30 Days of Thankful!

It's all the rage right now on Facebook. I rather thinks it's a great idea. Why not?
Even though today we are on Day 4...it's not too late for you to get in on the deal. Each day you write on your status what you are thankful for. If you find you have a less than positive approach to life right now, try it. They say it takes 30 days to change a habit. If you approach each day claiming an attitude of gratitude...you will see a change in the positive direction. God will bless your effort.
Share His love!

Soon to Come!

My new website where all my music will live will be announced soon.
Until then a sneak peak at the photo shoot is on the header today!
More information to be coming soon.

Fun Candy!

So I read about this on one of my fave blogs Pioneer Woman. I'm addicted to her blog and read it often. Mostly because I love
to see what she's cooking. I have cooked several of her recipes and they are worthy of a blog, for sure. And I'm picky.
Somebody sent PW this Asian candy fun and I happen to find the exact stuff at my local World Market. Love that place.
I highly recommend these tastey snacks. It was fun to experience them with my little dude. We especially likes the Yan Yan or whatever and the little panda bear goodies.

Happy Birthday America!

In the Words of McMama!

There’s a great new “linky” service available and I wanted to let you know about it. It’s called MckLinky – www.mcklinky.com. After realizing the need for a new, reliable linky capability, Brent Riggs and MckMama got together to create a free, easy to use linky service for all their blog friends.

MckLinky is a free link list feature that allows you to do include lists of other blog links like MckMama does on Not Me! Monday. You can use MckLinky any time you want your blog readers to leave a list of links on your blog. It’s simple, reliable, free...and loads of MckFun!

Thankful For Creative Choirs!

Revelation Song

One of the most anointed songs of this decade - Revelation Song can usher you into His presence, smack dab in the middle of the throne room. I have the privilege of singing this song this Sunday at church. I will humbly admit that I do not do the song justice. But Kari Jobe certainly does. She is one of my newest Faves in Contemporary Christian music these days. Give a listen and worship along with Kari. "Jesus, Your name is power..." Father I love you. May you be blessed by our praise to You.

I survived and now for a laugh!

I survived the pool in a bathing suit. I actually had fun and got a bit of a tan. So, for those who are holding back, I say..."Go For It! Live a Little!"
Now for some fun. Here is a great video to make you laugh...Take a look....

Tan Fat Looks Better Than Pale Fat

Well, I guess that is true. But one hopes to get that tan in not so public of places. However, we has Momma's do crazy things for our Baby Boys. So I push through the embarassment and fear and don the two piece for a day at the pool with my 8 year old. He has been begging for a pool day since school got out. I hate going to the pool. Now mind you, I will put on the itzy bitzy teenie weenie bikini on vacation - No Problem! I know no one. Will never see those people ever again in my life. Could careless what they think of me. I am free to be me on vacation. Everyone lives crazy-like while on vacation. That's the fun of vacation. However, with the recession, a trip to Maui like last year, is not possible. And as much as I have been dreaming of a beach break this summer, I'm not counting on it. So....to be a good Momma and give my little guy some pool time, which every kid deserves on their summer break, I will trudge ahead. Now some of you might say, "Why can't you just go in shorts and stay covered up if you have such an issue?" Heck no man! I don't like to be hot or a martyr. I believe, when in Rome. Talk about a sign around your neck that says, I have severe body issues. Just show up with no bathing suit and that is what you are screaming.

Wish me luck. Oh, did I mention I'm going with a friend who is super tall, thin and model beautiful? Yep, I'm a glutten for punishment. If I survive, I'll post again tomorrow. For now, I'm heading off to do 500 sit ups before bed....I hope I can walk.

Faithful!

In a Funk? Drive It Out!

Do you ever get like that? I certainly do. I have found that most of the time my funks are brought on by people. Well, they are actually brought on by my allowing people to affect me. When we allow things said or done to rob our joy, we are giving up the steering wheel to our joy ride. We somehow slide over to the passenger seat and give up that coveted driver's seat. Oh don't get me wrong, I sometimes like to ride shotgun, but not to the point that it defines who I am. I want to be defined by my actions, what I say and do, not what I feel as a result of others. We will never control others and their actions or words. We only have control over ourselves. We must stay in control of our joy and not allow detours down the road to ickyland. We must own our actions, our words, our beliefs. We must spread love and joy all around. Hoping that others will pick up on it and jump on the happy bus. When everyone gets on the bus, what a joy ride that will be. A day of rejoicing....la la la la...Oh I hope we don't have to wait for heaven for that. If so, I'll keep practicing here on earth. There is so much scenery to enjoy along the way.
Lord, please keep me focused on what is truth in me because of You. Help me not to get bogged down in other peoples opinions. Your's is the only opinion that is fully informed and right. Help me to spread joy and laughter all around. Help me to follow your map as I drive this Joy Ride of life you have blessed me with. I Love you Lord. May I say and do what pleases You! In Jesus Name...Amen!

