the book of Genesis through Revelation.
I am the only hope of your salvation.
I am the First and the Last.
I am the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit...all in one cast.Who am I?
I will tell you, even as I told Moses...I AM THAT I AM.
Copyright © 1998 By Sistah J
Prayer Service
I very much enjoyed our prayer service we had last night at National Road.
It was fantastic to gather with our fellow brethern and offer God our prayers in the many subjects we covered.
I wish we did that more often.
Here on the homefront, nothing much has changed.
Still waiting to hear about a job....
and still waiting for his retirement pay to get fixed.
and Oh how sweet it is to wait upon the Lord.....
It was fantastic to gather with our fellow brethern and offer God our prayers in the many subjects we covered.
I wish we did that more often.
Here on the homefront, nothing much has changed.
Still waiting to hear about a job....
and still waiting for his retirement pay to get fixed.
and Oh how sweet it is to wait upon the Lord.....
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Life
Hello!
I almost didn't want to write anything cause there's not much that has changed right now.
Mike still hasn't heard anything from the security agency he applied with and interviewed for. He called them on Friday and they had just finished up with their last interview with a candidate so anytime this week, he should hear something. I find myself looking at the phone and trying to get get them to call telepathicthy.....yeah yeah ...pathetic I know.
Our official first day of school was yesterday. It went well. So well, I don't feel like babysitting today...just want to spend that time with my kids...
Mike never got his retirement pay into his bank.....
Hmmm......this sure is getting old. Of course, we called and of course, the admin office said they will look into it. So....here we are again, no pay, no unemployment....its ALMOST funny....and I did emphasize ALMOST....
Michael should be coming home Saturday the 15th. I am thankful for that. I miss him....
Can a person be thankful yet a bit apprehensive too????
Ok, there's your update. From the sound of my writing today, it seems I'm a bit down in the dumps....guess I am...with all of this stuff going on, its really hard not to feel it once in a while.
Please pray Mike gets this job.
Pray that Donna doesn't need a new car.
Pray that our new homeschool year is a success.
Pray for Michael's safety coming home.
Pray for Mike and Nikki's spiritual outlook as we go thru this tough time....
He seems to be doing great. I usually am, but feel a bit down today.
Thanks family.
Love to you all
NIkki
I almost didn't want to write anything cause there's not much that has changed right now.
Mike still hasn't heard anything from the security agency he applied with and interviewed for. He called them on Friday and they had just finished up with their last interview with a candidate so anytime this week, he should hear something. I find myself looking at the phone and trying to get get them to call telepathicthy.....yeah yeah ...pathetic I know.
Our official first day of school was yesterday. It went well. So well, I don't feel like babysitting today...just want to spend that time with my kids...
Mike never got his retirement pay into his bank.....
Hmmm......this sure is getting old. Of course, we called and of course, the admin office said they will look into it. So....here we are again, no pay, no unemployment....its ALMOST funny....and I did emphasize ALMOST....
Michael should be coming home Saturday the 15th. I am thankful for that. I miss him....
Can a person be thankful yet a bit apprehensive too????
Ok, there's your update. From the sound of my writing today, it seems I'm a bit down in the dumps....guess I am...with all of this stuff going on, its really hard not to feel it once in a while.
Please pray Mike gets this job.
Pray that Donna doesn't need a new car.
Pray that our new homeschool year is a success.
Pray for Michael's safety coming home.
Pray for Mike and Nikki's spiritual outlook as we go thru this tough time....
He seems to be doing great. I usually am, but feel a bit down today.
Thanks family.
Love to you all
NIkki
Friday, August 31, 2007
Watch this fantastic video!!
I came across this on one of my emails.
Now at first, I wasn't sure what I was watching but as you watch, you will catch on. It brought tears to my eyes. Its a skit put on by some teens....
Its fantastic..a little long but worth the time to see it..
http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=ee73e63418003b47d7d5
Now at first, I wasn't sure what I was watching but as you watch, you will catch on. It brought tears to my eyes. Its a skit put on by some teens....
Its fantastic..a little long but worth the time to see it..
http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=ee73e63418003b47d7d5
Delinquents...who are they?
I came across this...I like it. Tell me what you think?
We read in the paper, we hear on the air, Of killing and stealing and crime everywhere;
We sigh and we say, as we notice the trend: “This young generation . . . where will it end?”
But can we be sure it’s their fault, alone?
Too much money to spend; too much idle time;
Too many movies of passion and crime;
Too many books not fit to be read;
Too much evil in what they hear said;
Too many kids encouraged to roam; Too many parents who don’t stay at home.
Youth don’t make the movies;
They don’t write the books that paint
The pictures of gangsters and crooks.
They don’t make the liquor, they don’t run the bars,
And they don’t make the cars;
They don’t make the drugs that addle the brain:
It’s all done by older folks, greedy for gain.
In how many cases we find that it’s true . . . The label, “Delinquency,” fits older folks, too.
—Mrs. E. B. Grant
We read in the paper, we hear on the air, Of killing and stealing and crime everywhere;
We sigh and we say, as we notice the trend: “This young generation . . . where will it end?”
But can we be sure it’s their fault, alone?
Too much money to spend; too much idle time;
Too many movies of passion and crime;
Too many books not fit to be read;
Too much evil in what they hear said;
Too many kids encouraged to roam; Too many parents who don’t stay at home.
Youth don’t make the movies;
They don’t write the books that paint
The pictures of gangsters and crooks.
They don’t make the liquor, they don’t run the bars,
And they don’t make the cars;
They don’t make the drugs that addle the brain:
It’s all done by older folks, greedy for gain.
In how many cases we find that it’s true . . . The label, “Delinquency,” fits older folks, too.
—Mrs. E. B. Grant
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Attitude is everything..
(recieved this in an email and wanted to pass along)
There once was a woman who woke up one morning, looked in the mirror, and noticed she had only three hairs onher head.
"Well", she said, "I think I'll braid my hair today?"
So she did and she had a wonderful day.
The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and saw that she had only two hairs on her head.
"Hmmmm," she said, "I think I'll part my hair down the middle today?"
So she did and she had a grand day.
The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that she had only one hair on her head.
"Well," she said, "today I'm going to wear my hair in a pony tail."
So she did and she had a fun, fun day.
The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that there wasn't a single hair on her head.
"YEA!" she exclaimed, "I don't have to fix my hair today!"
Attitude is everything ..
Is your glass half empty or half full?
PS. I am looking for a list of good, Christian literature.
Send me your faves my way!!
Just comment me with title and author :)
Nikki
There once was a woman who woke up one morning, looked in the mirror, and noticed she had only three hairs onher head.
"Well", she said, "I think I'll braid my hair today?"
So she did and she had a wonderful day.
The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and saw that she had only two hairs on her head.
"Hmmmm," she said, "I think I'll part my hair down the middle today?"
So she did and she had a grand day.
The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that she had only one hair on her head.
"Well," she said, "today I'm going to wear my hair in a pony tail."
So she did and she had a fun, fun day.
The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that there wasn't a single hair on her head.
"YEA!" she exclaimed, "I don't have to fix my hair today!"
Attitude is everything ..
Is your glass half empty or half full?
PS. I am looking for a list of good, Christian literature.
Send me your faves my way!!
Just comment me with title and author :)
Nikki
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
School year appoaching!
Well, another school year is approaching for this homeschool family!!
THis will make our 12th. Hard to believe sometimes. I hear so often, " So are you STILL homeschooling?" And of course my answer continues to be, " Of course!" I can't imagine it any other way. John Taylor Gatto wrote a book called Dumming us Down. If you have never read it and have children in the system, you should read it. He was a public school teaching in New York City and it is excellent!
As this year approached, I find myself focused on more spiritual things with my teaching. If my children have the best academics available but have no moral or spiritual teaching, then they are gaining knowledge of the world and losing the wisdom of God. I need to keep my priorities straight.
We are trying something a bit new this year. Unit studies. At least for Angel and Tony. Joey is still enrolled with the American School of Correspondence and then we add in our own subjects as he needs.
Ron's lessons on reading the bible have touched me tremendously.
So, here is my questions for you today.
Where is your bible? Dusty? Feeling neglected?
Remember, no other place in the world can you find the actual words of GOD!!
Think on that :)
Nikki
THis will make our 12th. Hard to believe sometimes. I hear so often, " So are you STILL homeschooling?" And of course my answer continues to be, " Of course!" I can't imagine it any other way. John Taylor Gatto wrote a book called Dumming us Down. If you have never read it and have children in the system, you should read it. He was a public school teaching in New York City and it is excellent!
As this year approached, I find myself focused on more spiritual things with my teaching. If my children have the best academics available but have no moral or spiritual teaching, then they are gaining knowledge of the world and losing the wisdom of God. I need to keep my priorities straight.
We are trying something a bit new this year. Unit studies. At least for Angel and Tony. Joey is still enrolled with the American School of Correspondence and then we add in our own subjects as he needs.
Ron's lessons on reading the bible have touched me tremendously.
So, here is my questions for you today.
Where is your bible? Dusty? Feeling neglected?
Remember, no other place in the world can you find the actual words of GOD!!
Think on that :)
Nikki
Friday, August 24, 2007
Teaching service to our children....long since forgotten teaching!
How can we sucessfully teach our children to get out of "themselves" and learn to be more of servants to others?
I would love to get comments on this question.
Alot of times, I hear that girls are good at this...girls write letters, send cards, draw pretty pictures....but what can boys do and how can we teach service to our children.
I wasn't brought up in the church and neither was my husband so we didn't have this teaching growing up and I want my children to understand this. Jesus talked very highly of serving others.
I want my kids to understand it ....geez, I need the lesson as well :)
Looking forward to the comments and ideas...
Ok, Don't be shy!!!
I would love to get comments on this question.
Alot of times, I hear that girls are good at this...girls write letters, send cards, draw pretty pictures....but what can boys do and how can we teach service to our children.
I wasn't brought up in the church and neither was my husband so we didn't have this teaching growing up and I want my children to understand this. Jesus talked very highly of serving others.
I want my kids to understand it ....geez, I need the lesson as well :)
Looking forward to the comments and ideas...
