These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things

Help those who serve our country

2011-09-15T00:34:00.001-07:00

Your contributions will go to help support Operation Kid Comfort here in Hawaii. Sue Schaefer is the Operation Kid Comfort Coordinator. She is responsible for coordinating volunteer quilters, communicating with the families of the service members, and generating donations that support the project. We are ever so thankful for every donation. MAHALO!!

Learning to Save

2011-02-11T11:04:00.000-08:00

Just like every where else, prices in Hawaii have gone up. Many of the things that where expensive when I moved here in '82 are now the same as on the mainland (such as milk & meat prices). Gas and rent are more than mainland averages. The ironic thing is that our gas prices here on Oahu are within cents of gas in Bellingham, WA where we use to live. Another BIG difference between living in WA state and being here is that where sales tax is high, there is no state income tax. Here in HI sales tax is about normal, and they also have state income tax. So the increase in Rick's salary has been eaten up with taxes. With all this being said, we are learning how to save in Paradise. I've created a special blog where I will be sharing how we are saving. And if we can save here, I'm sure you can save where you live. So be sure to check out SAVING $$$ IN PARADISE!

Checking in :)

2011-01-11T20:02:00.000-08:00

I'm going to try my best to keep in touch this year, so I decided to write a little today. The New Year's Sale was a great success!!! Thank you God!!! I'm also done with my next grouping and will be posting on Thur. I've had a wonderful time creating over the past month or so. I look forward to this new year and what God will be giving me :)

There is one thing that has been happening every night since I got back to Hawaii... I dream EVERY night. I do dream a lot, but not like this. And I dream about people I don't know. Which I have done for a long time. I'm not too concerned about it, just wish I knew why this is happening. :) It's kinda like having the tv on all night long :) LOL!!!

A New Year, A New Beginning

2011-01-04T00:03:00.000-08:00

This is how we celebrated the new year here in Kapolei, HI. I can't believe how much can happen in a year... we've moved twice, added a puppy to our family, and at one time I went from being able to see most everything, to not being able to see anything.

I'm so thankful for all and everything. Since moving to Hawaii about a month ago, I've found a church I will be calling "Home". The pastor is young, but he speaks with truth and commitment. The people are so kind and friendly.

My plan right now is to go back to designing and using the creativity that God has given me. Just when I thought I'd run out of ideas, He opened up my eyes so I could 'see' again (both figuratively and literally). I've also got some new ideas for promotions for Harvest Moon. So, be watching (if you're a knitter)

We are stepping out in faith believing that if we obey God with our tithes and offerings, He will reward us and provide for us all of our economical needs that we will have this year (and beyond). One thing we know is that He is ALWAYS faithful. And living in a higher cost of living area, we will have more needs than we had in the past. Don't ask me how it works, all I know is that it does.

I'm off to dream land now. I promise, I'll write more this year :) Blessings to you all!

Aloha :)

2010-10-02T20:07:00.000-07:00

(these Hawaiian Protea are my favorite flowers!)

It's been a while since I last posted and so much has happened. I was finally diagnosed with TINU Syndrome. It seems I have a very rare autoimmune disorder that can effect my kidneys and eyes. It's taken about 2 months to get over it, but I'm thanking God that he has seen fit to heal me completely. I will say that I was fearful of losing my eyesight due to the uveitis, but like things we don't always understand I really had nothing to fear but to trust God more. Once my uveitis was resolved, my kidney function went back to normal... another thing to be so thankful for.

And now... God has worked behind the scenes and on Rick's behalf to place him in a position of upper management at the new Lowes store in Honolulu... SO.... we are moving back to Hawaii in less than 2 weeks!!! He is to report to the new store on Oct 16. There is so much to do and so little time to do it.

Today we spent most of our time getting our Piper and Coco ready for travel with shots and check ups. It seems that Piper (who will be traveling directly with Rick to Hawaii) will need to stay in quarantine for 120 days. Coco (who will be traveling with me to Ohio and then onto Hawaii) won't have to go through that. She will probably be released upon her arrival. Hawaii has no cases of Rabies and this strict practice is why.

Well, it seems that God is again in charge of our future. I'm excited to see where he 'drops' me this time. I would love to go back to teaching full time, but I don't know if I have the stamina to do that now. We'll just have to wait and see :)

Our Visit To The Nephrologist

2010-08-05T21:27:00.000-07:00

Well, our appointment was for 4:00. We got there at 3:30 so we could fill out all the paperwork. We finally met Dr. Moss at 4:45. Our appointment lasted until just after 6:00!!! But boy was this Dr thorough! We asked me questions going back to my childhood. When all was said and done, we were so happy when he said he thought my acute kidney failure is due to some of the medicines I'm taking!!! YEAH!!!! Thank you God for this man! So, I'm off of 2 and will be taking 1/2 of another every other day. I'm really happy about this. I just hope my bp doesn't go up. It's been so good the last few times I've been to the DR. AND something I'm really excited about is that I've lost 17 lbs since July 5th!!!! No diet, just nausea. One of the things that really impressed me is that after examining me, he wondered about the redness of my skin. He asked me if this was normal for me and I said yes, and Rick told him that at times my face gets red as a tomato. This really interested him. He asked if I have ever been tested for Lupus. I know that I have many of the symptoms, but I wanted him to come up with that, not for me to suggest it. So, our plan right now is to get the meds lined up and adjusted, get a blood test every week to make sure what's going on with my kidneys, and to be back in 3 to 4 weeks. As a very last option, if we can't find out what's going on after all of this, then there might be the need for a kidney biopsy. But I really really don't think this will be needed. I just have a feeling that we're going to find out the reason for my high bp and it will get fixed. After this is all done... next will be the orthopedic Dr. Dr Moss did look at my 'bad' knee and he said 'this knee is really messed up'. So, for now, I'm happy to be getting off of some of this medicine. We'll see about my next blood test next week. :)

A Little Of This & That

2010-08-04T21:26:00.000-07:00

Well, what kind of mom would I be if I didn't brag on our 'baby girl'? Here she is with her 'stylist' Taryn :) You can actually see her little black eyes and button nose. We are so enjoying her. Maybe I'll share with you all a new video that I made of Coco doing all the things she's learned so far. :) She's so cute and so well behaved. :)

Now for more medical news... I had another blood test yesterday and the Dr called this afternoon. My Creatine level has gone down a few points but now I seem to be low on potassium. The Nephrologist's nurse called today to remind me of my appointment tomorrow. I'm to have all the meds I'm taking written down with quantities. To be honest with you, I'm so confused right now about what I'm suppose to be taking and what I'm not. I'm hoping and praying that they find out that it's all this medicine that might be causing all my current woes. At last count I'm to be taking 7 and have 3 more that I was on and am not to take any more. I think this is absolutely ridiculous!!! If they could only find what has caused my high blood pressure that I've had for over 35 years and fix that, then maybe I wouldn't have to take any meds. That would be like heaven!!! Finally, I've got a Dr's attention and she said we will get to the bottom of this and do a workup to find the cause. Rick is going to the Dr with me tomorrow and I'm really happy about that. It was his idea. I think that 2 set of ears are always better than 1 :) We are both thinking positive things. I'll be back later with more news. For now I am still having problems with my right knee, calf, upper arm, and my white spots. Hopefully they will all be back to normal soon :)

More Medical News

2010-07-29T19:46:00.000-07:00

Today my Dr. called and told me that after talking with the Nepherologist that they have decided that the cause of my sudden kidney failure does NOT have to do with Rhabdomyolysis because of some enzyme problem that was just found. She also wanted me to have an ultra sound of my kidneys and bladder asap. So, at 1:30 this afternoon, I got a call from the Imaging Center telling me that I have an appointment at 3:00 and that I was to drink 12 oz of liquid an hour before the appointment. So, Rick and I were already out running errands when the call came, we stopped and got me something to drink and then off to the Imaging Center we went. During the ultra sound the tech and I were chatting. I told her that I'm really not too concerned about this kidney thing but that I'm much more worried about my right knee (I was barely able to walk today) After she was finished she said she had to go talk to the Dr. She was gone a long time. When she came back she asked if I was ok. And I said "yes" and she said... we'll after they tell you everything else, you're going to find out that you also have gallstones too." I'm not sure what that meant, but the gallstones don't really come as a big surprise nor am I too worried about it all. I still don't 'feel' sick... just my right knee and leg pain. We'll have to see what tomorrow brings :)

Off topic.... kind of :)

2010-07-29T10:44:00.000-07:00

I just had to share Coco's first Video! :) She makes me feel better just by watching her :)

A Big Surprise

2010-07-28T20:47:00.000-07:00

I know it's been a while since I've done any journaling, so I thought this experience that I'm going through might be something I could write about that might be helpful to someone else. So, here goes my latest adventure in life...

about 6 months ago I would be awakened from a deep sleep with severe leg pains in my right calf. These pains were NOT cramps (I use to be a swimmer, so I know what those feel like), this was a deep, sharp pain.
I had not had any real complaints over the past year. So, in March it was time for me to go back to my Dr to get all of my prescriptions refilled. I was suppose to have a follow up appointment with her, but didn't get around to it until the beginning of this month. At that appointment all was good. My blood pressure was better than it ever was and I was feeling pretty good except I was tired all the time, I started to see these 'white spots or balloons' going up and down my left and right perifial vision field. I also felt like the arthritis in my right knee was flaring up. The Dr. reviewed my test and found that my thyroid was barely functioning. She increased my synthroid from 75 to 100. She also said I needed to see an eye Dr.
So, I went to the eye Dr. last week. After a thorough exam, the Dr. said I did NOT have a torn retina, but I am having Ocular Migraines. That's why I see the 'white spots'.
About 10 days ago, I was standing when I felt a sharp pain behind my right knee. Pain rain down my right calf and I had to make an appointment with an urgent care Dr. at the clinic where I go. I wasn't even able to walk into the clinic. Rick had to get a wheel chair for me. When I saw the Dr., he was sure that I had a Baker's Cyst that had ruptured behind my knee. He wanted to make sure I didn't have a blood clot in my calf, so he took a blood test and ordered a series of x-rays.
The next day he called and told me that the x-rays showed that I have moderate arthritis, liquid on my knee, and calcium deposits as well. He recommended that I go to an Orthopedic Dr.
The next day after that he called again saying that something was very wrong with my kidney function. So, he reordered my meds.... cutting some out and adding some. And he wanted me to see my Dr. as soon as possible.
This brings me up to today. I went to see my Dr. and the first thing she did was show me my blood tests from March and 10 days ago. In March, my Creatine level (which determines your kidney function) was 1.0 (which is great!!! 1.0 - 1.7 is normal) Then she showed me that the blood test 10 days ago showed 2.8, which is way NOT right in only 4 months. She was sure that some how my blood test got mixed up with someone else's. So, she ordered a new blood test. She also was very concerned that my blood pressure was so faint/low. And that my pulse was 41. She said I need to get that up to mid-50's/60s.
I was only home about 30 minutes when the Dr. called and said... I just got done talking to a Nephrologist and we are really concerned because the blood test today was up to 3.0 and there was blood in the urine. I couldn't believe her urgency and concern. She kept saying... "this is not right". So, now the plan is to get another blood test on Tues., then I have another appointment with her on Thur. On that day I will be getting an ultra-sound of my kidneys and if the blood test shows an elevated Creatine level, then I will immediately go to the nephrologist. Both she and the Dr she talked to seem to think I might have RHABDOMYOLYSIS. She explained that this happens as a result of muscle cells breaking down and lodging in the kidneys causing damage.
So, what a big surprise... I would never ever had thought that all of this would be happening to me. I'll keep you all posted.

You Are Not Alone...

2010-07-19T08:56:00.000-07:00

You are not alone - For God is with you.
You are not defenseless - For God is your protector.
You are not inadequate - For God is your sufficiency.
You are not useless - For God has a purpose for your life.
You are not worthless - For God sent His Son to die for you.
You are not without hope - For God has a place prepared for you.
You are not unloved - For God loves you with an everlasting love.
You are not rejected, or abandoned - For God calls you His own.

"I will never fail you. I will never abandon you." So we can say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?" Hebrews 13:5-6 NLT

Devotional by Roy Lessin

We're going to have a new member of our family!!!

2010-06-26T21:27:00.000-07:00

For years now I've wanted to get another 4 legged fur ball to call our own and I think I've found her!!! She is in the top picture (the one on the left) her parents are below. The people 'dad' of them all says our little girl was the runt of the litter and is a real sweetie.

I've been talking with Mr Piper about his 'new sis' that will be here at the beginning of Aug and he doesn't seem too interested right now :)

Now we have to focus on the perfect name for our 'sweetie'. My first thought is Gracie. I have always liked that name, but am not sure it's the one. If you have any ideas, I'd love to hear them!

I highly recommend..

2010-05-28T21:21:00.000-07:00

I have always loved History, especially American History. It was my favorite subject while in school. Well a few weeks ago Rick told me I should watch this new series on the History Channel. It's called "America, the Story of Us" So I decided to take his advice and was so glad I did!!! I've just started watching and am hooked!!! I'm learning things that were not taught to us in History in the 60s & 70s. And like all good students, I'm doing my homework to make sure this account lines up with reality. And it seems to be true. I am also excited because I am able to watch it whenever I like thanks to "On Demand" and Comcast. This might be something interesting for those of you who also love 'the story of US' :)

Another NEW Book

2010-05-26T23:27:00.000-07:00

Catherine Martin is one of my most favorite Christian writers. I love reading her books. Just when I start it seems I've come to the end of the chapter. And this is a 30-day journey book. That means I get to savor each day my time with God. I'd love to challenge you to pick up one of her books. You won't regret it!

