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Friday, September 30, 2011

Friday Funnies ♥

It's Friday !!! WOOHOO! Hope your week has been blessed and your weekend is even better! It's Friday Funny time here @ TheMagoosNews! If you would like to join in, head on over to KIM'S

If anyone has ever messed with PHOTOBOOTH, you know it is always guaranteed for a laugh!! Here is a montage of grandparents having fun with PHOTOBOOTH! Enjoy!!




Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Phil4:4

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

What's On Your Heart?



What is on Your Heart?

I am just So thankful for technology !!

Without my computer I would not be able to write or receive a letter, a note, a discount, or a lesson plan from my son's teacher. I would not be able to see my sweet daughter's face, who is away @ college, each day via SKYPE. I would not be able to BLOG, nor would have I met any of you and be blessed by the gift of your friendship!!!

Without my IPhone I would not be able to grocery shop and find the ingredients for the dinner I am going to prepare via the AllRecipes App, or stay on budget using my calculator for the groceries I am purchasing. I would not be able to receive that text from my Son that says "I Love you Mom!" just because and make my whole day! Nor would I be able to watch the videos of my grandchildren during those times I am just missing them like crazy! I wouldn't be able to FaceTime my husband with one of the many "How do I do this?" Showing him what it is I am doing & he is able see on my phone exactly what I'm doing and viola'... then He can share the instructions! Love it! I would not be able to read God's Word or send a Scripture to a friend that will bring Hope to their day!

Without my IPad I would not be able to read more than one book at a time as well as not having to carry the actual book. They are all in my IPad. I would not be able to check my email, or play BeJeweled during that 10 or so minutes, while I am waiting to pick up my Son. I wouldn't be able to check my bank balance, or watch a GodTube video or a funny YouTube video. I would not be able to watch a movie, or better yet, catch a sermon from my Pastor ~ Pastor Craig Groeschel

In today's society I know many who say the Internet is from the enemy or it consumes us! For some, sadly those statements are true. Many marriages have been broken, due to pornography being sooo accessible or meeting someone online via Facebook or some other social network. I know as a mother and a blogger, one issue continually comes up....Are we spending too much time on the Internet ?? Balancing our time is sooo important and always remembering our priorities! Quiet time with the Lord and being with our family is first and foremost. Using the Internet to bring Glory to God or to encourage someone in HIM is what I hope to accomplish! The rest of it ~ Is just icing on the cake!

So, tell me...What's on Your Heart today? If you would like to share your heart please join in here

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Spiritual Sundays ♥


All praise to the God and Father of our Master, Jesus the Messiah! Father of all mercy! God of all healing counsel! He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us. We have plenty of hard times that come from following the Messiah, but no more so than the good times of his healing comfort—we get a full measure of that, too.
2 Cor 1:3-5 MSG


I have experienced this Scripture many times and in many different ways. I wonder....Would we willingly say, "Lord, I want to deal with this situation! Please allow me to go through this pain. I want to get to the very root of it so that It will be gone for good!" My guess would be that not very many would say, "Yes, let's do this Lord!" But here is the thing....Whether we willingly go through those hard times or try as long as we can to ignore, deny, and just plain fight them, they will come!

Going through trials is NEVER easy. But once you have gotten on the other side of it, there is no doubt you are stronger and better than you were. Not only that, but, more times than not, you may notice that the Lord places someone in your path that is going through something very similar. First and foremost, Listening to them is sooo very important! Sometimes sharing your story can help them feel like they are not the only one, or maybe it sheds light on a different perspective. Whatever it is, allowing God to work through you, helping others because of the pain and trials you have gone through can be such a HUGE blessing both to you and whomever you are helping!

What about you? Have you seen this in your life? Or maybe, you have gone to someone who has brought comfort to you because of their painful times.

I am joining Charlotte @ Spiritual Sundays May you all have a blessed weekend!

Friday, September 23, 2011

Friday Funnies ♥

Heavens sakes ~ this week FLEW BY!!! I am sooo glad it is Friday because that just means 1 More day til my grand babies are going to come spend the night!! WOOHOO :)

Friday also means it's time for Friday Funnies!!! Join in and share a funny over @ Kim's or just watch even more Friday Funnies!

