Walk By Faith, Not By Sight

My friend and X-neighbor, Lucy, asked daddy to speak for her support group she heads up. It is for the blind and those who are going blind. And she asked our little family to sing for them. Bruce worked third last night and wasn't home until almost noon, so he missed going with us, but the kids and I went and had a really good time. I can not say enough what a blessing it was to be around these sweet people!! I would like to go back and visit with them again. Lord willing, we'll be able to do that.

Daddy was speaking on having no fear. That we walk by faith and not by sight. Of course, presenting God's love and the gospel in the process.

I wish I had thought to take pictures. I know, right? Me? Forget to take pictures? Yes, I really did!!! I even had my camera. I did get one of daddy but it wasn't good at all. So no one will be seeing that one.

When we came home we discovered our neighbor's dog had killed our other neighbor's dog. It was not a pretty sight. Poor little poodle was thrown around like a rag doll. These things happen, though. Justin wrapped it up in a towel and took it over to it's owner. She cried and cried. I told mom she was crying like one of her kids had gotten shot. But she said she had him for eleven years. And I know a lot of people love their pets like they ARE their children. I felt bad for her, she was hurting so deeply.

So that was our day. I have a Microsoft party to go to tonight. I hope Bruce will be able to make it to that. As I said before, he worked over this morning and wasn't home until almost noon. He was going to cut his mom's grass today, but I guess that's out today since I haven't heard a peep out of him. Oh well, there's always tomorrow.

Please pray for Bruce's cousin, Cathy. She had heart surgery this morning in Charlotte. I haven't heard anything from the family yet. Cathy is a good Christian girl. Her brother Ricky was the one that passed away earlier this year while he was preaching a funeral. After various testing, they discovered that Cathy has the same heart disease her brother had. I hope this surgery will be very beneficial to her. We love her very much!!

Here are a couple of videos of the kids and me singing at the support group today.

Between You and Me

Thank You, Lord

Do You Get Upset?

I was reading my new book today and got so upset I had to stop reading it. There was an incident that took place with the main character and I was so mad at her I just wanted to whip her! So I put my book down and moved on to something else for a while. I'm over it now though, and ready to move on. Right now I have a cup of HOT apple cider cooling, my book, and a blanket. Soon I will be picking up where I left off. I sure hope she doesn't do something stupid again!!!

I had a great day today. Harrison took his first Language test for this year. It was on two units, with thirty-one questions and quite a large paragraph to rewrite correctly. I've mentioned before that he struggles with his reading, which as you know will affect everything else. I was very proud of him today. He did a super job on his test, making an eighty-two. By the way, his reading is really improving and he has taken a great interest in the books on our bookshelf. He has found a series of books that he is reading and has to give me a report on them after each one. He's doing great! I told him I'd give him five dollars if he would finish them all, but he had to report on each one. This is not a school project. Just something to keep him encouraged in reading.

Hannah is doing great in her Math. A friend in Paraguay sent us a CD Rom that goes along with her Math. There is a man that does the teaching. It has helped her a great deal!! Thank you, friend!!

Justin got home later than usual from the college tonight. He actually got home when he was suppose to, but up until now, they've let them out early. So I was a little worried, but then I heard his keys at the door and felt better. He came in ready to eat and is now on the phone with Kelsey.

Speaking of Kelsey, there's a video at the end of this post of Pure Harmony at church singing There Is A God. Love that song!!! Kelsey is the one in the middle. The other girl is Crystal and then Mark is singing lead. Love this group! Love these kids!!

Bruce and I had a good time together yesterday afternoon. I always have a good time with my sweetie pie. We didn't do anything exciting. Basically just rode around to a few different stores looking for a book he wants. But it was fun. We shared some really good laughs and conversation. I love him. :D

My apple cider is cooled enough to actually drink without scalding my entire mouth. So, goodnight, my friends! And stay warm!

My Family Makes Me Smile

What a Weekend!

This blog post is for the dear Deacon Brother that tattled on me to my husband about not updating my blog. I won't say his name, but his initials are Wayne Davis. So Brother Wayne, here is your updated post. HA! (I told you I'd mention ya!)

I have several pictures for you, but instead of uploading them all here to blogger, I'll leave you some links. We had ONE weekend! It was great!!