Happy Driving!
Love,
Faithful

I Am Thankful for Sushi!

My virgin sushi experience was in San Francisco. I was on a business trip with several colleagues and we were hungry. San Francisco, I might mention, is one of the best places to have your "first time" experience with sushi. This was a cute little place that had the mote around the sushi chefs and they floated all the delectables on little boats and they sailed past you as you shopped for what looked satisfying. When you are a newbie sushi eater, it's best to start with the infamous California Roll. There is nothing raw involved and it's amazingly tastey. The rice roll is filled with crab meat, avocado, cucumber strips. The best part of any sushi to me is the wasabi paste. I love the sting on the back of my neck when I get a little too much wasabi heat on a sushi bite. After you conquer the Cali Roll, move on to the real stuff, like Spicy Lobster Rolls, Tuna or Eel. There is so much to choose from. Most sushi is very healthy and easy on the diet. The crazy thing about sushi is that the first time you might be hesitant, but after about one week of your first taste, you will begin craving it like crazy. Then you are hooked.

Macaroni Salad

Okay! So I learned this recipe years ago from my MIL. We were on Signal Mountain Lake in Jackson Hole Wyoming when I first tasted this delicious salad. It is very simple and very much a Summertime dish. So try it this weekend.

1 package of Shell Macaroni - cook according to package directions
Once shells are drained and cooled - which you can cool by running cool water over and drain well
Add 1 cup of mayo - more if desired
Sliced green pimento stuff olives
Sliced thinly celery 2 stalks
Sliced Cherry tomatoes add just before serving
salt and pepper to taste

Tastes best when made fresh, but can also be good left over, just set out for a bit so it's not so chilled.

Remembering Our Service Men and Women!

Such an important Holiday and it doesn't get near the respect it deserves. Without their sacrifice, we would not enjoy the liberties we do in America. Thank you Soldiers for all you do and have done. Thank you for risking your life and giving up your time to serve our country. Thank you for your sacrifice. We owe so much to you. I am so proud to be an American and I love our country. Hug the neck of a Veteran today!

How Can I Grow In My Relationship With God?

I'm sure everyone has pondered this question at some point in time. We all want to know the answer to this age old question. There really is no mystery. No magic trick. No potion to drink. Just like any relationship, to grow, one must spend time with the One in which they want to grow closer to. Usually our time is dictated by our interests and therefore our activities. From the time we are little children, we make friends within our social activities. School, sports, clubs like Girl Scouts, (or Brownies, which I was), or 4H. As we age, our circle of friends changes to reflect where we spend our time. College campuses, the dorm, a job, church, the gym. Each friendship grows from the time spent with one another. If you look back on your great friends, you can reflect on the memories you made with each other. Most of those fond memories where not centered around anything huge or monumental. But by the little mundane, simple times in between. Life is lived in between the big events. Good friends are made in the everyday living. Those good friends are considered good friends because they are friends of the heart. They really know you and you know them. They know you like Ranch dressing on your salad and that you hate Catalina. They know you crave a Dr. Pepper from Sonic every afternoon at 2pm. They might even bring you one. They know that your Dad left you and your family at age 16 and never looked back. You know some of there deepest hurts and secrets. And you accept them for who they are and they you. Faults and all. That's a true friend. We can not gain those friendships unless we invest time in them. Time talking and time listening. Crying, laughing. Sharing your heart. Sharing your love. There really is no difference in our relationship with God. It requires the time of a good friendship. How can we become BFF's with someone we don't really know, talk too or spend time with? Does God want to be our BFF? You bet, and so much more. He wants to be the one we share our joys, our sorrows, our life. He wants to be our Friend, our Counselor, our Protector, our Deliverer, our Joy, our Healer, our Savior. He wants to be our Everything. He is our Creator. Who better to plan out our days for us? Who better to guide us on this path He has created on our behalf? Why would we not seek His advice, as a true Friend and Counselor? Why would we not go to Him as we live life in the in between? He already knows the way it turns out. He knows what will make our life great. We must seek to spend time with God everyday. We must get alone with Him. We must be still before Him. There is peace and great joy from a relationship with God. If you don't believe me, give it a try. Put it on your ical to spend a set aside amount of time with Him. A little Holy BFF time. If you commit to doing so and you hold strong in your commitment you will not be disappointed. The bible says, if we earnestly seek Him with all of our heart and soul, we will find Him. Ask Him to give you the discipline to spend time with Him each day, alone and still. If you really mean it, He will show you the way to make it happen. So give it 30 days. Journal it along the way. Pay close attention to what God is saying to you. You will be amazed at how He speaks to you. He loves you so much. Give Him your time and attention. I promise you, He will show up.