Ok, Don't be shy!!!
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Just when you think life is getting easier....
Then your oldest son leaves home.....
It started out just for a 2 week visit to see his girlfriend in Virginia. Then he said he wants to try to stay. He left with nothing but a suitcase and some money in his wallet. (and a sad but proud mom at the airport)
Some people wonder about homeschoolers. They think they are unsocialized, afraid to leave home cause they've been with mom so many years...etc. Well, not so with my kids. The stereotype is wrong! But I am proud that my son wants to at least give it a try on his own. Not sure what his plans are or how he is going to accomplish them but I applaud him for at least trying. He wants to come back to Ohio next year, but in the mean time, I definitely feel alot of weirdness.
I hear, " Well, you still have your other family at home." Yes, true. But this is my first son. Its not like I've been used to being away from him like some parents are. Some parents don't teach their own children at home which means even MORE time spent with their kids. I haven't worked much outside the home in his childhood years so that also means I've been with him alot.
Yeah, this is tough. Letting go and letting him make his way.....
I just pray God will keep Michael near to Him. God can take way better care of Michael than I can anyway.
Man, what I've gone thru this past year......
Things here at home are doing fine. Mike had an interview with a security agency up in Pittsburgh. Not sure what will happen with it but it seems very promising.
Our van is broken right now. I think its the starter but hopefully it will be fixed soon as that is our only vehicle. Im thankful we had Mike's dad's truck so at least we have a way to go to church. It only fits 4 comfortably so we are doing service in shifts. Mike and Joey went this morning and me and Tony and Angel will go this evening.
Ok, time for some coffee. I don't get many comments, does anyone read this ?
Cya laters
Nikki
It started out just for a 2 week visit to see his girlfriend in Virginia. Then he said he wants to try to stay. He left with nothing but a suitcase and some money in his wallet. (and a sad but proud mom at the airport)
Some people wonder about homeschoolers. They think they are unsocialized, afraid to leave home cause they've been with mom so many years...etc. Well, not so with my kids. The stereotype is wrong! But I am proud that my son wants to at least give it a try on his own. Not sure what his plans are or how he is going to accomplish them but I applaud him for at least trying. He wants to come back to Ohio next year, but in the mean time, I definitely feel alot of weirdness.
I hear, " Well, you still have your other family at home." Yes, true. But this is my first son. Its not like I've been used to being away from him like some parents are. Some parents don't teach their own children at home which means even MORE time spent with their kids. I haven't worked much outside the home in his childhood years so that also means I've been with him alot.
Yeah, this is tough. Letting go and letting him make his way.....
I just pray God will keep Michael near to Him. God can take way better care of Michael than I can anyway.
Man, what I've gone thru this past year......
Things here at home are doing fine. Mike had an interview with a security agency up in Pittsburgh. Not sure what will happen with it but it seems very promising.
Our van is broken right now. I think its the starter but hopefully it will be fixed soon as that is our only vehicle. Im thankful we had Mike's dad's truck so at least we have a way to go to church. It only fits 4 comfortably so we are doing service in shifts. Mike and Joey went this morning and me and Tony and Angel will go this evening.
Ok, time for some coffee. I don't get many comments, does anyone read this ?
Cya laters
Nikki
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Another day, Not much to say
Hello everyone.
I am surprised each time I log onto my blogger site to see how long its been since I last wrote anything. I really haven't had much to write about so thats probably why.
Mike is still looking for work but any day now, he should recieve his discharge papers which SHOULD have been mailed on the 1st of August! But at least with this paper, he can apply for Federal Jobs and also apply for unemployment. Also with this paperwork, we all can get new ID's so we can continue with medical care. Right now our ID's are expired lol.
We are also gearing up for another homeschool year. I am excited about this one as we are doing unit studies this year. The kids seem excited....I just hope it continues :)
Our new house is coming along. Without having extra money right now, we are just doing the necessities to get my house ready for daycare certification but I still love this place and am very blessed that God gave us this home.
Mike has been home for good now since June 1st. We have been enjoying him and I believe...hahaha...he has enjoyed his time home as well. It tough looking for jobs around here.
But we have faith that God will open the door where He wants Mike to be.
In the mean time, we are concentrating on family and God and making the best of each day that God has given to us.
Please pray for Michael as he leaves Saturday ON A PLANE...hahah...for 2 weeks to visit a girlfriend in Virginia.
How am I doing? I'm good. Learning lots of lessons right now from all of this. WAIT upon the Lord !!!
I love to hear from you all...
Send me a comment or message or something :) :)
Nikki
I am surprised each time I log onto my blogger site to see how long its been since I last wrote anything. I really haven't had much to write about so thats probably why.
Mike is still looking for work but any day now, he should recieve his discharge papers which SHOULD have been mailed on the 1st of August! But at least with this paper, he can apply for Federal Jobs and also apply for unemployment. Also with this paperwork, we all can get new ID's so we can continue with medical care. Right now our ID's are expired lol.
We are also gearing up for another homeschool year. I am excited about this one as we are doing unit studies this year. The kids seem excited....I just hope it continues :)
Our new house is coming along. Without having extra money right now, we are just doing the necessities to get my house ready for daycare certification but I still love this place and am very blessed that God gave us this home.
Mike has been home for good now since June 1st. We have been enjoying him and I believe...hahaha...he has enjoyed his time home as well. It tough looking for jobs around here.
But we have faith that God will open the door where He wants Mike to be.
In the mean time, we are concentrating on family and God and making the best of each day that God has given to us.
Please pray for Michael as he leaves Saturday ON A PLANE...hahah...for 2 weeks to visit a girlfriend in Virginia.
How am I doing? I'm good. Learning lots of lessons right now from all of this. WAIT upon the Lord !!!
I love to hear from you all...
Send me a comment or message or something :) :)
Nikki
Thursday, August 02, 2007
Fight or Flight?
Here is a little story sent to me by email...
At one Army base, the annual trip to the rifle range had been canceled for the second year in a row, but the semi-annual physical fitness test was still on as planned.
One soldier mused, "Does it bother anyone else that the Army doesn't seem to care how well we can shoot, but they are extremely interested in how fast we can run?"
The lesson I took from this is :
Sometimes when we see a temptation in front of us, we must make a choice....fight or flight.
Sometimes its best to just flee.
God tells us to flee from evil, whether it be from evil desires or sexual immorality.
FLEE!
Put on your running shoes, you never know what evil lurks around the corner!!!
Be Blessed
Nikki
Praise list :
Time with family (even without a full time job ...)
At one Army base, the annual trip to the rifle range had been canceled for the second year in a row, but the semi-annual physical fitness test was still on as planned.
One soldier mused, "Does it bother anyone else that the Army doesn't seem to care how well we can shoot, but they are extremely interested in how fast we can run?"
The lesson I took from this is :
Sometimes when we see a temptation in front of us, we must make a choice....fight or flight.
Sometimes its best to just flee.
God tells us to flee from evil, whether it be from evil desires or sexual immorality.
FLEE!
Put on your running shoes, you never know what evil lurks around the corner!!!
Be Blessed
Nikki
Praise list :
Time with family (even without a full time job ...)
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Good morning!
Good morning friends and family!
I apologize once more for not keeping up with my blog. John is doing a much better job than me so do not fret John, you are doing great :)
Things here are fine. Today is Mike's official last day of active duty. As of tomorrow, the Navy signs his discharge papers and he will officially be a civilian.
I feel great about that..
Mike continues to look for work. We knew coming to the valley would mean a hard time finding work but we have faith in God that he will provide.
I just watched Facing the Giants again last night. When you faith grows week, watch this movie...
I cry every time I see it!!
I continue to get my house ready for certification for daycare.
Please continue to pray that God will show us what he wants us to do.
Love you all
Nikki
I apologize once more for not keeping up with my blog. John is doing a much better job than me so do not fret John, you are doing great :)
Things here are fine. Today is Mike's official last day of active duty. As of tomorrow, the Navy signs his discharge papers and he will officially be a civilian.
I feel great about that..
Mike continues to look for work. We knew coming to the valley would mean a hard time finding work but we have faith in God that he will provide.
I just watched Facing the Giants again last night. When you faith grows week, watch this movie...
I cry every time I see it!!
I continue to get my house ready for certification for daycare.
Please continue to pray that God will show us what he wants us to do.
Love you all
Nikki
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Update
I didn't realize it had been as long as it has since my last update. I apologize!!
Here is a much needed update!
No change on the job situation as of today. Mike is still working on a job and has his resume out there and now we are just waiting to see what door God will open.
I have a couple drop in children for childcare that start on Wednesday. Its just a few hours a week but its better than nothing. For those of you who read my blog and are local to Martins Ferry or Wheeling area, and know anyone who needs babysitting, I'm your woman :)
Only a few more weeks until our new school year starts. I am still trying to sell last years curriculum to buy things needed for this year so that means, NO , I'm not ready yet. People ask my kids if they are ready to go back to school, but they should be asking me lol.
Michael is now cashier at Krogers. He is much happier than being a bagger....more hours for one...and no more cleaning bathrooms lol.
Kids are all doing fine. Today is our library day. Once a month on a Tuesday, Angel and TOny have an activity day. Today is all about seeds and plants. Should be fun!
Well, I will do my best to update more often.
Love to all
Nikki
Here is a much needed update!
No change on the job situation as of today. Mike is still working on a job and has his resume out there and now we are just waiting to see what door God will open.
I have a couple drop in children for childcare that start on Wednesday. Its just a few hours a week but its better than nothing. For those of you who read my blog and are local to Martins Ferry or Wheeling area, and know anyone who needs babysitting, I'm your woman :)
Only a few more weeks until our new school year starts. I am still trying to sell last years curriculum to buy things needed for this year so that means, NO , I'm not ready yet. People ask my kids if they are ready to go back to school, but they should be asking me lol.
Michael is now cashier at Krogers. He is much happier than being a bagger....more hours for one...and no more cleaning bathrooms lol.
Kids are all doing fine. Today is our library day. Once a month on a Tuesday, Angel and TOny have an activity day. Today is all about seeds and plants. Should be fun!
