God's Been Good

God has taught me a great lesson in the last few months. My dad and his wife live in the Philippines. First, Dad gets put in the hospital for a week or more. I had to keep telling myself that we Americans aren't the only ones who can practice medicine. LOL! Then, I hear on the news that the Philippines is flooded. They get word to me that they are ok. Then he tells me a super typhoon with winds over 200 mph is heading their way. OH MY WORD! Not just a typhoon, which is bad enough, but a SUPER typhoon. Dad sent a text and told me they are ok, just getting a lot of rain from the storm, but that was it. Thank God.
My lesson? Trust God. I couldn't be over there when Dad was in the hospital. I could not stand not being able to know they were ok instantly. But, God let me know He is the One in control of life itself and even a typhoon. As much as I hated not being able to be there, God is the One they needed there in each situation. I could not have made him better in the hospital and I certainly could not have calmed a typhoon! Thank You Lord for working in me. And most of all, thank You for being the one in control.

Making A Comeback

That is what I am trying to do. Having your husband home can mix things up to say the least. My normal completely became obsolete. I have missed my computer time, since my hubby felt that time should be devoted to him. So it was. It's been great spending time with him, but it will be over on Wednesday. He will be back to work! I am praising God for it because the doctor said he could not believe the difference in his foot from just a few weeks ago. Only God can make that kind of difference. Now, we will be settling back into our "normal" routines. It is welcomed with open arms. Even Rob is looking forward to going back to work! LOL! I will be posting more often now. Woo Hoo! LOL!

Special Prayer Request

There are so many people praying for Kendrick Little right now as I am typing this. I have never met the boy, but I met his parents at youth camp one year. Our church boys know him well. LOL! Last year they found a tumor in Kendrick's brain stem. The Lord gave him and his family many more months to share and live life to its fullest. They took a few trips and did some things they always wanted to do. Now they are facing the end of Kendrick's life. The doctors are say two days or two weeks. They aren't sure I guess, but they know it's soon. Hospice has been set up for him. So please pray for this family. I cannot even begin to imagine how difficult this is for them. I feel so close to all of this even though I am not close to the family because Kendrick was kinda a "prayer mascot" for our school. Our students prayed and heard about the miracles God worked for this little guy. I pray God has another one for them. Even so I pray for peace and comfort as they go through this trial.

Oh Boy!

Robert will probably be back to work by the end of this month! His physical therapist and doctor both agree he will probably be ready by then. It has been a long summer. We have grown together even when it seemed we were going to pull out one another's hair. LOL!
School is shifting into third gear, by going into our third day tomorrow. I'm sorry to subject you to my bad, corny sense of humor. The students are all really doing well. We have three who have said their monthly Scripture memory passage and two of them said it the first day! That is very exciting for me because without the Scripture we are nothing more than a private school. We can't claim "Christian" as part of our description. A couple students have set some goals and are choosing their electives toward their graduation. I'm proud of our students and thankful that they have a Christian school to go to.

School Starts Tomorrow!

We have been busy this past summer getting our school ready for this year. It was a lot of hard, long work, but it will be worth it all because I know the Lord has great things for FBA. We have moved to the church. There are many changes for us all to adjust to and I look forward to helping our students do just that. The school rooms all look great. I love all the colors. I am so glad God created a world with lots of color!

Life Keeps Going

And it keeps us busy! Rob is doing better and that is a HUGE blessing. He's ready to go back to work, but the physical therapist says not just yet. It's really funny because I'm pretty sure he's not ready but he is tired of sitting around the house. He's just not that kind of man. He finds things to do to stay busy, but he would rather be working. He has to take his work boot to his therapist so the therapist can make an insert that will help him to walk on his foot better. Keep praying.

Dentist Appointment

I never forget a dentist appointment! Can't say that again. I forgot one on Monday. I was supposed to be there at 9 a.m. So when I got this phone call at 10:17 and they asked me if I was on my way, I said, "to where? and who are you?" I cannot believe I forgot it. I got it rescheduled for tomorrow at 10:30 and I am ready! My teeth are really looking forward to this. Ok so I am crazy. I don't care. I love my mouth to be clean and I love the clean after Mrs. Penny gets finished.

It's Been A While...

...since I have posted here. I guess I better get back to it. I said in a previous post that I had a busy summer ahead of me and I sure wasn't joking! I'm still busy. Right now our church is having workdays to get our school ready. We are moving the school to church property. Thank You, Lord. Of course there has only been one workday, and then we had enrollment day, and next Saturday will be our next workday. Hopefully, it will be the last one. Some of us are doing some of the work during the week. We are looking forward to great school year with a new pastor/principal and new location.
Robert starts his second week of physical therapy. During his first appointment, they discovered that he has lost communication with his right big toe because of the gout and not using the foot. So that is a big challenge for him. It really bugged him that he was telling that toe to move and it wouldn't. Poor baby. Anyhow, he has at least 4-6 weeks of physical therapy before he can go back to work. But, it does seem like an end to this is in sight. I thank you so much for all your prayers, but please don't stop praying yet. Even though we can see an end, it's still a long way off.

A Glimmer of Hope

I have been gone all week at thet A.C.E. Administrator's and Supervisor's Training. I got up at 5 a.m every morning and wasn't home until after 7 every evening. It was a tiring week and a lot of information was given to us to help our school. On Wednesday of this week, I took a day off from training to go to the rheumatologist with Robert. He seemed to have every confidence that this gout can go away. Obviously, it can't be cured. He is attacking agressively with meds. And then in about a week, he wants Rob in physical therapy to start moving and using his foot again. Ok, I came home yesterday, my last day of training by the way. Well, not really home, but to my mother-in-love's home because she cooked supper for us. Anyway, yesterday was Rob's first day on his new meds. I looked at his foot and the swelling looked like it was down. That was good, but seen that already. When we got ready to leave, I glanced over at him and he had 2, count 'em, 2 shoes on! I was so excited. I cannot tell you how high my heart leaped when I saw that. Of course he said it hurts like crazy to take it off, but HE CAN GET IT ON! I pray that it continues to get well. Today it looks good also. These new meds can cause his sugar levels to go up so please continue to pray for him.

Time Away

My family and I left last Thursday for a "mini" vacation. It was a spur of the moment decision...kinda. We have been talking about it, but with not knowing when the doctors and specialists want to see Rob, we were unable to just get up and leave. The final appointment was made and we were off! We decided to go on a Texas Gulf Coast Trip. We began in Galveston. There's still a lot of damage from Hurricane Ike, but it looks really well compared to what we all saw on the news last summer. We ate lunch there and drove along the Sea Wall and then we were off again. This time we stopped in Port Aransas. This is my family's favorite vacation spot. All the motel rooms were booked except one and we got it! They were having a busy weekend with a fishing tournament. So, we spent the night, hit a few souvenir shops, and headed to Port Isabel and South Padre Island. There we had some trouble finding a room, but not as much as we did in Port Aransas. But, this is what happens when you go to the coast in July at the spur of the moment! LOL! We stayed two nights there. We ate at Pier 19 right on the ocean. I highly recommend this restaurant. My mother-in-love and I shared a plate of supreme nachos that were just that...supreme! Oh my they were so good. Rob and Josh got seafood and it was just as delicious. We now know where the people of Mexico go on vacation...South Padre Island. My son was in awe at some of the cars we saw there that are not sold in the U.S. The ocean is so beautiful. My family and friends laugh at me because I love going to the ocean and even want to move there someday, but I hate the sand and do not like swimming in salt water. Go figure. We headed back toward home and decided to go over to take a last look at Port Aransas. It was late afternoon, so we decided to stay the night there. We drove on the beach and took some really good pictures. This morning we got up and drove home. We had a nice trip, but as always it is SO good to be back home. I can't wait to sleep in my own bed! And that won't be very long.
We are back to normal for us these days. Vacation Bible School begins this week and then we start getting things ready for school to start.
Please continue to pray for my husband. His gout is not going away. He has been sent to a rheumatologist. This is the fourth doctor he has seen since June. Pray for God's will to be done in this situation. My prayer is complete healing. But we know God has a purpose for this and we accept His will.