This bird is too funny! He gets after it now :) Enjoy



Happy Friday my dear friends! ♥

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Word filled Wednesday





This verse is a favorite for many people! My guess would be that is also one that "most" believers have heard. We hear it offered for graduates, we share it at baby showers, we sign in it a card for those who may have given up hope. But isn't that just so awesome and sooo the way God intended for HIS WORD to be. No matter where we are in life....This Scripture rings true for each and every person. God cannot lie nor can HE change HIS WORD. HE truly has a plan for us BUT it is up to us to live those plans out.

Happy Word Filled Wednesday my friends!!

Rejoice in Gods Word today!!

11 I say this because I know what I am planning for you," says the Lord. "I have good plans for you, not plans to hurt you. I will give you hope and a good future


For more WFW go here

Monday, September 19, 2011

Monday's Musings


I hope you all had a wonderful weekend! We certainly did! The Weather was absolutely PERFECT! It was in the 80's and sunshiny during the day. Then later the night and overnight we had some awesome Thunder Storms. When we woke up, it was sunny once again! This cooler weather brought our neighbors out of the house and many others too. Many in our neighborhood were taking a walk, or a family bike ride. We worked out in our yard. I trimmed roses, trees, and the boxwoods! OH MY! I can barely walk .... and bend over, well you can just about forget that! OYE!

We laid out 2 new flower beds and sprayed the grasskiller on everything. Hoping that all the grass dies and I can get plants on Monday! Some Mums and Pansies, along with some Hostas! I will have to take pics and share them once I get it all done!

I made a big pot of homemade chicken (&rice) soup! It Is So YUMMY! My son, Jantzen, has had that yucky sore throat, stuffed up, and just feeling YUCK since last Thursday. There is nothing like some homemade soup to help is there! I am hoping it hasn't turned into bronchitis!!!

I am so excited! I've been going to a new gym to workout. I originally joined bc they were having a weight loss challenge during the month of August. Well, I LOVED working out there so I joined. Can you guess what my favorite exercise is??? BOXING!! I LOVE IT!
This week, one of my friends will be joining me. I invited her last week and she said "WOW, this is what I have been looking for!"
We do different exercises, (ie; riding the bike, doing the rowing machine, jogging, boxing, abs, planks, and the dreaded sled)
for 3 minutes each, then we get 1 minute in between to rest. We do 10 rounds and my oh my, how the time just flies by!

So what did you all do this weekend? Hope it was wonderful!

Saturday, September 17, 2011

Spiritual Sundays





In Our school system, once the kids complete their 5th grade year, they enter the 6th grade center. This brings every 6th grader in our community together into one school. Then they will attend the 7th grade center and finally the 8th grade center.
So the kids experience a new school each year until they reach the 9th grade.

My Son was really excited to begin this year at the 8th grade center. He looked forward to it most of the summer! Once the day finally arrived, he was thrilled! He was happy with his schedule, loved the majority of his teachers, and found his way around without getting lost! :)

After some time had gone by and a routine had been established, I asked him "do you still love the 8th grade center?" He said, "OMG, it is sooo hard!"

As I began explaining to him "this is the year that the teachers no longer baby you. This is the year that will prepare you for MID-HIGH and HiGHSCHOOL."

I immediately thought how similar this is to our Christian walk. When we are Saved, asking the Lord for Forgiveness of our sins and accepting HIM as our Lord and Savior, we are on fire! Many experience a Peace like never before and a Joy that is truly unspeakable! Some actually want to tell EVERYONE about the gift of Salvation ~ it doesn't matter to whom, just as long as they can tell their story!

Then as time goes by and we know the Lord and HIS Word more and more, we realize that it's time to begin growing up in our Christian walk. Then we experience trials and we think "OH MY, this is SOOO HARD!" Some begin to doubt or even question this thing they call Faith.

There are sooo many Scriptures that clearly tell us...we will have troubles, we will have trials! Others encourage us to stay the course, don't grow weary, and do not lose heart!

We are also instructed to be around like minded believers, so that we can encourage one another! Having someone come along side of you when you are experiencing a hard time in your Faith is priceless.

