MENU FOR THIS WEEK

MONDAY--Goulash, cornbread

TUESDAY--Grilled chicken and grilled veggies

WEDNESDAY--Blackened Chicken Alfredo

THURSDAY--French Bread Pizzas, salad

FRIDAY--Whatever my husband the BIRTHDAY BOY wants

Note: on Tuesday at Chick-Fil-A, all proceeds go to Autism speaks if you are interested :)

Easter Weekend

EASTER WEEKEND!

What a busy, fun and really wonderful weekend! I hate it that Brian was not able to be a part of anything this weekend but that in itself is a praise report! His company has finally sold after literally two plus years, so of all weekends for this to happen we never dreamed it would have been Easter weekend. He spent literally everyday at work until 8-9 and this weekend worked until 7pm both days.

Saturday Jantz had a cooking class to attend at Savory Chef in Tulsa. They made steak tips (one of his all time favorite things!) twice baked potatoes, strawberry spinach salad and bonaffie pie...OH MY GOSH! Jantz brought Brian & I a piece of pie and potato. They were AMAZING!! We loved the pie so much that he made it to take to my moms for Easter. Jenna had to work all day on Saturday, so we dropped in to see her and pick up a few things using her employee discount.

Jantz has his own little business going....he started last Nov.by wanting a video and because it was so close to Christmas, I said put it on your Christmas list. Well, he asked if he could raise the money himself could he buy it before then. "of course you can!" Well within two hours my son had gotten on the phone and taken orders to sell dog treats. He figured out how much he would sell them for and how many orders he would have to have to Pay for the game. It was amazing...He took orders, cooked, cleaned up after and we delivered those dog treats and within two days he had his game. Well now, he continues to get RE-orders! They have been building up and since I was going to be cooking for Easter I thought this might be a good time for him to do his dog treats. He had been making a list and we realized he had $100 worth or 20 orders to fill....ugh this meant 400 yes 400 dog treats to make!! Well, we worked together and had a pretty good system and he got it all done



After this we made his pie from cooking class and then the kids died eggs together! I feel so blessed that at 16 and 12 they still enjoy doing this!

Easter morning Brian had to leave out early for work AGAIN and so I got up and hid the eggs, cooked breakfast and because I ran out of energy the night before I had to make the chocolate sheet cake to take to my moms. It was nice spending time in the quiet and just feeling the Lords presence with me as I was thanking Him for his gift of Salvation, Forgiveness and overcoming death and giving me Eternity with Him! I woke up the kids with a joyful shout....HE IS ALIVE! HE IS ALIVE! COME DOWN AND CELEBRATE HIS RESURRECTION!! They both surprised me and were downstairs rather quickly and we ate breakfast hunted the eggs




Then we were off to my moms for dinner and family time! My mom always makes everything look so beautiful, taste so wonderful and we have sooo much fun with her and papa!


and here is moms table set up for us, I wish I had her gift!!





All in all it was a wonderful weekend! Today being Resurrection Sunday, spending time in prayer together we were just so humbled and words couldn't describe the gratefulness we felt for what Jesus did for Us! For ALL of US!

I found this on another blog today and posted it to mine! I hope it is ok to do that :)
May you all have a blessed and beautiful Easter and may you know fully the Love and sacrifice of our Lord and Saviour ....Jesus Christ. For He did this for me and for YOU!


I've Just Seen Jesus


The weight of that day was more than I could bear. I got up before the sun. The other Mary was tapping at the door early, but it felt late for the night was long. I couldn’t shut my eyes. When I did I could see Him hanging there, blood dripping from His head. Every time I closed my eyes I could feel His agony.





I wanted to lift Him off of there and run. There was plenty of time that afternoon to imagine the scenario. I would push the cross until it fell over. If it was stuck, there were plenty of His beloved to help me. John would pry out the nails. I wanted it to be a bad dream, but this nightmare was real.





My mind couldn’t comprehend the meaning. Why did He have to endure such humiliation and pain? He was the kindest person I knew. He was different from any other man. Something about the way He looked at me. He looked through me, like He knew my heart. And I believe He did, too.





We rushed, Mary and I, into the dawn. I pulled my shawl tight, not sure if my chill was from sorrow or the cool morning air. A reed from the basket dug into my hand as I walked, but I dared not loosen my grip. The spices and perfumes were costly. Thankfully, I had taken the time to wrap the jars, so they were protected during the brisk walk.





With just a hint of the sun’s rise, we arrived at the burial place. My heart fell as we approached the tomb. I feared someone else arrived first for the stone at the entrance was rolled completely away. No sooner than I stopped, I caught a flash of light above the stone. I raised my eyes afraid and uncertain. Mary beside me was silent.