Well, I will do my best to update more often.
Love to all
Nikki
Thursday, July 05, 2007
Finally an update!!
Hi everyone!
Let me say that civilian life is good.....
Mike is retired from the military....officially he had his ceremony but hasn't recieved his paperwork and still gets a paycheck until August 1st.
I will post pictures...I have about 89 of them that the Navy's photographer took but its hard picking the best of the best :)
We are doing good. I'm a little nervous right now cause there is no job on the horizon for Mike which means I am looking for a full time job right now while I still work on getting my daycare set up.
This is a big step in faith. Mike seems to have unwaivering faith. He knows things will work out...even if we were to lose everything we had cause we still have God. Me? My faith..sadly to say, is a little shaky. I see what I see and I see money being quickly spent on necessities.
I'm doing my best to help.
Getting rid of our cable bill...watching our food bill more closely...things like that.
I guess its a good lesson for us all.
Anyway, I will post pictures soon.
I've missed you all
Nikki
Let me say that civilian life is good.....
Mike is retired from the military....officially he had his ceremony but hasn't recieved his paperwork and still gets a paycheck until August 1st.
I will post pictures...I have about 89 of them that the Navy's photographer took but its hard picking the best of the best :)
We are doing good. I'm a little nervous right now cause there is no job on the horizon for Mike which means I am looking for a full time job right now while I still work on getting my daycare set up.
This is a big step in faith. Mike seems to have unwaivering faith. He knows things will work out...even if we were to lose everything we had cause we still have God. Me? My faith..sadly to say, is a little shaky. I see what I see and I see money being quickly spent on necessities.
I'm doing my best to help.
Getting rid of our cable bill...watching our food bill more closely...things like that.
I guess its a good lesson for us all.
Anyway, I will post pictures soon.
I've missed you all
Nikki
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Summer and stuff
Our summer is off to a good start.
Bathing suits and swim shorts are bought.
Plans are being made for summer.
Kids teams are playing and you can see the popsicle papers on the sidewalks, and the smell of freshly greased french fries as you walk past the ball fields.
Humidity is up...
Kids playin on the sidewalk with hoses...
Mosquito bites, scraped knees....
Enjoy your children this summer.
We plan to head to Benwood pool for fun in the sun and to play some miniature golf soon.
I want the kids to enjoy their summer so when September 2nd comes, they are ready to settle down into their studies.
All kids want is time with their parents.
Listen to them...play with them.
Enjoy what they have to say..
Today is summer reading program day at the Martins Ferry Library.
A gentlemen is talking about drums and we are heading there around 1...
Should be interesting!!!!!
Later gater!!!!
Bathing suits and swim shorts are bought.
Plans are being made for summer.
Kids teams are playing and you can see the popsicle papers on the sidewalks, and the smell of freshly greased french fries as you walk past the ball fields.
Humidity is up...
Kids playin on the sidewalk with hoses...
Mosquito bites, scraped knees....
Enjoy your children this summer.
We plan to head to Benwood pool for fun in the sun and to play some miniature golf soon.
I want the kids to enjoy their summer so when September 2nd comes, they are ready to settle down into their studies.
All kids want is time with their parents.
Listen to them...play with them.
Enjoy what they have to say..
Today is summer reading program day at the Martins Ferry Library.
A gentlemen is talking about drums and we are heading there around 1...
Should be interesting!!!!!
Later gater!!!!
Sunday, June 17, 2007
What will they see?
This little story was forwarded to me and thought it was good and wanted to share...
Several years ago, a preacher from out-of-state accepted a call to a church in Houston , Texas . Some weeks after he arrived, he had an occasion to ride the bus from his home to the downtown area. When he sat down, he discovered that the driver had accidentally given him a quarter too much change.
As he considered what to do, he thought to himself, "You'd better give the quarter back. It would be wrong to keep it." Then he thought, "Oh, forget it, it's only a quarter. Who would worry about this little amount?
Anyway, the bus company gets too much fare; they will never miss it.Accept it as a gift from God ' and keep quiet."
When his stop came, he paused momentarily at the door, then he handed the quarter to the driver and said, "Here, you gave me too much change." The driver, with a smile, replied, "Aren't you the new preacher in town? I have been thinking a lot lately about going somewhere to worship. I just wanted to see what you would do if I gave you too much change. I'll see you at church on Sunday.
"When the preacher stepped off of the bus, he literally grabbed the nearest light pole, held on, and said, "Oh God, I almost sold your Son for a quarter."
Our lives are the only Bible some people will ever read. This is a really scary example of how much people watch us as Christians and will put us to the test!
Always be on guard --and remember -- You carry the name of Christ on your shoulders when you call yourself  "Christian."
Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habits. Watch your habits; they become character. Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.
Several years ago, a preacher from out-of-state accepted a call to a church in Houston , Texas . Some weeks after he arrived, he had an occasion to ride the bus from his home to the downtown area. When he sat down, he discovered that the driver had accidentally given him a quarter too much change.
As he considered what to do, he thought to himself, "You'd better give the quarter back. It would be wrong to keep it." Then he thought, "Oh, forget it, it's only a quarter. Who would worry about this little amount?
Anyway, the bus company gets too much fare; they will never miss it.Accept it as a gift from God ' and keep quiet."
When his stop came, he paused momentarily at the door, then he handed the quarter to the driver and said, "Here, you gave me too much change." The driver, with a smile, replied, "Aren't you the new preacher in town? I have been thinking a lot lately about going somewhere to worship. I just wanted to see what you would do if I gave you too much change. I'll see you at church on Sunday.
"When the preacher stepped off of the bus, he literally grabbed the nearest light pole, held on, and said, "Oh God, I almost sold your Son for a quarter."
Our lives are the only Bible some people will ever read. This is a really scary example of how much people watch us as Christians and will put us to the test!
Always be on guard --and remember -- You carry the name of Christ on your shoulders when you call yourself  "Christian."
Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habits. Watch your habits; they become character. Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.
Friday, June 08, 2007
Justice?
If any one of you all keep up with news in Hollywood, you can't miss all about Paris Hilton.
After being released from jail after only serving 3 days, the judge sent her back. GOOD FOR HIM!!!!
What kind of example does it send to others if you can cry your way out?
I really hope she learns her lesson from this.
Something that I learn from this...consequences come from sin.
If we teach that to our children now, maybe they won't grow up to be a "Paris Hilton".
Don't give your kids the world on a platter either. Let them work for that platter so they will appreciate it more.
After being released from jail after only serving 3 days, the judge sent her back. GOOD FOR HIM!!!!
What kind of example does it send to others if you can cry your way out?
I really hope she learns her lesson from this.
Something that I learn from this...consequences come from sin.
If we teach that to our children now, maybe they won't grow up to be a "Paris Hilton".
Don't give your kids the world on a platter either. Let them work for that platter so they will appreciate it more.
Monday, June 04, 2007
This and that
Hi everyone.
First let me say thank you for all of the caring and praying done on behalf of me and my family this past 7 months...
This time apart from Mike has been very hard but no one seemed to tire of hearing me talk about him or him returning home safely.
God has brought my Navy guy home safe and sound and for that and many other things I am soooo thankful.
Our family has survived Navy life for 20 years. Its amazing. I was with Mike when he joined the Navy. We've been together for the whole thing. Its amazing to see how much things have changed and how much the experience has changed us and made us into stronger individuals.
It wasn't easy...and there were times I felt like I was being put thru fire.
But I KNEW...that there was a reason for that fire.
God knows what is best for us and sometimes he allows a little fire in our lives to teach us things He wants us to learn. Its happening with you too. Are you in tune enough with God and the Spirit inside you to know what He is doing and what He wants you to learn?
Since I've been without Mike for a long time, I've learned to lean on God because He was and is the only person who was there for me for it all. No human can do what God can do. Humans make mistakes, say the wrong things, and well...........just do humanly things. God never hurts us....
He has been my rock for many years.
Thank you God for everything!!!!!!
First let me say thank you for all of the caring and praying done on behalf of me and my family this past 7 months...
This time apart from Mike has been very hard but no one seemed to tire of hearing me talk about him or him returning home safely.
God has brought my Navy guy home safe and sound and for that and many other things I am soooo thankful.
Our family has survived Navy life for 20 years. Its amazing. I was with Mike when he joined the Navy. We've been together for the whole thing. Its amazing to see how much things have changed and how much the experience has changed us and made us into stronger individuals.
It wasn't easy...and there were times I felt like I was being put thru fire.
But I KNEW...that there was a reason for that fire.
God knows what is best for us and sometimes he allows a little fire in our lives to teach us things He wants us to learn. Its happening with you too. Are you in tune enough with God and the Spirit inside you to know what He is doing and what He wants you to learn?
Since I've been without Mike for a long time, I've learned to lean on God because He was and is the only person who was there for me for it all. No human can do what God can do. Humans make mistakes, say the wrong things, and well...........just do humanly things. God never hurts us....
He has been my rock for many years.
Thank you God for everything!!!!!!
Friday, June 01, 2007
Just imagine...
I saw this picture on www.heartlight.org this morning and wanted to share it with you.
The picture is so very touching. When we hold our bibles, do we get the same feeling that this gentlemen here gets?
John mentioned in his blog yesterday about quenching the Holy Spirit. Do we give HIM, the chance to work in our lives. I think sometimes we are so scared to talk about how the Holy Spirit works in our lives cause of fear of becoming like some Christian based groups who go way overboard on the Spirit issue. But let us remember, that He is in us and He is a gift from God the Father.
Imagine if we DID feel about the Bible the same way this gentlemen does.....
and Imagine if we did let the Bible be our guide!!!!
Be Blessed
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Worries...
I saw this picture online and thought ...this is the way to begin my topic today :)Why worry about tomorrow?
You know when God tells us not to be anxious about anything...and to not worry about tomorrow....He knows what He is talking about.
With so many changes about to occur in my life with Mike coming home tomorrow night and retiring from the military, I very easily started to slip into this worry state. I started to worry about the "what if's" and then it dawned on me...what am I doing? My worries had NOTHING to do with today at all. The "what if's " might not even happen so why even spend a moment of my energies on it. I have enough today to think about....