Home Security And Personal Security

We never seem to know the importance of something until we are faced with it. I have a friend whose sister now has a home security system because someone broke into her home while she was sleeping. He came all the way into her room, right next to her bedside. Thankfully, he didn't do anything to her or her family. This is scary!
These days as the crime rates are rising it is more important to protect yourself and your loved ones with homesecurity . Let's face it it is becoming neccessary for us to take extra measures to protect our homes and families. A home security system really is the best choice to make. Put your family's safety first and consider a home alarm system with homesecurity .

Be Blessed - Day 1

The LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel. Numbers 6:22-23

Imagine a camping trip-a camping trip lasting forty years! To those of us who have grown fond of our society's creature comforts, life in a tent for four decades seems, well, challenging!
The Old Testament details events of the forty years ancient Israel spent camping in the desert learning to know, love, and trust God. But despite the hardships, a bright thread of hope winds its way through each account. Everywhere we look, we see assurances that God loves his people with a fierce and committed love.
As if to underscore that hope, Numbers 6 includes an explicit expression of blessing commonly referred to as the Aaronic benediction. "Tell Aaron the high priest and all the priests that follow him down through time to bless my people," God says in essence. "And this is precisely how to do it, precisely what to say!" Following that brief introduction are some of the most beautiful-and familiar-words in all of Scripture: "The LORD bless thee, and keep thee" (v.24).
"Be blessed!" God says through Moses and Aaron.
"Bless you," we say when someone sneezes. Probably most of the time our words are empty words. "Be blessed!" God says to us in contrast. No empty words here! We know that, because we know the One who speaks them,. The covenant-making God who led Israel through deserts and oases also leads us through the spiritually dry and spiritually lush times in our lives.
"Be blessed!" he says as he kneels like a tender friend beside us to wipe away our tears. "Be blessed!" he says as he reminds us of his promises to meet all of our needs "according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19). "Be blessed!" he exclaims as he forgives all-each, and every one_of our sins because of his Son's death on the cross. When this God says, "Be blessed!" we are!

Things Are Crazy!

With all that is going on with my husband's foot/gout, we just feel like we need to just get in the car and start driving. It doesn't matter where we go. My hubby and I have been saying we just want to get away even if only for a day. Do you ever feel like that? I'm sure you do. We had a vacation planned and now we can't go. That's ok, it really is. I just need one day. That would be great. And going away for one day means no dirty clothes to wash when I get back! Now that is the greatest! I don't have to pack or unpack. I'm starting to like the idea of staycations. Sounding better all the time!

Shutters!

My husband and I have been talking for quite some time about remodeling the outside of our home. We have often thought of putting up exterior shutters. They really give a home character. We have searched online and have come across vinyl shutters. They have all different kinds of designs and colors. Along with the many styles, Larson Shutters has every budget in mind. If you are like us and need to go simple and inexpensive, they have got it. If you want to splurge, they've got it too. So go check it out.

It Worked!

The site did save my post in my chosen font! Isn't God good to answer such small and unimportant requests like that?
I am venturing out into new territory. As you visit you will see that I am advertising of sorts. My dad's wife makes good money at this and I thought I might give it a try. It would be a great supplement to our income if I do as well as she does.
At church we are getting ready for vacation Bible school. It is getting really close. I can't believe we are almost half way through July! As soon as VBS is over then Pastor and I will be off to A.C.E. training. And of course we are trying to get our school relocated to our church property before school begins. A lot to do and only a month and a half.
Have a great weekend.

Computers

Sometimes I really don't like my computer. I don't want to say hate because that is a strong word and I usually use it for the devil, sin, cancer, etc. What has me irked is that the link that allows me to set my font on my posts has disappeared! Where could it have gone?! I have made no changes on my blog. Maybe that is why it has gone away. Hmmm. I haven't been rearranging here. Who knows? Certainly not me. I'm not that computer savvy and I surely don't know where to look for it. Maybe this post will be in the font I have been using. Maybe the site just figured I wasn't going to change my font and will automatically use the one I have been using. If only. I can hope, right?
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!

Collision Repair Experts

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The Lord Knows What He's Doing

I'm so glad He does, too. All things work together for our good and I have learned to trust that Scripture in a whole new way in the past couple of months. But no matter how hard the devil tries to pull me and my family down, I will fight even harder to stay up! I just ask that you keep my husband in your prayers. It seems that the gout has returned to the foot after the surgery. Pray for God's healing.

Hi There!

Well, camp is over. We had awesome preaching. If you ever have a chance to hear Bro. Jason Gaddis, then go. You won't be sorry. He uses great illustrations that really bring out his point. And on top of that, the kids actually listen! I can't say enough about his preaching. Many kids were saved, several rededicated their lives to Christ, and even more surrendered to full time ministry. It was a good week.

Camp Is Coming!

Camp is almost here! We leave Monday morning. I am excited about what God does in the hearts of children at youth camp. Souls are saved, lives are changed, decisions made! We get away from the world for one week and are able to focus on God. I tell you I need that week so much. I need time to to just be with God. It's so nice that we can go somewhere that He is all we have to think about. I'm looking forward to a great week.

God's Promises

These past few days I have been rejoicing in God's promises for His children. I posted on my Facebook page about God never forsaking us in any circumstance. Today, I was reading Revelation 21 and verse 4 popped out at me. It's not the first time I have rejoiced in this particular verse. It was a HUGE comfort for me when my mom died. "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away." PRAISE THE LORD!!!!!!!! We serve an AWESOME GOD!

Work Day

Today was work day for the kids who are going to camp this year. We had lots of jobs for them to do and they did a great job! The church looks great! And I'm glad because some of the jobs that were done today are ones I have been putting off like cleaning the tile grout. It looks nice! I'm excited and a little nervous about going to camp this year. My husband is having surgery on Wednesday and he told me not to let him be the reason I miss camp! Isn't he great?! So I guess I better get busy making my lists. A list for things to pack, a list for things I need to buy, and the lists go on and on and on. I don't go on a trip without 2 or 3 lists! I'd go crazy trying to do it as I go. Well, I'm off to bed. Have a great Lord's Day!