Back in the swing again :)

2010-05-21T15:12:00.000-07:00

For those of you who didn't know that I design knitted items, mainly dishcloths, I thought I'd share a couple of pictures of what I make. I'm thanking God for this blessing and for the time off. Now it's time to get back 'into' it again :)

Pattern Grouping #55

Pattern Grouping #56

Stop by HARVEST MOON DESIGNS to check out my over 500 patterns!

I'm BAAAAAAAAACCCCCCCCCCCKKKKKKKK

2010-05-17T18:39:00.000-07:00

I've been debating wheather to begin posting again or not. It's been such a very LONG time since I last posted. But as soon as I opened a forwarded message with this picture, I had to share!!! This is ONE OF MY MOST FAVORITE pictures. I've seen it before and loved it then as much as I do now. I LOVE this picture of Jesus at the heart's door as much as the traditional one mainly because it looks like Jesus is standing in front of a 'vintage' home. And those of you who do know me knows that I LOVE anything vintage. The picture also reminds me that it's not only important to let Jesus into your heart, but also into your home. I wouldn't want anything in my home that would offend or make me blush if Jesus came for a visit. What about you?

A New Year, A New Adventure...

2010-01-04T16:03:00.000-08:00

Come on over and see what I'm going to be doing in this new year... :)Just click on the title of this posting.

My 'Angel Bag'

2009-12-24T14:54:00.000-08:00

This is a bag I designed and sewed up while visiting with my parents. I'm happy with how it came out. The first picture is the front of the bag, the second is of the back.

I'mmmmmmmmmm BAAAACK!!!

2009-11-18T17:46:00.000-08:00

A LOT has been happening here...

My youngest son, Chris, who is in the Navy (going to be a Chef!) is finishing up 'A' school and will be going off to Japan before Christmas.

My mother has come through a kidney crisis that almost took her life.

My dad went back to the Cleveland Clinic for a checkup to make sure his bladder cancer has not grown back. And Thank YOU, God!!! No cancer seen!!!

And I've been from Ohio to Washington to New Jersey to Ohio in less than a month. Shortly after I got back from Ohio less than a month ago, my mom's only functioning kidney began to shut down. As I prayed to God about what I should do, He assured me to stay in Washington and that He would take care of my mom. So, Rick and I, having 2 weeks off of vacation, were able to spend some quality time together and on his last day of vacation I flew back to Ohio.

We are thanking God that He not only took good care of her, but has brought another wonderful, skillful, local dr into her life.

Rick and I both decided I needed to stay here until I'm no longer needed. :) One of the nice things about staying with my parents is that I get to see my son and his family! Weston, Joseph, Andrew, and Mylie.

Now that I finally figured out what went wrong on my blog, I've got a TON of pictures to post... all my 'crafty' eclectic things I've been working on... and say, if you'd like to take another peek into my daily life you can seem day by day what I'm doing on 'plurk'. Just look to the right --->

I'm so glad I'm back!!! :)
Blessings to you all!

A day I will never forget...

2009-09-11T19:54:00.000-07:00

Keeping Busy, Experiencing Blessings, and Prayers of Thanksgiving

2009-09-05T16:53:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I've had the time to really sit down and share what's been going on in my life, so I thought tonight might be a good time to do so.

I've been seeing this bag in my head for over a year now. And this week I finally got around to making my 'dream' come true. I really like the way it turned out. I'm sorry the picture isn't that good. I wanted to use different medias in order to create this "altered art" bag. This is the front of the bag.

This is the inside of the bag. I wanted to use a light color for the lining. I have a hard time seeing sometimes in a dark lined bag.

This is the back of the bag. since I used a batting, I went over each section with decorative sewing stitches. I LOVE my mom's sewing machine :) Next I'm going to make a large tote bag for my flight back to Washington in a few weeks.

Now for the blessings and thanksgivings...

Last month my Dad had knee surgery, during that time the doctors found out that he had bladder cancer. Within a few days my mom was told by her urologist that she would need to have a tube put in her back and would need to wear a bag on her back for the rest of her life. He told her that she had a blockage in the tube leading from her kidney into her bladder. My mom is one of my best friends and I told her to get a second opinion. To me what the doctor wanted to do didn't make sense. Instead of trying to find out why the tube was blocked, he wanted to do this procedure that would effect the rest of her life. So, she went to get a second opinion and that doctor (who also works in the same office) told her without looking at her records, that it seemed reasonable. So, I hopped on the first plane that I could get on and left Washington state and flew to Ohio. The day after I got here my mom and I both went to the dr to get more info on this procedure her urologist wanted to do. When the dr came into the room he looked at my mom and said "what are you doing here?" My mom said "we are here to get some of our questions answered about this procedure that we're going to have done." The dr said, with a big grin on his face "We're not going to do the procedure." my mom said "We aren't?" and he said "you didn't trust me and you went to get a second opinion. I am no longer your dr." I was shocked and furious!!!! "I said, you mean to tell me that you've been treating her for over 12 years and now because she went to get a second opinion, you won't treat her?" and he said "that's right" and then he said "If I were you I'd get yourself a new dr right away because you don't have much time!!!!" My mom asked "how much time do I have" and he said "I'm no longer your dr so I won't discuss it!!!!!!" I was so MAD!!!!!!! But God was once again in total control!!! This incident happened on Fri. by Mon. afternoon BOTH of my parents had appointments at Cleveland Clinic, one of the top 4 hospitals of the US!!! So, that Wed. my mom had her first appointment with a new urologist and my dad saw the top dr who deals with bladder cancer on Thur. Since they live 4 hours drive from Cleveland, we spent most of that week in the Guesthouse. While we were there EVERYONE from the people who drove the shuttles, to the nurses and drs were so very nice. We couldn't believe that EVERYONE actually seemed to like their jobs and that they tried to make life there better. My dad had surgery on Fri of that week. After 3 turmors were removed he was given chemo directly into his bladder and is doing fine. We thank God for that healing and for his drs and nurses who took care of him. My mom's dr said that from the CD of the ultrasound and the records that we brought that he did NOT believe my mom had a blockage and as a matter of fact, he felt sure she had a reflux problem in her bladder that has over the past 12 years has damaged her only working kidney and if the previous dr had treated that she would have more kidney function that what she now has. He sent her home after some tests and had made an appointment for her to return in 2 weeks. We had only been home for a few days and my mom's dr called and said we needed to get to Cleveland as soon as possible because my mom had an infection that only iv antibiotics would kill. So, again we through clothes in a bag, put my dad in the car, took the dog to the doggie hotel and we were off again to Cleveland. As soon as we got there and got my dad comfortable in the Guesthouse then my mom was admitted to the hospital and ivs started. During her stay, the dr did another procedure to check on that possible 'blockage' that her original dr was sure was there. THANK GOD!!! he was wrong!!!! There was NO blockage!!!! If she would have 'just trusted him', she would have had to wear that tube in her back for ever. Instead the new dr found she does have a reflux problem in her bladder and came up with a plan that is so much easier for her to live with. She still has to go to Cleveland for follow ups. But we ALL learned a lesson on our own HEALTH CARE.... GET A SECOND OPINION!!!!! Thank you all for your prayers and thoughts, we all appriecate all the kindnesses you've shown.

Family News!

2009-07-26T22:31:00.001-07:00

Our youngest son, Chris, has enlisted in the US Navy and will be 'shipping out' on Aug. 12!
We are so very proud of Chris. He has prayed and been so patient during the 6 months that it's taken to get through all the red tape. After Basics, he will be going to Culinary Arts school.
May God be with you Chris!
Love you much!!

My next book

2009-06-21T22:03:00.000-07:00

I decided to read this book, Winter Haven by Athol Dickson, for my next adventure and I'm glad I did. As soon as I picked it up I knew that this was the one... ever experienced that before? Well, any way, this is a Christian fiction book. I LOVE mysteries and suspense. Although I've only just started reading I'm already in love with the way the author uses words. He gives such detailed descriptions that you can see, hear, feel, smell, and live what the main character is going through. I know this will NOT be the only book from Mr Dickson that I'll read :)

Another GREAT book!!!

2009-06-19T16:34:00.000-07:00

I just finish Randy Alcorn's book " The Treasure Principle". I LOVED IT!!!! Yes, it's about giving, but it's NOT based on 'giving to get' but on the Biblical principle 'that since all we have comes from God, then it's our responsibility to use what He's given accordingly.' There are a few points either I had not heard before or that really impressed me, they are:

Since we are God's money manager's we need to seek His advice in the areas that He'd like us to invest in.
Leaving large amounts of money to our children after our deaths may rob them of a blessing from God.
The only thing Jesus said in the book of Acts was: "It is more blessed to give than to receive."
We often hear the saying "home is where your heart is" well so goes our 'treasures'. If our hearts are in the business of giving, our 'treasures' will not be of this world but of the one we will one day enter (that is if your giving is as to the Lord, and not for pride or selfish means)
What we do in this life has but a short time to live (or be active) but what we do to further God's Kingdom now will not only help others now, but us later.
I am a citizen of Heaven with all the rights that go along with that citizenship. I am only spending a short time here.

If you'd like to know more about giving and the blessings you get from giving, I'd really recommend this book. As I've mentioned before Rick and I have been so blessed since we started seriously giving as a means of worship and praise. As my mom always says "You can never out give God!!!" It just took me a longer time to learn this... sure wish I had taken advantage of these principles earlier in my life.

A Bump in the Road

2009-06-09T09:44:00.000-07:00

Well, after a very short wait for the 'SINNER' book at the library, I finally got to start reading it yesterday. I was really excited to be starting it when I realized that I need to read the previous books in order to get the full picture of the story. So, I guess this book will have to wait until it's my turn to read the other 2 books in the series. I need to make another trip to the library to return this book for the next person to enjoy.In the mean time, I'm really loving the Randy Alcorn book "THE TREASURE PRINCIPLE". There are so many wonderful things in this little book. It's exciting to be a part of GOD's circle of life... He give to us, we give to others, they to go others, God gives back to us and the circle of true happiness begins. And one of the best parts in this circle is that in the end, when we are in Heaven, God isn't going to ask to see our savings account or our credit card receipts, but He is going to pull out a scroll and remind us of what we did and what we gave in His name and on that day, in that moment in time, God will reward us with riches that no fire, hurricane, debt collector or flood can destroy!!! I LOVE that and can't wait. My prayer now in this moment is "God help me to be sensitive enough to know where you want me to give YOUR money, time, and help."

"For where your treasures are, there will your heart be also..

Little did I know...

2009-06-04T13:37:00.000-07:00

If you've been reading my blog for a while, you probably noticed that I've been concerned about the time when 'Chrisitans' will be seen as the 'enemy' and our freedoms and rights will be undermined. Well, as I was searching for my next fiction book to read, I ran across this interview in which Ted Dekker talks about his current best seller "Sinner". I can't decide if I want to start the series or just read this book. I've read "Adam" which Dekker wrote also. And when he says he writes 'edgy' books, he's right. But I just can't get this new book out of my head. The video below not only explains Dekker's new book, but also what I've been talking about for a long time now... scary... yet truthful... and Biblically based... I'm not making these things up...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOM!!!

2009-06-03T09:25:00.000-07:00

Myspace Graphics- At Myspacejunks.com

WE LOVE YOU LOTS!!! ;)

This one's for you! Remember the day(s)...

Summer Reading...

2009-06-02T18:44:00.000-07:00

This is the book I've decided to read now. The author, Randy Alcorn, is one of my favorites. Quoting from the back cover of the book, "Priceless treasure is within your reach. And with it, liberating joy. In Randy Alcorn's THE TREASURE PRINCIPLE, you'll unearth a radical teaching of Jesus-a secret wrapped up in giving. One you discover this secret, life will never look the same. And you won't want it to! Do it. Ask God what's on your mind... Open my eyes, Father. What am I holding on to thats robbing me of present joy and future reward?" This is a quick read... kinda like a gift book. But packed for of jems like "You can't take it with you, but you can send it on ahead." This is not for people who say 'but I don't have anything to give, or for those who 'need every penny'. It is for those who realize that God already owns everything they now have or will ever have. After all, He really owns everything, we are only His managers or caretakers.

I'm also continueing to work my way through the Old Testament. Genisis through Malichi. I'm currently in Numbers during my evening reading and Zechariah in my morning reading. Won't you join me! Get to know God's love letter!!!! Below is a fun way to learn the books of the Bible...

Yes, I'm on my soapbox.... again!!!