My Apologies! AND a QUESTIONNAIRE???

Okay...so it's been a long time. I've been crazy busy, as I'm sure you have. I'll for sure, get back to posting soon, but right now I'm in the throws of creating a memorable birthday party for my "Bestest Gift" God has ever given me. He's turning 8 this week and I'm gonna throw him a bash. So...until this is over, I will be unfocused on posting. However, over the past week, I have had several ideas and I'll get on those soon. Things I think you will find thought provoking and funny. I hope. I also need to finish my chicken story for you. It's a hoot. I must admit that I have noticed on my tracker, I have had visitors from all over the globe. However, nobody is commenting. So, her comes the QUESTIONNAIRE -

(please take the time to help a fellow Blogger out and answer these quick questions. I want to make this blog fun and something you enjoy visiting often) Just copy and paste the questions to a comment. :)

1. What brought you to my blog?

2. How long was your visit?

3. Did you read old posts or just the first, make a decision and move on?

4. What do you wish I was writing about?

5. Do you blog?

6. Did you check out my other blogs?

7. Does the music bother you when you are visiting?


Thanks for taking the time to answer and give me your comments. I truly value your opinion and sincerely want it. If you didn't find what you are looking for here, I encourage you to check back. I'll get it right eventually.

May God bless you with a fabulous day and week. He is worthy to be praised even if He doesn't.
I love you Lord! I give You all the glory!!!!!

Signed,
Faithful

Baby Chicks By Mail Order!

Several times when I was a kid, my Mom would mail order baby chicks to our farm. That's right! And when they came in to the post office, they'd give us a call - "Your chicks are here and making a lot of noise! So come get 'em." That was always so fun! Talk about a package. When Mom order baby chicks by mail-order, she always got the deal - "Order 100 and get 1 free." So we had 101 baby chicks that arrived in a big multi level box. Yes, of course, with holes! They came chirping didn't they? The chirping was deafening. You'd take off that first lid and they'd just look up at ya like they were saying "Momma? Get me outta this box for heaven's sake, it's dark in here and cramped." We had baby chicks for days. My Dad built a nice home with warming lights for them and they grew up and became big chickens right before our eyes! Once they got big enough and started molting, which is the not so fun part. Ewww, those cute little creatures get really ugly for a few weeks. Then they start putting on the most beautiful colored feathers. My Mom order all the fun ones. Exotics, they called them in the catalog. From Dominique, to Araucana, to Polish, to Barred Rock, to Plymouth Rock, to Rhode Island Reds. You name it. So cute! We enjoyed them for years...until the massacre. Oh yes, it was exactly that. You won't believe it. More on that tomorrow. Can you wait that long? Well, you'll have to. I'm taking the little tyke to see the WWII bombers that are in town today. I'll post on that too. Wow! So exciting. What does all this have to do with God you ask? Well, nothing and yet everything. You see God is in everything. The little, the big, the mundane, the exciting, the scary, the sad, they uncertainty. Life in general. He's always there. He's such a hoot. I love His humor in things. I love that He lets us enjoy so much on this beautiful spinning sphere we call earth. Thank you Lord. Now I gotta go....Talk to you tomorrow....I promise.

Signed,
Faithful

Fun Giveaway at....

Life in the Carpool Lane. She's giving away a $50 Target Gift Card. Now who couldn't use that?

Target is my fave! You gotta go check out her blog and enter! Like now! Go...Bye....

Kingdom Coming Download

Knock Knock...

Some day, every eye will see and every knee will bow to Him.  For those who do not believe, I challenge you for the next 30 days to pray to God that He would reveal Himself to you.  If you earnestly seek Him, you will find Him.  That is the truth.  God is a gentlemen and stands at the door and knocks.  He will not break it down.  It is up to you to let Him in.  Do you hear Him knocking?  Let Him in.  It will be the most awesome ride of your life!  