I know personally, There have been times that I have questioned God, my Faith has wavered and I have wondered where in the world the Lord is??!! But, instead of having a fit and acting like a child, I hear the Holy Spirit remind me of 1Peter 2:2

So clean house! Make a clean sweep of malice and pretense, envy and hurtful talk. You've had a taste of God. Now, like infants at the breast, drink deep of God's pure kindness. Then you'll grow up mature and whole in God.


I am guessing that a large majority of believers have those seasons in which we wonder "Where is God?" "Why can't I hear HIM any longer?" but there are also those seasons in which we are "On Fire and sharing all the HE has done for/through us!"

No matter if you are a new believer full of JOY and ready to share Christ with anyone who will listen OR a believer who feels forgotten and far away from Christ, remember no matter what, God loves you and is with you! Just like I explained to my Son....it takes a lot of work, hard work, and perseverance too! The teachers tell you what to do and expect a lot out of you. It is up to you if you complete the work and just exactly how you do that work....with all of your heart, or maybe just good enough to get it finished. The teacher will not "force you to do the work" but if you choose not to do it, you will face the consequences!

God Provides all we need....The Holy Spirit, His Son, and HIS Word! Growing up isn't always easy but with God by your side, you can do it!!

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,Heb 12:1

Thank you Charlotte for hosting Spiritual Sundays!

Friday, September 16, 2011

Friday Funnies ♥





I have missed blogging so much and Friday's are always better with Friday Funnies so head on over to Homesteader's Heart for more funnies!



Have you ever been to see Chonda Pierce? She is such a hoot! or maybe I should say....She's just so "precious" ;)~ Anyway, Happy Friday my friends and I hope to be back to regular blogging by Monday, and more importantly, coming to see ♥YOU♥ and catching up with your lives ... I have missed you all so much!

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Thoughts on Thankfulness




Blessed are those that can give without remembering and receive without forgetting.

God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say “thank you?”


Hem your blessings with thankfulness so they don’t unravel.

Gratitude is the memory of the heart.

It isn’t what you have in your pocket that makes you thankful, but what you have in your heart

When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around.


Give thanks for a little and you will find a lot



I am So very THANKFUL for each one of you!
I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy
PHIL 1:3

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Our Birthday Girl

Sometimes I honestly can't believe my children are as old as their birth certificate says they are ...Can you relate?? LOL

This past Sunday was our Jenna Marie's 19th birthday! Seriously? 19!?? Yep... 19. **SIGH**

♥ Decorating for her special day ♥


Got her some pretty roses!


Victoria Secret had some adorable college workout stuff and Jenna has been hitting the gym so she was really hoping for these for her birthday! These are just some cute undies they had along with the workout stuff...aren't they cute!


Sportsbra...so cute


Lovin this hoodie for sure!


She also got some Pink Boxing Gloves! Look out people!



We all celebrated her special day....cooking out, laughing, and just enjoying being together!


We Love you so much Jenna Marie! How blessed I am to be your Momma!

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Giving Thanks and offering Encouragement



I don't know about you but I sure have had my days messed up this week! I am ALWAYS thankful for a 3 day weekend and the short week after. It's always fun seeing who is the most confused about which day it is. This time ~ I think I win the most confused award ;)~

I am super excited to share with you all, a new series that will begin next Thursday! Lisa @ StopnSmelltheChocolates will be hosting this much needed series. You can go here and learn how the Lord has laid this on Lisa's heart and how her willingness to do it occurred! I have to say....Having someone Encourage you just because, or right at that perfect moment, or maybe when you least expected it is just so awesome! I can tell you as a Blogger, reading encouraging comments just makes my day! Doesn't it yours!?

I am so thankful to be able to participate in some really awesome and godly meme's and this one will no doubt be just as awesome as the others! I mean really, how can you go wrong when you are encouraging someone??

I hope you all will join in and bless others with your encouragement and I would be willing to guess that as we sow encouragement we will reap encouragement as well!! How exciting is that!! I love when GODS Word becomes alive and active in our blogging!! Don't you!

See you Next Thursday over @ StopnSmelltheChocolates!

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Word-Filled Wednesday ♥





One of my favorite days to post! I love WFW! Sharing Gods Word just fills my heart with so much joy and makes me smile! Smiling is good!

