Down By Three and Thoughts on Restaurants

Tonight was our weigh in and I've lost three pounds this week.  I was hoping for a good weigh in so I was pleased with that.

We still have several weeks to go before the end of our twelve weeks in October.  I have one pound to go to reach my twelve week goal.  I've lost nine pounds, total, since we started, and broke down into the next lesser tens place.  Which is the goal I had hoped to obtain this week.  Thankful for that!

One thing I've learned about counting calories is to keep the food scale on the table.  Generally I have three ounces of meat when I eat it.  I mostly stick to boneless, skinless, chicken breasts.  We went to a steak house last week and I still ordered chicken.  Normally I want a juicy ribeye.  But I didn't miss it.  I actually wanted the chicken.

Ordering is different too.  I have found that I still love eating out, but I think harder when ordering.  For instance, the last time we were at a Mexican restaurant I looked over the menu and there really isn't anything that is low fat, low calorie.  Even in a taco salad, you would be surprised.  I know I was.  So I went on with what I usually order.  Only I ordered the half size.  And to my joy, I still could not finish it all.  Which means my stomach is use to eating smaller portions.  And I decided to leave my leftovers instead of taking them with me.  I still felt a smidgen of guilt.  I guess because I couldn't tell the exact amount of calories to count.  So for supper I opted for a small bowl of vegetable salad, no cheese, and pretzel sticks. 

The biggest challenge eating out is keeping a journal on what I eat.  We usually only eat out once a week.  Twice if we have an exceptionally busy weekend.  When I go on a date with my husband, I don't care where he chooses to go and I just don't worry about counting anything.  But after that, I try to choose a place where I can look up the calories and other nutritional information.  There are some pretty cool apps you can get on your phone or tablet that have the menu and nutritional information for your favorite restaurants and fast food joints.  And if you can't find the app, just google it.  You'll most likely find it.

Go Green Bay!

So, you know I'm a Green Bay fan, right?  It causes a slight rivalry in the home, seeing we are in Carolina Panther territory.

I'm looking forward to football this year.  Ready to see what Green Bay does and hope they make it to the Super Bowl. 

 

And check this out

How great is that?  I don't know what you call this game where you're from, but around here it's known as Corn Hole and I love to play.  I want Bruce to make me a set.

 

And to bring in the football season, here's something I found, called Football Theology for Church Members:

 

*Quarterback Sneak: Sunday School teachers entering the building five minutes late, trying to slip by the Pastor without being seen.

*Two Minute Warning: Someone on the front pew, taking long looks at his watch so the preacher will be sure to notice.

*Bench Warmers: Inactive church members who are content to stay home and worship by watching one of the "electronic preachers" on television.

*Huddle: A gathering of men outside the church building for a small talk and a quick smoke before the worship service begins.

*Extra Point: What each member receives when he tells the preacher that the sermon was just too short today.

*"In the Pocket": Where too many church members keep their tithes.

 

I thought those were kind of funny.  The last one reminded me of something Brother Tony Hutson said in revival last week.  He was talking about people that won't tithe (NOT Can't tithe, but WON'T tithe) yet insist on knowing where every dime is going that the church is spending.  He said pastors ought to tell them they'll post all the business accounts on one board and right next to it all the tithers.  That cracked me up.  LOL  

Revival, by the way, was terrific.  There was something special from the Lord every night and He certainly showed up to meet with us.  Especially on Friday.  We had invited several churches to bring their youth and all but one or two showed up.  It was a GREAT show of support for Old Time worship.  Twelve souls were saved Friday night, AMEN!  And Sunday morning it was still going on.  One of our teens made assurance and two people were saved in the morning service.  God is good. 

 

The War on Terror

Yeah, it's not what you think.  I'm actually referring to the terror of fat! 

For the last several weeks, a group of friends and myself, have been trying to meet once a week, weigh in, and be accountable to one another.  We're doing it twelve weeks at a time.  We'll reset our goals for another twelve weeks when these are up.  So far it's going ok. 

Can I be honest?  At this very moment, I'm pretty sure my stomach is gnawing on my ribs.  But it's ok.  After weigh in tonight I'll eat my supper.  I might actually live up until then. 

All joking aside, it really is a battle.  When you've spent your whole life eating whatever you want and then make a conscious decision to change, whether it is your way of eating, or something else in your life you feel needs changing, it can be a battle. 