We had a really wonderful birthday lunch for my mom here at my house. My brother, John, was able to attend. My sis-in-law is in nursing school and had some school work to get finished and my nephew, Michael, was sick. So we missed them very much.

Mom is still very sick with, what seems to be, a severe case of Bronchitis. She coughed the entire time she was here, staying only to eat lunch and cake and then had to leave. I hated it was so short, but we did have a good time while she was able to be here.

Today we had one of our special couples at church renew their vows. They were married about a year ago and I have a link with captions under the pictures to let you know a little about Cindy and Deano. We had a reception for them afterwards and it was a lot of fun. They were very happy and thankful for all that was done for them.

Hannah is feeling better, but still needing to use her inhaler. She was able to sing in youth choir tonight and was also able to play her flute. Although I haven't asked her how much flute playing she was able to do. But she was over there, in her place, so I know she played a little bit anyway. :D

Once again, I am humbled to be working with Mrs. Carolyn Parker on the Christmas program for our youth choir. I'm looking forward to getting started on this. Lord willing, we'll start practicing soon.

Click here for pics of mom's birthday lunch.

Click here for pics of Cindy and Deano's wedding and reception.

The table is set, the lasagnas are ready to be put into the oven, and my family will be arriving shortly to celebrate mom's birthday, which was Wednesday.

I’m wishing you another year
Of laughter, joy and fun,
Surprises, love and happiness,
And when your birthday’s done,

I hope you feel deep in your heart,
As your birthdays come and go,
How very much you mean to me,
More than you can know.

Happy Birthday, Mom. I love you.

WOW! What a great trip! Hannah and I left Thursday with the ladies from our church and were reunited with Bruce and the boys Saturday night. We had a wonderful time visiting with Brother Mark and Mrs. Amy and their church ladies. We visited an Amish community in Ohio, and Hannah and I, along with Moriah, got to take a buggy ride in an Amish buggy. That was a lot of fun.

Hannah started getting sick on Thursday with a lot of congestion settling in her chest. She was miserable Friday night, but I think she still managed to have a good time. I took her to the doctor today. They did a breathing treatment on her and said to continue with the Mucinex she started on the trip and also prescribed an inhaler for her.

Brother Mark was our youth Pastor and now he is pastoring a church in West Virginia. His wife, Mrs. Amy, was our tour guide through Amish country. I can not tell you how wonderful it was to see them again. I really wish they were still here, but I know the Lord has them where HE wants them. But I do love them and miss their entire family so much!

Anyway, I did a picture video of our trip. The music in the background doesn't exactly go with the theme of the video, but all of the songs are being sung by Mrs. Amy. I hope you enjoy her music. That's another thing we miss down here...her beautiful piano playing and singing! I am so thankful for ipods!!! :D

Click here for the video.

LADIES TRIP!! WHOOT!

Hannah and I will be leaving on a ladies trip tomorrow morning. We'll be going to West Virginia to visit our former Youth Pastor's wife, Mrs. Amy, and the ladies of her church. Her husband is the Pastor of a church up there now. God has blessed them. I am so looking forward to seeing them and meeting their ladies and fellowshipping with OUR ladies too!!

We'll have a ladies meeting Thursday night, then Friday we will spending time in Amish country, and then venture home on Saturday. I am looking forward to this trip because I've missed my friend, Amy, and because I have never been in Amish country. Hannah hasn't either and I think she's excited about that too.

We're looking for a time of spiritual refreshment and much needed fellowship!

Then Sunday we will be having our church's homecoming. I am looking forward to that too. So when we get home Saturday I will make something for the dinner that will follow the service. The Henson Family will be joining us that morning and we are so looking forward to seeing them. I know they'll be a blessing.

Lots of good things happening this weekend. Looking forward to it all!!!!!

God's Word....A Guide Book or Just A Good Book?

I was reading a fellow bloggers post today, suggested by a facebook friend. I have never read this particular blog, but found his post interesting. I understand what the author was trying to say, however, I feel he was over zealous in his attempt. Or maybe he felt the way I perceived him to feel. He was really speaking in circles, as though trying not to be caught while being chased.

His first phrase in the post said, ""You should live by the teachings of the Bible." Sounds good, huh? We'll I don't believe it."

