MARY, MARTHA AND ME

According to Luke, Martha was head of the household; she welcomed Jesus into her home. Mary was probably younger. Like most sisters, these two women had conflicts which emerged because of their different personalities, roles, and simply the fact that they were siblings.


Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to what he was saying. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me." But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her" (Luke 10:38-42).

Isn't this what everyone of us would do.  Rush around trying to make sure we were as hospitable and serving as we could be to our guest?  It is the same thing in our everyday lives.  We rush around from the moment we get up to the moment we lay down our heads.  There is so much that we feel must get done in this 24 hour day that we have no time for anything or anyone else. 

What we should be doing is what Mary did.  We should be sitting at the Lords feet.  Of course not literally.  What I mean is we should be taking the time each day to pray and listen through our hearts at what God is telling us.  Taking some time in the morning before you start your day to pray and ask for guidance, read scripture and meditate upon that, will change the way your day is carried out.  Ask God to be with you at all times.  Don't end with the morning prayer.  Continue throughout the day.  Ask the Lord to be with on your way across town, to the bank, to the store or even when you make a phone call.  Ask him to give you the words to say.  Let God speak through you each day in your actions and in your words.  If you are like Martha rushing around and stressing out not only do you not her God speaking to you but you are unable to let Him speak through you.  Be like Mary and sit still and listen.  You will be amazed at how smooth your day flows, how the stresses of each day are not as bad, how you feel calmer and interact in a much less agitated manner.  This is something I have started and each time I pray I feel the Lords presence in me.  Try this and see.....I dare you!

Faithful To Me, Jennifer Knapp

All the chisels I've dulled carving idols of stone,
that have crumbles like sand 'neath the waves,
I've recklessly built, all my dreams in the sand,
just to watch them all wash away.
Through another day, another trial,
Another chance to reconcile to One who
sees past all I've seen, and reaching out 
my weary hand, I pray that you'd understand,
You're the only one whose faithful to me.
All the pennies I've wasted in my wishing well
I have thrown like stones to the sea.
I've cast my lots, dropped my guard, searched aimlessly,
for a faith to be faithful to me.
Through another day, another trial,
Another chance to reconcile,
To One who sees past all I've seen,
and reaching out my weary hand,
I pray that you'd understand, You're the only one
whose faithful to me.
You're the only one whose faithful to me.


Sometimes the verse of a song says what is exactly upon your heart!

BUSY

When you see or talk to a friend, one of the first questions asked is usually " How have you been ? ".  I can guarantee that the answer will be most likely one of two answers.  You will either say " Fine " or " Busy".  Most of the answers I give and receive is " Busy ".  Life has become busy for almost everyone.  People work and have families.  You have to take care of your families at home.  But these days you take care of them out of the home as well.  With things such as volunteering at school, groups, church and sports.  You have to make sure everyone has what they need when they need it.  You have to make sure you have food to feed them and either prepare it or go out to eat.  You have to get everyone where they need to be when they need to be there and picked up when they need to be.  There is laundry, grocery shopping, cleaning, working, cooking, errands to run and volunteering.  I could go on and on and on.  My point is we are all way to busy.  All of this takes time and what spare time we have I guarantee someone with find something for you to do.  What does busy mean?  It could have a different level of the meaning to different people.  I could say I am busy, and you could disagree because you  may be doing more than me, however, my level of busy may be all I can handle and your level could be much more.  I heard once that the definition of busy is: B- being , U- under , S- Satan's , Y- yolk.
Read today's reading and then I will continue on my thoughts......

Gospel, Luke 8, 4-15

When a large crowd gathered, with people from one town after another
journeying to Jesus, he spoke in a parable.
"A sower went out to sow his seed.
And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path and was trampled,
and the birds of the sky ate it up.
Some seed fell on rocky ground, and when it grew,
it withered for lack of moisture.
Some seed fell among thorns,
and the thorns grew with it and choked it.
And some seed fell on good soil, and when it grew,
it produced fruit a hundredfold."
After saying this, he called out,
"Whoever has ears to hear ought to hear."
Then his disciples asked him
what the meaning of this parable might be.
He answered,
"Knowledge of the mysteries of the Kingdom of God
has been granted to you;
but to the rest, they are made known through parables
so that they may look but not see, and hear but not understand.