A battle of will.  Strength.  And power.

Sometimes I feel like the female version of Thor.  While other times I feel like I have none of the above.  No will.  No strength.  And no power.

Something, though, that has made a HUGE difference for me is journaling everything I put in my mouth.  I'm calorie counting.  Have you ever tried to count calories?  It can get a little confusing sometimes, depending on what you're eating, but once you get use to it, it's not bad at all.

Anyway, I picked up a 28oz water bottle and a journal a few weeks ago.  Since then I try to drink four bottles of water a day and journal everything I eat.  Have you ever tried to drink 112oz of water a day?  Granted, I love water.  But 112oz makes my bladder want to splatter, if you get my "drift." 

It's been interesting, since journaling, to see how my mind has quickly become accustomed to questioning whether or not I really am hungry or just want to stuff my jaws.  It's also been kind of funny to realize that I'll put something back in the cabinet or back in the fridge if I have to write it in my journal and deduct from the day's calorie intake.

I've come to the realization, also, that I am an emotional eater.  And I don't mean when I'm just stressed.  I mean happy, stressed, angry, hurt, etc.  Emotions send me to the kitchen. 

Since I've been journaling, I've allowed my emotions to take me other places.  I'll admit that my feet start toward the kitchen, but end up somewhere else.  Because I really dislike journaling those calorie deductions.  I feel like I've lost an important battle in the "war on terror" when that happens. 

Yep.  It's a battle.  And I intend to win the war.

Tonight I speak from my inner Thor.  Tomorrow?  Well.... tomorrow I may be flying the white flag of surrender.

~~~~~~
This week, we've been in revival with Brother Tony Hutson.  He's been preaching hard all week.  I'm glad he was able to make it.  We have two nights left.  Friday night we'll be having an emphasis on youth.  I'm looking forward to seeing all the youth from different area churches that will be in attendance. 

While we were in Virginia, I read this in a book my Uncle Gene had on a shelf.  It's called Prescription for Revival.

If all the sleeping folk will wake up
If all the lukewarm people will fire up
If all the dishonest folk will confess up
If all the disgruntled folk will cheer up
If all the estranged folk will make up
If all the gossipers will shut up
If all the true soldiers will stand up
If all the dry bones will shake up
If all the church members will pray up....
THEN we can have revival.

Family Reunion

Took a trip to Virginia this weekend for a family reunion on my mom's side of the family.  We had such a great time seeing family we haven't seen in a long time.  But we sure did miss the ones that couldn't make it.  Lord willing, we'll be able to see them over the holidays, later this year. 

One of my Aunts rented a lake house and boat at Smith Mountain Lake.  The lake was beautiful!  The weather was perfect!  And the time shared was priceless!

My niece and her boyfriend, Brandon, made it up.  I was really happy they were able to come.

Aunt Margie was enjoying the sun and relaxation on the deck.

 When lunch was over, several of us hopped on the boat for a tour around the lake and a swim.

 My nephew, Michael, enjoyed diving in several times.  He's such a great guy. 

 He was also our captain for the afternoon.  He just graduated from high school this spring and begins his college today, I believe. 

 Brandon and Jessica doing their Titanic pose.  LOL They're so nutty.

 Mikey was starving after his swim.  When you're 6' 6", a teenage boy, and still growing, you can work up quite the appetite.  :)

Some of us watched a DVD my Aunt brought.  She had a whole bag full of really good movies.

 And others of us played board games.

 It really was a terrific day.  Wish I could be around all of my Aunts and Uncles all the time.  They just seem to be scattered here and there, though.  I suppose that's life for ya.
We didn't stay at the lake house.  We stayed with my Uncle Gene...

 And Aunt Margie. 

 They have a lovely home in Roanoke.  The kids stayed in the basement.  We had taken a queen size air mattress for them to sleep on.  When I went to wake them Saturday morning, I found Hannah on the couch but couldn't see Harrison.  I asked where he was at and Hannah said, "He's in there."  Looking closer, I realized some air had gone out of the mattress and he had sunk down a little bit.  Didn't seem to bother him that much though.  Bless it.

We had safe travels up and coming back.  Thankful for that.  What should have taken two to three hours ended up taking eight hours to get there from the traffic jams we encountered on the way.  I really hated it for those who were in wrecks and hope they're all right. 

While we were in Virginia, I received a message from a friend of mine saying a woman in our church had been in a very bad accident.  It really does not look good.  As of Sunday, she still had not regained consciousness.  There is EXTREME swelling.  Other issues I won't go into here.  But she really needs prayer.  She has a husband and teenage son that are very upset over this, as you can imagine.  Her mom and dad are two of the sweetest people I have ever met.  I can't imagine what they must be feeling right now.  I know the entire family would appreciate the prayers.   Her name is Sharon. 

ABC's and 123's

After church last night, we stopped at Wal Mart and received a full refund for the sodas we posted.  I did hear back from Cott Beverages. 

This was their reply:

Thank you for taking the time to contact us regarding your recent experience
with Lemon Lime soda. We apologize for any inconvenience you may have
experienced. These products, sold at Walmart, are a reduced sugar formula. The
label does not and cannot read "Diet" as they contain a nutritive sweetener,
High Fructose Corn Syrup, and Aspartame. The label does meet all FDA
requirements because all ingredients are listed under the ingredients listing.
At Cott, we are committed to producing premium quality products. It is our
goal that every beverage leaving our facilities meets our rigid quality control
standards. As such, your comments have been shared with the appropriate
department to ensure quality excellence and consumer satisfaction.
Again, thank you for taking time to draw our attention to this matter. We
trust that you will continue to be a valued Wal-Mart customer.

Final comment from me:

Thank you for your reply. I have no doubt your product is FDA approved.

However, I do still feel the consumer should know straight up what your product
is about. Many people, like ourselves, stay away from Aspartame. When a product
says on the packaging that it is "diet" or even "Low in sugar" we pretty well
know there is going to be an artificial sweetener, such as Aspartame, in the
ingredients.
I did take the products back and received a full refund. In the future, I would
most likely purchase your product again, providing it was made without
artificial sweeteners and the packaging included "diet" or "Low in sugar."
Lesson learned on my part is to always read the ingredients and take nothing for
granted.
~~~~~
And thus concludes the soda drama. 