Today's Scripture spoke to me....I have been definitely taking Refuge in the Lord...Life can be sooo very difficult at times. People will hurt and disappoint you. Those you love can say and do things that break you heart right in half. What can we do when that happens? Go to the Lord and give HIM your pain...your hurt and anger...your sadness and weariness! HE is the Lifter of Your Head!
He cares and can handle every single emotion, every situation that presents itself...HE Truly is OUR REFUGE!

To read more WFW go here

Have a blessed Wednesday my friends! Love you ALL!!!

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Boy am I EVER Thankful


You know when you have one of those days when one thing happens that is horrible, and you think it couldn't get worse, but then sadly, it does?? Well, that was me on Monday .... I was..... on.my.knees!!!

It started out with a silly and completely trivial situation! i realized I left my dress at the Hotel in Tennessee. I had purchased that dress just for this wedding and it is sooo pretty! I also left my shoes that I wore with it. I put the shoes and my undergarments in a bag and had the bag hanging on the hanger with the dress. Walked out of the hotel and left it hanging in the closet. I called & asked if they had seen it....Was told they would look and get back with me.

Later I get a text from my daughter Jenna...I have never seen so many things try to come against one of my kids but I tell you what....the enemy is hard at work making whatever can go wrong for Jenna @ college, go wrong! I went up on Tuesday and spent the day with her and we got some things in the works to make things better. Without going into much detail, let me just say, I would sooo appreciate if you could pray for her! Thank you guys sooo much! I can't tell you how much it means!

Shortly after I get Jenna's text I hear from our oldest daughter....My grandson Bentley has had a very rough week. We all just assumed he was teething and all was normal. On Monday, he ended up breaking out in a rash all over his body, so Krista & KC took him to urgent care and see what in the world was going on. So while he is being seen, they decide to do some blood work. They come back and tell Krista and KC that Bentley's platelets are low and his white blood count is high!!! THEN they tell her....
He could either have a Virus OR Leukemia!! EXCUSE ME????? what???????? They told them to take him home and they would know more on Friday. So devastated and worried beyond words, they take Bentley and Rylee, and go home. As you can imagine, they were in tears and just sooo very upset ~ understandably so!! She shared with all of us what had happened and what they told them and of course asked for prayer and to share it with others so they would pray!

BUT THEN GOD......

my dress was found and shipped FEDEX

While Jenna's situations are going to take time and healing, God provided all she needed to see HE is with her and leading her in this season of adjustments! She was able to spend time @ the LifeChurch.tv Campus there and spent a night in WORSHIP and God touched her in such a precious way just surging HOPE into her precious little heart! She just knew afterwards that no matter what everything is going to be ok!

Krista was waiting patiently to hear from the Dr.! Not really expecting to hear anything til Friday but when she got the phone call (early) THIS is what they told her.....

Bentley's test results are all normal! His levels are all NORMAL! He doesn't have leukemia or anything close to it! He is a healthy happy baby boy! He told her that the urgent care's machine just must be way out of whack.... I'll say so!! AH YI YI!! So even though she was shocked that they had given her such upsetting news she was far happier and oh so thankful to hear such wonderful news! She then contacted all of us and let us know the AMAZING NEWS! I Just cried when I heard!! I realized at that very moment how terribly scared I was that the "C" word was going to cause more grief in our family!
To say I was Thankful, doesn't even begin to describe it! NOT.AT.ALL!!

I know the Lord doesn't give us more than we can handle but honestly....some days I just wonder!! Do you? I am just so thankful that even when I wonder, or when I am so scared or worried, or even when I am upset @ God that HE can sooo handle it! HE
loves me in spite of all of that and holds me close, fills me with HIS Hope and HIS Peace ~ one situation at a time!

In 1Peter 1:6-7 NCV it says:
This makes you very happy, even though now for a short time different kinds of troubles may make you sad. These troubles come to prove that your faith is pure. This purity of faith is worth more than gold, which can be proved to be pure by fire but will ruin. But the purity of your faith will bring you praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is shown to you.

and one of my VERY FAVORITES... Romans 8:28 MSG
Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God's Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don't know how or what to pray, it doesn't matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.

Yes....I am Ever So Thankful...Thankful to the Lord for hearing the cry of a mothers (and grandmothers) heart! For giving me HIS Word that always lights my path in what seems to be a dark dark valley!

What are you Thankful for today?