"This is the meaning of the parable.
The seed is the word of God.
Those on the path are the ones who have heard,
but the Devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts
that they may not believe and be saved.
Those on rocky ground are the ones who, when they hear,
receive the word with joy, but they have no root;
they believe only for a time and fall away in time of temptation.
As for the seed that fell among thorns,
they are the ones who have heard, but as they go along,
they are choked by the anxieties and riches and pleasures of life,
and they fail to produce mature fruit.
But as for the seed that fell on rich soil,
they are the ones who, when they have heard the word,
embrace it with a generous and good heart.


Being overly BUSY is another way of not hearing.  If we do not slow down and listen, how do we expect to hear.  If we listen but do not retain what we hear, how do we expect to follow out and live what we heard.  God speaks to us all the time in many ways.  But when your mind is full of all that has to be done then how does your heart here what NEEDS to be heard.  
I recently have gone through some things that have made me slow down and listen.  What has been laid upon my heart which is what I am hearing God say is the most important order of life for me should be, God, Children and Husband and then myself.  Friends and Family are great to have.  Some come and go and those that stay should be living this way to.  I am here to raise these children to be happy, healthy and faith filled.  I am to raise them and take care of them as God himself would.  I have to take care of my husband and his needs.  I must make sure he is happy and has what is needed from me.  I do not want to ever look back and wish I had done this or that.  Taken the time I didn't take.  I want no regrets.  I also do not want my husband and my children to look back and think I wasn't there as I should have been, I didn't spend the time I should have spent and I didn't do the things I should have.  My life at this point is being lived for our Lord, my family, myself and others.  When time permits I will nurture my friendships and family time is always nice.  It is good to be with friends and family as they are always there.  One day my children will be grown and I pray that this is how they live their lives.  If I choose to be BUSY it will not be under Satan's yolk, it will be under God's word and the seed he has sewn on my heart.

Be Blessed!

One More Angel Graces Heavens Gate

September 17, 2010

Reading

1 Corinth 15:12-20

Brothers and sisters:
If Christ is preached as raised from the dead,
how can some among you say there is no resurrection of the dead?
If there is no resurrection of the dead,
then neither has Christ been raised.
And if Christ has not been raised, then empty too is our preaching;
empty, too, your faith.
Then we are also false witnesses to God,
because we testified against God that he raised Christ,
whom he did not raise if in fact the dead are not raised.
For if the dead are not raised, neither has Christ been raised,
and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is vain;
you are still in your sins.
Then those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished.
If for this life only we have hoped in Christ,
we are the most pitiable people of all.
But now Christ has been raised from the dead,
the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.

Gospel

Luke 8:1-3

Jesus journeyed from one town and village to another,
preaching and proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom of God.
Accompanying him were the Twelve
and some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities,
Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out,
Joanna, the wife of Herod's steward Chuza,
Susanna, and many others
who provided for them out of their resources.


I recently learned that an old friend from Jr. High passed away.  He has been battling cancer since February of 2004.  He was told at the most he had two years to live.  His name was Billy Ingle.  He leaves behind a wife, Heather, and two daughters, Scarlett and Isabella.  I am posting a video that they made several months ago and also his wifes Caring Bridge post the day of his passing.  Once seeing and reading them, if you ever had doubt that the Lord is working through us all and that he has risen, will rise again and one day Billy will rise with him, you will doubt no more.  Please keep this family in your prayers.

Billy Ingles Video...Please Watch  


Heathers Caring Bridge Post:

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2010 12:30 PM, CDT

As most of you already know, a band of angels and possibly Jesus Christ himself came to 6367 Glenview Drive at 10:45 and took Billy home.  Oh, what a relief it was when his soul finally departed his worn and weary body.  Billy put up the strongest fight, as I knew he would.  I have always said that he is the strongest and most gentle man that I have ever known or ever will know.  