I ordered Hannah and Harry's school books for the new school year.  This is the earliest I have ordered books in a long time.  Our school year usually doesn't begin until later in September.  I think we're ready to get a jump start on Hannah's senior year.  Harrison is offended we are starting earlier than usual.  One of the things he looks forward to every year is teasing his friends he goes back later than they do.  So he's kind of bummed.  But I reckon he'll get over it.  haha

I have some ideas floating in my head for senior pictures, field trips, etc.  Lord willing, these ideas will come to fruition.

Praying for all the other students going back to school and hoping they have a great year.

Oh What A Tangled Web We Weave....

...when first we practice to deceive.

I feel like I've been deceived.  Compared to most families, we are not really soda people.  But every once in a while we like to sip on one. 

Today, while browsing through Wal Mart in Shelby, I was looking at some sodas and these caught my eye.  They were a $1.18 for a six pack.  Being the spend-conscious shopper, I am,  I asked Harrison if he thought he might like to try one.  Obviously they are some generic brand since there is really no "brand name" attached.

 Basic cola.

 Basic lemon lime. 

Harrison was cool with trying it.  In his words, "I don't care.  A soda is a soda."  Being an RC girl, myself, I disagreed with him on that.  But ok, I bought 'em.  Twenty-four cans of soda for less than $5.00.  Not bad.

We get home, put the groceries away, and fix lunch.  Harrison wanted a soda with his lunch, so, "Yeah, open one up and tell me what ya think."  The look on his face after that first sip told me it must not have been that great.  He chose the basic lemon lime.  I opened a can of the basic cola and after my first sip I thought it tasted like a DIET cola.

First of all, I don't do DIET.  NOTHING with any artificial sweeteners comes into this house.  We used to allow it, yes.  But after a lot of reading up on the "sweet poison" we decided we did not want our children consuming it.  Aspartame, especially.  Which is what is used in most all diet drinks, including soda.

And I know what you're thinking... They won't allow artificial sweeteners, but they'll allow pure soda.  Yep!  We don't allow them to drink it all the time.  It's more of a treat than anything. 

So when I realized it tasted diet, I looked at the Nutrition Facts and guess what....35 calories for the cola and 30 calories for the lemon lime.

SAY WHAAAA???? 