Finally An End In Sight..........Hopefully

As you know my husband has been having foot problems. It has been diagnosed as chronic gout. This is because he is in his 14th week of an attack. After 2 cortisone shots and no real results other than some relief, the doctor has decided to operate. He is going to flush the joint out. He says the results will be fewer gout attacks. PRAISE THE LORD! I hate seeing him in so much pain. I pray everyday that the Lord just take it away and heal his foot if it be His will. This is a pain that a couple of Tylenol can't help. Pray for his surgery and recovery. Thank you.

Thanks!

I was just thinking tonight how blessed I am to have so many people who care for me and my family. There are so many people praying for us and it overwhelms me at times. I just want to tell you all thanks for your concern, love, and most of all your prayers. I want you to know that I am praying for each of you daily also.
Thank you and I love you!

Feet...Feet...Pain!

My oh my! I mentioned in my last post that my husband has been having trouble with his foot for many weeks. Well, it is chronic gout. He has been given 2 cortisone shots, but we don't want too many of those because too much of that is not good. So please pray for him that the Lord will give him peace of mind and take the pain away.
My oh my! I broke my little toe! Who would have thought that little thing could cause so much pain?! It was really hurting and throbbing last night, so my hubby gave me one of his pain pills. An hour later I could not tell I had taken anything. I asked him if these help his foot and he said if he takes two they dull the pain. So, he talked me into taking two. I really didn't want to because I knew it would mess my head up. Two of the pills made the throbbing stop but didn't help the pain. The doctors should be ashamed of themselves to write that prescription! It did mess my head so I went to bed and slept it off. I did, however, sleep very well.
So, we couldn't be the only ones in pain so we included Josh today. He got caught up on his immunizations. We thought he was only getting his booster. But the requirements have changed since he was five years old. LOL! He got three shots. His arms have been sore all day. So we are a family in a complete pain circle. Boy I hope this circle gets broken! LOL!
God is good!

CALGON! TAKE ME AWAY!

Remember that commercial? That's where I am. I need it badly. My husband has been off work for 2 weeks because his foot has been swollen and in a LOT of pain for the past 12 weeks. This is actually the 13th week. The doctor he has been going to has really showed his true self in this whole ordeal. We have never dealt with such incompetent people in the medical profession as we have these past two weeks. They even fought me today on what dates to put on the work note! When I reminded them they were the ones who took him off work, I was told it wasn't their problem anymore. I am sorry to say my attitude probably didn't please Christ at that moment, but I defended my man! I didn't say anything out of line, but that nurse knew exactly what I thought of her and the doctor she works for. PRAISE GOD! We go to a podiatrist Thursday! Pray for wisdom and compassion for our doctors.
Now I have been home with my husband for 2 weeks ALL day long. He can't do much because his foot hurts so much and the pain pills they gave him don't even take the edge off. I'm praying the podiatrist will give him something stronger until they find out what the problem is and treat it. But, back to spending all day with hubby. I don't get anything done, he's cranky because he feels useless, and I just feel like pulling my hair out. I keep telling my husband that God must have something great in store for us because the devil sure is fighting hard. I mean so much has happened these past two weeks....his dad died, he got a ticket going to his dad's house, this foot thing, unkind medical "professionals" and the list seems to be growing. God knows what we can handle and I am trusting Him for the outcome. It all will work together for our good!
Keep us in your prayers, please.

It Just Keeps Coming!

As if I'm not busy enough as I told you in the last post more has been added to my plate. But that is ok. I thank God for it all. I'm glad He thinks I can handle it all. Be in prayer for my husband and his family this week. He lost his dad Saturday night. The funeral is Thursday.
My husband is also having trouble with his right foot. He is going for tests on Wednesday. It seems that the Lord has plenty for me to do, so pray for me as I accomplish all these tasks with my normal everyday routines. Thanks.

HELLO!

It seems like it has been forever since I have posted here! I have been so busy. I don't think I will see an end anytime soon. We will now start getting ready for camp. There are a few fundraisers planned and then I'll be gone that week. Then when we get back, we start getting ready for Vacation Bible School. As soon as that's over, I have to go to Supervisor's Training for our school. Then...........my family will be going on vacation to Colorado. As if that is not enough, the school enrollment meeting will be held when we get back, and then we start school! Whew! I'm tired just tying all of that! I'll try to keep checking in, but no promises. LOL!

Where Have I Been?!

Who really knows? LOL! Actually, I have been sleeping. I was so tired last week, so I just went to bed. Then at the end of the week I was in Oklahoma to see my niece graduate from college. WAY TO GO, DANIELLE! It's so hard to believe my little flower girl just graduated college! And now, she is planning her own wedding. Tears. I know you can't see them, but they are there. She's grown up so fast and now she is so busy. Somewhere I will just have to steal her away just for some aunt time. :) While in Oklahoma, I decided I was going to go see the bombing site memorial. It really is beautiful and quite serene. I was amazed that right in the middle of downtown, it was so quiet. It's really something to see if you are ever up that way.
We have two weeks of school left, and it seems like we don't have much done. I know we do, but I guess you just have to know me to understand me. Believe me, that is probably a scary place to be. LOL!
Have a great week, everybody!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

I know I haven't been on in a week or so, but I wanted to stop by and let all my friends who are mothers that I am thinking about each of you today and praying you have a wonderful day with your family.
I'll come on more this week and talk about nothing, which is one of my few talents. LOL
Till then..................

Lots To Do!

I was looking at our church bulletin a little while ago and noticed that I am going to be pretty busy in May. Of course there is plenty going on at the school with the end of the year coming very quickly and we have two graduating. Camp is coming at the end of June. Since I am a counselor, I will be helping with the fundraisers to help the kids go. And then there's Mother's Day. Boy, I tell you I am going to have post-it notes everywhere! Everything is flying around in my head and if I don't write it down somewhere, I can't keep it all straight. I really think that is why I forget so much. Whew! Wears me out just thinking about all this. I sure hope I have the energy to keep up with all these kids by the time camp gets here.
Please pray for our family. The swine flu is probable in our city. Of course we do not go to public school, but we still live and shop in Cleburne. Pray that the Lord will keep us all healthy. But mostly, pray for His will to be done in our lives. I desire nothing more and nothing less. Thank you.

Another Day, Another Week

Well, here we go again with another week. Aren't you glad the Lord gave this time to us? Another day to serve Him. Another week to serve Him. Another day to tell others about Jesus. Another week to do the same. Of course we aren't promised tomorrow, but we can plan to tell others that Jesus died on the cross every day that we draw breath. That's the least we can do for Jesus and the most we can do for others.
It's been raining here. More is on the way. I guess it's safe to say we are no longer in a drought. Of course with the rain comes staying inside. The students are going to be so restless having to stay inside most of this week. I may have to get creative. But on the bright side, we have four weeks to go. School is almost over!
Remember to share Jesus with others!

Not Much Today

I didn't really do much today. I did laundry like any other Monday. And just like every other Monday , I get interrupted and the laundry doesn't get finished. I still have 2 loads to wash. The interruption? It's one I don't mind at all. My husband asked me to mow the front yard. That meant I got to try out his new riding mower! He's had it for several months, but I haven't got on it. It's just like any other mower I suspect. I sure like riding rather than pushing, though. Then I burned 2 piles of leaves for him. Of course I had to burn one if I intend on parking my car in my carport. My husband must have been feeling pretty generous today, because not only did he let me ride his mower, he came in and told me I could even drive his new truck to school this week if I wanted. Of course I have already driven it, but I choose to let that gigantic thing be his. But, I will probably drive it since he is offering it. LOL! But only for one day. The gas is a small forturne. Well, I sure hope you all have a great week. I'm on countdown! Five weeks until school is out! Woo Hoo!!!