So, I am trying to not even worry about anything past today.
God is good and He will provide what we need so I need to put my trust in Him in all things.
You know when God tells us not to be anxious about anything...and to not worry about tomorrow....He knows what He is talking about.
With so many changes about to occur in my life with Mike coming home tomorrow night and retiring from the military, I very easily started to slip into this worry state. I started to worry about the "what if's" and then it dawned on me...what am I doing? My worries had NOTHING to do with today at all. The "what if's " might not even happen so why even spend a moment of my energies on it. I have enough today to think about....
So, I am trying to not even worry about anything past today.
God is good and He will provide what we need so I need to put my trust in Him in all things.
I can take all things to God in prayer and leave my worries with Him.
On another note, Mike should arrive home FOR GOOD around midnight tomorrow night. I can't believe it!!!!
Our family will be whole again.
Today I finish up the cleaning of the house at our old place. I should be able to turn over the keys to the neighbor by tomorrow night.
Today is also a pampering day for me.
YES!!!!!!!
bye bye
On another note, Mike should arrive home FOR GOOD around midnight tomorrow night. I can't believe it!!!!
Our family will be whole again.
Today I finish up the cleaning of the house at our old place. I should be able to turn over the keys to the neighbor by tomorrow night.
Today is also a pampering day for me.
YES!!!!!!!
bye bye
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Excellent Article
I'm posting on here an article that was forwarded to me by Mike. Its excellent!
This letter was written by Charles Grennel and his comrades who are veterans of the Global War on Terror. Grennel is an Army Reservist who spent two years in Iraq and was a principal in putting together the first Iraq elections, January of 2005.
It was written to Jill Edwards, a student at the University of Washington who did not want to honor Medal of Honor winner USMC Colonel Greg Boyington. Ms. Edwards and other students (and faculty) do not think those who serve in the U.S. armed services are good role models.
To: Edwards, Jill (student, UW) Subject: Sheep, Wolves and Sheepdogs
Miss Edwards, I read of your student activity regarding the proposed memorial to Col. Greg Boyington, USMC and a Medal of Honor winner. I suspect you will receive a bellyful of angry e-mails from conservative folks like me.
You may be too young to appreciate fully the sacrifices of generations of servicemen and servicewomen on whose shoulders you and your fellow students stand. I forgive you for the untutored ways of youth and your naiveté. It may be that you are, simply, a sheep. There’s no dishonor in being a sheep as long as you know and accept what you are.
William J. Bennett, in a lecture to the United States Naval Academy November 24, 1997 said: Most of the people in our society are sheep. They are kind, gentle, productive creatures who can only hurt one another by accident. We may well be in the most violent times in history, but violence is still remarkably rare. This is because most citizens are kind, decent people who are not capable of hurting each other, except by accident or under extreme provocation. They are sheep.
Then there are the wolves and the wolves feed on the sheep without mercy. Do you believe there are wolves out there who will feed on the flock without mercy? You better believe it. There are evil men in this world and they are capable of evil deeds. The moment you forget that or pretend it is not so, you become a sheep. There is no safety in denial.
Then there are sheepdogs and I'm a sheepdog. I live to protect the flock and confront the wolf. If you have no capacity for violence then you are a healthy productive citizen, a sheep. If you have a capacity for violence and no empathy for your fellow citizens, then you have defined an aggressive sociopath: a wolf. But what if you have a capacity for violence, and a deep love for your fellow citizens?
What do you have then? A sheepdog, a warrior, someone who is walking the uncharted path. Someone who can walk into the heart of darkness, into the universal human phobia, and walk out unscathed.
We know that the sheep live in denial; that is what makes them sheep. They do not want to believe that there is evil in the world. They can accept the fact that fires can happen, which is why they want fire extinguishers, fire sprinklers, fire alarms and fire exits throughout their kids schools. But many of them are outraged at the idea of putting an armed police officer in their kid’s school. Our children are thousands of times more likely to be killed or seriously injured by school violence than fire, but the sheep’s only response to the possibility of violence is denial. The idea of someone coming to kill or harm their child is just too hard, and so they chose the path of denial.
The sheep generally do not like the sheepdog. He looks a lot like the wolf. He has fangs and the capacity for violence. The difference, though, is that the sheepdog must not, can not, and will not ever harm the sheep. Any sheep dog who intentionally harms the lowliest little lamb will be punished and removed. The world cannot work any other way, at least not in a representative democracy or a republic such as ours. Still, the sheepdog disturbs the sheep. He is a constant reminder that there are wolves in the land. They would prefer that he didn't
tell them where to go, or give them traffic tickets, or stand at the ready in our airports, in camouflage fatigues, holding an M-16. The sheep would much rather have the sheepdog cash in his fangs, spray paint himself white, and go, Baa. Until the wolf shows up; then the entire flock tries desperately to hide behind one lonely sheepdog.
The students, the victims, at Columbine High School were big, tough high school students, and under ordinary circumstances they would not have had the time of day for a police officer. They were not bad kids; they just had nothing to say to a cop. When the school was under attack, however, and SWAT teams were clearing the rooms and hallways, the officers had to physically peel those clinging, sobbing kids off of them.
This is how the little lambs feel about their sheepdog when the wolf is at the door. Look at what happened after September 11, 2001 when the wolf pounded hard on the door. Remember how America, more than ever before, felt differently about their law enforcement officers and military personnel? Understand that there is nothing morally superior about being a sheepdog; it is just what you choose to be. Also understand that a sheepdog is a funny critter: He is always sniffing around out on the perimeter, checking the breeze, barking at things that go bump in the night, and yearning for a righteous battle. That is, the young sheepdogs yearn for a righteous battle. The old sheepdogs are a little older and wiser, but they move to the sound of the guns when needed, right along with the young ones.
Here is how the sheep and the sheepdog think differently. The sheep pretend the wolf will never come, but the sheepdog lives for that day. After the attacks on September 11, 2001, most of the sheep, that is, most citizens in America said, Thank God I wasn't on one of those planes. The sheepdogs, the warriors, said, Dear God, I wish I could have been on one of those planes. Maybe I could have made a difference. You want to be able to make a difference. There is nothing morally superior about the sheepdog, the warrior, but he does have one real advantage. Only one. And that is that he is able to survive and thrive in an environment that destroys 98 percent of the population.
There was research conducted a few years ago with individuals convicted of violent crimes. These cons were in prison for serious, predatory crimes of violence: assaults, murders and killing law enforcement officers. The vast majority said that they specifically targeted victims by body language: slumped walk, passive behavior and lack of awareness. They chose their victims like big cats do in Africa, when they select one out of the herd that is least able to protect itself.
Some people may be destined to be sheep and others might be genetically primed to be wolves or sheepdogs. But I believe that most people can choose which one they want to be, and I'm proud to say that more and more Americans are choosing to become sheepdogs.
Seven months after the attack on September 11, 2001, Todd Beamer was honored in his hometown of Cranbury, New Jersey. Todd, as you recall, was the man on Flight 93 over Pennsylvania who called on his cell phone to alert an operator from United Airlines about the hijacking. When they learned of the other three passenger planes that had been used as weapons, Todd and the other passengers confronted the terrorist hijackers. In one hour, a transformation occurred among the passengers, athletes, business people and parents from sheep to sheepdogs and together they fought the wolves, ultimately saving an unknown number of lives on the ground.
There is no safety for honest men except by believing all possible evil of evil men. ~Edmund Burke
Only the dead have seen the end of war. ~Plato
Here is the point I like to emphasize, especially to the thousands of police officers and soldiers I speak to each year. In nature the sheep, real sheep, are born as sheep. Sheepdogs are born that way, and so are wolves.
They didn't have a choice.
But you are not a critter. As a human being, you can be whatever you want to be. It is a conscious, moral decision. If you want to be a sheep, then you can be a sheep and that is okay, but you must understand the price you pay. When the wolf comes, you and your loved ones are going to die if there is not a sheepdog there to protect you. If you want to be a wolf, you can be one, but the sheepdogs are going to hunt you down and you will never have rest, safety, trust or love.
But if you want to be a sheepdog and walk the warriors path, then you must make a conscious and moral decision every day to dedicate, equip and prepare yourself to thrive in that toxic, corrosive moment when the wolf comes knocking at the door.
This business of being a sheep or a sheep dog is not a yes-no dichotomy. It is not an all-or-nothing, either-or choice. It is a matter of degrees, a continuum. On one end is an abject, head-in-the-sand-sheep and on the other end is the ultimate warrior. Few people exist completely on one end or the other. Most of us live somewhere in between.
Since 9-11 almost everyone in America took a step up that continuum, away from denial. The sheep took a few steps toward accepting and appreciating their warriors and the warriors started taking their job more seriously. It's ok to be a sheep, but do not kick the sheep dog. Indeed, the sheep dog may just run a little harder, strive to protect a little better and be fully prepared to pay an ultimate price in battle and spirit with the sheep moving from baa to thanks.
We do not call for gifts or freedoms beyond our lot. We just need a small pat on the head, a smile and a thank you to fill the emotional tank which is drained protecting the sheep. And when our number is called by The Almighty, and day retreats into night, a small prayer before the heavens just may be in order to say thanks for letting you continue to be a sheep. And be grateful for the thousands, millions of American sheepdogs who permit you the freedom to express even bad ideas.
This letter was written by Charles Grennel and his comrades who are veterans of the Global War on Terror. Grennel is an Army Reservist who spent two years in Iraq and was a principal in putting together the first Iraq elections, January of 2005.
It was written to Jill Edwards, a student at the University of Washington who did not want to honor Medal of Honor winner USMC Colonel Greg Boyington. Ms. Edwards and other students (and faculty) do not think those who serve in the U.S. armed services are good role models.
To: Edwards, Jill (student, UW) Subject: Sheep, Wolves and Sheepdogs
Miss Edwards, I read of your student activity regarding the proposed memorial to Col. Greg Boyington, USMC and a Medal of Honor winner. I suspect you will receive a bellyful of angry e-mails from conservative folks like me.