2009-05-28T07:47:00.000-07:00

I just finished reading this article, Bush v. Gore lawyers take on gay marriage ban. I'm very concerned about this. To me it's not about legalizing gay marriages or not, it's about our freedom to vote and how there is coming a time when our votes mean nothing. The people of California voted to undo what the government put in place as a law. The people's votes were their voices. And now those who were for gay marriages are angry because the majority of people in their society said they didn't agree with the proposal, they are going to over rule the majority of their neighbors? I know a lot of people are upset about this and see nothing wrong with over turning the majority rule, but I do!!! And it's not about 'it' being right or wrong, it's about our freedom!!!!! Wake up America!!! I know, me being a 'born again' Christian who is not afraid to let her 'voice' be heard, my viewpoint on things isn't very popular, but I do have that right to believe that way, just as those who feel that gay marriage is ok have that right too. I'm not debating that, I'm just very concerned that America is well on her way to becoming a government that is ruled and owned by the government and that the power to control our country is now longer in the 'mighty' vote, but in the pocketbooks. The previous election is an example of that... who really bought the presidency? Where did all that money come from that put 'their' man in office? And now Rick just told me that he heard on CNN news that 'the powers that be' (money and power in America) are saying that until the economic times change, our country will be a socialistic country... it's right there on Twitter!!! I've been saying these things for years and people laugh at me, but I've been right about a lot of thing in my life in which others thought I was silly to believe what I do. Scroll down to my posting about Socialism and see where our headlines of today fall... and remember all the banks that have been 'bailed out' by the US government are now accountable to that same US government. God help us, have mercy on our country if not for any other reason than some of your children happen to reside here!!!

Finished...

2009-05-27T11:12:00.000-07:00

Today I finished 2 books that have made me look at things in a different light. The first is the book to the left, HEALING WATERS BY Nancy Rue & Stephen Arterburg and the complete NEW TESTAMENT. One of my goals for this year was to read through the complete Bible. And today, I completed half of that goal. One thing I see more clearly now is the BIG PICTURE. Although I've probably read the New Testament many times... a verse here and a chapter there, but reading it in it's entirety is a lot different. I was able to distinguish the individuals' voices as I read one letter to the next. I could see the differences in how each author, under God's direction, told the story of Jesus in the gospels. It means a lot more to me now and I would challenge you to do the same. What I did was start reading Matthew in the morning (1 chapter) and Revelations (1 chapter) in the evening. I also am reading the Old Testament through from Genesis through Malachi. I do this reading also during my evening reading. I have fallen again in love with the unbelievable God, my 'Abba'.

The second book I just finished, HEALING WATERS, really touched me. It is full of suspense, self-realization, a world view of some 'religious' people/leaders of this world. I don't want to give anything away, but Mary Graham (President of Women of Faith) says this about the book "For every women struggling with self worth, here's HEALING WATERS. My own personal quote from the book is "Salvation is not dependent on a dress size". I LOVE THAT!!! You can click on the picture to order a copy of your own or to read more about the book. Check it out!

So, if you're about to go on a vacation and need something to read, I whole heartily recommend these 2 books!!!

Memories

2009-05-25T12:00:00.000-07:00

I know it's not Veteran's Day, but I think this is a beautiful poem. Having lived most of my adult life as a Navy wife, this means a lot to me. And we will soon be placing our son, Chris, in the Navy's hands as he's about to enlist. God bless him as well as all our men and women who are now, and who in the past, have given their lives for our country!

Veteran’s Day TributeWhen America had an urgent need,
These brave ones raised a hand;
No hesitation held them back;
They were proud to take a stand.They left their friends and family;
They gave up normal life;
To serve their country and their God,
They plowed into the strife.They fought for freedom and for peace
On strange and foreign shores;
Some lost new friends; some lost their lives
In long and brutal wars.Other veterans answered a call
To support the ones who fought;
Their country had requirements for
The essential skills they brought.We salute each and every one of them,
The noble and the brave,
The ones still with us here today,
And those who rest in a grave.So here’s to our country’s heroes;
They’re a cut above the rest;
Let’s give the honor that is due
To our country’s very best.By Joanna Fuchs

A Beautiful Passage

2009-05-18T21:30:00.000-07:00

During my Bible reading tonight, I came across this passage... "⁹ You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich." 2 Cor. 8: 9. Unconditional love! that He would do that for you and me.

Jesus, the Great Teacher

2009-05-15T17:24:00.001-07:00

This is absolutely one of my most favorite pictures of Jesus. When I was teaching 4 year olds, one of the parents gave me a card with this picture on it. While ministering to these precious little ones, I could feel Jesus in our midst as we learned more together about the world He created for us and how we are to live with each other. I just had to share this. And although I miss teaching so very much, I sometimes think, maybe that's what my job in Heaven will be :)

"One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him.

¹⁴ When Jesus saw what was happening, he was angry with his disciples. He said to them, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children." Mark 10: 13 - 14 (NLT)

Happy MOM'S Day, MOM!!

2009-05-10T08:53:00.000-07:00

Thank YOU for being a Godly mom and for training me in the way of the Lord!!!
I LOVE YOU SOOOOOOOOOO!!

The Creative

2009-05-09T18:58:00.000-07:00

I am so excited about what I've been up to over the past week or so. I've been praying that God would show me new ideas in my designs. And I thought I'd show you what the results were. Many people wonder how I do this so I thought I'd explain the creative process that I go through in designing. The first thing I do is pray that God would lead me through or to give me an image in my mind's eye. I also ask to be lead or drawn to a color or a group of colors that seem to 'fit'. In the case of the little "KNITTED Granny Squares" I was thinking about how could I take a straight line and cause it to create "corners". Once I figured that out then I knew from experience how to make the 'holes' that would give the squares that 'Granny' look. I must admit it took about 7 times to really get the pattern down, but I'm really please with what God and I came up with. The second pattern on the right is called Bara (this word is Hebrew for create, to make something from nothing) As I picked up my needles and yarn I asked God to direct my hands and I heard the number 8, so I cast on 8 stitches. Then the Spirit seemed to say try something you'd think wouldn't work and we will work it out together. And that's how 'we' came up with a totally new and different stitch!!! I have many many stitch design books and have never seen this one. It's so exciting because the more I knit and as the cloth took shape it looked and felt just like an old retro chenille bathrobe or bedspread. I love both of them. So, as I completed the cloth I had to smile because it's it just like our Heavenly Father to give us something we love and to guide us through the times we've asked for His presence!

Nicole's Beautiful Lapghan

2009-05-01T11:13:00.000-07:00

I just had to share this picture of a client of mine's lapghan she made for a church raffle that they are having tomorrow in order to make money to complete a building project. She requested me to design something that she could contribute. I had a lot of fun designing this because each square means soemthing. I loved doing the research and getting to know more about the Catholic Church. Her church's name is St. Mary's.

Nicole, you did a wonderful job!!! Thank YOU for letting me be a part of this project.

Watch and See...

2009-04-30T19:02:00.001-07:00

Will we loose these freedoms? Watch & See....

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances." 1st Amendment to the US Constitution

Check this out... do a google search if you don't believe me...

"The oppressive, anti-faith "hate crimes" legislation passed the U.S. House of Representatives yesterday and is pending in the Senate. If passed, this legislation could stifle free-speech rights of pastors and other religious leaders."
Focus on the Family Newsletter

It's only a matter of time before the Government will be socialized and it will tell us how and what to believe! And where and what we can spend our money on. Sounds a lot like we'll soon be just puppets on a string... that is unless we are smart enough to realize what is really happening.

Happy 80th Birthday DAD!!

2009-04-26T15:14:00.000-07:00

I find myself wondering...

Did I give you your due..
For all that you've done for me
Did I ever thank you?

For all of my childhood memories
For helping me deal with life's stresses
For helping me accept my defeats
And celebrate my successes?

Or for teaching me the value of hard work,
Good judgement, courage, and being true
The laughter, smiles, and quiet times we've shared
Did I ever thank you?

If I have forgotten, I'm thanking you now
You taught me right from wrong....
I hope you know how much you're loved and appreciated
I hope you, instinctively, knew it all along.

Love you!!!

2009-04-25T21:12:00.000-07:00

One of the most precious gifts my parents gave us as children was the gift of travel. What a blessing to be able to see all the wonderful things God created for us and to meet people from all over this country. I found this map below that allows you to 'color' the map according to where you've traveled. As you can see, we were blessed to be able to see all of the US except Alaska. When we grew up, my parents completed their dream with a cruise along the Alaskan coast. We really do have a beautiful land!!!

visited 49 states (98%)
Create your own visited map of The United States or

Laughter is the BEST medicine

2009-04-24T12:45:00.001-07:00

As soon as I ran across this video it brought back so many wonderful memories of my teaching days... kids really do say the most profound things. Take a look...

Storing up treasures

2009-04-19T12:11:00.001-07:00

For the last few years I've wished I was a home owner. That is until the past 6 months. Now I understand that it was God's will for us not to be tied down with so many earthly 'things'. Because Rick and I have moved long distances and because I really never felt connected or grounded in any one area, we never have 'collected' all the things most people our age have. Being like this makes moving when God leads so much easier. Little did I realize that, God has actually been teaching us something all along. Where our treasure is that's where our hearts will be. We are living in the day (not the future), giving as God commands and listening when He speaks. And we have the assurance that when we do as he says, we will be protected by jobloss, economic disaster, and want. In this area of faith and trust God says in Malachi "Try it! Put me to the test!" He goes on and says that "Your crops will be abundant, for I will guard them from insects and disease." And it's been about 3 years now that we have been following these principles and all our needs God has supplied.

Yesterday I picked up another book by Randy Alcorn "Money, Possessions, and Eternity". In the video below Randy talks about the principle above. Please watch with an open heart and allow God to show you the way out of an otherwise bad situation. I know that if you trust God and do as He asks He is faithful. If He can do these things for us, He can do them for you too because God is no respector of people. He loves us all the same. And wants to bless all His children in the same ways.

He Is Risen!!!!!

2009-04-12T12:20:00.000-07:00

How Great Is Our God...

2009-04-10T11:26:00.000-07:00

At a time when so many people are stuggleing with their own lives, many loose sight of God. In order to harvest God's blessings, one has to be right with God. The only way to be right is to understand who God is and who we are. As we celebrate Jesus' resurrection and the Jewish Passover, let us not forget How Great Is Our God...

2009-04-05T08:53:00.001-07:00

Since I've been doing a lot of reading in God's Word, The Bible, and because today is Palm Sunday, I decided this week to finally watch the movie THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST. I thought that now I was strong enough to watch it without letting my emotions take over. I was wrong!!! And I'm so very thankful I was wrong. Through this very graphic reinactment of the final hours of MY LORD AND SAVIOR I gained the true nature of just what he did for me and the extent of the pain he endured because of his unconditional love he showers on me and all that are his children. I would encourage all of you to try and get hold of this movie and watch what he did because he loves us so. I think you will look on the Easter story... Jesus' story... in a very different way. I think, like I thought, that we don't want to know exactly what he went through to provide a way for us to get to God. I think we feel that we don't need to 'see' what he went through because it's too painful for us to watch. Maybe you're like that. I know I was. But after watching this I understand just how much God loves me that he would allow Jesus to go through what he did and I understand now the true sacrifice that Jesus went through. Watching this movie has gotten this message way down in my very being... in my soul. I will NEVER again take my thankfulness for what Jesus did for ME on the cross so lightly. I would again encourage you to watch this. It's very very powerful and if you can walk away from viewing what Jesus did for you without any feeling, then I will pray that your heart would no longer be hardened. There is only one way to the Father, God. And that is through the blood of Jesus that he so freely gave for our sins. I know this isn't a popular way of believing any more, but IT IS THE ONLY WAY!

The REAL Stairway To Heaven

2009-03-24T22:20:00.001-07:00

Today in my Bible reading I fell in love with this verse:
Then he said, "I tell you the truth, you will all see heaven open and the angels of God going up and down on the Son of Man, the one who is the stairway between heaven and earth."
John 1: 51 (NLT)

This has been banned in America

2009-03-23T10:29:00.000-07:00

I recently got this in an email message and was saddened when I read that in many many US radio/tv stations this video is now banned!!!! YES, in AMERICA... freedom of speech? Where has it gone? People against Christ and His followers are allowed and even encouraged to let THEIR beliefs be known on the street corners, in the classroom, and in our congress... for THEM what THEY say and believe IS FREEDOM... but for those like me and the singers of this song what we have to say or believe is unpolitically correct... where oh where has OUR FREEDOM really gone?

Great Is Thy Faithfulness

2009-03-13T20:42:00.000-07:00

The video below is in honor of a dear family friend's passing.
Mr Jones we know you are rejoicing with Jesus and are now totally healed!!

Today is Beautiful Christian Sisters Day!!

2009-03-10T13:03:00.000-07:00

Christians

by Maya Angelou

'A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ
that a man should have to seek Him first to find her.'
When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not shouting 'I'm clean livin''
I'm whispering 'I was lost, Now I'm found and forgiven.'
When I say... 'I am a Christian' I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.
When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak and need His strength to carry on.
When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.
When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible but, God believes I am worth it.
When I say... 'I am a Christian' I still feel the sting of pain..
I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name.
When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not holier than thou,
I'm just a simple sinner Who received God's good grace, somehow!
Pretty is as Pretty does... but beautiful is just plain beautiful!

TODAY IS BEAUTIFUL CHRISTIAN SISTERS DAY!!!