That grabbed my attention right away. After all, haven't we been taught from the beginning to obey the Bible?

As he expounded on this profound thought of his, I began to realize what he was saying is that we should not live by the Bible, but by Christ who lives in us. Which, on the surface, sounds good....maybe? But as I thought about this off and on today several verses came to mind about the Scripture.

He says in his post, "...the idea that you should live by the teachings of the Bible is false." LOL, ok? He turns around in the next paragraph and admits that he believes the Bible is God's inspired Word. And even quotes II Timothy 3:16,17, which says, "ALL scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for INSTRUCTION IN RIGHTEOUSNESS." But then he turned around and said, "...if you believe that we live by the teaching of the Bible, then the Bible can become a guidebook, an instruction manual, and you can become like the Pharisees and study the Scripture, simply so that you can learn what you have to do." Do you see what I mean about talking in circles?

We must not neglect the importance of the Holy Scriptures. Yes, we must come to a saving knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, through the glorious Words of His gospel. Which you will find instructions to that in the New Testament. There are the four gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. And then we have Romans. A road map, if you will, on how to accept Christ. But besides the four gospels and the book of Romans, we have sixty-one other books. Sixty-one other books that are equally inspired. Equally important to the Christian that desires bearing fruit. The WORD of God is how God speaks to us. When we receive Christ as our Savior, the Holy Ghost makes Himself a resident within us. But if we do not read the Scripture and allow the Holy Ghost to guide us through the Scripture, how will we ever be successful at bearing fruit or obtaining righteousness?

One verse that came to mind today while reading this post was Psalm 119:105 "Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." The Scripture illuminates our walk. It shines a light on our path. And then this verse, "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee." To say one has studied the Bible sounds very prestigious, doesn't it? But we must do more than study it. We must know it, hide it in our hearts, and put it into practice so that we know when we are in the right or wrong. When facing decision in life, the answer is in God's Word. II Timothy 2:15, "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."

To say that the Bible is not a guide book or an instruction manual is like saying the grass is not green or rain is not wet.

When I have questions about life in general, whether it is how to be a parent, a friend, a wife, a Christian, I go to the Bible. What does the Bible say? After all, it is God's inspired Word, right? I am seeking His wisdom for my understanding.

The Holy Ghost lives within me, but I am still covered in flesh and my flesh wants me to do what feels right. Just because it feels right, doesn't mean it IS right. Sometimes our flesh and how we feel does not line up with Scripture. That's why Matthew 26:41 says, "Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit is indeed willing, but the flesh is weak."

Again, I understand what the author of this other blog was trying to say, but believe he was over zealous in getting it across. We can not minimize the importance of the Holy Scripture. For it is God's inspired Word. And through His Word is how He speaks to us.

"How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my
mouth."
Psalm 119:103

Just Some Thoughts

You have to love the book of Proverbs. Well, the entire Bible, really. But you know, Proverbs is a book that has so much wisdom and instruction in it.

Many times I have heard parents say that it is too bad children don't come with instructions. I suppose that's true in a sense. But the truth is they do come with instructions. The Bible! And you can gain a lot of good parenting skills just going by the book of Proverbs. And on a more personal basis, you can learn how to live just by going by the book of Proverbs. Forget what Confucius said. He's dead. Go by what God says!

Here are few verses we just happened to cross while having devotions tonight and I thought they were good to chew on.

Proverbs 22:15 "Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him."
Proverbs 23: 13-14 "Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die. Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from Hell."

These are great verses on correcting children, don't you think? Hey, don't get mad at me. I didn't write 'em!

And then there's these verses on being friends with angry people:
Proverbs 22:24-25 "Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go: Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul."

If you're friends with someone that is always angry and bitter and won't let things go, you're bound to end up just like them. Those verses are an obvious warning. Wouldn't you agree?

I think there would be a lot less angrier people if we had a lot more parents that would use the rod. Don't you?

Autistic Basketball Player

I just loved this story. I'd like to meet this boy. He's precious!

Not So Fun at the Fair

It's fair time!! Last Saturday I entered some photographs of my own and a piece of art for a young man in our church. Harrison was with me and mentioned that he would like to enter some art as well. So we came home and he spent five solid hours drawing dinosaurs, airplanes, and all kinds of bugs. He decided the fighter jet would be the entry. So I took him to the fair grounds yesterday and entered his art.


