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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