Sho U Chicken Recipe :)

2009-03-05T19:44:00.000-08:00

One of the best things about Hawaii is it's mix of foods from all over the world. Whatever kind of food you like best, you can find it there. The other day my Sis (Vicky) emailed me a favorite "local kine" Shoyu Chicken Recipe. I made it today, but didn't get a picture taken before the sun went down :( BUT trust me it was just as good as any I've had in Hawaii.... IT'S SIMPLE, INEXPENSIVE TO MAKE, & IT'S GOOD!!! I hope you will give it a try!!! :)
Sho-U Chicken (Soy Sauce Chicken)

1 thumb size piece of ginger root, peeled
1 c. brown sugar
1 c. soy sauce
1/2 c. water
1 clove garlic, mashed
1 4-5 lb. pkg chicken thighs, skin removed (about 10-12 thighs, you can also use leg quarters)

Place first 5 ingredients in crock-pot, stir. Add chicken thighs. Cook on high for 6-8 hours or low for 10-12 hours. Serve with rice.

In Hawaii we called this a plate lunch and was served not only with rice but also with mac salad. When I was teaching prek in Pearl City and on the days we had a field trip, I would always stop at this little 'whole in the wall'. It's called Kabuki and it's at 98-042 Kam Hwy
Aiea, HI 96701. I would walk up to that open window on the left and there would be various choices of local foods. They would put my choices in a little white box with chop sticks. How fun!!! Loved it!!! (I also loved their ono fish, vegie tempura, sushi, sausage... I guess I loved it all!) :)LOL

Never A Dull Moment :)

2009-03-01T16:13:00.000-08:00

The other day I saw a group on Ravelry (a knitting/crocheting social network) in which every member created a photo journal. They were to take 1 picture a day and post it to their 'journal'. No words were needed, just the picture. Making the saying a picture has a thousand words. SOOO... I decided, I'm a bit late to be able to start with a group, so I've decided to do the same thing on my own. You can check out my 'photo' of the day at IN MY FOOTSTEPS. I think it's going to a lot of fun!!! I always wanted to be a photographer!!! :)LOL I hope you will stop by.

Something to think about...

2009-02-28T20:51:00.000-08:00

I ran across this quote from a minister serving during World War II...
"In Germany they came for the communists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a communist. Then they came for the Jews, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist. Then they came for the Catholics, and I didn't speak up because I was a Protestant. Then they came for me, and by that time no one was left to speak up."
Reverend Martin Niemoller, date unknown

What a day to be alive!!!

2009-02-21T11:19:00.000-08:00

I just came home from doing my usual Sat. running and had to come right to my puter to write about how happy I am to be alive!!! It's absolutely gorgeous today here in the Great Northwest. I'm still shaking due to sensory over load. The sky is beautiful blue... you know the kind... like on the day before Spring? The air is crisp and clean and it's a blessing to inflate your lungs with such cleansing breaths. The snowy covered mountains that stand guard around our little town of Bellingham are looking over this hamlet by the sound. I saw people walking stopping and chatting... people who haven't been out all winter were walking their dogs... there was a buzz of business at our neighborhood gardening store... ladies were turning the soil in their flowerbeds as if to wake up the beauties that are sure to appear... men were out and about gathering things to fix up things around their homes that had been neglected during the winter... and through it all I just thanked God for allowing me to be right here... right now... to experience this beautiful day!!! What a wonderful way to worship the creator and to thank Him for the beauty of His Earth.... I love the way He loves me!!!

Were It Not For Grace

2009-02-15T07:59:00.001-08:00

Love... real love...

2009-02-14T21:23:00.000-08:00

On this day when the whole world seems to be celebrating love, I became aware of how much I love... I love my husband... I love my children and their children... I love my parents... and my sister and brother and their children and grandchildren... I love my friends... and then I realized I love my God more with every minute and every passing hour and that I've got to start showing that love to those who need it. Francis Chan calls this Crazy Love. After having finished his book, my eyes have been opened to a new love. One that I'm going to nurture from now on for the rest of my life.

If you've ever wanted to know what God really wants for your life, this book might be a good place to start... the key is that He wants a relationship with you... all he wants is your love.

I've often heard people say who they want to talk to when they get to Heaven... that is after they spend some time with Jesus... up until now, other than family & friends, I had no one that I could think of that I'd really like to sit down with and just talk about God's wonders, glories, and love... that is until now... now I know, Rev. Chan is who I want to 'chat' with. I want to live every day (now BEFORE I get to Heaven) with Jesus by my side and in my thoughts and I want to be thinking constantly about Heaven. Then the next time I see that man on the corner with his sign asking for money, I'm going to forget what "they" tell us to do and I will see Jesus in his eyes and I will make sure I have some money to give. I get it now.

Just listen to what Francis says about our wonderful God...

You, a Born Again American? I am!!!

2009-02-11T12:20:00.000-08:00

Add YOUR Voice

Thanks, Mom... what a blessing!!

2009-02-11T07:00:00.000-08:00

Since we're talking about what our hands can do for others, let us never forget where we should put our faith in times of trouble and times of plenty... they are so strong...

Trying To Be Something We're Not

2009-02-05T12:36:00.000-08:00

As I was flipping through the channels a few minutes ago, I came across Joyce Meyers. She was talking about something that really touched me and made me think of myself in a different way. Joyce was talking about trying to be like others and not being who God made us to be. Some of her Bible references had to do with how God says he knew us before we were even formed in our mother's womb. And after creating, God said "It is good". He didn't say "well... this is good... this is not so good... this is NOT good... he said 'everything I made is good'. The eye-opening thing that she said that really touched home is "It is an insult to God for trying to be/wanting to be just like someone else." He created each of us for something special. He has a purpose for each of us. He didn't make us all to be exactly a like. I've always been amazed when I was teaching how many children who came through my classroom and each looked so different from each other and they each had such different personalities. What a wonder God is that in creating each of us, He never gets bored or never runs out of ideas in His creation. People ask me all the time "How do you come up with so many designs?" And I don't know how, except God gives me ideas... many times, I have no idea where the name of a design comes from, except I seem to hear or sense it and that's what it becomes. As a designer/creator, I wonder as I begin a cloth where will it go... sometimes I have no idea until it's done... but God being THE great designer/creator... He knows before He even starts what each of us will be or how He will want to use us. It's up to us to realize it's Jesus living in us that works through us, it's not we ourselves. With looking at life in that manner we can see that we do have a purpose and that purpose isn't to be a replica of someone else.

There is a caution though to what I've just said... yes, everything that God makes is good, but being good doesn't mean we are perfect or without sin. We all have sinned and fallen short of God's will for our lives, but the most wonderful thing that our loving Father gives is forgiveness through the sacrificial death of His son, Jesus. Once we ask Jesus into our hearts, God sees us through Jesus' blood and we are 'good' again. What kind of love is that?

Just Stop And Think

2009-01-31T09:13:00.000-08:00

After finally finishing the book "Heaven", I was at a loss as to what to read next. I know I posted 4 books that I got in December for my reading list, but for some reason, I just didn't have the drive to pick any of those books up. I don't know about you, but when I really get into a book, the book becomes alive in me. All of my senses are awaken by reading. It as if I jump into the book and the author is my best friend who leads me along the way. Well, a few weeks ago, I got a coupon in the mail for 33% off of one item at our local Christian book store. I didn't want it to go to waste, so I went to the store thinking I'd like to find a Nativity set that might be marked down. Instead, I found this little red book called "Crazy Love". I picked it up, read the back cover, put it down... looked around the store... picked up a few other things... but I kept going back to the book... God was leading me... telling me... 'YOU NEED THIS ONE'. So, I bought it and I just started reading it and all I can saw is "WOW!!!" I know this is going to be my next "favorite book". I don't want to spoil it because I'm praying that many of you might be enticed and will want to read it too!!! But I will say, it is very very easy to read and there are on-line videos to go with every chapter. PLEASE take the time to watch this video.... Please JUST STOP AND THINK....

God Bless!

Opening & Closing Doors :)

2009-01-27T19:55:00.001-08:00

When God leads you to the edge of the cliff, trust Him fully and let go, only 1 of 2 things will happen, either He'll catch you when you fall, or He'll teach you how to fly! 'The power of one sentence! God is going to shift things around for you today and let things work in your favor. If you believe, tell it. God closes doors no man can open & God opens doors no man can close. If you need God to open, some doors for you...the ask Him to do it for you and BELIEVE. Have a blessed day and remember to be a blessing..

I will not be counted as one to keep my mouth quiet...

2009-01-25T12:04:00.000-08:00

For a long time now, I've wanted to watch the movie "Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed". Today I got the opportunity to watch it and was amazed that once again another freedom of the Christian community in America is being stifled. Well known educators who are the science community are being fired and black balled in AMERICA for even mentioning Intelligent Designed!!!! WE are loosing some of our best scientific minds in fear that they might mention God. How very sad!!! When are we going to WAKE UP!!!! Censorship in America is a very quiet power that is rising and gaining a stronghold in all areas of life, especially in the academic arena. This same kind of censorship is not found in other countries.... strange, but true.

Keeping with this same theme about keeping quiet about 'Godly' things, my dear friend Elaine from Hawaii, called me this week so upset because she had just started a new teaching job with Head Start. She had just been let go after only a few days because she 'prayed' with the children before they ate their lunch. Just like me, Elaine has spent most of her almost 30 years of teaching prek in a church school, were freedom abounds. But she learned a really sad lesson about 'government' education. She was told that she was to never allow Christianity to enter into her classroom by her words or her actions. And because Head Start is a government program, they could not 'risk' having this very loving child/parent teacher in their program. Because they didn't want to 'risk' loosing funding by our federal government. It's ok to 'demean' and 'humiliate' children (which I have first hand knowledge of happening in public/government sponsored schools)and to 'burst their bubble of innate faith that all children have' but it's not ok to teach children principles like "do unto others how you'd like them to do unto you"... and we wonder why children are killing children IN SCHOOLS!!! ???? Where has common sense gone?

Learning to save money from the past :)

2009-01-23T16:01:00.000-08:00

I think we are all trying our best to be as frugal as we can these days. In my own search for ways I can make our food budget go further, I began looking in the past for possible ways that others have done to stretch a dollar. The first thing I did was search our local library for old recipe books published during the late 30's - mid 50's. I didn't have very good results, so I then went to Ebay. Below you will see 3 of 4 books that I bought. I thought maybe I'd share a few things from them. I've seen all of these cookbooks quite often on ebay, so they are still out there for purchase.

One of Rick's favorite foods is a quick sandwich. Since we live so close to his work place, he comes home every day for lunch. I might try one of these ideas that have come right out of the Victory Cookbook:
Misc. Sandwiches & Sandwich Fillings:
-Raisins mixed into cream cheese
-Chopped raisins, figs, dates, or prunes, mixed with chopped nut-meats and moistened with mayo
-Peanut butter mixed with mayo and mixed with raisins, dates, figs, or bananas (this is one of Rick's favorites)
-Equal parts of olives, peanut butter, celery mixed with a little salad dressing
-Cream cheese mixed with chopped stuffed olives
-Chopped stuffed olives and nuts mixed with a little salad dressing
-Cream cheese mixed with crushed pineapple between very thin bread slices
-Currant jam with pounded walnut meats and creamed butter
-Pimentos, cucumbersm and onion or chives minced, and mixed with mayo and spread on wheat bread
As you can see during the war years peanut butter and cream cheese seemed to be staples. And while I'm sharing ideas for sandwiches, I thought I'd share 2 other recipes that I make quite often. These were very common in my home when I was growing up in the 60's and 70's:

Sandwich Spread
3 lbs Bologna or Cooked Ham (I like to buy it in a chunk, but bologna is hard to find now a days in our area) you will need to grind this. I have an electric food grinder that I use, but I have used a food processor.
4 hard boiled eggs that I also put through the grinder
1 small jar of relish (I use sweet relish... I don't like quite that much, but Rick does)
Enough mayo to make the spread moist. Rick likes a lot of mayo, so I would say I put in at least a cup or more.

After putting the Bologna or ham through the grinder along with the eggs, I then mix that up and add in the relish, the last thing I do is add the mayo. You might have to adjust the recipe according to your or your family's own likes. This goes a long way and we like it on crackers, bread, even on toast.

My Favorite Pimento Cheese Spread!!!
I LOVE this and Rick has requests every week for sandwiches made from this by his co-workers. I think we give away more than we eat :)LOL
I use what I think is a 3lb chunk of Medium Cheddar Kroger Brand Cheese (this is always on sale and is about $5.00)
2 large jars of chopped pimentos
a good amount of mayo (the same as above) depending on personal taste

Using the food grinder, I put both the cheese and the pimentos through the grinder alternating the two making sure that cheese goes through last. I then mix that up and again, add a good amount of mayo. This is sooo good on bread or crackers. And is best at room temperature so it is easier to spread.

I store both in air tight containers. I'm not sure how long these spreads stay fresh in the fridge, our's don't last more than a week :)LOL

Search Me Oh God

2009-01-17T20:01:00.000-08:00

Dr. Charles Stanley is my absolute favorite Bible teacher today. If you've never taken the time to listen to him, I would encourage you to do so especially this week. You can hear him talk on YOUR SPIRITUAL GROWTH... it doesn't matter if you've been a Christian for a long time, or just making your way to the Lord, there is something in this sermon for you. I was really blessed and have taken this message to heart. Based in Psalms 139, Dr Stanley explains the importance of us asking God "search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you and lead me along the path of everlasting life." (Psalms 139: 23 - 24 NLT)

The song below added to the worship and blessed me so...

I LOVE this story...