You may be too young to appreciate fully the sacrifices of generations of servicemen and servicewomen on whose shoulders you and your fellow students stand. I forgive you for the untutored ways of youth and your naiveté. It may be that you are, simply, a sheep. There’s no dishonor in being a sheep as long as you know and accept what you are.
William J. Bennett, in a lecture to the United States Naval Academy November 24, 1997 said: Most of the people in our society are sheep. They are kind, gentle, productive creatures who can only hurt one another by accident. We may well be in the most violent times in history, but violence is still remarkably rare. This is because most citizens are kind, decent people who are not capable of hurting each other, except by accident or under extreme provocation. They are sheep.
Then there are the wolves and the wolves feed on the sheep without mercy. Do you believe there are wolves out there who will feed on the flock without mercy? You better believe it. There are evil men in this world and they are capable of evil deeds. The moment you forget that or pretend it is not so, you become a sheep. There is no safety in denial.
Then there are sheepdogs and I'm a sheepdog. I live to protect the flock and confront the wolf. If you have no capacity for violence then you are a healthy productive citizen, a sheep. If you have a capacity for violence and no empathy for your fellow citizens, then you have defined an aggressive sociopath: a wolf. But what if you have a capacity for violence, and a deep love for your fellow citizens?
What do you have then? A sheepdog, a warrior, someone who is walking the uncharted path. Someone who can walk into the heart of darkness, into the universal human phobia, and walk out unscathed.
We know that the sheep live in denial; that is what makes them sheep. They do not want to believe that there is evil in the world. They can accept the fact that fires can happen, which is why they want fire extinguishers, fire sprinklers, fire alarms and fire exits throughout their kids schools. But many of them are outraged at the idea of putting an armed police officer in their kid’s school. Our children are thousands of times more likely to be killed or seriously injured by school violence than fire, but the sheep’s only response to the possibility of violence is denial. The idea of someone coming to kill or harm their child is just too hard, and so they chose the path of denial.
The sheep generally do not like the sheepdog. He looks a lot like the wolf. He has fangs and the capacity for violence. The difference, though, is that the sheepdog must not, can not, and will not ever harm the sheep. Any sheep dog who intentionally harms the lowliest little lamb will be punished and removed. The world cannot work any other way, at least not in a representative democracy or a republic such as ours. Still, the sheepdog disturbs the sheep. He is a constant reminder that there are wolves in the land. They would prefer that he didn't
tell them where to go, or give them traffic tickets, or stand at the ready in our airports, in camouflage fatigues, holding an M-16. The sheep would much rather have the sheepdog cash in his fangs, spray paint himself white, and go, Baa. Until the wolf shows up; then the entire flock tries desperately to hide behind one lonely sheepdog.
The students, the victims, at Columbine High School were big, tough high school students, and under ordinary circumstances they would not have had the time of day for a police officer. They were not bad kids; they just had nothing to say to a cop. When the school was under attack, however, and SWAT teams were clearing the rooms and hallways, the officers had to physically peel those clinging, sobbing kids off of them.
This is how the little lambs feel about their sheepdog when the wolf is at the door. Look at what happened after September 11, 2001 when the wolf pounded hard on the door. Remember how America, more than ever before, felt differently about their law enforcement officers and military personnel? Understand that there is nothing morally superior about being a sheepdog; it is just what you choose to be. Also understand that a sheepdog is a funny critter: He is always sniffing around out on the perimeter, checking the breeze, barking at things that go bump in the night, and yearning for a righteous battle. That is, the young sheepdogs yearn for a righteous battle. The old sheepdogs are a little older and wiser, but they move to the sound of the guns when needed, right along with the young ones.
Here is how the sheep and the sheepdog think differently. The sheep pretend the wolf will never come, but the sheepdog lives for that day. After the attacks on September 11, 2001, most of the sheep, that is, most citizens in America said, Thank God I wasn't on one of those planes. The sheepdogs, the warriors, said, Dear God, I wish I could have been on one of those planes. Maybe I could have made a difference. You want to be able to make a difference. There is nothing morally superior about the sheepdog, the warrior, but he does have one real advantage. Only one. And that is that he is able to survive and thrive in an environment that destroys 98 percent of the population.
There was research conducted a few years ago with individuals convicted of violent crimes. These cons were in prison for serious, predatory crimes of violence: assaults, murders and killing law enforcement officers. The vast majority said that they specifically targeted victims by body language: slumped walk, passive behavior and lack of awareness. They chose their victims like big cats do in Africa, when they select one out of the herd that is least able to protect itself.
Some people may be destined to be sheep and others might be genetically primed to be wolves or sheepdogs. But I believe that most people can choose which one they want to be, and I'm proud to say that more and more Americans are choosing to become sheepdogs.
Seven months after the attack on September 11, 2001, Todd Beamer was honored in his hometown of Cranbury, New Jersey. Todd, as you recall, was the man on Flight 93 over Pennsylvania who called on his cell phone to alert an operator from United Airlines about the hijacking. When they learned of the other three passenger planes that had been used as weapons, Todd and the other passengers confronted the terrorist hijackers. In one hour, a transformation occurred among the passengers, athletes, business people and parents from sheep to sheepdogs and together they fought the wolves, ultimately saving an unknown number of lives on the ground.
There is no safety for honest men except by believing all possible evil of evil men. ~Edmund Burke
Only the dead have seen the end of war. ~Plato
Here is the point I like to emphasize, especially to the thousands of police officers and soldiers I speak to each year. In nature the sheep, real sheep, are born as sheep. Sheepdogs are born that way, and so are wolves.
They didn't have a choice.
But you are not a critter. As a human being, you can be whatever you want to be. It is a conscious, moral decision. If you want to be a sheep, then you can be a sheep and that is okay, but you must understand the price you pay. When the wolf comes, you and your loved ones are going to die if there is not a sheepdog there to protect you. If you want to be a wolf, you can be one, but the sheepdogs are going to hunt you down and you will never have rest, safety, trust or love.
But if you want to be a sheepdog and walk the warriors path, then you must make a conscious and moral decision every day to dedicate, equip and prepare yourself to thrive in that toxic, corrosive moment when the wolf comes knocking at the door.
This business of being a sheep or a sheep dog is not a yes-no dichotomy. It is not an all-or-nothing, either-or choice. It is a matter of degrees, a continuum. On one end is an abject, head-in-the-sand-sheep and on the other end is the ultimate warrior. Few people exist completely on one end or the other. Most of us live somewhere in between.
Since 9-11 almost everyone in America took a step up that continuum, away from denial. The sheep took a few steps toward accepting and appreciating their warriors and the warriors started taking their job more seriously. It's ok to be a sheep, but do not kick the sheep dog. Indeed, the sheep dog may just run a little harder, strive to protect a little better and be fully prepared to pay an ultimate price in battle and spirit with the sheep moving from baa to thanks.
We do not call for gifts or freedoms beyond our lot. We just need a small pat on the head, a smile and a thank you to fill the emotional tank which is drained protecting the sheep. And when our number is called by The Almighty, and day retreats into night, a small prayer before the heavens just may be in order to say thanks for letting you continue to be a sheep. And be grateful for the thousands, millions of American sheepdogs who permit you the freedom to express even bad ideas.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Remembering...
At least 110 U.S. troops have been killed in May. And with these deaths, at least 3,460 members of the military have died since the beginning of the Iraq war in March 2003.
Those numbers are horrible.
Everyone, take time as often as you can, to pray for the soldiers that die for our freedom, and the freedom of others. Remember, its not just them, its their families, their friends and those who are impacted by their deaths.
As a wife of a US Navy Chief, I know part of the price that is paid for our freedom. You can ask me or my kids the sacrifices we've had to make with Mike serving our country for the past 20 years.
But we all must do our part. I believe we don't all have to be in the military to serve our country. We can all do our own part. Send cards to those who lost loved ones. Email is good too. What about a care package to a child of one of the fallen soldiers.
There are many ways to make a difference. Pray and ask God to guide the box to the right person. Sometimes you can't get a specific address to one person so it goes to random people, BUT if you are asking God to direct that passage to someone who needs it, I believe He will. So, when that box leaves your hands, you know it will make a difference in someone's life.
Here is a great website..
http://www.fallenheroesmemorial.com/links.html
Nikki
Those numbers are horrible.
Everyone, take time as often as you can, to pray for the soldiers that die for our freedom, and the freedom of others. Remember, its not just them, its their families, their friends and those who are impacted by their deaths.
As a wife of a US Navy Chief, I know part of the price that is paid for our freedom. You can ask me or my kids the sacrifices we've had to make with Mike serving our country for the past 20 years.
But we all must do our part. I believe we don't all have to be in the military to serve our country. We can all do our own part. Send cards to those who lost loved ones. Email is good too. What about a care package to a child of one of the fallen soldiers.
There are many ways to make a difference. Pray and ask God to guide the box to the right person. Sometimes you can't get a specific address to one person so it goes to random people, BUT if you are asking God to direct that passage to someone who needs it, I believe He will. So, when that box leaves your hands, you know it will make a difference in someone's life.
Here is a great website..
http://www.fallenheroesmemorial.com/links.html
Nikki
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Another update
Things are coming along well here at home.
Things are getting put away, the other house is getting cleared out...and the days are passing quickly...which is my favorite part cause that means on June 1st Mike will be home for good.
I sooo need some kind of break from all of this madness.
THis past year has been sooo incredibly full.
I was just sitting back thinking of what I've gone thru this past year.This is in no specific order..some random order ...like my mind...:)
Moving to ohio in October...then finding out not long after arriving that my sister tried to commit suicide, then she did it again...then I had to have her committed into the hospital for a couple of days..and oh joy, she just LOVED that...Dealing with seperation from Mike, the kids upset about the move, me missing my friends in Virginia Beach and my singing group...
Sick kids all winter long hahaha, working outside the home for the first time in 14 years....getting used to being around family again....finding out my dad had cancer 5 years ago...trying to diet and lose weight, trying to single parent my kids and still homeschool in all the madness....