What's In Your Purse?

These are some spiritual lessons we can learn from things in our purse.
1. Calendar--Psalm 118:24
"This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it."
2. Lipstick--Psalm 51:15
"O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise."
3. Hand Lotion--Ecclesiastes 9:10a
"Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might:"
4. An Aspirin or Medicine Bottle--Proverbs 17:22a
"A merry heart doeth good like medicine."
5. Kleenex--Psalm 130:1
"Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O Lord."
6. Band-aid--Proverbs 27:6
"Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful."
7. Pictures--Proverbs 25:11
"Word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver."
8. Sewing Kit--Matthew 19:24
"And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go though the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God."
9. Mirror--James 1:23-24
"For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural
face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth
what manner of man he was."
10. An Appointment Card--Romans 10:9-10
"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart
that God hat raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man
believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."
11. Checkbook--Romans 14:2
"So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God."

Home

My brother is home from the hospital. They let him go last night. I'm so glad. He is finding out that doing something as simple and small as talking on the phone even hurts. LOL. Keep praying. The Lord has been good this far and I trust Him to continue taking care of Wayne.

The Napkin Is Still Folded!

AMEN! That was the title to our Easter Sermon. Pastor explained the significance of the napkin being folded inside the tomb. A servant would serve his master at the table and he would watch how his master left the napkin on the table as he left. If he just left it there all crumpled up then he was finished. If he folded it and left the table, then he was not finished. A folded napkin in the tomb means JESUS ISN'T FINISHED! HE'S COMING BACK! Thanks Pastor Paul for a great sermon!

Wayne is dealing with some nausea, but other than that he is doing well. He has been up walking and I finally got to talk to him. I was beginning to wonder. LOL! No really, Melissa has been great keeping us all well informed of his progress. But I was so glad to hear it in his voice when we talked yesterday. He may get out tomorrow or Wednesday. Keep him in your prayers. Melissa sent me a picture of the incision. Ouch! From one side to the other. Oh my word! He will be sore for a while. I'm still praying. Love you Wayne!

It Pays to Pray!

God is so good to answer our prayers. Many of us casted our cares on Him, and He cared of us. And for my brother, Wayne. His surgery was today. They told us it would take six hours, but it almost lasted four hours. That is the first blessing. The doctor was able to remove ALL of the tumor! Of course he also removed 50% of his kidney with it, but part of a kidney is better than no kidney. The tumor was cancerous, but a very non-aggressive cancer. Praise the Lord! Wayne is doing good. Not in a lot of pain, of course :). But after being without anything to eat or drink since midnight and being under the anesthetic for several hours, he is very thirsty. But they won't let him have a drink, ice chips, or even a swab. So he is not very happy about that. No complaints otherwise. His wife, Melissa, said he looks good. That's all I needed since I couldn't be there with him. Iowa is long way from Texas. I'm so glad for cell phones in times like these. Pray for a quick recovery. Pray that Melissa gets some rest after this long day.

Beauty Secrets

I saw this on a website a while back and thought it was worth sharing.

For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.
For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.
For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.
For beautiful hair, let a child run his fingers through it once a day.
For poise, walk with the knowledge that you'll never walk alone.

Pray for Wayne

My brother called today and told me his surgery will be on Wednesday. They have not given a time yet. But keep praying for God's will to be done. That's all any of us want.

Lazy and Windy!

That was my day! All that work yesterday just wore me out I guess. I didn't do one single thing today. Didn't even cook, we got pizza. My husband didn't do anything either. We were both just so tired. We sat around and watched TV and did nothing. Isn't that terrible? We thought about going outside but who wants to do that when the wind is blowing at gusts of 50 mph or better?! They say Chicago is the windy city. Let me tell you they ain't got nothin' on us. I think it was reported on the news that we actually have more wind than Chicago. Go figure, they get the nickname. Oh well. Since I did absolutely nothing, I'm closing this post. Have a great Friday!

Another Day

As I closed my last post, I said tomorrow is another day. And it sure was. FedEx kept the hubby at work for quite a while and I got quite a bit of cleaning done. Whew! I didn't know this house was as dirty as it was. I'm so glad I haven't had any company lately. I just have my bedroom left to clean and the bathrooms left as far as rooms go. Then I will tackle all my windows and window sills and the blinds. That's going to be the big job. I hate cleaning blinds, so I will probably save them for last. I also got my front porch cleaned off. It doesn't look like storage anymore. Now I can go have a cup of coffee on my porch in the morning. If it's warm enough and not raining like they are saying it will be. I'm just rambling tonight so I shall close this one down. Have a great night. Remember to tell God good morning!

Well............

I got started on my spring cleaning but it sure does go a lot slower when the hubby is home. I have so much to do and so does he. But..............he wants me to be involved in what he has to do. Of course since our son is older I don't have to help as much, but he likes for me to come and see the progress and give my opinions and listen to his plans and go to Home Depot with him. I don't mind going to Home Depot, I like that store. Love the garden section. Needless to say, though, I didn't get a whole lot of cleaning done today. I have my list and it will get done if I pray for FedEx to keep my husband all day just for one day. LOL! No, really I love having him around. I just don't get anything done when he's around. LOL! Tomorrow is another day.

Spring Brings Cleaning

Our school officially begins Spring Break on Monday! My break always means it's time for spring cleaning around my house. Believe it or not I actually enjoy it. It's one of two or three times a year that my house gets cleaned thoroughly. I know that sounds bad, but I don't think I'm a bad housekeeper. I'm talking from the ceiling down. Windows inside and out. Turn mattresses. Clean under the big furniture that never gets moved. Move furniture around for the Spring and Summer arrangements. Yes, I arrange for seasons! We have a wood-burning stove and we don't set our furniture near it in the winter. When it gets warm again, I move it closer since we won't be using it. This is only a few things I will be doing this weekend. I also plan to have some quality time with my boy. I only have a few years left with him and I am going to make the most of it.
Have a great weekend, everybody!

My Day

My boy got his brown belt tonight in karate! He is only one level from black now. We had to postpone the test back in November because we had an important family event to attend. Thankfully his instructors understood, but it has been a loooooooong time. They have changed up their curriculum a bit and I have to buy the belts now. They also changed location and some other things, not 100% on board with all that, but we are going to finish!

The school went to the T.B.A.C. Music Festival today. They did a great job. Tomorrow we will go back and finish up with the high school students and then we are on spring break! WOO HOO!

My dad won't be able to come back for Wayne's surgery. Pray that the Lord will give him peace while all this takes place.

Update

Wayne got his second opinion yesterday. As far as all goes with the tumor in the kidney, it was the same. This doctor, however, wants to try and save the kidney. I think that is wonderful. If he can't then he will remove it. They are waiting to find out if the surgery will be on March 31 or April 10. I am praying for the tenth because my dad is trying to get here from the Philippines. I know he and his wife want it done sooner and I completely understand that. But I'm sorry I'm praying against you guys. Keep praying for Wayne. Pray for my dad to get her quickly and as inexpensive as he can.