I've been journaling my calories for about a month now.  So when I saw the calories in these cans I went straight to the ingredients.  In my cola I found:

*Carbonated water
*High fructose corn syrup
*Caramel color
*Phosphoric acid,
*Potassium citrate,
*Potassium Benzoate (A preservative)
*Aspartame  <--------------------RIGHT THERE IT IS!!!!!!!!!!
*...and a few other ingredients....

Now I'm just mad.  Why couldn't they stamp the word "diet" on these drinks?  I can't even think of a reason they would not do that for the consumer.

I guess there's no law stating they have to.  But they should.  I felt it was very deceitful.  We opened two cans today, but tomorrow, the rest will be going back to the store for a full refund.  We won't drink them and I'm not giving them to someone else to drink.

So if you're in Wal Mart, or any other store selling these generic looking drinks, be aware that they are not what they appear to be.  They're not really regular sodas.  They're nasty diet drinks filled with that "sweet poison."  And if you're against artificial sweeteners like we are, you won't want these.

They are manufactured by Cott Beverages in Tampa, Florida.  I intend on emailing them my blog post.  Maybe when I see their product in the store again, there will be that one word added to their cans to let the consumer know they are diet and not the regular sweet soda they intended to purchase.

And thus concludes my rant and expose`.

Time To Get Over "It." Whatever Your "It" Might Be

I'd be lying to say I've never been angry with God. That some trials, one in particular, did not cause me to stray from Him and literally just go through the motions of Christianity for weeks. I did get over it, though, and grew in grace because of that trial. Going over them multiple times in my heart and head and constantly writing about them, talking about them, and thinking about them was like picking and peeling the scab off a wound over and over again. There comes a time when you have to "let go and let God" heal the wound completely. Scab and all.

Proverbs 3:5 says "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart...." Who better to trust than the Almighty? After all, man is the one that fails us. God has never failed us. He has never done anything harmful to us. So why do we always blame Him and take it out on Him and our relationship with Him when bad things happen? He doesn't control people like some big puppeteer in the sky. He has created each of us with a free will. What we do with that free will is entirely up to us. We know that every decision we make will affect those around us. We all KNOW this. And yet, when we are affected by someone else's sins, we give up everything we've been taught, cross our arms, and only uncross them to shake our fist at Him. Why? Because we are mere humans who only WISH they knew the mind of God and why He allows bad things to happen to good people while bad people live happily ever after. Well...happily in the here and now. Ever after, not so much.

It's easy to romanticize our circumstances and pen them on paper for the world to see and give us pity. But the truth is, it's time to get over it. Time to move on. Let the pity come from God and let Him strengthen us in our weaknesses.

We deserve nothing but Hell and damnation. But if we trust in Him we can escape that. If trudging through trials, holding His hand as He leads through thick, deep, mud holes of hurt and pain, grows me just a little more in His love and grace, and if He is still holding my hand when I pass through from this world to the next, it will be worth it all.
"Lead me on, let me stand..."

By the way, if we find ourselves at some point and time NOT holding His hand, it is not because He let go of us. But because we let go of Him.

And if we do find ourselves in that situation there are two decisions we can make.

1. Turn our backs and keep on walking without Him.
2. Turn our eyes from our hurts and back to Him, take His outstretched hand in ours, and walk on with Him, not turning back to the things that crush our relationship with Him.

Through it all, through it all
I've learned to trust in Jesus, I've learned to trust in God
through it all, through it all
I've learned to depend upon His Word.

Until we learn to trust Him and depend on His Word, we will always be picking and peeling that scab of hurt.
Let it heal. So what if there's a scar. Remember, scars are where healing took place.
His Word. It does work. Every time.

The Liebster Award

My bloggy friend, Ava, awarded the Liebster Award to me. Thanks, Ava!  :)     She asked me 11 questions which I will now answer:

1) What is something special or unique about the place where you live?  I LOVE where I live.  We are in a small, hometown community, where high school football and 50's-type ice cream parlors are still loved and appreciated.  Everyone pretty much knows each other or knows someone in your family.  We live near a National Military Park where part of the Revolutionary War took place.  Believe it or not, there are several notable people from our very small town.  And for the most part, people love their Bibles, their guns, and their freedoms. 

2) If you could meet anyone in history, who would you want to meet and why? (Jesus does not count because we know we will all meet Him one day.)  This is a difficult question for me because there are many people in history I think I would like to meet.  I could name former presidents like Abe Lincoln, or famous preachers like Billy Sunday.  But I think I would like to meet the Apostle Paul.  If you read through Paul's writings, you soon realize that Paul knew how much he was made of flesh and bone.  He faced trials, hurt, persecution, etc.  Yet toiled on through life until he was able to pen, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith..."