Then....having mike's plans change from pizza to something else....then deciding to buy a house and search for one....and then start the process ....then take care of TWO houses.....arrange the moving and helpers....teaching sunday school....(which i enjoyed but it was hard making and keeping that committment with so much else going on)...getting Michael back and forth to work....mike coming home....but only for 10 days...to leave again, and take the van...being without a vehicle for 6.5 weeks.....But its almost done. I have accomplished alot but I am tired. REALLY REALLY tired....
Well, today I'm off to take Michael to work, then to the mall.....then who knows...but picking Michael up at 4 then Birthday dinner for Joey at my mother in laws.....
Cyall laterz
Things are getting put away, the other house is getting cleared out...and the days are passing quickly...which is my favorite part cause that means on June 1st Mike will be home for good.
I sooo need some kind of break from all of this madness.
THis past year has been sooo incredibly full.
I was just sitting back thinking of what I've gone thru this past year.This is in no specific order..some random order ...like my mind...:)
Moving to ohio in October...then finding out not long after arriving that my sister tried to commit suicide, then she did it again...then I had to have her committed into the hospital for a couple of days..and oh joy, she just LOVED that...Dealing with seperation from Mike, the kids upset about the move, me missing my friends in Virginia Beach and my singing group...
Sick kids all winter long hahaha, working outside the home for the first time in 14 years....getting used to being around family again....finding out my dad had cancer 5 years ago...trying to diet and lose weight, trying to single parent my kids and still homeschool in all the madness....
Then....having mike's plans change from pizza to something else....then deciding to buy a house and search for one....and then start the process ....then take care of TWO houses.....arrange the moving and helpers....teaching sunday school....(which i enjoyed but it was hard making and keeping that committment with so much else going on)...getting Michael back and forth to work....mike coming home....but only for 10 days...to leave again, and take the van...being without a vehicle for 6.5 weeks.....But its almost done. I have accomplished alot but I am tired. REALLY REALLY tired....
Well, today I'm off to take Michael to work, then to the mall.....then who knows...but picking Michael up at 4 then Birthday dinner for Joey at my mother in laws.....
Cyall laterz
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Happy Birthday Joey
Happy 15th Birthday to my Joey!!!Let me tell you a little about my Joey. Yes, MY, not yours or anyone else...but MINE!!!
Joey has a heart of gold....sometimes stone, hahaha but he really is like all around Mr. Friendly.
He has made friends with the most unfriendliest of people...just because he CAN!
He has abilities that I see come out daily.
He is gaining a sense of confidence in himself that some teenagers lack .
He is a great young man and knows what he wants...and how to get it. Even manipulating his mom to get it hahaha.
He and I get along great. We have alot of fun together.
We talk, laugh and sometimes cry. (mom more than him haha)
I love that boy and I am very proud of him!
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Beautiful Picture
As I was browsing the internet, I came across this picture.
Isn't it gorgeous?
I am unsure if this is a "real " photograph or not but God is such an awesome God he could have created a rainbow...Just like this picture!!!!
Take a minute to look around you. Enjoy the beauty you see in even the little things. Ponder God's creation. Meditate on it.
8 days late...
Wow, I am really not keeping up with my blog am I?
Its been about 8 days since my last post so my apologies to those who check often to see what I have to write about and nothing new is written lol.
We have been moved into our new home.
Quite a process for sure. Still have some things left at the old place and still have to clean it yet. But I still have 10 days to get it all done.
I got my gas stove delivered and installed yesterday. Its not new but got it 2nd hand for a great price and it looks and works like new!
Now, today, my telephone isn't working. Comcast just came Saturday to hook it all up and last night, it quit on me. No dial tone...nothing. Bad stuff especially when I don't have a cell phone either...
I got quite a bit done since moving in on Thursday but still so much to do. Why do I feel like I have to get it all done NOW? ahhahaha...
Not long now till we enter civilian life. Mike should begin his drive home on June 1st. Oh I just can't wait. I feel like we are beginning a new life. He's been in the Navy for our whole almost 20 years of marriage and I feel like we are "in a way" starting over. Is that strange to feel that way?
Kids are all doing great...this has been hard on everyone. Each child has his own way of dealing with our situation. With Mike being gone, and moving for the 2nd time in 7 months....this hasn't been easy at all. But we are hanging in there...
Thanks to those who have been praying for our family. I often feel God's hands wrapped around our family. What a comfort!!
Today....what will today bring?
I hope to hook up my washer and dryer....
Finish bringing stuff over from the old house..even if I have to march it up to the attic to go thru later instead of the kids dropping it right in the middle of the living room floor lol.
Finish cutting grass at new house and do the old house grass too.
GET MY PHONE FIXED!!! haahah
With everything that I HAVE to do, I'm also trying to slow down and enjoy my house. Its hard to do with so much of my house in chaos and I have a hard time relaxing like that.
But I will try :)
Remember to thank God today for each and every circumstance that comes your way. Whether good or bad.....because all things can bring glory to God.
Be Blessed
Nikki
Its been about 8 days since my last post so my apologies to those who check often to see what I have to write about and nothing new is written lol.
We have been moved into our new home.
Quite a process for sure. Still have some things left at the old place and still have to clean it yet. But I still have 10 days to get it all done.
I got my gas stove delivered and installed yesterday. Its not new but got it 2nd hand for a great price and it looks and works like new!
Now, today, my telephone isn't working. Comcast just came Saturday to hook it all up and last night, it quit on me. No dial tone...nothing. Bad stuff especially when I don't have a cell phone either...
I got quite a bit done since moving in on Thursday but still so much to do. Why do I feel like I have to get it all done NOW? ahhahaha...
Not long now till we enter civilian life. Mike should begin his drive home on June 1st. Oh I just can't wait. I feel like we are beginning a new life. He's been in the Navy for our whole almost 20 years of marriage and I feel like we are "in a way" starting over. Is that strange to feel that way?
Kids are all doing great...this has been hard on everyone. Each child has his own way of dealing with our situation. With Mike being gone, and moving for the 2nd time in 7 months....this hasn't been easy at all. But we are hanging in there...
Thanks to those who have been praying for our family. I often feel God's hands wrapped around our family. What a comfort!!
Today....what will today bring?
I hope to hook up my washer and dryer....
Finish bringing stuff over from the old house..even if I have to march it up to the attic to go thru later instead of the kids dropping it right in the middle of the living room floor lol.
Finish cutting grass at new house and do the old house grass too.
GET MY PHONE FIXED!!! haahah
With everything that I HAVE to do, I'm also trying to slow down and enjoy my house. Its hard to do with so much of my house in chaos and I have a hard time relaxing like that.
But I will try :)
Remember to thank God today for each and every circumstance that comes your way. Whether good or bad.....because all things can bring glory to God.
Be Blessed
Nikki
Monday, May 14, 2007
What doesn't kill us.....
Do you ever wonder, I'm sure you do, why God allows us to go through so many of the tough times we face?
I am a strong believer that everything , yes EVERYTHING, happens for a reason. And if you are a Christian, God allows things to happen, not to make us miserable, but to strengthen us in some way.
The older I get, I realize more and more what God is showing me thru my trials.
Sometimes, I feel like I can't hold another thing on my plate and then I manage to make it through, and hold even more because for some reason, even though my plate looks full of hardships and trials ....it doesn't get heavier, it actually gets lighter. According to our worldly scales, if we had to put a weight on the amount of hardships we are going thru, it would go off of the scales , but when you have God, HE is what makes our burden lighter.
I am thankful to HIM that HE knows what is best for me.
I am very blessed.
I have a great family.
I have 4 wonderful kids, a wonderful husband, many friends, a fantastic church family, and God recently blessed me with a new , big and beautiful home.
I have alot to do this week with my big moving day being Thursday, but I will try better to update my blog better than I have been.
I appreciate each comment and each reader.
I hope in some fashion, I can encourage you all to live a Godly life and to look above for your strength daily!
Be blessed,
Nikki
I am a strong believer that everything , yes EVERYTHING, happens for a reason. And if you are a Christian, God allows things to happen, not to make us miserable, but to strengthen us in some way.
The older I get, I realize more and more what God is showing me thru my trials.
Sometimes, I feel like I can't hold another thing on my plate and then I manage to make it through, and hold even more because for some reason, even though my plate looks full of hardships and trials ....it doesn't get heavier, it actually gets lighter. According to our worldly scales, if we had to put a weight on the amount of hardships we are going thru, it would go off of the scales , but when you have God, HE is what makes our burden lighter.
I am thankful to HIM that HE knows what is best for me.
I am very blessed.
I have a great family.
I have 4 wonderful kids, a wonderful husband, many friends, a fantastic church family, and God recently blessed me with a new , big and beautiful home.
I have alot to do this week with my big moving day being Thursday, but I will try better to update my blog better than I have been.
I appreciate each comment and each reader.
I hope in some fashion, I can encourage you all to live a Godly life and to look above for your strength daily!
Be blessed,
Nikki
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
What a mess up
Wow, as I was reading over my last blog, I made a couple of mistakes...
First of all , closing on the house is TODAY, not tomorrow....hahaha..
And Mike won't be home in 16 days..hahaha...
As of today, its 22. I think I meant to write 26 and wrote 16 instead.
Oh well, 26 days still isn't bad....Its less than one month.
Well, in just a couple of hours, I will be on my way to having my very first home!
It is soo exciting and we have started cleaning and taking stuff over to the house.
I can't wait to spend our first night in the house. Its a bit creepy cause its so big.
On the appraisal report, total square footage including attic(which is mostly finished) and the basement is 4500 sq ft. That is alot of space!!!
I will update more later
Nikki
First of all , closing on the house is TODAY, not tomorrow....hahaha..
And Mike won't be home in 16 days..hahaha...
As of today, its 22. I think I meant to write 26 and wrote 16 instead.
Oh well, 26 days still isn't bad....Its less than one month.
Well, in just a couple of hours, I will be on my way to having my very first home!
It is soo exciting and we have started cleaning and taking stuff over to the house.
I can't wait to spend our first night in the house. Its a bit creepy cause its so big.
On the appraisal report, total square footage including attic(which is mostly finished) and the basement is 4500 sq ft. That is alot of space!!!