Billy's last month of his life was a hard struggle but the last two days were the absolute worst.  I just couldn't have ever prepared myself for what Billy went through at the end.  But because of that, when Billy took his last breath I was so relieved that his struggle was over and he would never struggle again.  I couldn't even cry because I had such joy in my heart for him.  I felt like a robot because everyone else was crying and upset and I couldn't squeeze out a tear if I tried.  I almost felt an elation.  Just to think, that I was there to see his last breath on this earth and know that his next breath was him entering into the gates of Heaven.  
The girls are dealing with this better than I thought they would.  I know the road will be long before I ever really know how this has affected them. They have so many people who love and care for them, so they are not traveling this road alone.

I want to let everyone know that there have not been any plans made for Billy's memorial service yet.  I should know something by this afternoon or tomorrow.  I am trying to see if we can have his service on Saturday the 25th, which is not this coming Saturday but the next.  Billy wanted to be able to help someone by donating his body to UAB.  So there will be no viewing or grave side service.  Just a celebration of one amazing life.  

I will update with more information when I can.  Thank you, to everyone who has helped us through these past 6 1/2 years and especially to those who helped take care of Billy the last two days of his life on this Earth.

Love,
Heather

First Holy Communion

On May, 2, 2010, my youngest and last child made his First Holy Communion.  What a very blessed day.  He was so excited to finally get to go to communion and get to partake in the body of Christ rather than just get his blessing.  He told me "Finally all the Marks get to do this!"  He was very proud.  He dressed in the same suit and tie that his brother wore.  He was so handsome and looked so yummy.  He had his whole family there and that meant everything to him and to me.  To watch these children learn about the Eucharist and become close to Jesus is amazing.  They say "Children are like sponges, they absorb everything you teach them".  This to has been absorbed.  They now realize the importance of the Eucharist and the bond that it gives us with our Lord.  They now understand the importance of kneeling before the tabernacle and acknowledging our Lord is there.  This is one of my favorite sacraments.  It is one of the most special times in our life as Catholic Christians.  I am very honored and blessed to have received and watched all three of my children acknowledge and receive Christ.

The Holy Father speaks to Children:

Your First Holy Communion

Pope John Paul II speaks directly to children about the solemn importance of First Holy Communion in this excerpt from his "Letter to Children" written in 1994 during the "Year of the Family".

Dear friends, There is no doubt that an unforgettable meeting with Jesus is First Holy Communion, a day to be remembered as one of life's most beautiful.
The Eucharist, instituted by Christ at the Last Supper on the night before His passion, is a sacrament of the New Covenant -- the greatest of the sacraments. In this sacrament, the Lord becomes food for the soul under the appearances of bread and wine.
Children receive this sacrament solemnly a first time -- in First Holy Communion -- and are encouraged to receive it afterward as often as possible in order to remain in close friendship with Jesus.
To be able to receive Holy Communion, as you know, it is necessary to have received baptism: this is the first of the sacraments and the one most necessary for salvation. Baptism is a great event! In the Church's first centuries, when baptism was received mostly by grownups, the ceremony ended with receiving the Eucharist, and was as solemn as first Holy Communion is today. Later on, when baptism began to be given mainly to newborn babies -- and this is the case of many of you, dear children, so that in fact you do not remember the day of your baptism -- the more solemn celebration was transferred to the moment of First Holy Communion.
Every boy and every girl belonging to a Catholic family knows all about this custom: First Holy Communion is a great family celebration. On that day, together with the one who is making his or her First Holy Communion, the parents, brothers, sisters, relatives, godparents, and sometimes also the instructors and teachers, generally receive the Eucharist.
The day of First Holy Communion is also a great day of celebration in the parish. I remember as though it were yesterday when, together with the other boys and girls of my own age, I received the Eucharist for the first time in the parish church of my town. This event is usually commemorated in a family photo, so that it will not be forgotten. Photos like these generally remain with a person all through his or her life. As time goes by, people take out these pictures and experience once more the emotions of those moments; they return to the purity and joy experienced in that meeting with Jesus, the one who out of love became the Redeemer of Man.
For how many children in the history of the Church has the Eucharist been a source of spiritual strength, sometimes even heroic strength! How can we fail to be reminded, for example, of holy boys and girls who lived in the first centuries and are still known and venerated throughout the Church? Saint Agnes, who lived in Rome; Saint Agatha, who was martyred in Sicily; Saint Tarcisius, a boy who is rightly called the "martyr of the Eucharist" because he preferred to die rather than give up Jesus, whom he was carrying under the appearance of bread.