3) Have you had your "15 minutes of fame?" Describe the experience or tell what you would love to have it for.  LOL, well, I don't reckon I've had three minutes of fame, much less fifteen.  And to tell what I would have it for, I couldn't rightly do that either.  To be honest, I'm quite content to just be me with no fame attached. 

4) When you were little what did you want to be when you grew up?  Did you accomplish that?  When I was very little, I wanted to be a missionary nurse with Dr. Driesbach.  He was a missionary in Africa that went home to be with the Lord in November of 2009.  Bob Jones University's Unusual Films, made a movie about him called Beyond the Night.  No, I did not accomplish that.  The Lord never put that calling on me.  As I grew older I knew I was to be a wife and mother.  The Lord blessed me with a wonderful husband and three terrific kids.  And for that, I give God the glory!  

5) What is your favorite advice or tips for little ones?  Seriously, Ava?  I could spend HOURS on this one.  Just kidding.  I think if I could tell mothers "one" thing it would be to introduce your children to Jesus at the very moment they enter this world.  Pray diligently over their lives, daily, hourly, minute by minute.  And to be consistent in discipline. They should learn to obey immediately.  Not by the time you get to the count of three.  I could expound on this, but I think everyone pretty much knows where I'm going with it.  So, I'll spare ya.  LOL

6) What is your best advice for keeping it all in balance? Or at least from dropping all the juggling balls?  Pray, prioritize, and learn that it's ok to say, "NO" sometimes.

7) What is your favorite joke? Or what is something funny that has happened to you or you have seen happen?  Gracious.  That's a loaded question.  I have tons of jokes I love and have had several funny things happen to me or others.  I guess something funny that happened to me in Germany is we were getting ready to come back stateside.  We had given up our apartment and was living at the base Hotel until our flight home.  One night about 1:00 or 2:00 in the morning I was awakened to the sound of fire alarms and a voice calmly saying over the loud speaker that everyone should evacuate the building.  Being a young mother of a nine month old baby, I quickly arose from my bed, grabbed my baby and ran out of the room, shouting to my husband over my shoulder, "GET OUT!"  It wasn't until I was half-way down the steps (elevators were shut down), that I realized Bruce was trying to tell me to wait.  One reason is that he knew a drunken soldier had most likely pulled the alarm to be funny.  He had experienced this on more than one occasion.  And also, he thought that maybe, since I was in a very short nighty, I might want to put on a bathrobe and slippers.  Realizing all of this, after seeing several people calmly walking around the hotel, completely dressed, and taking their time exiting the building, I began to walk back to the room.  But as I was walking back, someone took me by the arm and said I could not go back and I needed to take my place on the front lawn of the Hotel.  So sheepishly I walked out of the hotel, where many others gathered.  Me, standing there in my nighty...no robe, no slippers...and my little baby wondering why mommy pulled him out of a nice warm bed.  As I stood amidst the crowd, almost like slow motion in a movie, the doors to the hotel open and out comes my husband.  Hands in the pockets of the blue jeans he took time to put on, feet nestled in warm socks and shoes, a t-shirt, and his winter coat.  As a matter of fact, everyone had on their coats.  He was grinning at me from ear to ear.  An army gentleman came over and gave me his coat to wear.  Thankfully, it was longer than what I had on.  And warmer too.  By the time Bruce got to me it was almost time to go back in.  Sure enough, a drunken soldier pulled the alarm.  Mind you, this wasn't funny at the time.  I was humiliated.  But looking back now, it does make me laugh.  Bruce, on the other hand, has always found it funny.

8) Who are you most like in your family?  I am forever being told that I am just like my daddy.  Which I have to admit that I do have his sense of humor.  However, I also admit that I am a LOT like my mom in other areas.