2009-01-09T08:37:00.000-08:00

Today I got the story below in an email from my mom. Although I just LOVE this story, I'm sure she sent it to me because it involved a teacher and it really does sound like something I would have done with my class when I was teaching. She didn't know this, but many years after I had graduated from college when my boys were well into school, I went back to college to do further study in Psychology. During one of my classes, my prof asked us to write down 5 things about someone in the room and then tape the paper on the back of the person and then we were suppose to try and get that person to know what others thought about them. Well, I will never ever forget one of the things the young man who wrote my 'characteristics' wrote (I would NEVER have thought this about myself)... He wrote: "Sue has a very kind smile. I can tell she cares about others because she listens." If you've been reading my blog for a while, you know that a couple of years ago I had to get dentures due to my extreme anemia that I had suffered with. Well, since I was a child, I've been aware how crooked my teeth were. I use to get teased a lot because of them. But being 'the strong one' I just learned to live with it and then when I started teaching preschoolers I learned an important lesson from them... whenever they use to say "Mrs Schaefer, why are your teeth falling out?" I would always tell them... "they aren't, this is how God made me... we're all different, and this is my way of being different" So, when the young man put that paper on my back, and everyone talked about my smile, it made me look at myself in a different way still... I thought most people only saw what's apparent (my crooked teeth) not my spirit. This story below reminds me of my own experience... it's so important that we do tell others... what we sow is truly what we reap....

One day a teacher asked her students to list the names of the other
students in the room on two sheets of paper, leaving a space
between each name.

Then she told them to think of the nicest thing they could say
about each of their classmates and write it down.

It took the remainder of the class period to finish their
assignment, and as the students left the room, each one handed in
the papers.

That Saturday, the teacher wrote down the name of each student on a
separate sheet of paper, and listed what everyone else had said
about that individual.

On Monday she gave each student his or her list. Before long, the
entire class was smiling. 'Really?' she heard whispered. 'I never
knew that I meant anything to anyone!' and, 'I didn't know others
liked me so much,' were most of the comments.

No one ever mentioned those papers in class again. She never knew
if they discussed them after class or with their parents, but it
didn't matter. The exercise had accomplished its purpose. The
students were happy with themselves and one another. That group of
students moved on.

Several years later, one of the students was killed in

VietNam and his teacher attended the funeral of that special
student. She had never seen a serviceman in a military coffin
before. He looked so handsome, so mature.

The church was packed with his friends. One by one those who loved
him took a last walk by the coffin. The teacher was the last one to
bless the coffin.

As she stood there, one of the soldiers who acted as pallbearer
came up to her. 'Were you Mark's math teacher?' he asked. She
nodded: 'yes.' Then he said: 'Mark talked about you a lot.'

After the funeral, most of Mark's former classmates went together
to a luncheon. Mark's mother and father were there, obviously
waiting to speak with his teacher.

'We want to show you something,' his father said, taking a wallet
out of his pocket 'They found this on Mark when he was killed. We
thought you might recognize it.'

Opening the billfold, he carefully removed two worn pieces of
notebook paper that had obviously been taped, folded and refolded
many times. The teacher knew without looking that the papers were
the ones on which she had listed all the good things each of Mark's
classmates had said about him.

'Thank you so much for doing that,' Mark's mother said. 'As you can
see, Mark treasured it.'

All of Mark's former classmates started to gather around. Charlie
smiled rather sheepishly and said, 'I still have my list. It's in
the top drawer of my desk at home.'

Chuck's wife said, 'Chuck asked me to put his in our wedding album.'

'I have mine too,' Marilyn said. 'It's in my diary'

Then Vicki, another classmate, reached into her pocketbook, took
out her wallet and showed her worn and frazzled list to the group.
'I carry this with me at all times,' Vicki said and without batting
an eyelash, she continued: 'I think we all saved our lists'

That's when the teacher finally sat down and cried. She cried for
Mark and for all his friends who would never see him again.

The density of people in society is so thick that we forget that
life will end one day. And we don't know when that one day will be.

So please, tell the people you love and care for, that they are
special and important. Tell them, before it is too late

Starting out right :)

2009-01-06T15:54:00.000-08:00

I am really looking forward to what God has in store for me this new year. :) I had my final visit with my Dr on the 2nd and I got a very good report... my blood pressure was great and the doctor even checked it 3 more times for her own reassurance. So, what took a year to do, was well worth it. Thank you God!!!

Today I finished my 30 days of in depth Bible Study using the "Knowing & Loving The Bible" by Catherine Martin. I absolutely LOVE this book!!!! For anyone who is wanting to develop a closer relationship to God through studying His Word, I fully recommend this book. I love all the resources of Bible aids and how to really study the Bible. I also learned a lot about how God speaks to us through His word. This is one book I would give to the new believer, or to someone who has been walking with the Lord for a long time. I learned so much and I am so excited about being with God during 'our' quiet time, I now spend time with God in the morning, afternoon, and evening. I've discovered that this is THE most important thing I need to do every day.

These are my "To Read" books for this year. There's a little bit of everything... Bad Girls of the Bible by Liz Curtis Higgs (Character Bible Study), Thomas Kinkade & Katherine Spencer's Cape Light (first of a series), Jesus, the Man Who Loved Women by Bruce Marchiano (my relationship with Jesus) and Healing Waters by Nance Rue & Stephen Arterburn (fiction).

Although I've spent almost a year in my Heaven book by Randy Alcorn, I've loved every minute reading about my future home. I will admit, it starts out a bit deep, but once I got further into the book, I fell in love with it and didn't want to rush through the book. I've only got a little more to go. If you've ever wondered about Heaven and how to live today as if you're there, you should read this book. I will be sad when I finally finish it, but as you see, I've got a good stack I can start on :)

A new year, a new beginning...

2009-01-01T17:08:00.000-08:00

Well, here it is towards the end of the first day of a new year. When I was younger, I never really thought about making resolutions and really sticking to them. But as time has gone on, I have. :) Over the past 3 years, I've been able to incorporate those resolutions into my life and feel good about being able to do so. I've been really thinking about what I want to 'resolve' this year. The dictionary's definition of "resolution" is: "the act of resolving or determining upon an action or course of action, method, procedure, etc" The thesaurus defines "resolution" as: "determination, strong will". Some of the synonyms of "resolution" are: boldness, constancy, courage, dauntlessness, devotedness, decision, declaration, dedication, doggedness, earnestness, energy, firmness, fixed purpose, fortitude, guts, heart, immovability, intent, intention, judgment, mettle, moxie*, obstinacy, perseverance, pluck, purpose, purposefulness, pervasiveness, relentlessness, resoluteness, resolve, settlement, sincerity, spirit, spunk, staunchness, staying power, steadfastness, stubbornness, tenacity, verdict, willpower. I like the sound of any or all of those words... they sound a lot like me :)LOL... especially strong willed. One thing I don't want for my life in 2009 is to be the direct opposite of being "resolved"... that being complacent, indecisive, or weak.

Now, trying to put into words what I've decided to work on this year....

first and foremost I am going to be in the Word more than I ever have been. I love knowing that whenever I open God's Word, The Bible, that the Almighty is actually speaking to me. And although I've read so much of the Bible, I'm just know learning how to hear God speak to me directly.
I'm also going to work on accepting me just the way I am. Something I just don't understand about "the media" and real life is that.... a day never goes by when there isn't a news report or an article on the internet saying how obese we Americans are, yet... I've been over weight all my life and have been to probably 5 doctors in my 53 years and yet NONE of them EVER talk to me about my weight... and I'm not 5, 10, or even 20 pounds overweight, I am eligible for a lap band surgery, so you can imagine how much overweight I must be... and WITH blood pressure problems, you would think that my weight would be the first thing they mention... BUT they don't. I'm the one who has to ask... beg for help with loosing weight.... I've even had three of those drs say to me "it's more important that you are healthy at the weight that you are than to 'diet' and loose your good health" So... why do we hear one thing on the news and hear something different in 'real life'? One day while picking up all this medicine I'm on, I told the pharmacist about how I thought I would get the lap band surgery, and she and the other pharmacist that was there were so upset that I even thought to do that. They told me NOT TO DO IT!! I was a little surprised by their opinions. But I asked why and they told me that they see so many people who have had any weight loss surgery and the people do loose weight, but within a short time, those same people regain it and are worse off than before the surgery. I told the two pharmacists that I would think about it. So, I guess.... no I AM going to work on just accepting me the way I am...
But I'm not going to just do that, I am going to start some kind of exercise program. Even if it's just walking to the post office down the street, I'm going to do something.

I think those 3 things are enough to keep me busy and enough to focus on. :)

In closing, I want to thank all of you for stopping by my blog. I'm so happy that so many of you are from outside the US. How exciting that cyberspace can link people of all countries together. Please visit often :)

As usual, I also want to share a song that touches my spirit. I hope that this is my 'legacy' too...

Plans and a prayer...

2008-12-29T00:04:00.000-08:00

For those of you who follow Harvest Moon, I'm getting ready for our annual New Year's Eve sale. I think it's going to be fun for those who love what God has blessed us with. We're going to be posting a new Pattern Grouping as well as having a ***Search & Find*** sale. :) We're going to be offering a large number of patterns for $1.00. The sale only lasts a few hours, but it's a lot of fun!!! So, if you're a knitter be sure to stop by the UPPER ROOM and see what all the excitement is about. For the first time ever we will be offering a bib & bath set as well as some cloths that can also be made into European bath mitts.

And now for the real blessing... as I've been spending more time in the Word of God, I've been finding treasures that I had forgotten about or new things I had never seen before. The prayer below is one of those. Paul is talking to the Ephesians and he is praying for the Spiritual Growth of the people in that church. But it's such a beautiful prayer, I had to share it with you tonight...
Ephesians 3: 14 - 23:
"When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father,^[a] 15 the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth.^[b] 16 I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. 17 Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. 18 And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. 19 May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

20 Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. 21 Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen." (NLT)

May this be my prayer for my brothers and sisters throught the world this coming year. May you be blessed with God's love and grace no matter where you are or what country you call home for as long as we are brothers and sisters in the Lord we are truely one family with one Father, the Almighty God. Amen

Today is the day of salvation...

2008-12-25T19:01:00.000-08:00

"2 Corinthians 1 As God’s partners, we beg you not to accept this marvelous gift of God’s kindness and then ignore it. 2 For God says,“At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you.” Indeed, the “right time” is now. Today is the day of salvation." (NLT)Let us not sleep!!!

It's about the CROSS

2008-12-24T10:55:00.000-08:00

I can't remember when was the last time I was with my whole family at Christmas. I've learned that Christmas can be celebrated on a beach with temperatures in the 80s as well as under a roof covered in snow. Some of my most favorite Christmas memories are when we had very little and when gifts cost nothing. It's in these times of want or great harvest that I remember what Christmas is really all about... it's NOT the gifts, it's NOT all the goodies, it's NOT the tree, it's NOT bonuses, It's NOT even the carols or Christmas readings... but it IS when God came down and proved HIS love to us... to ALL of us.... He GAVE what HE had with no expectation of GETTING anything in return... HE GAVE US LIFE, and PEACE, and JOY, and HEALING to any of us who believe.

It's all about YOU, JESUS!!

2008-12-22T10:03:00.000-08:00

What Christmas means to me....

This and That

2008-12-17T12:18:00.000-08:00

I thought I would share a few things with you today that might interest you :)

Be sure to check out my FAVORITE CHRISTMAS SONGS & VIDEOS (to the right). So many of these bring back a lot of memories of other wonderful times. I even included a few from Hawaii.

For a week or more the weather broadcasters have been saying "SNOW on Wed." Well, they were really right in our area!!! I so enjoy watching the birds outside our living room window. God always reminds me of how he cares for them and how much more he cares for us. Today, as you can see, they are holding on tight for dear life :) Behind them you can see the pond that is now frozen over and covered in snow. What a beautiful sight. Thank you God for how you created all things to work together and for giving me my sight.

Earlier I told you about a wonderful book that I've been using in my devotional time (Knowing & Loving The Bible by Catherine Martin). I wanted to share a few things on how to make the Bible come alive and to ultimately create an intimate relationship with God.
Getting The Most Out Of Your Bible Study
1. Slow down so that you make time to study every day.
2. Put yourself in the situation-

ask "Why is this being said?
ask "Whis is it included in the Bible?
ask "What is the purpose of this passage?

3. Interact as you read God's Word-

ask questions
talk to the Lord about what you are reading
ask Him what he means

4. Think about the Word day & night
5. Memorize Scripture

choose a life verse that means something special to you

The RESULTS from this kind of study
1. Fruit
2. You will begin to reflect the character of Christ
3. You will live the life worthy of the Lord
4. You will be able to lead others to Christ

And one last quote from Martin that says a lot to me that I wrote in my Bible:
"The challenge for you is not to be in the Word more, but to have more of the Word in you. It is not what you do in the Word, but what the Word does in you." I LOVE THAT!!!

Tisk, tisk, tisk...