Jesus said...

...to Thomas or better known as Doubting Thomas.  "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."  I use to struggle so much with doubt.  But I am happy to say, that after many years of asking God to "help my unbelief," and to grow my faith, He did.  My prayer was always, "God you said that if I just have the faith of a tiny mustard seed," that would be all it takes, that you can grow that faith to be big and strong.  Thank you Lord for building my faith in You.  Thank you that I no longer struggle with doubt.  Thank you that although I can relate to Doubting Thomas,  through faith, I can also relate to other biblical heros that have gone before me, like David, Paul, Daniel, Gideon, Mary Magdalene, Esther, Ruth, Moses and so many others.  Father, thank You for those examples.  Thank You for specifically choosing many different types of personalities and faith levels.  None of us today need to feel left out.  Your plan is so finite, so complete, so perfect.  Your love is so big and encompasses all of us.  On this Easter Father, thank You for your Son, Jesus Christ.  Thank you Father for your sacrifice.  Thank You for your unlimited faith in me.  One of these days, I'm gonna give you this biggest hug.  I just love You so much.

On The Way To The Cross...(to listen to video, turn volume down on playlist at bottom of page)

Sin Can Re-route Your Destiny!

Our Christian walk is a journey.  It can take you to many places and allow you to do many things.  God gives us choice as we make this walk on this earth.  Because of that freedom of choice, we can easily get out of God's will.  It is important to ask God to direct our steps each day.  As we seek Him with our whole heart, He delights in showing us our way.  If we step out of His will, we can make choices that cause us to sin.  Sin is costly.  It usually makes us go where didn't intend on going and stay longer than we intended on staying.  It can also re-route our path that God intended for us to be on.  Many times, if we recognize it quick enough and ask for God's redirection, we can get back on track.  However, their are times that the consequences of our sin are permanent.  They can cost us our potential.  Make no mistake, there is no sin too bad or too big for our God to forgive.  If we confess it to Him, He is faithful to forgive us.  The bible says, He will never leave or forsake us...Ever!  But we must submit humbly to the consequence of our sin.  Our reward is in heaven.  If we are born again, we will never sin that away.  But, I sure want all He has for me on this earth too.  

Prayer -Father, forgive me of my sin.   Lord, please help me to not sin away my blessings on earth.  All good things come from You.  Father, direct my steps and establish the work of my hands daily.  I want to listen Lord and follow You all the days of my life.  I love You! In Jesus' Name, Amen.

A Southern Accent: Fun Giveaway Announcement

A Southern Accent: Fun Giveaway Announcement

This is a fun giveaway.  check it out...

Thinking about Good Friday, on Tuesday!

As we draw near Good Friday, I would be remiss to not talk about what this week means to all Christians around the world.  Many churches are beginning to hold services on Good Friday and remembering what our Lord and Savior did for us on that fateful day.  Our church will partake in the Lord's Supper and worship.  It will be an evening of remembering, worshipping and giving our thanks to Him who sacrificed His life for our sin.  As scripture says "He became sin, who knew no sin, that we might become His righteousness.  He humbled Himself and carried the cross."  He is our Messiah, the God who saves.  You see, God is holy and can not be where sin is, so Jesus came to shed His blood to cover our sin, that we might enter into God's presence, to enjoy a personal relationship with Him, through Jesus Christ, His son.  I am so thankful for that shed blood, for without it, I wouldn't stand a chance.  As much as I try to be sinless, my day barely gets started and I have already failed, often times before breakfast.  The Good News is, that the Good News is for all of us.  It's ours for the taking.  And I'm taking Sister!  Boy, am I taking.  What is that Good news...well the Great News, is that Jesus although was crucified and died on that cross and was buried in a tomb, wait for it....three days later, He rose.  That's right, He ROSE!  He is alive and He is at work.    He came to save the lost and He is still saving the lost.  I know this, because I talk to Him on a regular basis you see.  And by the way...He told me to tell you that He loves you so much.  He's crazy about you.  And He's waiting for you to invite Him over.  He'd love to chat.  His datebook always has room for another invitation and  He will gladly accept.  He Is Risen....He Is Risen Indeed!  Now let's go have an Easter Party and Celebrate!  

In Him,

Faithful....

Be Who You Are!

"Let the world know you as you are, not as you think you should be- because sooner or later, if you are posing, you will forget the pose and then where are you?"

Fanny Brice

Life Really Is LIke a Box of Chocolates!