John Paul II

PASSION

Passion....Do you have it or don't you?  I feel that everyone has it to some degree about something or someone.  What exactly is it?
PASSION /ˈpæʃən/ [pash-uhn] –noun
1. any powerful or compelling emotion or feeling, as love or hate.
2. strong amorous feeling or desire; love; ardor.
I have passion about many things such as crafts, family and friends.  I even have passion about places, such as the beach and my newest passion for a place would be Disney World.  But I have discovered recently when I started focusing more on me and my husband and children, that I hold an extremely passionate place for them.  I have spent so much time over the past several years focused on other things and worrying about other people that I lost that passion I have for my family.  I have taken the time to re-prioritize my thoughts and actions.  I have found my way back to the passion for my family that I once had.  Days I have spent wrapped up in drama that is out of my control, I will never get back.  From the point I realized this to now and here after, my focus remains my little family.  I feel I have neglected the ones that need me most.  I can no longer worry about what I can not control.  Worry is Satan's work.  I have one to many times been caught up in worry.  When I worry, I tend to let it consume me and everything around me is affected. 
I have a wonderful husband and three absolutely beautiful children.  They are gifts that are on loan to me and I need to take special care of them.  I want no regrets.  I do not want to ever look back and regret.  I do not want to ever look back and wish I had done or said, this or that.
These three sets of eyes that look at me with such innocence and such love.  It is an unconditional love.  It is the love they deserve to get in return.  The feel of there little hands around my neck gives me such a feeling of completeness.  They are what I desire.  They are what I am passionate about.
My passion is being the best wife and mother I can be!
"Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her:"

Proverbs 31:28

Life

We pray to give thanks for the things we have around us and we pray to give thanks for answered prayers.  Sometimes we pray for things we want or need and then pray to give thanks when those things have been received.  Have you ever stopped and prayed and given thanks for the things that happen in our everyday life.  Such as the scrapped knee your child got that day, or the high grocery bill you paid at the store that day or even the argument you had with your spouse that morning.  Every night when I lay my head down I give thanks for the day and all the blessings this day held and then I take a moment to give thanks for the things that I would not have placed in my day had I been in total control.  I give thanks for the argument because of the apology and the closeness and love you feel when everything is okay.  I give thanks for the scrapped knees and tears of my children because without those I may not have been able to hold them for that 10 minutes that they would have been doing other things.  I give thanks for the high grocery bill because at least I can pay it, there are those who starve everyday because they can't.  Not all things in our lives are things we would pray to receive.  However, when we do receive these things good and bad, happy and sad, we should give thanks.  Through all things we have our lives, our health and our loved ones.  Most important through all things we have our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  So when your day is filled with the unwanted things and happenings and you wish the day to be over, take a minute to say thanks because when you close your eyes it could be just that....over.
John 12:25
Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.