The art from the young man at church was prominently displayed and I was glad because I had made a mistake when I entered it. I figured I could go in, ask them to change the category from Crayon to Colored pencil, and off we go. Nope! Fat chance. Both ladies working that area looked at me as though I had asked them to define the theory of relativity. Then begin to inform me that this is not colored pencil, it's crayon. "It looks crayon to me also, but his mother says it is NOT crayon, it is colored pencil. Can we go ahead and change it, please?

Finally, one of the ladies spoke up and said that I would have to find his entry form at the front office and have it changed there, then come back and they would change it on his ticket stub.

I said, "Can't we just fill out another entry form?"
"Oh no," She replied. "You have to go to the office."

So Harrison and I stopped for directions to the office, found the office, and then proceeded to explain to the receptionist what had happened. Again, the "theory of relativity look."

"Hang on a second and let me get the manager."

Oh boy...the manager. Really? So out comes this little lady and she tells me it's the women at the entry desks fault for not recognizing the difference between crayon and colored pencil "...and whose signature is at the bottom of this entry form?"
"Oh, that would be mine since I turned in his entry."
"Oh no, we can't have that. The exhibitor's signature must be on this entry form."
"Well, what can I do? This is the last day to enter and he's in school. He won't make it up here in time."
"Well, I'll put my initials on it and we'll let it slide this time."
"OK, but I signed my son's entry form too."
"Where is it?"
"At the entry table."

So we briskly enter the exhibit hall, make our way to the entry table, find Harrison's entry form and the manager begins to chew out the elderly lady sitting there accepting the forms. I felt so bad for her. I was embarrassed too.

Harrison signs his own name to his entry form and we walk down to the ladies at the art section. The manager begins to chew them out also. They show her the art and she, too, says, "This is not colored pencil. This is crayon."
"No, I'm telling you, his mother says it is colored pencil."
"I've never seen colored pencil look like this."
"I'm sure it is. His mother would know."

By this time I'm just so ready to go home. The manager finally tells me that she'll change it, but she knows it's crayon. Everything is changed, I thank her, let out a long sigh, and off we go.

As we approach the driveway, I realize that I had used my son's first name "Daniel" as the exhibitor and when signing his name, he used "Harrison." Did I go back?

What do you think?

Lunch With the Madre and Padre

I went to lunch with my mom and dad yesterday. We had more than a few laughs. It was a great time. We ate at Mi Pueblito...my favorite Mexican Restaurant.

Not sure what mom ordered. It was some kind of pepper stuffed with cheese along with rice and beans. It must have been good. This is the before picture.


This is the after....


My daddy was enjoying his Nacho Supreme.


I have no idea what this look is about. lol


I like this one though. Ain't she purdy?


Daddy again....


They never behave in public. *sigh*


Me and my mommy...


After lunch we went to Swooger's, a local owned ice cream parlor for a little dessert.



Mom enjoyed her butter pecan milkshake.

And I enjoyed my cup of cookies and cream.

All gone!

I enjoyed the time out with them and we had a lot of.....

What's He Doing Here?

Pastor Goodman preached a great message from John 16:7-15 on the Holy Ghost Sunday morning. Sometimes, I think, we as Baptists have a tendency to water down the role of the Holy Ghost. And there's nothing wrong with saying Holy Spirit, but there are some Baptists that won't say Holy Ghost because they're scared to death of what they'll be associated with and they just need to get over that!

It is in imperative that the Holy Ghost be in the worship service. If He is not in the worship service, we might as well pack it up and go home. It is His intention for the Holy Ghost to show up. We need to get out of His way so He can show us Jesus!!

There are five things that should happen to meet with the Holy Ghost:

1. He will exalt the Saviour. From the Ushers greeting people as they arrive, to what is being taught in our Sunday school class, to the singing, to the preaching...everything should be done to exalt Jesus Christ. The Holy Ghost never exalts Himself. He points everyone to Christ.

2. He exposes sin. vs. 8 says He will reprove sin. From the pulpit to the back pew, the Holy Ghost will expose sin in our life. Someone will begin weeping, some will repent, because the Holy Ghost will expose their sin.