I will update more later
Nikki
Saturday, May 05, 2007
Hi everyone.
Well, the closing on our house changed to Tuesday the 9th. 11:00 am to be exact so then we will be first time home owners!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Then on Wednesday, the electrical work begins on the house...
Probably starting Monday, I will go in and begin the cleaning on the house.
I need to get a gas stove.
Lots to do but its very exciting.
*********************************************
My dad came in town from Kentucky for a visit for a few days and its been great. I hate to see him go.
*******************************************
Marge Moore, wife to Jim Moore from Bayside church in virginia Beach, died yesterday.
Jim found her thursday night ( i think) and she was unresponsive.
Stroke, heart attack, and brain hemmorhage. Its very sad. She and her husband were VERY active members of the church there. Please pray for this family ...
****************************************
16 days and Mike will be home!!!!!!!
*****************************************
Kids are recovering from the stomach yucks and flu and colds. YES!!!!!!!!!!!! Need to open up windows and get these germs GONE!
*****************************************
I need to gather a crew together for painting some bedrooms and to get some cleaning done in the new house. I believe on Saturday the 19th will be a major moving day. That is when I need big, strong guys to move my furniture and stuff from the old house to the new house. Then I can start the cleaning process of the old house...
****************************************
Hey, John, you must have your dates wrong. You won't be 38 Sunday, you will be FORTY!!!!!!!
Well, the closing on our house changed to Tuesday the 9th. 11:00 am to be exact so then we will be first time home owners!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Then on Wednesday, the electrical work begins on the house...
Probably starting Monday, I will go in and begin the cleaning on the house.
I need to get a gas stove.
Lots to do but its very exciting.
*********************************************
My dad came in town from Kentucky for a visit for a few days and its been great. I hate to see him go.
*******************************************
Marge Moore, wife to Jim Moore from Bayside church in virginia Beach, died yesterday.
Jim found her thursday night ( i think) and she was unresponsive.
Stroke, heart attack, and brain hemmorhage. Its very sad. She and her husband were VERY active members of the church there. Please pray for this family ...
****************************************
16 days and Mike will be home!!!!!!!
*****************************************
Kids are recovering from the stomach yucks and flu and colds. YES!!!!!!!!!!!! Need to open up windows and get these germs GONE!
*****************************************
I need to gather a crew together for painting some bedrooms and to get some cleaning done in the new house. I believe on Saturday the 19th will be a major moving day. That is when I need big, strong guys to move my furniture and stuff from the old house to the new house. Then I can start the cleaning process of the old house...
****************************************
Hey, John, you must have your dates wrong. You won't be 38 Sunday, you will be FORTY!!!!!!!
Thursday, May 03, 2007
Worth sharing
I received this in an email. Wanted to share.
This is a letter from a child to a parent!
Remember...that I am a gift from God, the richest of all blessings.Do not attempt to mold me in your image, my daddy's, my brother's, or our neighbor's. I am an individual and should be permitted to be myself.
Remember...not to crush my spirit when I fail. Don't compare me with others who outshine me.
Remember...that anger and hostility are natural emotions.Help me to find outlets for these normal feelings-in play or physical exercise-or else they may be turned inward and may become much deeper and much more serious.
Remember...to discipline me with firmness and reason. Do not let your anger throw you off balance. If I know you are fair, you will not lose my respect or my love.
Remember...that each child needs two parents. When you side with me against Daddy, I have feelings of guilt, confusion and insecurity.
Remember...not to hand me everything my little heart desires. Otherwise I will never know the thrill of earning, the joy of deserving.
Remember...not to make threats in anger, or impossible promises when you are in a generous mood. To me your word means everything. When I can't believe in you and Dad, I have difficulty believing in anything.
Remember...that there is dignity in hard work, whether it is performed with calloused hands that shovel coal or skilled fingers that manipulate surgical instruments. Let me know that a useful life is a blessed one, and that a life of ease and pleasure-seeking is empty and meaningless.
Remember...not to try to protect me from every small blow and disappointment. Adversity strengthens character and makes us compassionate. Trouble is the great equalizer; let me learn it.
Remember...to teach me to love God and our fellow men. And, Mommy, please don't send me to worship service and Bible school-take me there.
This is a letter from a child to a parent!
Remember...that I am a gift from God, the richest of all blessings.Do not attempt to mold me in your image, my daddy's, my brother's, or our neighbor's. I am an individual and should be permitted to be myself.
Remember...not to crush my spirit when I fail. Don't compare me with others who outshine me.
Remember...that anger and hostility are natural emotions.Help me to find outlets for these normal feelings-in play or physical exercise-or else they may be turned inward and may become much deeper and much more serious.
Remember...to discipline me with firmness and reason. Do not let your anger throw you off balance. If I know you are fair, you will not lose my respect or my love.
Remember...that each child needs two parents. When you side with me against Daddy, I have feelings of guilt, confusion and insecurity.
Remember...not to hand me everything my little heart desires. Otherwise I will never know the thrill of earning, the joy of deserving.
Remember...not to make threats in anger, or impossible promises when you are in a generous mood. To me your word means everything. When I can't believe in you and Dad, I have difficulty believing in anything.
Remember...that there is dignity in hard work, whether it is performed with calloused hands that shovel coal or skilled fingers that manipulate surgical instruments. Let me know that a useful life is a blessed one, and that a life of ease and pleasure-seeking is empty and meaningless.
Remember...not to try to protect me from every small blow and disappointment. Adversity strengthens character and makes us compassionate. Trouble is the great equalizer; let me learn it.
Remember...to teach me to love God and our fellow men. And, Mommy, please don't send me to worship service and Bible school-take me there.
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Lots of news....
I've been very busy with stuff here at home and blogging had definitely escaped my to do list....
So here is an attempt to update everyone...
First I QUIT QUIT QUIT my job at Dairy Queen!!!!!
Without going into too many details...the only reason I got the job at DQ was to teach me a lesson about working in the outside world (hadn't done it in 14 years) and for me to appreciate my "gift" as a childcare provider and the blessing of being able to do it in my home.
It really got tough for me. You see, with Mike gone, and taking care of everything around the house, schooling, buying a house, dealing with a sick parent, a troubled sister, etc....I was about to a breaking point. So, Mike agreed that I could quit. What a great great GREAT day that was!
*********************************************
The closing date on our new house is still May 4th pending appraisal. As long as the house appraises at the asking price, then we are all good to go!
We need electrical updates done on the house and the one estimate we got was for about $2300. Guess thats not too bad.
*********************************************
School has taken a round of change. I see Tony's learning style changing. He loves GARDENING! You should see his plants and see how much care he takes in them. I ordered an Amanda Bennet Unit Study on Gardening that I hope Angel and Tony can do thru the summer.
I may just plan things like this for the whole year next year if they like to this.
**********************************************
As soon as I get in the new house, (mid may) then I will start my childcare certification process.
I have to take a class on CPR and First Aid and get my house ready. I have to get a few references for the state to contact to see if I'm mentally lol...able to handle childcare.
Lots to do but I am sooo looking forward to doing it again. I really can't wait!
**********************************************
Kids are doing ok. Besides fighting off sickness that is.
Wednesday night I got the stomach flu worse than I ever had it. It was absolutely horrible.
Then the next day, Joey came down with a horrible cough and cold. It took a couple of days but I do feel better today.
**********************************************
Well, there is the update.
Be Blessed
Nikki
So here is an attempt to update everyone...
First I QUIT QUIT QUIT my job at Dairy Queen!!!!!
Without going into too many details...the only reason I got the job at DQ was to teach me a lesson about working in the outside world (hadn't done it in 14 years) and for me to appreciate my "gift" as a childcare provider and the blessing of being able to do it in my home.
It really got tough for me. You see, with Mike gone, and taking care of everything around the house, schooling, buying a house, dealing with a sick parent, a troubled sister, etc....I was about to a breaking point. So, Mike agreed that I could quit. What a great great GREAT day that was!
*********************************************
The closing date on our new house is still May 4th pending appraisal. As long as the house appraises at the asking price, then we are all good to go!
We need electrical updates done on the house and the one estimate we got was for about $2300. Guess thats not too bad.
*********************************************
School has taken a round of change. I see Tony's learning style changing. He loves GARDENING! You should see his plants and see how much care he takes in them. I ordered an Amanda Bennet Unit Study on Gardening that I hope Angel and Tony can do thru the summer.
I may just plan things like this for the whole year next year if they like to this.
**********************************************
As soon as I get in the new house, (mid may) then I will start my childcare certification process.
I have to take a class on CPR and First Aid and get my house ready. I have to get a few references for the state to contact to see if I'm mentally lol...able to handle childcare.
Lots to do but I am sooo looking forward to doing it again. I really can't wait!
**********************************************
Kids are doing ok. Besides fighting off sickness that is.
Wednesday night I got the stomach flu worse than I ever had it. It was absolutely horrible.
Then the next day, Joey came down with a horrible cough and cold. It took a couple of days but I do feel better today.
**********************************************
Well, there is the update.
Be Blessed
Nikki
Saturday, April 21, 2007
No words of wisdom, just an update on us.
As much as I wish I could write a few words of wisdom, as of today, April 20th, I find that I have ZERO! hahaha.
So, I will just update you on what is going on.
Mike left on Monday and arrived safely back at his home port in Virginia.
I've been dealing with the owner of the house we want to buy, and mortgage companies, and termite inspectors, and house inspectors....
I've been trying to get estimates on the electrical work we HAVE to have before we move in the house.
I end up catching a horrible cold AND still trying to find time for work and house and kids.
Let me tell you something. I've run out.
I'm running on Empty and I don't see a gas station for a million miles........................
Gas tank is dryer than a desert.
My house is in chaos and then I get a call from my dad and sister to tell me in less than 2 weeks, only 4 DAYS before I close on my house, they are coming to visit me. Understand that I can't say no cause I haven't seen my dad in about 5 years or more. But bad bad timing.
My dad is almost 70 and goes to bed around 7 every night. Where do I put my dad when a family of 6 is already living in a 2 bedroom house ????