9) What is the best memory you have of any of your grandparents? Hmmm...the best...I'd have to say with my mom's parents the best memory would be when all of the grandkids would spend the night.  They'd put us in a room with two big beds and grandma would come lay in bed with us and tell stories.  With my dad's parents we didn't get to see them as often since we were in SC and they were in Ohio.  But when we would go visit, there was a bend in the curve where their house set.  As we would round the curve we would see paw paw sitting on his bench with his fly swat and maw maw sitting at the picnic table, talking and waiting for their babies to get there.  As soon as we would pull in on their road, the three of us would sit up in our seats, right behind mom and dad and look for them.  We knew they'd be there.  Another favorite memory of them is they would send us a box of goodies every once in a while.  I mean they would load. us. down!  But my maw maw would tape that box so good it was like breaking into Fort Knox.  We'd get home from school and see a box on the table and all three of us would go running to the kitchen for the sharpest knives in the drawer.  haha  It was always fun to see what they sent.

10) Have you crossed any items off your bucket list?  To be honest, I've never made one.  Don't want to either.  LOL

11) Who is one of your Christian mentors and what is something they have taught you? Oh, wow.  I could name many.  My parents, the pastors that have been in my life, my pastor's wife, etc.  But one person that comes to mind right off is my friend, Rachel.  Rachel is a very good wife and mother.  She will be the first to tell you that she fails on a daily basis.  But she has given me great advice over the years.  Biblical advice.  And it has worked every time.  She's been a great example to me on how to love my husband and my children.  Even though we don't see each other as much as we did years ago, I often find myself asking what she might do in "this" situation or what she might tell her kids in "that" situation.  And when it gets tough, I'll call, email, or text her.  She's always got something wise to share and I usually always end up smiling and feeling better about whatever it is troubling me.  She's great about listening to my joys and blessings too.  She was a HUGE part in helping me get started in homeschooling and keeping me encouraged.  I've always looked up to her like a big sister and thankful the Lord put her in my life when I was twelve.       
  The Liebster Award is a pass-it-along award. I am going to pick the following blogs.  Suppose to be eleven, but I'm going with these five: 
Rita from The Jungle Hut.  Rita is a missionary that was forced out of Venezuela and now serving in Paraguay.  She has some of the greatest missionary stories I've ever heard.  Wonderful lady!   Pam from Midnight Musings.  Pam is actually Rita's sister.  I have so much in common with Pam and Rita it's not even funny.  Pretty sure we were all separated at birth at some point.  From where we grew up to who we know, to where our family roots lie.  She is both fun and very political, which is something I totally love about her.   Michele from Rabbit's Trail.  Michele is a Pastor's wife in TX.  She is a different kind of lady.  Funny, unique, and loves the Lord.  She is a great lady and I have a lot of respect for her and her entire family, even though we have never officially met.   Dana from The Simple Gift.  Dana is a very good buddy of mine.  We go to church together and she and her husband are also sponsors for our youth group.  She is a great friend and I love her dearly.   Rebecca from Mountains-N-Valleys.  Rebecca is another dear friend that we attend church with.  She is over the teen class at our Super Church on Saturdays.  She does an EXCELLENT job in that position and I am always amazed at how well she handles the class.   Rules for the Liebster Award are as follows: (1) Post 11 things about yourself, (2) Answer the questions that your nominating blogger has set for you and then create 11 questions for your nominees, (3) choose up to 11 blogs to nominate and link them in your post, (4) go to their respective blogs and let them know, and (5) no tag backs!

Eleven questions to my chosen nominees:
1) What was the most significant event that happened in your life to lead you where you are today?

2) What is your favorite book of the Bible and why?

3) What is it about your husband that first caught your attention?  And how has he kept it through the years?

4) What is your favorite style of shoe and why?

5) If you could become a new character in your favorite book, what book would it be and what would your name be?

6) Have you pinned any DIY projects to pinterest and if so, how many have you done?

7) What is your favorite thing to do when you find yourself alone in your clean, quiet house?

8) If you could tell a brand new mother one thing, what would it be?

9) I give you a thousand dollars.  What will you do with it?

10) A thief breaks into your house in the middle of the night.  Where will you hide?

11) What is your favorite time of day and why? 

Oh, I'm suppose to tell eleven things about myself.  Let's see....:
*born in Ohio
*saved at 14
*married at 19
*three kids
*lived in Germany for about two years
*love COKE products, but prefer wild cherry Pepsi over Cherry Coke.
*Pepperoni pizza with extra cheese and mushrooms from pizza hut is my very favorite.
*Very content to be at home with my family but love to go out with my buddies from time to time for a little girl time and fellowship.
*believes every girl should have nicely painted toes.  No one wants to see nappy toes.
*believes that snuggling with newborn babies makes all the bad things go away.  For a little while, anyway.
*Can't wait for the Lord to come back. Wish it were today.  Are you ready?