I love that movie. It's just a total classic. One of the most repeated lines from a movie of all times, this "Chocolate" statement. Truly life is like a box of chocolates, just like Forrest's Momma always told him. "Ya never know just what you're gonna get." Til you chew that is. Ya gotta grab a piece out of that box and start chompin'. It could be awesome like soft gooey caramel or even a creamy maple goodie. Or it could be hard as a rock and take your fillings right out with one hard bite down. Ouch! It might even sometimes surprise you with a burst of cordial. That's life, sometimes just so down right sweet, you just want to take pictures and set up a memory scrapbook right then and there. Other times, well, let's just say, you want to quickly forget. Some of life's challenges come in surprise form, other's you make that famous choice and pick your bad situation knowing full well you shouldn't have. Our choices, all come with consequences. Consequences can change our life course. But one thing is for sure, if you are in Christ, He will never leave nor forsake you. God does punish sin and we must humbly accept these consequences, but He will never turn His back on us. He is still there to guide every bite of chocolate, if we allow Him. He is a God of choices. If we want to know which tempting piece of chocolate to pick up and bite in to, we must ask Him. Allow Him to direct our step and our bites. Sometimes He allows us to go through seasons in our lives for teaching purposes. Sometimes, like I mentioned before, our choices cause those tough times. Our trials so not build character, they reveal our character. It's in between each piece that we are establishing our strength, faith and wisdom. So when the hard filling crazy chews threaten to remove our fillings, we have to be ready for them. Even if it means a root canal. But we never know until we actually jump in, select the beautiful piece of delectable goodness and take that first bite and hopefully enjoy like crazy. Just remember to spit before you swallow, so you don't gain 5lbs from all the chocolate.

It's Almost Done!

My latest song that is....
I was asked more than a year ago to write a companion song to my cousins new book about to be published this summer on Heaven. My cousin has spent years studying the bible and specifically what the bible says about heaven. You see several years ago when his Daddy passed away suddenly, he found himself wanting to know more about this place we as Christians call Heaven. He knew what he had been taught all his years, from Sunday School to vacation bible school, to church and even bible studies. But had he really sought to study everything God had to say about this Eternal Paradise where we all will be with Him and our loved ones? So for a couple of years he set his goal on learning all he could about Heaven. For cathartic reasons he began to also write about his Dad and what a great spiritual leader he was for our family. These two topics coupled together in a nice blend of theology and a fun story line of what "could be taking place even now in unseen heavenlies" makes for a great read. My cousin thought it would be great to have a companion song to go along with the book. Well, I prayed God would give me the words and He did. The song is called "Glimpses of Heaven." I wrote in last December and am just finishing up the arrangement. Look for it soon on my music website www.aperfectweddingson.com
Until then here are the words:

Gimpses of Heaven by FaithfulPraise

When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars
All that You have set in place, teaches me just who You are
The beauty of Your creation, overwhelms me
Yet it's just a glimpse
You are in our midst
Declare Your kingdom come

Glimpses, Glimpses of Heaven
They're all around me
If I open my eyes
The closer I get to You
The more You reveal to my heart
Glimpses, Glimpses of Heaven

You show me your love in the ocean, a vast, deep sea
Your unfailing grace reaches to the highest mountain
Your faithfulness is like coming seasons
So how can I not see
This place you've built for me
My home in the Holy City

Glimpses....

Jesus said "The kingdom is heaven is near...
Where the last will be first and the first will be last!"
Lord, how I live for that day
When the trumpets will sound and You come riding in
In Your robe and Your crown
And we all sing....
To the King of Kings....

Glimpses, Glimpses of Heaven
They're all around us
Just open your eyes
the closer you get to Him
The more He reveals.......
Glimpses.....Glimpses....Glimpses...Glimpses of Heaven

Wild Olive Tee's

You have got to check them out!  These tee's are so cute.  I have been looking for tee's that express my faith in such a cool way.  Wild Olive Tee's are just what I was looking for.  

Buy before March 31st and get free shipping.  Great quality. Soft feel.  Comfortable T-shirt.  

Great for layering.  Shout it out!  Love your Lord out loud!  Go to www.wildolivetees.com

Get off the Porch!