3. He expounds the Scripture. When the Holy Ghost shows up, He will prove what is real and guide us through the Scripture. The Holy Ghost does not conflict the Scripture. The Holy Ghost and the Scripture will ALWAYS agree! I Corinthians 2 says that He will illuminate the word. Salvation gives you the Holy Ghost to interpret the Scripture. If the Holy Ghost is in it, don't worry about what's happening around you. It will be in order. When the truth is preached, error will be removed. Wild fires burn out. The REAL fire will continue burning!

4. He will edify the Saint. When we pray and read the Word, the Holy Ghost will guard us and groom us and make us presentable for Christ.

5. He evangelizes the sinner. The sinner won't get saved unless the Holy Ghost shows up. When the Holy Ghost tells you that you are on your way to Hell, get right and get in!

When we allow the Holy Ghost to show up, He will move! Are you standing in His way?

Rush Night

We had Rush Night with our youth group last night. It was the Chi Alpha Champions agasint the Nu Delta Crusaders.

Both teams worked hard on their decorations. This was the Chi Alpha Champions side.

And this was the Nu Delta Crusaders side.

Bruce and Hannah tried pulling the sword from the stone, but just couldn't do it.

Here's a cheer the Crusaders yelled at the Champions.

You might be good at basketball

You might be good at track

But when it comes to Sigma

Champions step back!

When all was said and done, the Chi Alpha Champions won the scoring. Congratulations to both teams, for a job well done!

Where Are Those Cough Drops, Anyway?

Since last Sunday I have been taking extra doses of Vitamin C in hopes of fighting off, what feels like, a cold. I'm sure the vC has worked, but it's just not working hard enough. So here I sit at 3:45 in the morning with my throat on fire from coughing so much. I usually always have cough drops in the house, but guess what? I can't find any. Oh well....

Yesterday I met up with some of my friends from church and we went toward Blowing Rock to visit Mander's sister. She was so happy to see us. We had a good time and some great laughs. Kaylyn was telling us how to get to her house. She said (and make sure you read this with a strong mountain accent), "I live at the foot-a-the-hill. When you turn on my road, count to thirty. When you get to thirty, you'll see a wood fence, and that's where my house is. If you pass it, we ain't weed eated yet." I laughed so hard at that. I love her and it was fun seeing her again.

I'll admit that I was not feeling my best yesterday. But I made myself physically sick worrying about having the Brittain's over for supper last night. Janet's race car driving around the mountain roads was not helping at all.

I felt better after I had been home twenty minutes and was able to work on my meal. I felt a whole lot better when Kelsey called and said their family was running late. LOL

Fortunately, I had put the ribs in the crock pot that morning before I left. They were so tender when I got home. After draining them I poured them in a pan, slapped some BBQ on them, and baked them in the oven for a bit. They turned out pretty yummy. We had au gratin potatoes, southern green beans, Cole slaw, deviled eggs, corn muffins, and Jeannie brought a crock pot of mac-n-cheese. It was delish! And for dessert, Jeannie brought her delicious chocolate cake that will make you want to slap your grandma (I've never understood that saying) and Hannah made some kind of apple dump cake that was off the hook! Great job, ladies!

We had a great time and are so thankful how the Lord moved them into our lives. They are wonderful people!!

All in all, it was a terrific day. A whole day with the greatest friends in the world, visiting a woman that needed our company as much as we needed hers, and an evening of fellowship with another family, just as crazy as ours!

Want Some TLC?

Some friends of mine at church have started making jewelry and giving parties to sell their product. Their first party is tonight at Rebecca C's new house if you can make it! I know they'd be thrilled to see you there! I am very excited for them. I think they're going to do very well! Here are just a FEW pieces. They do seasonal and holiday pieces too. I'm sure they'll have some on display. All of these pieces are Tammy's. I'll get some of Brenda's tonight. If anyone around here is interested in any of these, let me know and I'll pass the word. If you are from church you'll want to see Tammy C or Brenda T.

I have this ring and it is BEAUTIFUL! I have the smoke gray though. I Looooove it!

Check out TLC Accessories for yourself. Tammy has more items shown there and prices are listed on her blog site!!