2008-12-16T09:18:00.000-08:00

I just heard a news report that in England, religious leaders are having to include a Hindu snowman, a Jewish Menorah, and something from the Muslim community with their nativity scenes in order to 'respect' or 'include' other religions during this Christmas season. I'm sorry to say this for friends of other religions, BUT COME ON!!!! the Christmas celebration is just that... a Mass for Christ. When are we 'Christians' going to finally stand up and say "NO!!!" Christmas has nothing to do with Hindu, Muslim, Shintoism, or any other non-Christ center religion. As a matter of fact, some of those other religions HATE Christianity. So, why on earth do we allow such stuff to take place during the time when we, Christians, are celebrating the birth of the Savior who came to save us ALL... yes, even those that do not even know Him or choose not to believe in Him? It's just another case of Christians not taking an active stand. This situation reminds me of the following quote "Give us clear vision, that we may know where to stand and what to stand for - because unless we stand for something, we shall fall for anything." ~ Peter Marshall, US Senate Chaplain 1947 This quote came as the whole world was reconstructing itself... after WWII and at the beginning of the Cold War.

Here in Washington state, we've had a big controversy going on at our state house surrounding freedom of religion. You can read a little about it at this link, if interested. A man representing Freedom from Religion group posted an anti-religion sign next to the Nativity Scene and the "Holiday" tree. This really caused a be stir in the news. And eventually, the sign was stolen and then given to a radio station because 2 of their broadcasters kept discussing why the sign shouldn't be there. Again, I ask... What is this world coming to?

I remember a few other quotes dealing with complacency:
"When good people in any country cease their vigilance and struggle, then evil men prevail." Pearl S. Buck "Evil prevails when good men do nothing" Aristotle

I don't want to leave you today in such a state, I just wanted to give you some "food for thought. With that said, how about a nice Christmas Song to remind us what Christmas is REALLY all about?

Mary, Did you know?

2008-12-10T22:48:00.000-08:00

Please sign this petition...

2008-12-09T19:51:00.000-08:00

The following is found on Focus On The Family's website. Please take the time to read this info here, or on their site, and sign the petition. Help keep Christ in Christmas!!!

"For years, the retail industry has made a steady move to secularize the Christmas season. Many national retailers refuse to even use the word "Christmas" in their promotions. Focus on the Family Action has been monitoring this trend, which is part of a larger movement to purge Christian references from the public square. Many retailers are quite willing to take money from Christians but refuse to even acknowledge the Christian basis for Christmas! With more than 90 percent of Americans believing in and celebrating "Christmas," we believe it is time for the secularization of Christmas to end.
Tell Christmas-Purging Retailers: "I Stand for Christmas"

Focus Action has launched a nationwide grassroots campaign to challenge the secularization of Christmas. Called "I Stand for Christmas," Focus Action is using radio, e-mail and the Internet to ask concerned Christmas shoppers like you to sign a petition calling on retailers to stop purging Christmas.

"I Stand for Christmas" Petition States I am troubled by the growing trend among retailers to secularize the Christmas season by marginalizing or refusing to use the word "Christmas" in marketing and promotional materials. Christmas is fundamentally a Christian holiday, and efforts to secularize Christmas are offensive.

I am joining Focus on the Family Action’s "I Stand for Christmas" campaign to call on retailers to stop purging "Christmas." I stand for Christmas, and I urge you to stand for Christmas as well by highlighting "Christmas" in your stores, catalogs and Web sites. Further, I plan to consult Focus on the Family Action's Shopping Guide, which categorizes retailers by their treatment of "Christmas," while making my Christmas purchases this year. "

Nothing Can Seperate Us...

2008-12-07T20:54:00.000-08:00

I know that so many of you are going through things that seem so hard right now. It would be easy for me to say something comforting, but true encouragement can always be found in God's word. It's for that reason, I wanted to share with you a passage that helps me through those times...

Romans 8
35 Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? 36 (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”^[n]) 37 No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.

38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,^[o] neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. 39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. (NLT)

Meeting God Face to Face

2008-12-04T10:18:00.000-08:00

From the time I was a very young girl, the Bible has been my favorite book. I loved memorizing the verses while in Sunday School so I could get that 'special' Bible. As a child, I was fascinated by the book itself because during 'morning services' I would hear the minister talk about the Bible being 'God's Word'. I also remember one of those first verses that I memorized "Thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against thee." Psalms 119:11. I remember asking so many questions of my teachers and my minister, like: "What happened between the Old Testament and the New Testament?" and "When was the Bible written?" I also remember the looks I got when I asked such questions... like "How did this child come up with this question"

Then when I went away to college (Anderson University) I had even more questions. My Bible classes were some of my very favorites, especially the Gospel of John. It was during these years that I really had to look more closely at what the Bible was saying especially to me. I was raised as an American Baptist and I found myself in a Church of God (Anderson, IN) school. Up to this point in my life I thought all Christians believed the same thing. That was until I got in those small Bible classes where the prof, knowing that I was one of only 3 Baptist students on campus, started questioning me about "my" beliefs. During the questioning, I didn't really appreciate being put on the spot like that, BUT as I 'grew' in my knowledge of the Lord and His Word, I was so very thankful for that experience because I learned my first lesson in Bible study, that being that God speaks to us through His Word. Through reading and studying, I began to learn to hear God's voice in the written word. AND because of this experience, God began to draw me nearer to Him so that we, together, could 'work out my salvation'. I had to figure out what and how I believed and why. I am so very thankful that I had this opportunity to really develop my own belief system.

As I went further through life, when things happened to make the journey rocky, I was able to pull from my memory those very important Bible verses I learned as a child. I also had the 'tool' or 'guide book' to get me through those 'bad' times. During these experiences I realized that not only was it a very Holy Book, and that God speaks to me through the Book, but also that in it the words where 'active'. I found comfort when hurt, health when sick, hope when depressed, and love when I felt unloved. In one single book, I found who God is.

One of THE most exciting things as a teacher and a mom was sharing the Bible and it's stories with my children. I felt it not only an honor, but a grave responsibility to share God's word. And the thing I loved most about introducing God's Word to small children was that they always wanted more... one more story... please!!! Children seem to have an internal awareness of God that they seem to loose as they grow older. I hope in this way, I will always be a child... always wanting more... even if I've read that passage a million times, I want more.

While roaming around in our local Christian Family Bookstore, I came across a book that I just couldn't put down, "Knowing & Loving The Bible, Face to Face with God in His Word". Have you ever had these strong feelings when finding a book that intrigues you? One lady I knew said she got that same 'feeling' from the smell of the book. Another told me it's the way the book 'feels' in her hands or the type setting used to print the book. I just couldn't go home without this book, so I 'treated' myself. I was going to keep this for the new year as a resolution to 'go deeper' in my study and devotional time. BUT I could NOT wait :) (see, there's that little girl) Any way, I just LOVE this book so far. I am going to use it over the next 30 days. There are 3 choices of how you can read the book...1)read only the parts that interest you, 2)read it as part of your devotional time over 30 days, 3)as you would read any other book... read until you get tired. I so recommend this book to anyone. The writing style is very very readable and easy to understand. Where the HEAVEN book that I also LOVE so much is much more detailed or deep, kinda like an academic book. On the other hand, I can see why this is the perfect book to include in a 'get closer to God' time. You can get it at: CBD, Family Christian Bookstores, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or at the author's website (you've GOT to check it out!!!). Won't you join me in making your time with God one 'appointment' you NEVER want to miss?

Speaking of appointments. I've mentioned many times how I use journaling a lot in my life, both in my 'designing' and also in my 'every day' dealings. Last year this time I found a wonderful Journal, again at my local Family Christian Bookstore, I just LOVE it. I take it every where!!! It is chuck full places to put important info, appointments, and notes. Although I don't have a 'real' job, I use the journal to remind me of verses, ideas, or just sayings that I don't want to forget. There are Bible verses for each day as well as an address section, a budget section, important 'info' section. It has it all. Next to my Bible, this is my most important and used book that I own. This year I'm giving them as gifts. I keep all of my 'journals' so that maybe someday one of my grandchildren might want to get to know me better :) I haven't much as far as worldly goods... but I am a zillionare in the memories and experiences I'd love to share with them. Those things are priceless. You might want to check one out for yourself.

Praise & Promises

2008-12-03T00:02:00.000-08:00

We have been so blessed to have a car that is paid for and that not only gets great mileage, but also requires very little mataince. Saturday after running around all day, I went to pick up Rick at work. I got there a bit early, so I turned off the car. It was raining and I wanted to just sit and enjoy hearing it rain. It was already dark and getting cold. When Rick got in to start the car, nothing happened. The first thing he did was go check the battery, the first thing I did was pray. I have learned that in situations like these, God wants to work.... maybe to get our attention, maybe to show others of his faithfulness, maybe to teach us something... but I've learned that when faced with something like this I have two choices... 1)I can "OH NO!!! Just what we need... especially here at Christmas time" or 2)Take a deep breath, and look to what we have to be thankful for. I will admit that so many times, my choice has been the first. BUT NOT this time. Rick and I both talked to each other about how many times we have been in situations like this and God has provided and things just 'worked' out. This time, both of us together, decided to get out of the car and put up our collars (or my hood) and walk the block and a half in the pour rain and rejoice in the fact that this didn't happen when I was on the other side of town or that it didn't happen when we went on our last road trip through the mountains. We're not sure what the problem is our how much it will cost, but we know God's faithfulness in that if we give him the first of our fruits, he WILL take care of all our needs. Now we are awaiting and watching how God will work :)

The other day as I was reading my Bible, I came across the passage below and just got so much comfort from it. If you're going through something... whether you've lost your job, or your hours have been cut, or are facing a medical emergency, or have problems with relationships, or things just not right at home, may I reach out to you and tell you, God is the answer to all those things. Both Rick and I have been through all these things and more, and through each situation, we saw God working. If he can do these things for us, he can do them for you.

Psalms 37
3 Trust in the Lord and do good.
Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.
4 Take delight in the Lord,
and he will give you your heart’s desires.

5 Commit everything you do to the Lord.
Trust him, and he will help you.
6 He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn,
and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun.

7 Be still in the presence of the Lord,
and wait patiently for him to act.
Don’t worry about evil people who prosper
or fret about their wicked schemes.

8 Stop being angry!
Turn from your rage!
Do not lose your temper—
it only leads to harm.
9 For the wicked will be destroyed,
but those who trust in the Lord will possess the land. (NLT)

Why Thanksgiving....

2008-11-27T09:10:00.000-08:00

This is why we celebrate Thanksgiving... The Father of Our Nation's declaration!!!

Please read why and ask "Do we still have these same ideas today, and if not, we need to find what we as individuals can do to preserve those freedoms?"

WHEREAS it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favour; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me "to recommend to the people of the United States a DAY OF PUBLICK THANKSGIVING and PRAYER, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:"

NOW THEREFORE, I do recommend and assign THURSDAY, the TWENTY-SIXTH DAY of NOVEMBER next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed;-- for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enable to establish Constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted;-- for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge;-- and, in general, for all the great and various favours which He has been pleased to confer upon us.

And also, that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions;-- to enable us all, whether in publick or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shewn kindness unto us); and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.

GIVEN under my hand, at the city of New-York, the third day of October, in the year of our Lord, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-nine.

(signed) G. Washington

Source: The Massachusetts Centinel, Wednesday, October 14, 1789

Things I am thankful for:

My Loving Heavenly Father who made a way for me to come unto him through my Savior Jesus Christ
My husband who is not only my best friend, but my protector, my guide, the one who sits on the other end of the teeter totter that helps to keep me balanced, and who loves me unconditionally with acceptance of who I am
My children who've come through me but are their own people. What a gift to see how God has worked in both of their lives
My step-daughters who are becoming wonderful loving young ladies
My beautiful full of life grandchildren. Although we are far apart, our hearts are tied with strings :)
My home that shelters us from the storms of the day
My very RICH childhood that was filled with memories of places that most have never gone to, of being brought up in a strong Christian home, parents that truly have reflected God to me... my dad who played with me and sat with me every night playing "Cribbage" to help me learn how to add :)... to my mom who never gave up on me and to both for instilling in my a work ethic. And for my brother and sister who had to put up with a LOT from me.
My special mission "Harvest Moon". It was just 2 years ago when I cried out to God to provide a means for us to met all of our financial needs... and He is providing!!!! Through tithing and giving, God has met those needs for us and in these times that everyone is having financial problems, God has put an umbrella over us, protecting us from the financial hardships of the day.
My friends that I've made through knitting and this blog. Those who bless us and those who encourage us through notes and cards of kindness.
I am so very very thankful today for my health!!! A few years ago I faced death and was told I would have been dead if I hadn't gone to the hospital when I did. And today, I'm thankful for every day that God allows me to wake up and praise Him!!
My sight. God has created a big wonderful beautiful world for us to live in. I never take my sight for granted. It is so important to me.

I hope you'll take a few minutes today to reflect on those things you are thankful for. I have so many many other things that I didn't list here... big and little.

Sweetly Broken

2008-11-26T16:42:00.000-08:00

My heart is like a one room schoolhouse that belongs to the Lord. God has been teaching me that He doesn't judge us against each other but we are judged according to what we do or don't do with what He gives. This week I've been dwelling on these thoughts as I've gone about my daily routines and as I read God's Word and meditate on these ideas that He puts in my heart, I'm once again amazed at the grace that God shows.

We can learn more about this concept in Matthew 25

Parable of the Three Servants

14 “Again, the Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. He called together his servants and entrusted his money to them while he was gone. 15 He gave five bags of silver^[b] to one, two bags of silver to another, and one bag of silver to the last—dividing it in proportion to their abilities. He then left on his trip.

16 “The servant who received the five bags of silver began to invest the money and earned five more. 17 The servant with two bags of silver also went to work and earned two more. 18 But the servant who received the one bag of silver dug a hole in the ground and hid the master’s money.