Sunday, April 11, 2010 was an absolutly beautiful day.  The sun was out and the weather was warm.  We had nothing planned except for baseball practice that afternoon.  Keith was at work and the kids and I spent the day just "hanging out"!  Keith came home and changed clothes then got Riley ready and off they went to the ballpark.  We made the decision before he left that since the kids did not have school on Monday, we would make this movie and pizza night.  This would consist of everyone in their p.j.'s and sleeping bags out in the den and a great movie to watch together.  After they left I jumped in the shower.  When I got out I heard police sirens that stopped right outside our house, which happens to be the entrance to our neighborhood.  I looked outside and saw one police car, then two, then three and next the fire and rescue trucks from our area and then another police car.  They were all heading in the direction of several homes where my daughters friends live.  We jumped in the car and headed that way.  As we made it to the end of the street, our lives along with everyones in our community, city and state changed forever.  We saw the rescue workers working on someone in a front yard and I told the kids that someone may have had a heart attack or over did their yard work and got over heated.  We stopped and asked some friends of ours what happened.  A 2 year old girl had been hit accidentally by a car in a neighbors driveway.  I told the kids we needed to go home and get out of the way.  It was worse than I thought and we did not need to be there.  We left in front of the ambulance that carried this precious child to the nearest hospital where she was pronounced dead.  Abigail Dahlen was playing outside and wandered into the neighbors driveway.  The 18 year old boy that lived there was in the family car and backed out.  He never saw her.  This poor boy is devestated.  Needless to say the Dahlen family is greiving terribly.
I know it is not for us to question why things happen.  And it is very common for people to say that people die once they have served their purpose here on earth.  However, does that make it any easier?  We were not directly associated with this family.  They lived a block away.  We saw them in the area and attended a backyard vacation bible school with them.  But to say we knew them would not be true.  We only knew of them.  But this tragic accident has hit us as if they were close family friends.  As a mother, I can not imagine the loss this mother feels.  I also can not imagine the feeling of the boys mother to watch her son suffer for something that was totaly out of his control.  Both families are suffering in their own way. 
I told my own children once, that they were not mine to keep.  They were on loan from the Lord.  The bible says "Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb, a reward, Psalms 127:3-5  .He gave them to me to take care of and when the time comes that he wants them back, they will go and there is nothing I can do.  I am borrowing His precious jewels and I must take very good care of them.  I have to return them the way they came to me, PERFECT!  It is a blessing to be given children and a blessing for them to go back home.  I want nothing more than for my children to lead a healthy, happy life.  Well that is not entirely true, I do want something more. I want for them, one day, to be blessed enough to see our Lord.  I would hate to lose my child as this mother has lost hers, but I would hope I could find comfort in knowing that one day I would see her again.
Another mother who lost a child to soon wrote on her blog recently and I read it.  Her son drown in the family pool.  She said her sons life did not end in that pool that night, it began.  I thought about this for a while and smiled because yes, our lives have not begun, not really.  We are here to earn our life, our eternal life.  So I guess you could say, in the two years Abigail graced this earth she earned her way back home.  If you look at it that way you have to think it is amazing!  As a mother, I pray everyday and ask the Lord to PLEASE bring my babies home safe to me.  It is a selfish prayer but I do pray it.  I pray it for myself not for them.  I am the one that does not want to lose them.  However Jesus said  "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." Mathew 19:14.
This will one day be bearable for these families but I do not believe it will be easier.  Life will continue to go on around them and eventually for the sake of their other children, they to will have to go on.  But on the heart of every person that knows them, loves them or has just heard of them, this little angel Abigail has a special place on everyones heart.  She will never be far from everyones hearts and minds.  I will continue to help in any way I can but the one thing i know for sure that I can do, that will help them is pray.

I was tired of the same old thing and really am trying to cook healthier. Try this "POP" Chicken Rub and this Grilled Asparagus recipe. ENJOY!

"POP" Chicken Rub

1Tbs. Ground Mustard
1/2 Tbs. Salt
1/2 Tbs. Chili Powder
1/4 Tbs. Ground Pepper
2 Tbs. Brown Sugar
1 Tbs. Olive Oil
*Coats about 3 chicken breasts
Directions:
Rinse 3 Boneless Chicken breast and pat dry. Drizzle the olive oil anduse hands to spread around. Spinkle the rub on one side and rub in and then turn over and coat the other side and rub in. Cover and marinate for a couple of hours and then grill.


This chicken has a sweet taste with a spicy pop at the end!! Great with a ranch dip or on a garden salad with ranch dressing.

Grilled Asparagus

1 bunch fresh asparagus
1Tbs. Olive Oil
kosher salt (to taste)
black pepper (to taste)
1 Tbs. Balsamic Vinegar *I used a Balsamic Vinegar infused with Pomegranit


Directions:
Wash asparagus and pat dry. Drizzle and toss in the olive oil. Sprinkle with the salt and pepper to taste and then toss. Grill on both sides about 2 minutes each (4 minutes total) or until soft/crisp. Remove from grill and drizzle with the balsamic vinegar and toss. Serve immediatly!

Disney!

Do you believe in dreams.  I do!  Disney was a dream that came true.  Walking down Main Street USA toward Cinderella's castle didn't seem real. There I was a little girl again staring up at this beautiful castle wondering what was going on in side, which bedroom was Cinderella's.  Would I see any movement inside behind the curtains to show me this was real.  No matter how many times I stood in front of the castle and looked at it, I still became that child in awe of what I saw.  Disney is definatly the most magical place on earth.  The place where all your dreams can come true. 
To watch my children with thier innocent expressions and the excitment in thier eyes is a site that is burned perminatly in my heart.  The week was magical and we can not wait to go again!