The Life-Boat

Both sides of our families faced the loss of a loved one this week.

Bruce's Aunt Vicky will say goodbye to her daddy and my sister-in-law, Jenny, will say goodbye to her brother.  Both funerals are tomorrow.

Having lost a father and a brother, I know the pain and loss they are feeling.  I was flipping through a hymn book tonight, reading some of the verses and choruses to songs I've grown up on and my children are growing up on, and came across The Life-Boat. 

I've heard it all my life, really, but never like I heard it when Brother Tony Hutson sang it at a revival service he was preaching at our church the night Brother Davis went home to be with the Lord.  I could never explain or have the right words to describe the power of the Holy Ghost when he was singing that night. 

As I looked at the words, I could not help but want to share them with Aunt Vicky, Uncle Roger, and Michelle. Jenny and John.  They are uplifting and encouraging. 

1) We're floating down the stream of time, we have not long to stay;
The stormy clouds of darkness will turn to brightest day
Then let us all take courage, for we're not left alone;
The life-boat soon is coming to gather the Jewels home

2) Sometimes the devil tempts me, And says it's all in vain
To try to live a Christian life and walk in Jesus' name
But then we hear the Master say, "I'll lend you a helping hand,
And if you'll only trust me, I'll guide you to that land."

3) The life-boat soon is coming, by the eye of faith I see
As she sweeps thru the waters to rescue you and me
And land us safely in the port with friends we love so dear
"Get ready," cries the Captain; "O look, she's almost here"

4) O now's the time to get on board, while she is passing by;
But if you stand and wait too long, you shall forever die
The fare is paid for one and all, the Captain bids you come
And get on board the life-boat, she'll carry you safely home

CHORUS) Then cheer, my brother, cheer,
Our trials will soon be o'er
Our loved ones we shall meet, shall meet, upon the golden shore
We're pilgrims and we're strangers here, we're seeking a city to come,
The life-boat soon is coming, to gather the Jewels home.

I am thankful, that by their testimonies, each of these men knew the Captain of the Life-boat.  That by their testimony, they are resting in the arms of Jesus tonight.

A Lack of Kissing

Hannah is doing a little better.  Puffier cheeks today than the last couple days, but we're hoping that will be all gone by Monday.  She has a job interview that day and certainly does not wish to be puffy-cheeked when she goes in.  Harry told her this morning that she looked like a hamster when they pack all their food on one side of their jaw.  Nothing like a good word of encouragement from your little brother.  LOL  After missing the last two nights of VBS, she is looking forward to attending this evening. 
I took her to Mountain View Restaurant today for lunch.  She has a limited variety of food she can eat so she ordered the three vegetable plate.  One applesauce and two servings of mac-n-cheese.  We both just cracked up when they presented her plate.  More mac-n-cheese than we anticipated.  But she enjoyed it, none-the-less.  I had the BLT.  It was so good I bought stuff for some when I went grocery shopping.  It's what's on the menu next week.  :)

Went by CFA today.  Not one Kiss In protester.  But the parking lot was full and the drive thru was full.  They were pumping out those chicken sandwiches like nobody's business.  Was told later that the kiss in is suppose to start at 8:00 pm?  Seriously?  Two hours before closing?  After everyone has eaten supper?  Heh?  I thought it was National Same Sex Kiss DAY?  Not National Same Sex Kiss Two Hours Before Closing.  Okie dokie.  I don't reckon there were enough couples and liberals to spend the entire day there like those supporting CFA this past Wednesday...and Thursday...and Friday. 

By the way, did I fail to mention that I ran into two kinds of people at CFA Wednesday?  Those, like me, who support the Biblical definition of marriage and Dan Cathy's right to support whatever organization he chooses, and those who oppose his decision of whom he supported, however, support his right, as an American, to give to those organizations they oppose. 

The homosexual community is trying to make this about the "lack of love" toward them rather than what it really is.  And that's the right for others to disagree, take a stand, have our freedom of speech, and put our money where our mouth is, so to speak. 

There are many restaurants, stores, etc, that give to homosexual organizations.  If Christians or those opposed to these organizations don't want to give their money to these establishments, they don't.  We boycott by not spending our dollars there.  It is their right to give to whomever they choose, and our right not to give to their establishment.