19 “After a long time their master returned from his trip and called them to give an account of how they had used his money. 20 The servant to whom he had entrusted the five bags of silver came forward with five more and said, ‘Master, you gave me five bags of silver to invest, and I have earned five more.’

21 “The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!^[c]’

22 “The servant who had received the two bags of silver came forward and said, ‘Master, you gave me two bags of silver to invest, and I have earned two more.’

23 “The master said, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’

24 “Then the servant with the one bag of silver came and said, ‘Master, I knew you were a harsh man, harvesting crops you didn’t plant and gathering crops you didn’t cultivate. 25 I was afraid I would lose your money, so I hid it in the earth. Look, here is your money back.’

26 “But the master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy servant! If you knew I harvested crops I didn’t plant and gathered crops I didn’t cultivate, 27 why didn’t you deposit my money in the bank? At least I could have gotten some interest on it.’

28 “Then he ordered, ‘Take the money from this servant, and give it to the one with the ten bags of silver. 29 To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away. 30 Now throw this useless servant into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ LNT

I love this passage. What a privilege it is to be entrusted with gifts and talents that are to be used as an investment for God. In order for me to be able to be like that first servant that Jesus taught about, I must be 'Sweetly Broken' in order to do His will and not my own. As I learn to do more of His will then I not only help Him to accomplish what He wants to do through and in me, but I also reap the rewards for working so hard. The more I learn to do His will, the more He will give me to do. In this story, Jesus didn't give them each the same amount, but he gave them "in proportion to their abilities". It's what they did with what they had that mattered. He also said the same exact thing to both of the workers who took what they were given and made more. He praised them in saying ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!' This parable has taught me that God doesn't judge us against each other but against what He has given us to do. Below is a beautiful video that touches my heart and reminds me that in order for me to do God's will and to be a faithful servant I must be a broken vessel that He can use.

Ever said this?

2008-11-21T13:33:00.000-08:00

I know, I know... once you read this and watch the video... I know you'll think I'm such a legalistic person, maybe I am and maybe I'm not. But having taught preschoolers for almost 25 years I have seen a change in children and their language. The thing that saddens me the most is that they use God's name in vain. And I know they've heard it from their parents and on tv. I was just reading an article on the use of OMG on blogs and other places in cyberspace. AND how many Christians don't see anything wrong with it. Well, I'm NOT one of them. I see it every where I look and it bothers me. The taking of my God's name in vain really makes me mad and sad. And then when I see it on blogs where the author professes Jesus as their Savior and then slap him in his face by using OMG. By using the 3 letter acronym, it totally voids any witness they might have. You can't be on the fence in life... either you're a Christian who tries not to sadden the Lord, or you're not and will do what you want to please the masses. And NO I've never used God's name in vain both out of respect for God and because I've known how the children I've taught watch everything I do and listen to everything I say. I would never do anything to lead not one of them astray. In response to something I read, I found this video and am so impressed with the message. You decide for yourself.

Something to think about...

2008-11-18T16:37:00.000-08:00

Luke 4:44 Now Jesus himself had pointed out that a prophet has no honor in his own country.

Our reason for doing things...

2008-11-18T15:17:00.000-08:00

I absolutely find the Heaven book by Randy Alcorn to be one of the most encouraging and exciting books I've read in a long time. I know I talk a lot about it, but that's because I go back over many chapters so I don't miss anything. Well, today in my study, I was reminded about a song from way back that really touched me and encouraged me as I taught in Christian schools as a young teacher who wondered if 'my work' would touch the future. I want to share that song with you. It really does give us a real reason for doing what we do. How little do we realize that what we do, or say, or give to others, really may be revealed when we do get to Heaven. When I was teaching, my heart's desire was to someday be able to see how all those hundreds of children that have gone through my classroom turned out. Now I have hopes that I will in Heaven :)

As a post script, Billy Graham has played a very important part in my spiritual life. I accepted Jesus into my heart at the age of 9 and was then baptized. After that I was very active in my home church and a turning point in my life came in 1972 when, as a Senior in High School, I attended a Billy Graham Expo '72 youth rally in Dallas, Texas. It was there that I took another step in my spiritual growth in that I dedicated my life to doing God's will and that He called me into the teaching/childrens/family ministries. And I still long to serve. Most of that comes from my love for my Savior and the mission Dr Graham spoke and challenged us to way back all those years ago.

How sad...

2008-11-17T22:56:00.000-08:00

For years I've watched one of my favorite TV shows on ABC and have always been challenged by ideas that might not have been my own and I was impressed by the humor and intellect until the last 2 episodes. I understand that this is going to be the last season for this show. Tonight I did something I'd never done before, I turned it off before the end. I was saddened by the way the ABC political agenda seeped into and dominated the story line. I was also sickened when people who voted for McCain were called "idiots". How very sad!!! I thought there was to be respect for all who vote no matter how they vote. I thought this was 'the land of the free and the home of the brave'. Seems to be that it's not the land of the free if we are not free to believe as we'd like without being called an 'idiot'. I guess the end of that phrase "the home of the brave" might be true for those who don't believe as the majority on things. You'd have to be brave to stand for the things that go against the 'status quo'.

Our Eternal Rewards.... something to look forward to :)

2008-11-13T12:54:00.000-08:00

November is such a special time for us at the Schaefer home. Not only is it a time of remembering all the things we have to be thankful for, but also celebrating what God has given and how mightily that He's worked in our lives. We also are rejoicing in the anniversary of Harvest Moon Designs. It's been 2 exciting years since God entrusted us with this adventure of designing little squares of cloth that are inspired by so many different things... scripture, life experiences, friends, songs, the beautiful seasons that our world goes through that moves us through time. We made many friends from all over the country and have been blessed by so many kind words and prayers. Neither Rick nor I could have ever imaged how God could use what little we had in such a mighty way. And we thank him every day for providing above and beyond our daily needs. If you haven't visted Harvest Moon we'd love for you to stop by :) Just click on this link.

My very favorite pastor to date is Dr. Charles Stanley. I wanted to share with you today something that encourages me to 'fight the good fight' and to look to the things to come. I hope you'll enjoy the short video as much as I do. :)

Look what I found...

2008-11-08T15:23:00.000-08:00

If you've been reading my blog for a while now, you know I find some things very interesting... sometimes they are thought provoking, sometimes inspiring, and sometimes educational. I just couldn't resist posting this and wondering if any one of you out there knows of the US law and can site it that demands us to pay income tax? I hope you will take the time to watch the video and wonder as I have "Who really is in charge?"

You can follow this link to watch more of this very enlightening information.

Blessings and Words from the Bible

2008-11-08T08:03:00.000-08:00

I realize that over the past few postings, I've been saddened by the current affairs of our world, so today as I listened to God speak, He took me to this passage below... and as always it was pertinent to my life today. Through it, I've gained joy and confidence that "in ALL things God works together for those who love him and are called"....

Romans 8
More Than Conquerors
28And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,[j] who[k] have been called according to his purpose. 29For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

31What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36As it is written:
"For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered."[l] 37No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[m] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

More Blessings...
One of my most favorite things are Japanese Craft books. I just adore and am amazed at the beauty of the little quilted objects that they create. I also love them because when they write the directions, they also use very detailed photos to go along with each step that is needed to create the object. Well, up until just last month, I would purchase these books via ebay. And when we went to Hawaii, I went to a Japanese bookstore and picked up many of them there. Last month I found an Asian website that if your order is more than $30, shipping is FREE!!! So, I kinda went wild... below you will get a glimpse of the books that came in yesterday's mail. I've had such fun looking through each one amazed at the beauty of each item. Enjoy..

Another collection that I've been blessed to enlarge is my collection of stitch design books. With these that I won this week on ebay, I probably have about 15 now. And again, the ones I love the most are non-English designs. I've learned how to read European English, French, and Japanese patterns. Just when I think there couldn't be another new stitch I found a new one... :) kinda like just when I think God could not bless me more, He does!!!

Maybe tomorrow I will choose some of my favorite things from my Japanese books to share with you :)

2008-11-04T18:35:00.000-08:00

As expected it's only 6:35pm and the election has already been called. Why should anyone in the West even go and vote. Since the President is decided through the Electoral College, individual votes don't really count. I'm so happy it's all over. Now the time of real prayer begins. Yesterday I listened to a minister yesterday reminded Christians that God is always in control and through this election he just might be trying to tell us something... we have broken so many of His commandments and we have treated him like dirt and thrown him out of places where he was held at the highest esteem... all so that our own lives can be made better... let the government pay for all our health care... let them pay everyone's mortgages... let them take over private businesses and enterprises... let them take over our IRAs and bank accounts... but it's all for the betterment of our country... for society? Sounds like socialism. Sounds just like Europe in the mid-1930s. We are so human... we never learn... history repeats itself... "all we like sheep have gone astray"... we will follow anyone who tells us just what we want to hear... there are people all over the world who think we are arrogant and self-righteous... hmmm.... sounds like they just might be right. But tomorrow's another day and we will rejoice and be glad!!! :)

2008-11-03T10:26:00.000-08:00

Today as I read God's word, I came across this passage. I love it...
Jeremiah 1:
4 The Lord gave me this message:

5 “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb.
Before you were born I set you apart
and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.”

6 “O Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I can’t speak for you! I’m too young!”

7 The Lord replied, “Don’t say, ‘I’m too young,’ for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. 8 And don’t be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you. I, the Lord, have spoken!” 9 Then the Lord reached out and touched my mouth and said,

“Look, I have put my words in your mouth!
10 Today I appoint you to stand up
against nations and kingdoms.
Some you must uproot and tear down,
destroy and overthrow.
Others you must build up
and plant.”

11 Then the Lord said to me, “Look, Jeremiah! What do you see?”

And I replied, “I see a branch from an almond tree.”

12 And the Lord said, “That’s right, and it means that I am watching,^[c] and I will certainly carry out all my plans.”

13 Then the Lord spoke to me again and asked, “What do you see now?”

And I replied, “I see a pot of boiling water, spilling from the north.”

14 “Yes,” the Lord said, “for terror from the north will boil out on the people of this land. 15 Listen! I am calling the armies of the kingdoms of the north to come to Jerusalem. I, the Lord, have spoken!

“They will set their thrones
at the gates of the city.
They will attack its walls
and all the other towns of Judah.
16 I will pronounce judgment
on my people for all their evil—
for deserting me and burning incense to other gods.
Yes, they worship idols made with their own hands!

17 “Get up and prepare for action.
Go out and tell them everything I tell you to say.
Do not be afraid of them,
or I will make you look foolish in front of them.
18 For see, today I have made you strong
like a fortified city that cannot be captured,
like an iron pillar or a bronze wall.
You will stand against the whole land—
the kings, officials, priests, and people of Judah.
19 They will fight you, but they will fail.
For I am with you, and I will take care of you.
I, the Lord, have spoken!”

When God asks us to do something... or to speak something... we must obey as God commanded Jeremiah. It is not God who has changed, but us.

Could This happen again?

2008-11-01T17:14:00.000-07:00

Sixty-eight years ago to the day, Poland Jews were herded like cattle into the Warsaw Ghetto. Included in the group of people were men, women, children... old and young who did nothing more than be who they were. Today I watched the movie THE PIANIST. I've included in this posting a clip from the film. There are some very provocative ideas that I found quite interesting...
These are quotes from the movie:

While some Jews watched as their neighbors were slaughtered in the street "It's too absurd" how could this happen to us? I ask... Could this happen to us? Is something like this already happening in our world today? Maybe to Jewish people, maybe to others, but they didn't think it would happen to them. Again I ask... Could this happen to us?
The Polish peoples never thought it could happen in their country.
Each was allowed to take 15 personal items with them. What would you take?
"People don't even know what's going on around them?" The people in the movie realized that the whole world knew what was happening with them, yet they couldn't understand why no one could see it.
"There's dignity in fighting back." "Don't let them get you alive"
Propaganda fell from the sky. How curious... today it travels by not only radio waves, but via cables and satellite dishes and Internet connections. But even today it is here. Maybe not he same message, but one that could divide peoples into 'red' and 'blue' states... into 'winners' and 'losers'... into 'Christians and Socialists'...
"Food's more important than time." Life is more important than things.
How can any one group of people loose their humanity to the point that it turns our world upside down? that life is not valued at all if that life is not one like your own?
Where would you go... where would you run... if there's no place to hide?
God can use an enemy to bring peace and sustain life... for He loves us all, not always what we do... but he loves us.
Someone may take everything that we have, but the gifts that God puts in us whether music or kindness, or art, or writing, or anything that he gives that helps us to enrich others lives can never be stolen or beaten out of us... for in the things that make us human He lives.

I thought this movie was excellent and expresses what happened to millions of people in lands occupied by Hitler and his regime. God help us that it will NEVER happen again. This is a true story. If you are sensitive to the pain of others please don't watch the video. But even though, please don't forget that this really did happen.