I can never fully describe what we saw that day. An angelic being sat on top of the massive stone. His clothes were glowing white, and I had to half shut my eyes to look directly at him. Then he spoke to us, knowing exactly why we were there. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. (Matt. 28:6 NIV) I walked to the entrance of the tomb in disbelief. Had He really done it? My answer was inside. It was empty. The tomb was empty, only grave clothes left behind. The angel told us to return to Christ’s disciples to tell them the news.





At first my feet wouldn’t move. The other Mary gave me a little shove on the back. “Go quick,” she said. We ran. I moved the basket up my arm so I could run faster. And then there He was. My Lord. One minute we were running, the next we were staring Him in the face. He was smiling. Smiling. Like He hadn’t been hanging on that cross just days before. For a second I was frozen in my spot. Then Mary moved beside me, and I came out of my trance to fall at His feet. I took one foot and Mary the other.





“This just can’t be,” I remember thinking until I opened my eyes and saw the hole in the foot just below my face. It really was my Lord. He can do anything! I raised my head to see His face, and I knew. Those eyes. His eyes pierced through my soul and the hair stood up on the back of my neck. I was looking at the Son of God.





We came straight here to inform you. He told us to come and find you and tell you the good news. He is alive! Just as He said, He came back from the grave. He is going ahead to meet you in Galilee. Don’t just stand there. Run! Christ, our Lord lives! Go and meet Him. He is waiting!





Go into all the world and preach the good news… Mark 16:15 NIV

Releasing what you love

You know the old saying, "If you love something, let it go....If it comes back to you it is yours, if If doesn't it never was yours." Well I know that in Gods kingdom things are the exact opposite, ie; when you are last, you are first. When you humble yourself you will be exalted etc. This is a lesson I have experience for myself this past month....When a person ministers for Christ whether it be doing youth, street ministry, working with the elderly or with couples some would say "this is my ministry" or "I belong to this ministry". I have been known to say both. Most recently I labeled myself as a youth leader but we found ourselves in a situation where the Lord was nudging us into a whole new season and whole new ministry. It just about killed me when I thought I was "losing" my ministry and the kids that have been in our home for the past 2yrs. You see, our hearts were never set on leading youth but 2 yrs ago it was clear that that was an area in which the Lord wanted us to serve, to lead, impart and grow ourselves. It has been one of the most wonderful, fun and honestly stretching times in our life! We were so blessed to be a part of these kids lives and when Brian and I made the decision to accept the calling I was scared to death. I was petrified of teenagers SERIOUSLY!! PETRIFIED! But you see, this is how the Lord works...He tells us that His perfect Love will cast out all Fear and with each week that we met, or event that we attended and relationships that were built the Fear that was there was turned into a perfect healing and complete JOY! in my heart to be with these kids. They taught me sooo much more than I could have ever dreamed! To watch them grow in their gifts, to see their hearts worship and love the Lord and each other has been one of the greatest gifts I will ever receive. So when I heard the Lord saying it was time to release them I will be very honest....I fought, I cried, I got angry but the Lord in His infinite mercy and grace waited for me to throw my fit and in His tender way reminded me of my hearts desire....That is ....to work with people who are in troubled marriages. In Gods kingdom, when you let go of something that He is telling you to, He will only open the doors wider to another path, One that will glorify Him and stretch you ....YET AGAIN!






this is just our girls.....all that we love and adore!

For Today...

Outside my window... the sun is shining and will be warmer with each hour that passes

I am thinking... about so many marriages that are under attack and praying for them to be restored


I am thankful for... being able to watch my husband be an amazing grandpa this past weekend. I fell completely in love with him in a whole new way!

From the kitchen... I ended up not cooking because my mom took all the grandkids to dinner and a movie tonight.....what a treat for everyone!

I am wearing... jeans and my pink hoodie tshirt with my pink one star converse

I am reading... Esther & The Lord will Provide

I am hoping... I can begin to lose weight and start tanning again. I disgust myself.

I am hearing... silence, for the first time all day!

Around the house... I need to get the office organized and start spring cleaning

One of my favorite things... knowing more and more and Gods love for me

A few plans for the rest of the week... doing hair tomorrow, bible study and time with Nicole on Thursday and Easter this weekend!!!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...





This is my precious grandaughter Rylee Nicole. She brings amazing joy to our lives and I am so blessed to be her NONI.

menu

Monday- Taco Soup, bread
Tuesday- Chicken Enchiladas, rice and beans
Wednesday- Turkey Patties, scalloped potatoes, green bean casserole
Thursday- Grilled chicken salad
Friday- any leftovers you can find in fridge ;)

Hope all have a blessed week! and a wonderful Easter

HE IS RISEN!

FOR TODAY APRIL 1ST, 2009...