I'm still a little sunburned this morning. No I didn't go to Maui and it's not quite Spring here yet, but I still got totally tan-faced. No, not from the sun, but from the SON. His presence was so thick this weekend, that I had a Moses experience, stood on Holy Ground and came back home with a glorious tan from the Lord. It was truly wonderful. The retreat was held at Butman Methodist Camp outside of Merkel Texas. Right smack dab in the Big Country. So peaceful, quiet and these tall things with green and brown colors on them.... Oh yes, trees. Something we don't see much of in West Texas. My girlfriends and I were asked to lead worship at this retreat. It's such a fun thing for us, because we love to be together and we of course love to sing, but we also have done this enough to know that God always has something up His holy sleeve at these retreats and we were going to experience it right along with the participants. I love anticipating what He is going to do. I come expecting it. It is such a blast. He never lets me down. And He certainly didn't this weekend.

The team secured a fabulous speaker from Lifeway - Dr. Deb Douglas. She blessed our socks plum off. I must admit that when I learned the retreat topic, Spiritual Gifts, I was a little disappointed.   I'm mean most of us have taken a Spiritual Gifts test and we all know where we are gifted. I wanted something more meaty. I wanted to leave refreshed.   I figured, there must be participants coming that needed to discover their gifts and I just needed to be obedient to my job He had brought me there for.  I was curious about this speaker, as I had been to so many other women's retreat weekends.  I always had fun and the speakers were nice people, but usually their presentation was standard; nothing that blew my skirt up.  Upon my first meeting Deb, she approached me about my computer wanting to know if she could use it to run her power point. It hit me after a minute that she must be the speaker. I have to be honest and say that Deb, although lovely and kind,  seemed rather quiet and reserved.   Not the bold, boisterous person who would come all this way from Louisiana to speak to a group of women. Shame on me, once again. God was putting me in my place very quickly.  The evening began   with worship and the women were engaged with the Lord and ready to offer their praise. I knew there were hurts in that room and walls put up around those hurts. But I also knew that God was big enough to tear down those walls and hearts would be touched and changed. We, His servants, only needed to be obedient to our call and not get in His way. Like we could anyway - ha...! Anyway, once worship was over, Deb got up to speak. A hush fell over the room. We hung on every word. That quiet, reserved lady quickly turned into a funny, compelling, relatable, spirit-filled, loving, caring, confident tool used by the Lord. She turned a simple weekend of personality tests and spiritual gifts tests into a total transformation of the mind, body and spirit. Was I ever wrong that a little spiritual gifts test couldn't challenge even the oldest servant in the room.  And was I ever wrong about how God could use a quiet, reserved lady to touch so many hearts in one weekend.  Including mine.  God picked her specifically for that audience and she allowed Him to use her in a mighty way.  She is very gifted in listening and showing compassion for all.  She gave sound advice and you knew she was prayed up regarding what God would have her say this weekend.  Not only in her presentation but in her one on one conversations with the ladies.  Deb talked  about understanding that we all are given our spiritual gift the minute we come a Christian and this gift is to be opened up and used for His glory. No arguments. We will be held accountable for our use of our gift. He expects us to serve Him using our gift. He uses our gift to transform our hearts and our minds. The more we serve Him, the more faith we gain, the more truth is revealed to us by Him. As we live on this earth our charge is to become more Christ-like. The ultimate goal is to gain all of the spiritual gifts, like Jesus. It's a large task and I'm not sure any of us reach it, but it's certainly something to strive for. Through using our gifts we develop the Fruits of the Spirit. Which are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. You want more of any of these - then serve in your gift. We also must learn to understand others and their personalities and gifts. Offer grace to those who aren't like us and embrace that God created all types of people for a reason. That loud bossy person is needed to get things done. That artsy-fartsy person is needed to create things. That shy indecisive person is needed to be the mediator in situations. The perfectionist is need for all the details that need to be handled. Certainly with each gift come a few negative side affects and we are to strive to understand our gift and personalities fully and allow God to shave off the rough edges so that we can advance the positive effects of our personality and reduce the negative side. We must allow ourselves to

"Be Transformed." It doesn't happen over night, but it's an active word... "BE." It's ongoing. I can tell you that I took this same spiritual gifts test 5 years ago at church. I was astonished at how my gifts had changed. I had actually grown in mercy, which I scored 0 last time around. I had also grown in Faith. Knowledge was my highest gift. Fascinating really! I didn't do this myself. I can tell you beyond a shadow of a doubt, I am not capable of these things. These have come only from God through serving Him. He is transforming me. Praise Him! I have sooo far to go. But God encouraged me this weekend by showing me areas in which He has built for me. And He challenged me to keep allowing the transformation in the areas I am weak. He is Faithful to complete the work He started. He is loving, kind and demanding and yet so full of mercy and grace. Oh I love Him so.