Sunshine and Roses

I had a thought one day while working in my flower bed that I wanted to share with you. I love to work in my flower bed. It's a lot of work but well worth it all. My thoughts led me to see how we are like roses in God's flower bed. This is what I learned from my roses.

1. Roses need sunshine and water. Notice that roses grow toward the light. Water causes the roots to grow longer and deeper. We are the same. A christian grows toward the Light of Christ and we are rooted in the Word of God.
2. Roses are distinct flowers. I don't think there is one person who does not know what a rose is. They are very easy to identify by their appearance and fragrance. A christian should be the same way. A complete stranger should be able to identify us with Jesus just by our outward appearance and character.
3. Roses have thorns. Thorns protect the rose. Staying in church and reading God's Word daily protects us.

I haven't a clue why God sees me as "work well worth it," but He does. I'm so glad He gives me the nourishment I need to grow spiritually.
Have a great day!

Congratulations Danielle!

My niece, Danielle, got engaged today! I'm so happy for you and Jeff! I'm so excited for the both of you. My girl is getting married! I pray all your dreams will come true exactly the way God has them planned. You'll be graduating college in May and then off to your new journey in life. I love the way God works everything out. His ways are perfect and right. As long as you both love God first, your love for each other will be right. This is what I have learned over 16 years of marriage, I'm sure I'll share plenty more of my "wisdom" :) with you. As I look back over the time your uncle and I have been married, when I was standing in your shoes and I thought I loved him so much then. I couldn't imagine loving him more. But, as two people grow together, the love grows too. What I felt then isn't love compared to what I feel now. One day you will have that same feeling. It only gets better from here. You deserve it all, Dani girl. I love you.

Little Things

Have you ever noticed it is the little things that make us happy in life? One of my favorite things for my husband to do for me is to make sure I have a cold Diet Coke. There is always one waiting for me after school. I love it when one of the students gives me a big hug at school and says "I love you, Mrs. Shelly!" Just like today, I drove my niece to the dentist. I enjoyed that time with her. I don't get much of it and she's all grown up and about to embark upon her own journey in life. I'd drive her anywhere. I love the little talks with my other niece. I like to think I have a small part in her finding her way through this life. I doubt I offer much to her except my love. I love it when my son comes to me and hugs me before he goes to bed every night. It will be gone before I blink. I love it when my best friend rubs my back and says "How are ya?" Most of all I appreciate their prayers on my behalf. I hope and pray I am all these things to the ones I love. I cherish all of this and thank God daily for those little things.

Spring!

I love spring! I really do. I'm so ready for the grass and trees to be green again. I'm ready for my flowers to all be blooming with their pretty bright colors. And best of all, I'm ready for the warm weather! Everything comes back to life again. Yes, Lisa, my hydrangea is coming to life. No flowers just yet, but lots of green! The other plant is growing as well. I'm excited to get out in the yard and work. I don't look forward to clearing the leaves from my flower bed, though. We have a lot of trees! But, I'll just get my husband's blower and it will be easier this year, I think. Once I get them out in the yard, my husband or son will just mow over them and they will become mulch for our grass. I'm also looking forward to having a vegetable garden again. Can't wait to start getting tomatoes. Of course, that is still a while away since we are going to plant them this coming weekend. Happy Spring everybody!

I Need Your Help!

I tried to make some updates earlier and I have lost some info that was on my blog. If you were following my blog, please sign up again. Also, I tried to remember each of the blogs that were on my blog list, but I fear I may have forgotten one or two. Please let me know if your blog is not on the list. Sorry for the troubles, but I do think I know what I did wrong if that helps. LOL!

My thoughts and prayers today

It's been a few days since I have been on here. Wow, it just seems to get so busy sometimes!
First of all, I will let you know about my brother, Wayne. He has been having some pain in his right side, which he went to the doctor for. They were thinking gall bladder, so they did some blood tests and sent him for an MRI. The MRI didn't show anything abnormal, but the blood work showed that his liver count is high. They think it may be viral, but still unsure at this point. He can't take anything for it and on top of that he has a chest cold and can't take medicine for that right now either. The doctor then sent him for a CAT scan, still not giving up on the gall bladder. During this they stumbled upon (I believe God revealed it to them) cancer in his left kidney. So, now the focus is on the cancer and not the liver. By the way they are hoping that whatever is wrong with the liver will pass for the moment. That's why no meds. Back to the cancer. They believe the cancer is just in the kidney and have given Wayne a few options that he could do. He has chosen to have the kidney removed since the other kidney is almost perfect. He is going ahead and getting a second opinion for the sake of it, but the surgery is scheduled for April 8. So keep praying for him that God will intervene!
My church celebrated its 63rd anniversary this past weekend. What an accomplishment. I'm so proud to be part of a church that still sticks by the stuff and still remains true to God and His Word.

Prayer Request

Please pray for my brother, Wayne. He is having health problems and will be having surgery later this month. I'm not sure if he wants me to tell about it all here, but as soon as he gives the go ahead, I will let you know details. Just know, he needs your prayers. Thanks.

The Lord delivered

I said here yesterday that I was trusting the Lord for a good day today. He gave me one just like I knew He would. He hasn't let me down yet! I've let Him down so many times and yet Christ remains true and faithful to me. I don't deserve any of it at any time, but He loves me far beyond my understanding. He is a Good God! And so I am trusting the Lord for another good day tomorrow. Thank You, Lord for my good day.
The simple things in life are what I have learned to love the most. I was just talking with Mrs. Sue about that today. What she misses most right now about Bro. Jesse is that she can't kiss him everyday. Small and simple. It's the things like the little kiss from the one you love, or a good day, or even a friend's smile that make this life wonderful.
Y'all have a great day!

Looking For A Good Day!

I am looking for a good day tomorrow. I'm trusting the Lord to give it to me. I know it can't be a good day if I don't trust the Lord. A good day to me is to just be happy in the Lord! I like to be happy. I hope it is one of the things I am known for. My verse is Psalm 28:7, "The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him." My happiness is because I trust in the Lord. I trust Him even with something as simple as a good day. He's the only one who can give it to me. I don't believe it's what we make it to be. It's what God makes it to be! Thank you, Lord for giving me the simple things in life like a good day!

Fun At School Today!

We have two different T.B.A.C. competitions coming up in the next several weeks: Music Festival and Track Meet. The kids have been practicing hard on their music and they are sounding great! Some of them are on our music schedule at church to sing their songs. I have also been running them like crazy for track practice. I found a great way to wear them down and keep them quiet! LOL! OK so you are probably wondering where the fun is, right? Well, today, instead of making them do running exercises, I made up a game, which probably isn't an original anyway. It was a keep-away game with teams and they all had a blast! I had a blast watching them play!
We are looking forward to next week, because Mrs. Sue is coming out of retirement! We, teachers are excited because we won't have to score English! Woo Hoo! The students are excited because they will have her there for English! Woo Hoo! We all are excited because we love her and miss her and need her there! I'm looking forward to Mrs. Sue being back at school!