Outside my window...
The sun is shining, wind is howling and it is still chilly

I am thinking...
How God cares for me and the Special ways He has shown me this past month

I am thankful for...
New Friendships
Seeing God move in the area of Forgiveness in my parents


From the kitchen...
I love watching the birds of all different colors eating our of their different feeders


I am wearing...
my pajama bottoms, and hoodie


I am reading...
John 15, Jesus Lifecoach, and Esther

I am hoping...
to have a good meeting with my Lifecoach tomorrow

I am hearing...
so many things that break my heart of marriages separating right now and praying for all of them to not give up!

One of my favorite things...
Just being with my children, I know some roll their eyes at that but I cherish every moment

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Friday with my mom is the best day we have soo much fun! no matter what we do
Here is picture thought I am sharing...

monday- dads burgers fries (2nd week in a row) requested by kids
tuesday blackened chicken alfredo
wednesday- grilled chicken salad
thursday- porcupine meatballs salad garlic biscuits
friday- pizza night :)

spring time snow

When you live in Oklahoma, one thing is for sure....the weather will never disappoint you. My family pays pretty close attention to the forecast...My husband is a weather nerd of sorts ;)Anyway, I saw that we were being forecast to have snow over the weekend but at the time were in the midst of 70 degree temps so honestly didn't think it was possible. I even texted my daughter on Thurs. that we were suppose to get 6 in. of snow on Saturday followed with a baahahahahahaha. Well the joke was on me. I didn't do the usual run to the store and stock up thanks to my menu planning and mostly I just didn't think it was going to happen. When I stop to think of it....It is mostly when I think that way that the storms come and in this case....come it did. We woke up Saturday morning and it was snowing, then thundering then very quickly it became blizzard like conditions. The visibility was awful. My daughter had to work early and brian had planned on driving her but bc it wasn't doint anything nor did it look like it was going to do much he went ahead and let her drive. Well they (her boss) figured out the weather was turning bad so he decided to send her home early....at this point it was still just the light snow. So Brian told her to drive safe and that quickly....it turned into a blizzard. We were praying and pacing the kitchen. We didn't want to call her since she shouldn't be driving and talking but this was serious! Brian was ready to get in his car and go rescue his princess :) We ended up calling her and she was in fact scared to death, had almost run off into a ditch and truly couldn't see the lanes but she made it home safe and sound PRAISE THE LORD!!
The rest of the day was wonderful, we had family time, we played in the snow and then went to housechurch. As I reflect on the day and the snow I felt the Lord saying to me "Loren, My love is like the snow....it covers you like a blanket. And just like you doubted it coming, it came. It was slow, then full force but steady all throughout the day. That is how my love for my children is.... a steady and beautiful love whether you can see it or feel it, it is there" ALWAYS.

Here is few pics that just spoke to me







and here is some fun we had make a springtime snowman


God is sooo good, His love ....may it cover you all the days of your life!

Going to the Throne with confidence

Prayers. That beautiful word and its meaning has changed soo very much for me these past few years. When Brian and I stepped out of the traditional church and began going to a home church prayer at the point in my life was something we may do on occasion, for ourselves, or for others or even going to the altar to be "prayed for" At times when we were a part of a street ministry we would pray over others and God would give us downloads for those individuals and it blessed me as much as it gave hope and encouragement to them.
But when we got into our house church setting everything changed ....for me. It was so very intimate, quiet at times so that everyone knew what was being prayed and I went from a "Prayer warrior" to basically a silent pray-er....Why? FEAR. would I pray right? would I hear from God? and pray His will and NOT MINE? I am a very emotional and open person and usually people are drawn to tell me personal things. Over this past year God has done some amazing teaching in my Spirit and my heart. My desire (which he gives us the desires of our heart) truly was to pray His will and not what I thought they needed bc of the personal things I knew for people so FOR ME this meant....being still, and listening. It has been almost 1 year since I have been at home "not working" I must be honest and say at first it KILLED me to be away from my friends, clients but God has filled that whole with so much love that He has for me teaching me who I am in him, what my new ministry looks like and a new level of trust for each new season we walk through with Him holding our hands. I have learned that truly I can dialogue with the Lord every minute of every day because He is here with me wherever I go. Sometimes, I just sit with my checklist of whys?? sometimes I mourn over the marriages that have been broken and the addictions that people fall prey too. Lord, why are so many afraid to walk through the fire? To persevere as your Word tell us too. To understand that You love us soo much and want those wounds healed but in order to be healed they must bring it out into the light, some must confess, some must repent....Lord knows I did! We all struggle but when we humble ourselves and PRAY, God says he will heal our land. That can mean....our lives, our homes, our marriages and our childrens marriages. Its endless because Gods love for us and the work only He can do for us is above anything we can ask or imagine.
The Lord longs to have intimacy with us and for us to be transparent with one another. Only He knows and searches our hearts. He hears us even before we ask, think, or cry out....He is with us and longs to teach, to listen, to discipline, to help us out of the miry clay and set us on solid ground. He truly is a Father who adores each and every one of us.