So Deb left us in the Chapel Sunday morning with a challenge. We had sung "My Passion." And she asked us all if "Jesus truly is our passion?" It was time to get up out of that comfortable chair, recliner, rocker on the porch and get to serving Him. Stop being the lady on the porch that just waves at the passer by's. Get up and do what He is calling us to do." Mind you, this was a room full of churched women, who are currently servants. But God was challenging all of us to do more. Too be willing to do what He wants us to do, not what we are comfortable doing. Step out of the norm. Take some risks. Have faith in Him. Go outside of ourselves. Allow ourselves to "Be Transformed!" It starts with getting off the porch. Getting serious about Jesus. Falling deeply in love with Him.

Do you have a desire to serve Him? Is Jesus truly your passion? If not, don't fret Dear One. Ask Him to create that desire in you. He will. Ask Him to make Him your Passion. Your focus. Your center. Your Everything. He will. All you have to do is ask and then allow yourself to be transformed. He is waiting for you to ask. Don't waste anymore time. What are you waiting for? The return of our Lord is coming. It's one day closer than yesterday. Get up off that porch and say "Yes Lord. Here am I. Send Me. Use Me. Fill Me. Transform Me. " I don't want to be the same a year from now. I don't have to be.

May you look back on this day, one year from now and see signs of your transformation. And may you inspire others to get up off their porch too.

May God Bless You Immensely!

Reconnecting With Old Friends!

To some this is absolutely unthinkable.  They want to leave the past, well, in the past.  To others, going down memory lane is therapeutic.  With all the social networking going on these days, almost everyone is reconnecting with someone from the "good ol' days."   It's wild to see who married who and who ended up in what country.  We learn sad news, that someone our age has tragically past away.  We learn that others have made it to the big time.  More often than not, we just learn that those we spent our young years with, have grown up and are now raising mini versions of themselves.  They have aged, gone gray, spread out a bit and definitely mellowed.  A lot!   It's good for the soul to reconnect.  It's a way of reliving the glory days.  A time for reflection and a time to admit how very fortunate we are.   As they say, life is short.  It's all about the relationships we build while we are here.  People are important.  Share His love with all of them.  Old and New!

I Love Pool!

I know it's not very girlie, but I love playing pool.  This love affair began when I was in 

the 5th grade.  This cute boy in my neighborhood had a pool table in his garage.  I was drawn to those pretty colorful pool balls.   I learned pretty quickly how to make a few basic shots and was hooked.  A few years later when we were back in Colorado, where all winter it snows, some family friends of ours  had a pool table in their home.  So after playing outside, building snowmen, running around the neighborhood, we would warm up with something hot to drink and a night of pool playing.  It really was our past time, much like video games are for kids today.  It requires quite a bit of skill and an understanding of geometry in order to be formidable opponent.  My love for pool paid off in my 20's when I met this gorgeous cowboy who happened to be quite the pool player.  I used my pool playing abilities to reel in that cowboy.  In days ahead,  that gorgeous cowboy and I played many a game and were quite good at schooling strangers at the pool hall.  Of course, he took up the huge slack in my game and did the winning.  I just tried to look like I knew what I was doing.  

  Many years later, I still love to play.   All these years, we have never had the room for a table in our home.  Recently, however,  the Lord blessed us with a new home and we finally have a perfect place for a table and that was the only thing I asked for this year at Christmas.  Oh and that gorgeous cowboy... he bought it for me.  Now we spend our evenings teaching our little guy how to play the game we played while we were courting and planning our future.  I must admit that when we play a game, it takes me back to when we were just starting out and I get those butterflies again.   He's still a great pool player and still a gorgeous cowboy.  Yeehaw! 

White Out!

It's all white today.  Icy rain fell over night and covered the trees and ground making for a beautiful site.  Then a light dusty of snow covered that ice.  Although lovely, makes for a treacherous drive.  Many schools are delayed a bit.  As I was picking out the clothes for the day, I heard the cough.  Felt the little one and knew - whoops - we won't be going to school today.  The thermometer read 101 degrees.  It was inevitable - My Man was sick all weekend and J and I hoped to come out unscathed, but it was not to be.  He and I both seemed to have fallen ill to this junk that is going around.  The good thing is that you don't feel that bad, but the fever comes, the cough comes, the tightness in the chest and BAM, you got it.  If I feel up to it and can bundle up enough, I'd like to get out and shoot a few of the White Out.  But, first I'll make some Chicken N Dumplins'.  That will cure what ails ya for sure.  