Backed Up!

Wow, that is what my laundry was! I didn't have a chance to wash last week, and because of that, I have been washing clothes all day long! I think it's just a prelude to my spring cleaning which will begin in about three weeks. I cleaned all day today, while my husband and son continued to build our deck out back. It's coming along. I'm excited for it to be ready when we open the pool up this summer! I won't have to climb over or up a ladder to get into the pool. How nice that will be! Spring is almost here, one of my favorite times of the year. I love to see the flowers blooming. Everything is coming back to life and I love it!

Hello After Good-bye!

That is a promise that I hold to every time I have to say good-bye to someone I love. If you are saved, then the good-bye isn't final. Praise the Lord! We said our farewells to Bro. Jesse today. I think we did him proud. It was a wonderful service. So many lives have been touched because of this one man and many of them were there to pay respect. Mrs. Sue is a rock! I am in complete amazement at her. I know she is hurting, but she made sure she hugged everyone and told them that Bro. Jesse loved each one.
So, today we said good-bye. But, one day we will say hello again.!

Gone To Be With The Lord!

That's where Bro. Jesse is. We are all hurting, but Praise God, Bro. Jesse isn't. My husband and I were thinking, he doesn't even have Stub, Nub, and Cub anymore. He has five fingers on both hands! There is a great reunion going on now with all the family and friends in Heaven. But, I know Bro. Jesse is with Jesus right now and will be for a while. Mrs. Sue is doing OK right now, but like she said she's in shell shock. So keep her in your prayers, as well as the rest of the family and friends. He was a beloved man who touched and helped so many. I'm sad he's gone, but glad for him.

I Saw For Myself

We went to see Bro. Jesse tonight. I saw and heard for myself how he is doing. He has good color in his face, but sounds very weak. He started his first session of chemo last night and will be done with it sometime in the morning. They are giving it to him very slowly because he is so weak. He seems to be taking it OK and that is an answer to prayer. Keep praying!
On another note, I am so tired of preachers and pastors picking the King James Bible apart. Another prominent man has said that the King James is not the inspired Word of God, however it is divinely translated. Now, the word divine was looked up by a student at our school, and the definition was "of God." Go figure. What's wrong with the Old Black Book?!

I HATE CANCER!!!

I know I have said that before, but I really do! It takes a perfectly healthy person and destroys them. Bro. Jesse is not doing well at all. The tests that were run yesterday showed no reason for him not to be able to eat. They say it could be side effects from the radiation still lingering. He is having breathing problems. His speech is slurred. I'm told it sounds like his tongue is swollen. They are going ahead with chemo tomorrow. Mrs. Sue asks that we pray that chemo will help, that he will take it ok, and that nothing happens. Pray that it will help comfort him. Pray for his family. Pray for Mrs. Sue.

Bro. Jesse is back in the hospital. He is having problems eating. They did an MRI or a CAT scan this afternoon. I'm sorry I don't know which one (I have been told both). They are checking to see if there is anything blocking the food as he swallows it. He just can't keep any food down. He had to drink the nasty stuff for this test, and it took him quite a while to drink it from what I am told. They should know the results of the test tomorrow. Keep praying for him to be comfortable. I think he was supposed to have his first chemo treatment today. Pray!

Some days, I just don't know what to say here. Today is one of those days. I have been busy all day and yet it seems like I got nothing done. I started the laundry and only got a couple of loads done. Well, not even a couple, the second is still in the dryer. I didn't want to do much at all today. I bought groceries, cooked supper, and that is about all I completed. Oh yeah and I managed to hurt my hubby. He had me pinned down and I couldn't move, not even to bite him. I usually have that out. So, I kick him in the back of his thigh with my heel. I didn't mean to hurt him, but I wanted it to hurt enough to let me go. Well, he did! LOL! But he has a pretty good knot on his leg now. Never liked being pinned down. I fight hard to get loose. One day he'll learn! LOL!

Roses!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I was standing near a window at school and saw my hubby driving around the corner. So, I waited for him to come in and he never did. After about 15 minutes, I decided to go get my phone and find out why he was just driving by. So, as I headed that way, my son comes around the corner smiling. Then he pulls from behind his back a vase with two roses! So, instead of asking him what he was doing when I called, I said, "I love you!" He sure is good to me. I don't deserve it. But I am so glad that he thinks I do. That's just like with God. He blesses us so much and we don't deserve it, but God must think so. That's why He is a good God!
Bro. Jesse is still weak from radiation. He had his last radiation treatment today. Chemo will start next week. I'm so sad that he isn't able to come to church. I know that is eating him up. Pray hard for him and Mrs. Sue!

I Finally Made It...............

............to the dentist! Boy my mouth and teeth sure do feel good! I know it sounds crazy, but I love to go to the dentist. I tell you I know when my six months are up. I really like my teeth and gums to be clean. Many years ago after my son was born, I had some pretty bad problems with them. Once those problems were corrected, I have tried not to miss my cleanings. But I sure am glad I got it done. It is way over due this time because of certain problems, that I won't go into here, that led me to go to a new dentist. I'm glad I did.
Bro. Jesse is as good as can be expected. He is weak from what I am told. I am waiting for things to calm down a little at his home and then I will go visit him and see for myself. :) Remember to pray for Mrs. Sue when you pray for Bro. Jesse. She needs peace and strength and comfort.

Mom

Twelve years ago today, I lost my mom. I hate that. Twelve years gone. Twelve years of life without her. Twelve years of my son never knowing just how much she loved him. On the other hand, she has been with Jesus twelve years. She's been in her mansion twelve years. She hasn't been sick with cancer for twelve years! This I rejoice in. As much as I miss her and need her here, I could never call her back, not that she would come. Besides, she is taking care of the baby I miscarried thirteen years ago. My greatest loss is that my son has to grow up without knowing her, but God gave him a memory of her. I'm so grateful for that. She wasn't a perfect mom, but she was the greatest. And I still miss her very much.

Out of Control

I am an organized person. I have to be because everything moves so quickly in my mind. I have all this stuff that I need to do going around in there and if I don't write it down, I forget it. I can't clean my house like I should because I will start in one room and when I leave that room to go put something up, I start cleaning in there! So I clean parts at a time. LOL! Anyhow, it seems that I have lost my organization. I feel like I'm going crazy. I begun today fighting this crazy problem of mine. I have to organize my surroundings so my mind will be organized. Weird, huh? It's a silly hangup of mine.
Bro. Jesse is doing good. He is taking his radiation, but it is wearing him out. He hasn't started chemo yet, but they were supposed to meet with the doctor about that this week. He had a hamburger the other day from Dairy Queen and said it was the best one he's had. Wow! He was deprived of solid food way too long! LOL Keep praying.

God Is Good!

Sometimes we just never really see just how good God is! For the last month I have been carrying this burden. I cried over it and prayed and prayed and prayed. And just this past weekend God lifted it and gave me peace. The Lord is good! He takes care of us even when we don't realize it. He cares for His own! I'm so glad He is on my side and always there when I need Him. Thank you, Lord, for being so good!

He's Home!!