Can we go for Chinese.....PUHLEEEZE!

Chinese take out again? How about Chinese eat in? This seemed like a great idea and I knew if I cooked it myself it would be made with freash ingredients and I could put a "little" bit of a healthy spin on things. So the menu is....
Sesame Chicken
Fried Rice
Spring Rolls
Chinese Brocolli
Sounds yummy,huh?
The recipes are as follows:

Sesame Chicken

3 Whole Chicken Breasts


*Marinade=
2  tablespoons dark soy sauce
1 tablespoon wine or cooking wine
a few drops of sesame oil
2 tablespoons flour
2 tablespoons cornstartch
2 tablespoons water
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon vegetable oil


*Sauce for Sesame Chicken
1/2 cup of water
1 cup chicken broth
1/8 cup of vinegar
1/4 cup cornstartch
1 cup of sugar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons sesame oil
1 teaspoon chili paste
1 clove of garlic, crushed


*2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds (to toast, lay them in an even layer in the bottom of a skillet and turn heat to medium and keep the pan moving and remove when they are lightly browned)




Directions


Cut chicken into pieces and set aside. Mix together the marinade ingredients. Drop the chicken into the marinade and let sit for about 20-30 minutes.
Prepare the sauce by mixing all the ingredients together. Pour them into a pot and bring it to a boil, stirring continuously. Turn the heat down to low and keep warm while frying the chicken. Deep fry the chicken piece until golden brown ( I use peanut oil). Drain off the oil and pour the sauce over the chicken and then sprinkle with the toasted sesame seeds.


ENJOY!

You only....

 live once, but if you work it right, once is enough.
Hmmmm, pondering this thought.  What I get out of it is that if you live each day to the fullest and enjoy each and every person, every opportunity is taken, you love with all your heart, you take in every aspect of life, you smile, you look at your glass as always half full, you fulfill all your dreams and accomplish all your tasks, you become who you were destin to be, you seek nothing but find everything, you dream in black and white but live out your dreams in color .....then....there is no need for more than one life.  Because there is nothing left.

15 years ago today....

I married my best freind.  I married the man that could love me the most.  He is the person that makes me the happiest and the maddest.  He has made me who I am today.  Because of him I have peace.  Because of him my life is full.  Times are tough and times are easy, each day presents its own unique challenges and each day we overcome them.....together.  There are times you sit and wonder why and what if.  Those times are few and far between because I know the why and what if answer and I do not think for one second I would be where I am today and have the things I have without him.  He has in the fifteen years we have been together given me 3 priceless gifts, Our Children!  And to him, for that, I am forever greaful.  He is a good, hardworking, Christian man.  He goes without so that we may have.  I love him more and more everyday and would not want to live life without him by my side.  HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, KEITH!

 Romans 12: 9-21

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.


Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. On the contrary:


"If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head."


Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Disney here we come!

We are planning our first trip to Disney World.  This will be our first time and we can't wait!!!!  We are going over Spring Break and I just started planning 1 week ago!  Everyone I talk to planned for at least 6 months and here I am just starting.  Everyone gasps when I tell them I have just started the planning process.  In one day I have planned my trip.  Now onto the itinerary.  Now this may take some time.  There is so much to do and see, how will I fit it all in?  The question is do we do the waterparks also?  i am thinking not!  Although they look AWESOME online, my thinking is don't include them in our package and if we want to do them one day, we will pay for an individual day.  So waterpark, No, check!  Resort chosen, check, day of departure and day of return, check, dining options, check, American Idol experience, double check.  We have a friend and both of her very talented daughters will be doing the American Idol experience and if they make it through we will be in the audience that night to vote them through.  If one of them wins they get to skip the main judging and go straight to the American Idol judges, Ellen, Randy, Simon and Kara.  That is awesome, we are so excited about it!  Anyway, we are all in Disney mode and can't wait.  I want Mickey ears, if nothing else!

M-I-C-K-E-Y   M-O-U-S-E!!!!

Like Granfather Like Grandson!