Tea, Patterns, & Verses

2008-10-28T16:26:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I've sat down and just talked about 'everyday' things and I thought I'd do that today :)

To start off with, over the past 2 years I've been able to do something that I've never in my life been able to do... and that is keep my New Year's Resolutions. Last year I resolved to stop eating salt on my food... now, I don't even cook with it any more, nor do I add it to my food. But I do know now that most foods already have salt in them. For over 50 years I've craved salt. As a young girl I remember eating it by itself. The only 2 other times that I forced myself not to eat it was when I was pregnant. I can't believe how salty food now tastes... naturally. So that's one thing I've 'done for myself'. The other resolution was to stop drinking soda (or pop, if you're from the east :). With all the pain I was having early in the year, I thought maybe for some reason it might be cause by the soda. I never really drank a lot... maybe 1 glass a day with my evening meal (8oz) but I did drink it every day. So, this year my resolution was to stop that. And I've done really well. I may have a small soda if we go out to eat, but not all the time. I've fallen in love with iced tea!!! I'm sure if I looked hard enough, I could find that it, too, isn't good for me, but I'm not going to look :)LOL Below you can see my favorites!!! While visiting my mom, she got me 'hooked' on Lipton Cold Brew... LOVE the convenience!!! And then last week Rick brought home an ice tea maker and I went crazy!!! I love brewing the tea with 2 Lipton Large Size (regular brew) tea bags with one of the following: Earl Grey, OR Mint Green Tea, OR Blackberry Tea. Since each taste sweet to me, I don't use as much sweetener as I usually would. If you are a tea love, give it a try :)

I've been very busy designing once again. And I feel good about doing it. It's a joy to see something come into being as I listen and obey. I was chatting with my bff BONNIE and I just had to share my latest design with you all. It won't be available until late next week or so. When I'm knitting sometimes I just 'feel' something special with a design. I'm not sure why I feel that, but this is one that was a dream to knit. I call it "Love Buds" because the little lace border looks like it's made up of rose buds and I love this cloth. It feels so soft and cushy :)

And finally, I wanted to draw your attention to my side bar where you will see a special Bible verse. Jason is the webmaster for Christian Webmasters and he happened upon my blog one day and asked if I'd like to post his script on my blog. His script randomly selects a different verse every so often. You can get his script for your blog or website HERE. Be sure to check it out. We can never have too much of the WORD. :)
God Bless All!!!

2008-10-24T10:44:00.000-07:00

Words of Comfort in Times of Stress

2008-10-21T17:01:00.001-07:00

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest."

Matt. 11: 28

Are we about to loose this in America?

2008-10-17T09:05:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I wrote about why I don't listen to the news any more and as usual, I began thinking about other times in history when the news media used their power to influence the masses. Now, I wasn't alive during the 30s & 40s but I am a big history buff. As a young girl I read all I could about these times because I found it interesting.. I loved the fashion and the music... that's a teenager's view of those times, but now as an adult, I find that history seems to be repeating itself. Today I've spent time reviewing propaganda fills from Nazi Germany. Oh the similarities between them and our national news... one view, one voice, one vote... how very sad!!! At this time in history, the whole world is looking to one man to pull us out of economic ruin. Just as much of the world was looking to Hitler to pull them out of the remnants of the Great Depression. Personal needs out weighed the needs of the country. Sounds like today? Promises being made that may never be backed up with action. (Wonder if we will be taxed if we could bring a personal law suit against Mr Obama if he does raise taxes? Isn't he now making oral contracts with the people of America?) So many things to think about. Who would have thought 30 40 years ago when young people were fighting for all kinds of freedoms that in just a very short time, we would actually want to give them up for selfish goals? How sad that so many people gave their lives for these freedoms that we now are willing to do away with in what seems to be a heartbeat because life has gotten a little hard. This time it's not Nazi Germany that is controlling the digital news world it's the Democratic party. And just like so many of the innocent German people, Americans are following a path of propaganda just because it's there. I wouldn't be so bothered by this election if the news media would just give equal respect to ALL parties. Did you even know that there are more than 2 people running for president?

One of the most interesting things I found when I searched you tube for things about propaganda was this little film below it was made in the 1940s by High School students. They are talking about Capitalism (which is one of the basic principles of the American Constitution) what it is and isn't. It's a bit scary to listen to what it isn't and see what is happening right now, right here in our country... government stepping in private banking... government wanting to invest/control private business... tell me we are not slipping back in time. God help us all!!!

I don't believe everything I hear or read.

2008-10-16T17:33:00.000-07:00

I no longer watch any news on tv. It seems the election has already happened and Barack Obama will be our next president. I'm wondering just how many people will actually vote? I haven't heard any news reporter give any news that wasn't leaning towards Obama. If I was teaching in a High School and I even mentioned His name or McCain, I would loose my job and possibly my teaching license. Yet the liberal news media goes into millions of households and schools and businesses and are given an unlimited access to their own propaganda.

Yes, I think our nation needs a change. Yes, I think most of our lawmakers in Washington have their own agendas. Yes, I think we are in severe financial difficulties. Yes, I sure KNOW our educational system in this country is in need of a revamping. Yes, I REALLY do know what it's like to be in the military system. Yes, I don't have adequate health coverage. And yes, I've lost my job in the past 3 years.

BUT... one person CAN make a change that will effect a nation! Why don't we have laws that limit terms that our Representatives can hold in Washington? Who's really responsible for the bank failures??? People living way beyond their means... did President Bush go with them to sign their loan papers for homes they knew they couldn't afford and put a gun to their head? People blame him for all the problems because it's the modern American Way... blame everyone else, don't accept responsibility for our actions... "the devil made me do it"... all of these came out of philosophies that I grew up with... another... "don't worry, be happy" well, now all those things are coming back to haunt America... and the bad thing is that due to the actions or choices of a few, we are all going to pay... this is one of the main goals I had as a preschool teacher... "OUR
CHOICES EFFECT OTHERS!!!"

I'm sorry, but the other day I saw a talk show on which they had a couple in which the wife had just lost her job. The host of the show introduced them to someone who was going to help them through their struggle. The host also said "these are people just like so many Americans today" Well, I turned it off when they said that this couple now had to live on $8,000 a MONTH!!!! WOW!!! I would dare say, that I don't know anyONE who makes that nor have I ever known anyone like that and I was a profession making top dollar in my own profession with 2 degrees!!! I'm sorry, but I just don't feel sorry for those people. I know, on the other hand, MANY MANY people who make just a little over that in a YEAR HERE IN AMERICA!!!! Now, those are the people I feel for... they are hard working... live paycheck to paycheck and cry at night because they can NOT give their children some of the basics in life. These are the ones who make too much for help and make too little to survive. Some of these people are the most proud of our land. You probably wouldn't know it if you saw them... their the ones who don't take charity, they don't let their neighbors know what's going on in their lives... many may not even tell their own families. These are the people I feel for and try to help with what we've been blessed with.

Well, I didn't mean to go on and on like that, but sometimes just writing my feelings out seems to relieve my own stress. I haven't given up hope yet, I will continue to pray that God will intervene. May He look beyond our humanness and have mercy and grace on us and may we turn our hearts toward him for he is the only true answer to our problems. May we not find ourselves in this situation a few years from now....

More Things To Pray About

2008-10-12T22:07:00.000-07:00

Time seems to have gotten away from me and I didn't post prayer requests for days 4 -7, so I'm going to jot down a few that you can join me in prayer over. If you'd like to participate with 700 Members, you can go to A CALL TO PRAYER.

From Day 4:

Pray for the protection and peace of Israel as they celebrate Yom Kippur. Pray that God would send His angels to protect our countries. And pray that America would be a strong and resolute friend to God’s chosen people.

From Day 5:

Pray that Christians would stand in unity. Pray that our ministers would preach the gospel message with boldness and love. Pray that they would teach their people to:

love and respect the body of Christ;
live godly lives;
pray;
read the Word of God; and
be a witness to their communities.

Pray that local churches will be lights in their communities to shine the Gospel message to the lost.

From Day 6:

Pray that God would give you wisdom with your finances in these volatile times. Pray that the financial crisis will be solved quickly and that order would be restored to the financial markets. Pray that God’s people would be prospered in these uncertain times.

There is a temptation in uncertain times to give in to fear of financial ruin. But the Apostle Paul taught that we were to rejoice in the Lord at all times, knowing that God will supply our needs. He declared:

I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.
—Philippians 4:12

Then he shared this wonderful promise:

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. —Philippians 4:13

It is God who gives us the strength to work, to plan, to strategize, to think, and to get wealth. The Lord promises that as we put him first in our lives he gives us the ability and energy we need to obtain prosperity.

But you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who is giving you power to make wealth, that He may confirm His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day. —Deuteronomy 8:18

But the key is to put the Lord first in all things, then all the other things that concern us in this life – finances, material blessings, peace in our homes – they will be added to us.

But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. —Matthew 6:33

From Day 7:
Pray for the Jews who are returning to Israel from around the world in response to biblical prophecy. Pray that they would come to know Jesus at their Messiah. Pray for their protection as they move their families to the land of Israel. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

From a Catholic friend...

2008-10-09T15:11:00.000-07:00

As soon as I finished viewing this powerful message, I had to post it. I wanted to share it with those of you who are wondering what we can do (besides praying) to some how turn our country back to God...
think about it...

2008-10-08T19:15:00.000-07:00

Day 3

Pray that the Holy Spirit will prepare hearts around the globe to receive Jesus as Savior. Pray for Christians everywhere to have opportunities to share the Gospel, and that hundreds of millions of people will be brought into the Kingdom of God.

The Gospel is the key to the second coming of Jesus Christ

And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come. — Matthew 24:14, NKJV

Each believer has the privilege of preparing the world for His coming by sharing their faith with others.

We can ask God for all we need to be a witness for Him. He will give us the opportunities, the words and the courage to tell others that God loves them and sent His Son to be their Savior. Sometimes the best place to begin is to share with someone what God has done for us. It can be an answer to prayer, a problem solved, comfort when we needed it, or a healing we received.

The Bible tells us that the word of God always produces fruit and it accomplishes everything God wants it to, wherever He sends it. What a promise! Pray that the Lord would use you to share His word. And pray that all over this world people would hear the gospel and pass from death to life, by believing that Jesus Christ bore the penalty for their sin on the cross.

2008-10-07T17:00:00.000-07:00

Day 2

Pray for God to protect Israel. Ask God to change the plans of any nation who plots to harm Israel. Pray that the hearts of leaders in Russia, Iran, and any other hostile nation, will be turned away from hurting Israel.

The Bible instructs us to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. In this volatile time, it is important that we remember that the Jews are still God’s chosen people. When God made His covenant with Abraham, He declared:

I will make you a great nation; I will bless you And make your name great; And you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed. — Genesis 12:2-3, NKJV

While Christians are part of spiritual Israel, the natural nation of Israel is very dear to God’s heart – and very much a part of His plan. Today there are threats to the tiny nation of Israel from enemies on every side. As believers in the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, we must band together with our Jewish brothers and sisters, crying out to the Lord for His protection of the people of Israel.

For thus says the LORD of hosts: "He sent Me after glory, to the nations which plunder you; for he who touches you touches the apple of His eye." — Zechariah 2:8, NKJV

URGENT Call To Prayer

2008-10-06T17:13:00.000-07:00

For weeks I've been sensing an urgent need to pray for our nation and for our leaders. Today I got a note in the mail from CBN asking for those who wanted to, to pray for our nation and the conditions of the world today. So, for the next 30 days, I will be posting a prayer request that will be sent to me in hopes that you will join with me in prayer. Today's request:

Day 1

Pray for God to protect our nation. Pray for repentance in America and ask God to supply all our needs — as individuals, as families, and as a nation.

Crisis comes in many forms. Currently we are experiencing an economic crisis and many feel the frustration and fear of the uncertainty ahead. During these times it is important to remember that only God is our source. It is easy to fall into anxiety as we see the volatility of world economic markets. But Jesus told us not to worry, but instead to trust in Him:

" Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? "Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? — Matthew 6:25-26, NKJV

Then Jesus gives us the key to trusting in Him in uncertain times:

"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. — Matthew 6:33, NKJV

As we put the Lord first in our lives, in our relationships, in our finances, and in every decision, He will bless us and provide our needs – even in the most difficult of times.

— CBN.com

2008-10-04T09:06:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY WESTON!!!

WE LOVE YOU SOOOOOOOOOO MUCH!!!

If My People Pray...

2008-10-02T20:26:00.000-07:00

No, I didn't watch the debates. Minds have already been made up and where ever I turn I see people fighting and saying such ugly things about those who really are trying to do something positive for our country. Instead, I spent my hour and a half praying for our country. With all the things that are happening here with the economy, with natural disasters, with 'the war' wouldn't you think America should be looking to the one who can answer and show us the way out of these things? But we aren't... instead people on the left and people on the right and those from the blue states and those from the red states are looking instead to one man to get us out the the situation that WE are all in!!! WE'VE done this to ourselves. I'm a product of the 50's/60's when our parents did all they could to give us all we wanted, then when I had my own children, I did the same thing for them, but now the sad thing is... my son is finding it hard to give his children the things they want because each day he is threatened with the possibility that his job will be moved to Mexico... but then I thought... 'aren't they coming to the US because they don't have jobs'? I remember way back in the '70s, while in college, they told us then that we wouldn't see any of our social security... well, as I get closer to that age... I'm thinking maybe 'they' were right... 'they' said a lot back then about the future and so far... most everything has come true. One of those things that I pray for every day is that our country (its people) need a revival. One in which we would see all the blessings God has given us and many would submit themselves to Him... see our need for His guidance... and truly follow in Jesus' footsteps. The only way that will happen is when and "If My People Pray"