Bro. Jesse was released from the hospital Thursday! I'm sure he will get much better rest at home where he can be more comfortable. I'm sure he is enjoying his family all being with him at this time. They have come from all over the world to be with him. Well, most of them live close enough by, but he does have a granddaughter who lives in Arkansas with her Air Force husband and an Air Force grandson who is stationed in Japan. Everyone has been able to get leave and come home to be with PawPaw. I'm sure that makes him happy because his family is so dear and important to him. Keep praying for him and the family. They are praying for a miracle as all of us are.

Attitudes

One day I got to thinking about attitudes, good and bad. I am mostly a happy person and I try not to let things get to me. Bad moods bother me! I don't want to be around a person in a bad mood. So, what I got to thinking about that one day was that we really choose our attitudes. Just like when we go into our closet and choose what we will wear for the day, we are going into our heart's closet and choosing what mood we will wear today. I do not like hearing "I can't help it." Well, I've got news! Yes, you can! Even when something bad happens to damper our spirits, we can still be happy. We shouldn't let things steal our joy. God has done so much for me. Jesus died on the cross just for me! He provides all my needs. I have a wonderful family. I am a member of a great church. I have good and loyal friends. Why should I give those joys up when Satan tries to trip me? Every day I wake up and tell the Lord good morning and thank Him for another day to live for Him. I have a great life and before I get out of bed, I am already dressed in an attitude that, hopefully is pleasing to God.

Ice!

We did have an ice storm for sure. It looked like it snowed overnight! Notice I used past tense. It is practically gone. Not before I got a couple of pictures, though. I sure do enjoy my fireplace on nights like that. My hubby is at home today, too. He got a little cabin fever and is now outside piddling around. I'm working on a scarf. I had one finished but it just didn't look right, so i took it apart and started over. It's already looking a lot better.

Weather

We are having an ice storm! At least that is what the weatherman says. There is ice, so I guess he is right. Lol. It will all be gone tomorrow and life will be back to normal. I love that about Texas. Our weather changes from day to day unless, of course, it's August, and then it's just hot on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and begin again. By Friday, though, our temps will be back in the 60's. Texas is a great place to live! We have so much variety even in our weather! I will snuggle up with a blanket on the couch and keep the fire warm for now and just enjoy it. There's no school tomorrow, so I get to sleep late. Woo hoo!
In the meantime, keep praying for Bro. Jesse. He has decided to do chemo and radiation. They will start preparing him for this tomorrow. I'm told he is feeling well today and finally ate some solid food. I'm sure he was very happy with that. He has been on a liquid diet since he has been in the hospital. Just keep praying that these treatments will help him.

WE HAVE A NEW PASTOR!

Well, OK, as of March 1, we do. Our present pastor is resigning due to health reasons. A couple of weeks ago he recommended our associate pastor to take his place as pastor. Today we voted Bro. Paul as our new pastor. It was very exciting because the church voted unanimously, 100%, for him. A couple of months ago, I could see how this was all taking shape to become a reality. I wasn't sure how I felt about it all because in my mind, I thought we should "interview" at least a few candidates. But after discussing it all with my husband, when the time came I was completely at peace voting for him. Pastor Paul grew up in this church, and he knows all of us and most importantly he knows our needs and how to pray for us. I believe he loves everyone in our church and has a heart for our people. I have high hopes for our church's future! What an exciting day!

Bro. Jesse, con't

Bro. Jesse is in the hospital right now. He has been for a few days and he really needs a lot of prayer right now. He will be there past Monday because they are going to do a procedure on him that hopefully will help him. Mrs. Sue also needs your prayers. I can't imagine what it is like to be the one with the cancer, but I do know what it's like to be the family member going through this battle with them. It's hard. I'm sure the emotions are a lot alike. We are scared and sad. We look for a handle on the situation. And we try to take care of them. So, please keep them in your prayers. I hate cancer as much as I hate the devil and sin! I have lost my mother, dad-in-love, and a dear friend to it. That's just a few, I know so many more. I hate seeing what it does to people. And most of all, I hate that it has to take the ones we love away from us. I know this is all part of God's plan and maybe it's not for us to understand until Glory. Just like Bro. Jesse preached in chapel at school one day, Romans 8:28 is one of the hardest verses to understand. "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." It's hard to understand how Bro. Jesse fighting cancer for his life is going to work together for his and Mrs. Sue's good. But His Word tells me that it does and I have to trust God for this. So please pray for Bro. Jesse and Mrs. Sue.

I Must Be Crazy!

I have discovered that my OCD is a lot worse than I thought! :) Today at lunch, I tore a paper towel off for a napkin. The person who tore the one before the one I got didn't quite get all of their paper towel on one corner and took the part they missed from the other corner. Well, me being me, I tore the extra off because I hate for anything to be on the paper towel past the dotted line. Pretty bad, huh? But, here is the worst part! I had to make myself use that paper towel with the torn corner! That corner bothered me! I wanted to throw it away and get a whole paper towel. But, I guess I hate waste worse than I hated that torn corner, because I wouldn't throw a clean paper towel away even though I didn't want to use it. Man, this is terrible! :)

Bro. Jesse

I just couldn't write a post about Mrs. Sue and not write about Bro. Jesse! He IS without a doubt the biggest little man I know! He is also one of my heroes of the faith. I have learned so much by his example and his life. He was my first pastor and he was the one who introduced Jesus to me. He has touched so many lives. There is a song called "Thank You For Giving To The Lord" and I know that there will be a lot of people in Heaven singing something just like that to Bro. Jesse. He has preached the Word and never apologized for it. He stood on It and by It. He lives what he preaches. He is facing cancer that will take his life fairly quickly. It is so hard for me to wrap my mind around this. My heart breaks. I ache to my very soul over this. This hero of mine married me and my husband. He led my dad to the Lord and probably the rest of my family as well. He is a great friend to my family. He has gone through so many trials in his life and the Lord just made him stronger. He is a rock in my life and I am so glad that the Lord allowed Bro. Jesse to be my pastor. I love you, too, Bro. Jesse!

Mrs. Sue

I had a great day with one of the most wonderful ladies in the whole world! She really is a hero of mine. I asked her to go on a day trip with me and we talked and just enjoyed each other's company. I've known her since I was like 14 years old and have always thought of her like my Aunt Sue, though I have never called her that. She was my teacher when I graduated High School at our Christian Academy and then later in life I had the privilege to teach side by side with her. She is going through a tough time right now and really needs all our prayers, but she is handling just as I would have thought she would.......with a smile on her face! It's hard for her, I know that, but she loves the Lord and is trusting Him with all the uncertainty that she is facing. She really is a hero of the faith. I know so many people think of great preachers and I do as well, but I have a few ladies that I try to follow the example of. I'm so glad that I can call Mrs. Sue my friend. It is such an honor that she would give me her friendship and love. I love you, Mrs. Sue!

A Great Weekend

I took my son and a friend of his to a youth rally on Saturday and heard some great preaching. Dr. Bob Ross was the preacher and he gave a great message to the young people. One of the greatest comments he made was that we Christians should have a testimony that is good to live by and better to die by. There was also this man there that gave his testimony about where the Lord brought him from to where he is now. What a testimony he has! On extraordinary thing about this man was that he started a company from nothing, built it into a very successful company, and then when his church needed a new building, the Lord laid it on his heart to sell his company and the tithes on that sale would build the new church building! This man is a millionaire and he drives the bus on Sunday mornings. Wow it just blew me away. Then on Sunday, we had a great day at church. Then my hubby and I got to spend the rest of the day together. We went out to eat and just drove around. He took me to Mansfield and showed me where my new dentist is and we found a much better way! He is so good.