I'm supposed to be packing up some of my stuff and organizing things to get ready for this move to our new house. NO TIME !!!!
Im also trying to lose the last bit of weight I wanted to lose before summer. Where do I find the time to walk and exercise?
Anyone have a solution to this? Any males out there who think they can FIX this for me?
Jump in guys....I'm all ears....
Add homeschooling to this mix? Right now, we are concentrating on math skills. The kids are enjoying their math workbooks and I feel good they are accomplishing a few pages of that per day ...
In all of this, I still have to find time for my son to learn a lesson about defacing church property.....
I feel like screaming but because I am hoarse from my cold, no one would hear me anyway!!!!!
Are you laughing AT me or WITH me yet?
Keep the Bible Bowlers in prayer. They have their competition tomorrow. Go WHEELING!!!!!
Now, I must bid you all goodnight. Its past midnight and I'm tired and need my sleep.
Goodnight
Nikki
Comments? email me
vilano6@comcast.net
So, I will just update you on what is going on.
Mike left on Monday and arrived safely back at his home port in Virginia.
I've been dealing with the owner of the house we want to buy, and mortgage companies, and termite inspectors, and house inspectors....
I've been trying to get estimates on the electrical work we HAVE to have before we move in the house.
I end up catching a horrible cold AND still trying to find time for work and house and kids.
Let me tell you something. I've run out.
I'm running on Empty and I don't see a gas station for a million miles........................
Gas tank is dryer than a desert.
My house is in chaos and then I get a call from my dad and sister to tell me in less than 2 weeks, only 4 DAYS before I close on my house, they are coming to visit me. Understand that I can't say no cause I haven't seen my dad in about 5 years or more. But bad bad timing.
My dad is almost 70 and goes to bed around 7 every night. Where do I put my dad when a family of 6 is already living in a 2 bedroom house ????
I'm supposed to be packing up some of my stuff and organizing things to get ready for this move to our new house. NO TIME !!!!
Im also trying to lose the last bit of weight I wanted to lose before summer. Where do I find the time to walk and exercise?
Anyone have a solution to this? Any males out there who think they can FIX this for me?
Jump in guys....I'm all ears....
Add homeschooling to this mix? Right now, we are concentrating on math skills. The kids are enjoying their math workbooks and I feel good they are accomplishing a few pages of that per day ...
In all of this, I still have to find time for my son to learn a lesson about defacing church property.....
I feel like screaming but because I am hoarse from my cold, no one would hear me anyway!!!!!
Are you laughing AT me or WITH me yet?
Keep the Bible Bowlers in prayer. They have their competition tomorrow. Go WHEELING!!!!!
Now, I must bid you all goodnight. Its past midnight and I'm tired and need my sleep.
Goodnight
Nikki
Comments? email me
vilano6@comcast.net
Monday, April 16, 2007
Really good article
I do not endorse the books the Rick Warren writes, but I found this article very good.(Highlighted words are my doing)
What's Really Important?About Rick Warren (REMEMBER .... HE WROTE-PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE)You will enjoy the new insights that Rick Warren has, with his wife now having cancer and him having "wealth" from the book sales.
This is an absolutely incredible short interview with Rick Warren,"Purpose Driven Life " author and pastor of Saddleback Church in California.In the interview by Paul Bradshaw with Rick Warren
Rick said:People ask me, What is the purpose of life? And I respond:In a nutshell, life is preparation for eternity.
We were made to last forever, and God wants us to be with Him in Heaven.
One day my heart is going to stop, and that will be the end of my body--but not the end of me.
I may live 60 to 100 years on earth, but I am going to spend trillions of years in eternity.
This is the warm-up act - the dress rehearsal.
God wants us to practice on earth what we will do forever in eternity.
We were made by God and for God, and until you figure that out, life isn't going to make sense.
Life is a series of problems: Either you are in one now, you're just coming out of one, or you're getting ready to go into another one.
The reason for this is that God is more interested in your character than your comfort.
God is more interested in making your life holy than He is in making your life happy.
We can be reasonably happy here on earth, but that's not the goal of life. The goal is to grow in character, in Christ likeness.This past year has been the greatest year of my life but also the toughest, with my wife, Kay, getting cancer.
I used to think that life was hills and valleys - you go through a dark time, then you go to the mountain top, back and forth.
I don't believe that anymore.Rather than life being hills and valleys, I believe that it's kind of like two rails on a rail road track, and at all times you have something good and something bad in your life.
No matter how good things are in your life, there is always something bad that needs to be worked on.
And no matter how bad things are in your life, there is always something good you can thank God for.
You can focus on your purposes, or you can focus on your problems.
If you focus on your problems, you're going into self-centeredness,"which is my problem, my issues, my pain."
But one of the easiest ways to get rid of pain is to get your focus off yourself and onto God and others.We discovered quickly that in spite of the prayers of hundreds of thousands of people, God was not going to heal Kay or make it easy for her.It has been very difficult for her, and yet God has strengthened her character, given her a ministry of helping other people, given her a testimony, drawn her closer to Him and to people.
You have to learn to deal with both the good and the bad of life.Actually, sometimes learning to deal with the good is harder. For instance, this past year, all of a sudden, when the book sold 15 million copies, it made me instantly very wealthy.It also brought a lot of notoriety that I had never had to deal with before. I don't think God gives you money or notoriety for your own ego or for you to live a life of ease.So I began to ask God what He wanted me to do with this money,notoriety and influence.
He gave me two different passages that helped me decide what to do, II Corinthians 9 and Psalm 72.
First, in spite of all the money coming in, we would not change our lifestyle one bit. We made no major purchases.
Second, about midway through last year, I stopped taking a salary from the church.
Third, we set up foundations to fund an initiative we call The Peace Plan to plant churches, equip leaders, assist the poor, care for the sick, and educate the next generation.
Fourth, I added up all that the church had paid me in the 24 years since I started the church, and I gave it all back. It was liberating to be able to serve God for free.
We need to ask ourselves: Am I going to live for possessions?Popularity?Am I going to be driven by pressures? Guilt? Bitterness?Materialism? Or am I going to be driven by God's purposes (for my life)?
When I get up in the morning, I sit on the side of my bed and say,God, if I don't get anything else done today, I want to know You more and love You better. God didn't put me on earth just to fulfill a to-do list. He's more interested in what I am than what I do.That's why we're called human beings, not human doings.
Happy moments, PRAISE GOD. Difficult moments, SEEK GOD. Quiet moments, WORSHIP GOD. Painful moments, TRUST GOD. Every moment, THANK GOD.
What's Really Important?About Rick Warren (REMEMBER .... HE WROTE-PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE)You will enjoy the new insights that Rick Warren has, with his wife now having cancer and him having "wealth" from the book sales.
This is an absolutely incredible short interview with Rick Warren,"Purpose Driven Life " author and pastor of Saddleback Church in California.In the interview by Paul Bradshaw with Rick Warren
Rick said:People ask me, What is the purpose of life? And I respond:In a nutshell, life is preparation for eternity.
We were made to last forever, and God wants us to be with Him in Heaven.
One day my heart is going to stop, and that will be the end of my body--but not the end of me.
I may live 60 to 100 years on earth, but I am going to spend trillions of years in eternity.
This is the warm-up act - the dress rehearsal.
God wants us to practice on earth what we will do forever in eternity.
We were made by God and for God, and until you figure that out, life isn't going to make sense.
Life is a series of problems: Either you are in one now, you're just coming out of one, or you're getting ready to go into another one.
The reason for this is that God is more interested in your character than your comfort.
God is more interested in making your life holy than He is in making your life happy.
We can be reasonably happy here on earth, but that's not the goal of life. The goal is to grow in character, in Christ likeness.This past year has been the greatest year of my life but also the toughest, with my wife, Kay, getting cancer.
I used to think that life was hills and valleys - you go through a dark time, then you go to the mountain top, back and forth.
I don't believe that anymore.Rather than life being hills and valleys, I believe that it's kind of like two rails on a rail road track, and at all times you have something good and something bad in your life.
No matter how good things are in your life, there is always something bad that needs to be worked on.
And no matter how bad things are in your life, there is always something good you can thank God for.
You can focus on your purposes, or you can focus on your problems.
If you focus on your problems, you're going into self-centeredness,"which is my problem, my issues, my pain."
But one of the easiest ways to get rid of pain is to get your focus off yourself and onto God and others.We discovered quickly that in spite of the prayers of hundreds of thousands of people, God was not going to heal Kay or make it easy for her.It has been very difficult for her, and yet God has strengthened her character, given her a ministry of helping other people, given her a testimony, drawn her closer to Him and to people.
You have to learn to deal with both the good and the bad of life.Actually, sometimes learning to deal with the good is harder. For instance, this past year, all of a sudden, when the book sold 15 million copies, it made me instantly very wealthy.It also brought a lot of notoriety that I had never had to deal with before. I don't think God gives you money or notoriety for your own ego or for you to live a life of ease.So I began to ask God what He wanted me to do with this money,notoriety and influence.
He gave me two different passages that helped me decide what to do, II Corinthians 9 and Psalm 72.
First, in spite of all the money coming in, we would not change our lifestyle one bit. We made no major purchases.
Second, about midway through last year, I stopped taking a salary from the church.
Third, we set up foundations to fund an initiative we call The Peace Plan to plant churches, equip leaders, assist the poor, care for the sick, and educate the next generation.
Fourth, I added up all that the church had paid me in the 24 years since I started the church, and I gave it all back. It was liberating to be able to serve God for free.
We need to ask ourselves: Am I going to live for possessions?Popularity?Am I going to be driven by pressures? Guilt? Bitterness?Materialism? Or am I going to be driven by God's purposes (for my life)?
When I get up in the morning, I sit on the side of my bed and say,God, if I don't get anything else done today, I want to know You more and love You better. God didn't put me on earth just to fulfill a to-do list. He's more interested in what I am than what I do.That's why we're called human beings, not human doings.
Happy moments, PRAISE GOD. Difficult moments, SEEK GOD. Quiet moments, WORSHIP GOD. Painful moments, TRUST GOD. Every moment, THANK GOD.
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