My dad is one of a kind.  I just as most young people thought my parents were just mean and didn't know what they were talking about.  I was never really close to my dad.  Don't get me wrong, I loved my dad but we just didn't "hang out" and converse.  Now that I am older, I have found a new realtionship with my dad.  He is my "buddy"!  He is of Italian decent, so he has that temper side!  We have the best time!  More on that another day!  Today I want to tell you a funny story:  The other day I went to pick him up, as I do once or twice a week.  He came out the door and jumped in the car, ready to go.  As I am backing out he said " Where's my glasses?", I stopped and looked at him and composed myself as I said "They are on your face!"  he just died laughing.  I began to back out a little more and he said "Hold up, where's my phone?", I stopped and looked at him and this time I couldn't hold it.  I burst into laughter and said "It is in your hand!"  He just laughed and said "I am loosing my mind!"  Well the apple didn't fall far from the tree.  My middle son, Bailey, we call him Bay, must have inherited that gene.  This morning I sat and watched him sit his book and bookbag down to put his shoes on.  He stood up and picked up his bookbag and then started turning in circles.  I said "What's the matter, son?" knowing good and well he's looking for his book.  He starts to panick knowing we need to be leaving for school, "Where is my book, I just sat it down right here!!!!"  I asked him "are you sure it is not there?"  He said "Yes, but it WAS here!"  I said "Son, stop and look down", he said "Oh!  I knew I left it here!"

Like I said, "Like Grandfather, Like Grandson"

Feeling lost and

Trying to find my way.  Have you ever felt like everyone and everything around you is moving so fast that you can't seem to keep up?  I am feeling like that now.  I have even found myself not getting my "alone" time with God.  Now that I realize that He has been put on the backburner, I also realize that is why things are so out of hand and chaotic.  We have had some problems in our family lately along with some very exciting things.  I have had to be a rock for the people around me and take matters into my hands. I have had to be strong when I felt very weak.  I am the shoulder people come to cry on and the one that supposedly gives good advise.  But on my end I am not feeling that way at all.  I feel beat and my world seems in such a disaster.  My home is a mess and I can't seem to get the energy to get it in order.  With a husband, a dog and 3 kids I really need to find that motivation, but I can't find it.  My weight is out of control.  Willpower?  I think I have heard that word a time or two but where do you get this willpower.  Some say within.  I have looked there and I don;t seem to carry this mysterious "willpower".  I want it and I need it but I do not have it.  My health is becoming an issue.  For years I put myself off.  A toothache or a pain here or there, I tell myself it can wait.  Well, I have waited to long. My must everything seem so difficult?  Why does it all seem out of reach?  Am I happy? Yes!  Just feeling overwelmed and discouraged.  I look around at friends and family and I wonder "How do they do it?" How can they keep up with everyone and everything. How do they keep the house up, cook meals and look so put together and accomplish the extras that life gives us? I guess to find this answer I have to look to the Lord. My journey will include self transformation physically and mentally. I will learn to be a better wife, mother daughter and friend. I will learn what it takes to accomplish the tasks that need accomplishing. I will find that time each day to set aside for my alone time with God.

Let my journey begin!

Iaiah 40:31

But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

What a blessing this day brought us.....

January 4, 2009, Cooper Anthony was born.  This is my nephew.  He was born to Kerry and Amber.  Kerry is my little brother.  I use the word little losely, Kerry is over six feet tall and probably 200 lbs.  He is 12 years younger than I am, so to me he is still my little brother.  Amber is the most beautiful young woman and she brings a bright light to our family.  They in themselves are blessings but together they have created the most beautiful blessing and gift to all of us, Cooper.  Cooper is a Middle English name meaning Barrell Maker, hmmm, that is interesting.  He came into this world weighing 6lbs 3 oz and 19 inches long.  A head full of light brown hair and believe me his entrance was grand.  His daddy came down the long hallway towards us all (just like in the movies) carrying this little bundle in his large arms.  Cooper was content that way and so was his Daddy.  My little brother is a dad.  WOW!  I kissed him and told him how proud I was.  I had to leave before I got to hold this little gift.  I will get to hold him in the morning.  God is so good and we are very thankful to be so blessed.  His life has just begun and we are all here to teach and lead this little fellow to follow our Lord.

Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up to salvation– if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.



(1 Peter 2:2-3 ESV)