So if the homosexual community wants to boycott CFA, why not just boycott by not giving them a dime of their money?  What's the point of their two hour kiss in and all the nonsense being wrangled by the media and other liberal outlets?

I have no doubt that CFA will prosper.  I have no doubt that our family will help them prosper.  As a matter of fact, when it comes to fast food, our money will be going to CFA. 

And before you get too excited about the pictures going viral of these fast food signs saying they support CFA, you should know they are fake.  They were created at a generator website.  You pick a sign, type what you want on the sign, and voila!  They have a picture for you to post anywhere on the web. 

OK, I'm done blogging.  Time to go pick up kiddies for VBS.  Y'all have a great night!

Hannah is 40% Less Wise Than Yesterday

Ok, it's been a really long day.  But it's been a good one too.
I took Hannah to have all four of her wisdom teeth extracted today.  Everything went great.  Of course they put her to sleep.  So her dad and I went back to be with her while she was in recovery and let me tell you, she was really funny.  She was so emotional.  She would break into laughter and then just start crying.  Then she'd break into laughter again.  Then start crying.  She'd ask, "Why am I so emotional?"  Of course, it took us a minute to figure out what she was saying since her jaws were packed with gauze.  Her dad and I drove seperately so I could take her for a milkshake after surgery and he could go get her prescriptions.  Yes, a milkshake.  It was the first thing on her "DO" list the doctor gave her, with strict instructions NOT to use a straw.  Anyway, she and her dad have names for each other.  She calls him "big daddy" and he calls her "little Hannah."  Well, her dad leaves and after a couple of minutes she looks around and realizes he's gone:

Hannah: Did daddy leeeeeeeeeeeave me???
Me: He went to get your.....
Hannah *starting to cry*: Why did big daddy leeeeeeave me???
Me *giggling*: He had to get your prescription for the pain medicine filled.
Hannah *starting to laugh*: Ohhhhhhhhh!  Ok, then.

My favorite, though, was when the nurse wheeled her out to the car.
Hannah: Am I suppose to be seeing people?
Nurse: Well, we did pass two people.
Hannah *starts crying*: But I saw FOUR!

And let me tell ya, there were several funny episodes in the car.  But I'll spare you the details.  It was a fun trip home though.

She's been very faithful about doing her ice packs and changing her gauze today. Hopefully she won't have much swelling tomorrow.  The bleeding has nearly stopped and she's doing good.  They gave her some pain meds and an antibiotic.  All the normal stuff.

After getting her milkshake I dropped her off at home and got her settled with some coke and a pudding cup.  She needed something on her stomach for medication.  While her daddy tended to her meds, I took off to stand in line at CHICK FIL A!!!  I stood in line for one hour and it was very pleasant.  Patrons were friendly and courteous to each other.  The workers were smiling and efficient.  All in all, it was a very pleasant experience and well worth the one hour wait.  Talking to some of the patrons, I realized that not all of them were FOR traditional and Biblical marriage, but they WERE for freedom of speech and the fact that Dan Cathey had every right to use monies from his own pocket or from HIS business to support any organization he wanted to.  One of the ones who is not necessarily FOR traditional and Biblical marriage even said that if Mr. Cathey had given monies to a gay and lesbian organization, the left would have never said anything about it.  And you know....  I'm inclined to agree.

Now, Friday, August third...that's THIS Friday in case you didn't know...the homosexual community is planning a "Kiss In" in all local Chick-fil-A restaurants.  They are being encouraged to go to the restaurant and kiss in public.  They are also planning a sit in.  Everyone is entitled to their free speech, I guess.  But if I was a betting woman, I'll bet their protest won't be near as clean and friendly as we were today.  I'd also bet that they will be treated with just as much friendliness and courtesy from the employees as we were treated with today.  But I'm not a betting person.... so, please don't send me emails placing bets against me.

While I waited in line I was able to see two friends I don't get to see that often.  So let me give a shout out to Brother and Sister Gomez!  Love you, Mrs. Rita.  And you too, Brother Jim!!  Y'all have always been a blessing to me.  It was good seeing you again.  I told ya I'd do a blog just for y'all.  So here it is!! 

We enjoyed our lunch.  It was very good.  As a matter of fact, the one I ordered from ran out of food around 7:00 or so this evening.  But a truck will be there first thing in the morning.  So if you missed out today, show your support tomorrow. 

I Plan on going back again this weekend sometime.

But probably not Friday.  Just sayin'.