The Weekend Is Here!

Boy I am ready for the weekend! These past couple of days have been busy at the school. We have T.B.A.C. Science Skills coming up next week and I have been busy making sure the projects were turned in and filling out judging forms and making copies of judging forms, and making sure each project has a 3x5 card with the correct info. I came to the conclusion yesterday that I need a secretary. Today , I got my wish, when one of the students finished his work, I commandeered him to help put all the forms and cards together. I think I'm done with that part, now I just need to get everything to Decatur along with the students and I will be finished. So, while we are trying to get all these forms together, an order for the Paces comes in and we soon get that knocked out as well. I like having a secretary!:) Thanks JB! I'll leave you with a little joke one of the students told today. Why doesn't the devil like shoes? Because he can't have their soles!
Have a great weekend.

Wow!

Josh just keeps growing and some days I don't think we can afford him to grow. LOL! I bought him two new pairs of school pants for Christmas and he has already outgrown them! What is a body to do with growth spurts like that? They are coming closer and closer. I was just faced with the fact that my boy is almost grown, but I sure don't want him grown now. So, tonight I had to go buy another pair of pants for him and this weekend is looking like we will be shopping. Oh well, that's what God intended for our children to do. Just reminds me that he is God's child entrusted to my care. Oh Lord, help me do a good job!

Much Calmer!

Compared to yesterday, I had a much calmer day. Last week was the week we were supposed to get back in the groove after Christmas vacation. But, we were all sick here in this house. So, this week is getting back in the groove. We went back to karate tonight and Josh looks great! His teachers keep saying great things every time we go and that makes me quite proud. They have changed their way of teaching up a little and that means there are only 6 belts now instead of 11 or 12. Sounds much easier, but it really isn't since one belt is going to actually represent two belts. So, I am looking forward to the changes. I ask that you keep two families in your prayers because they have lost loved ones.

What A Day!

I had a dentist appointment today. I don't mind the dentist, in fact, i want to go. I was going to a new dentist in another town. My husband told me how to get there, he even got the directions off the Internet. Very simple directions. So, why couldn't I get there?! Who knows! I was following his directions, but I decided to look and see how far down this highway I had to go. It said 3 miles. I drive 3 miles and still my exit hasn't appeared. I drive another couple of miles and still no exit. So, I decide to turn around because I thought maybe I just overlooked it. Well, I didn't see it going the other way either. So, I try to call my hubby and his phone is dead. So, I call the dentist office and the receptionist told me I should have gone south instead of north. Great, I'll be there in a few minutes. Well, guess what it wasn't south either! I didn't know who to be mad at, the receptionist or my husband or myself! So, I chose all three. I called back and told them I couldn't find the office and rescheduled and headed home. On my way home, I'm passing one of those gas rig trucks. I'm right next to the right side door, almost completely past him. He decides he wants to change lanes and he wanted mine! He moved over without a signal, and ran me off onto the shoulder of the road. Thank God there was a shoulder on the highway. I don't think he ever saw me until I got back in front of him. I sure hope he heard my horn, though! Well, things can only get better from here. For some reason God didn't want me at that dentist office today and that is the way I'm looking at it. By the way, I should have just stayed north. My hubby was right!

Clean! Clean! Clean!

I was finally able to return to school after this crummy virus, and when I got home today, I came to a wonderful surprise, my hubby and son, who were home sick, had cleaned my kitchen! Wow, did it look great. Since I have been sick this week, I haven't been cleaning at all, so I really appreciated this. It really made me happy because I knew the mess that it was and I was going to have to clean it. I have a couple of great guys. Gotta love em!

What A Difference..............

........a shower makes! I have been feeling bad all day with a stomach virus. I just got out of the shower and boy did it help! I have been sleeping on and off all day, except for when I had to go be sick. I got up and made some chicken and dumplings. It tasted so good. Just what I needed. And now I am off to bed again. I am so sleepy! Good night, all.

Ice!!

Yesterday, we had rain, sleet, and ice. Thankfully, it didn't cause any road troubles, but it sure did make for pretty scenery. The trees all were iced. We thought for a few minutes the electricity was going to go off. A town nearby was completely without it. But, it just blinked off and then on again a couple of times. I was feeling bad yesterday with a stomach virus, so the weather keeping me inside was no problem. Not that I go out when it's cold anyway. We have a wood burning stove in our home and I love to have a nice warm fire going when it's cold out. My favorite thing in the wintertime is to curl up on the couch with a soft blanket and a good book or good movie with a warm fire. It's just the best. I'm so glad God changes things up for us. He changes it quite a bit here in Texas, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I never get bored with the weather here!

My Dad, My Hero

Today my dad and his wife left for the Philippines. They should be in the air right now. I'm a little sad for me, ok a lot sad for me, but I am excited because this is something they have been wanting for a long time. We weren't an affectionate family when I was growing up. Our affection went as far as a good punch in the arm with an "I love you" following right behind. That's how Dad showed affection. But, hey he toughened us up! So, today I want to thank Dad for all that he taught me more by example than by words. He was never a man of a lot of words, but when he did speak, it was time to listen. We always knew that for sure. He has always been a compassionate man. He cares about others deeply. He would give to people who needed something even when it was all we had. He showed us that the Lord will take care of His own. He taught me be to be independent and to take care of myself. He taught me to laugh when I didn't feel like laughing. He always found the good in the bad. So, here's to you, dad! I love you.

Today has been a wonderful day. The weather was nice, spring-like even. I love spring. I went to our church school today and took all the Christmas decorations down. I am funny about those decorations. I can't wait to get them up and I put them up as soon as I can. But, as soon as Christmas is over, it seems I can't wait to take them down. Funny, huh?
Now, the day is almost over, and my young man is sick with a virus. I sure hope it passes by morning so he can go to church. I'm hoping to have visitors there tomorrow and I would really like to be there with them. So, if you are reading before Sunday morning, pray for my son to be better! Thanks.

Psalm 28:7

HAPPY NEW YEAR! I hope you have had a wonderful beginning to the new year. I know I sure have. I am spending time with my dad and step mom before they move to the Philippines in just a few days. I don't think I can get enough time with them right now, but I am making the best of the time that I have left. There's so much I want to do and not enough time, but God is giving me exactly what I need. Thank you Lord!

Me and My Best Friend

Hi! I am new to blogging, but I hope I will be a blessing to you. I have a Bible that I have had since I was 16 years old. This Bible is my friend. I know this particular Bible very intimately. A few years ago, my family bought me a new Bible because this one was beginning to fall apart. I was so nervous about using my new Bible. I didn't want to give the old one up. That Bible is my Best Friend. I am now using my new Bible, but when I need to find a certain verse, and I know approximately where it is, I go to my old friend and I find it almost instantly. So, I guess what I am trying to convey to you is to be intimate with God's Word. Your life will mirror the time you spend with it and your Bible will mirror your life. Thanks for stopping by.