Paisley Party

Captured this amazing photo of Brad Paisley picking his little heart out at his concert last night.  They all did a great job.  The music was terrific.  The Graphic Animations were beautiful.  Altogether terrific show.  Go see Brad when he is in your neck of the woods.  

Dream Home Sweepstakes!

I have been faithfully entering the HGTV Dream Home Sweepstakes for 5 years and counting.  I am not typically one to enter contests, but there is something about this one.  I am so in to homes and decor that this contest is my thing.  I secretly see myself winning each year and make plans in my head as to how I will move all my things to my new home.  What I will keep and take with me and what I will give away.  These dream homes come loaded with practically everything one needs to keep a home, so really all that you need to bring with you are personal effects, such as pictures and memorabilia and clothes.  Oh yes, your wardrobe.  These closets are fit for a king and are empty awaiting your garb.  This years dream home is set in Sonoma California; a most beautiful place.  The grounds around the home are perfectly manicured, landscaped to the hilt.  They include a vegetable garden and an herb garden and flowers galore.  It is prime growing country.  There is plenty of room for entertaining inside and outside this home.  I know our family would have a blast living there, at least for a while.  

As much as I would love to win this home, I must admit, it would be quite an ordeal to uproot our lives and just take off to Sonoma.  We would have to consider jobs, schools, friends and family. I heard that most people who win these homes, sell them, because they don't want to change locations and the taxes on their winnings, make it almost impossible to keep.    As I was pondering these things this week, I believe God brought to my mind another Dream Home.  My Dream Home in heaven or as some call it, my Mansion.  First I wondered, am I as apt to think about my mansion each day, as I have been that dream home in Sonoma?  Am I as motivated to register for my home in glory as I have been to register to win this home on earth.  I have been known to put a sticky note on my laptop as a reminder to enter my name in the dream home drawing.  Do I put that much effort in my preparation for the dream home that is already mine?  You see when I gave my life to Christ and He became my Lord, I won the real, Dream Home Sweepstakes.  Immediately, I had my Mansion next door to Jesus.  There was no hoping to win, keeping my fingers crossed, competing with other entries.  Nor will there be any disappointment, when that day comes.  No one else will take my dream home away from me. Or win it instead of me.   He has already signed the property deed and He put my name on it.  And the great news....there are plenty of Dream Homes to be had. No one has to be disappointed.  No one has to lose. John 14:2 says "In my Father's house, there are many mansions..."  Many mansions.  A gift to those who ask Jesus to be Lord of their life and follow Him.  Fully equipped with everything one would need to keep a home.  Beyond breathtaking, perfectly manicured gardens. Trees with twelve types of fruit on them each month.  Rivers that flow clear as crystal.   I could go on and on.  Read it for yourself in Revelation chapters 21 and 22.   It's truly amazing and truly a Dream Home beyond anything we could ever build or even think of, on earth.  Our minds can not fully grasp what He has in store for us in the New Jerusalem.  But let me tell you, I'm registered, my name is in the Book of Life, on that deed and I am ready to go in the blink of an eye.  And I don't even need to pack.  Glory!

Build My Mansion by Dottie Rambo

Just build my mansion  next door to Jesus

And tell the angels   I'm coming home

It doesn't matter   who lives around me

Just so my mansion  sits near God's throne

I have no castles no earthly kingdom

but my cabin will do 'til I get home

My mansions yonder  on the hills of glory

Oh I know my mansion  sits near God's throne

Slow Fade

It's a beautiful day here today.  Finally no wind and lots of sunshine.   I've been memorizing lyrics to the song Slow Fade to sing in church this Sunday.  It's about not numbing out your mind to the things of this world and slowing fading away from what is right and important.  I've heard it said that "What parents allow in moderation, children will accept in excess."  Pretty scary really.  We must remember to put the brakes on the things of this world and focus on what is good, noble, true, trustworthy and pure.  Only God Himself is all of those things.  When we set our eyes on Him, He will give us the desires of our heart.  It is only then that the desires of our heart will be inline with what He desires for us.  He knows the plans He has for us.  Plans to prosper and not harm us.   From obedience comes blessing!  Press on Dear Ones!  Finish the race you have started.  You are not alone.  He is right there cheering you on!!!

New Year's Resolution Redo

As you can see I've been decorating and redoing.  I promised myself when we bought this house that the first project I would tackle personally would be getting that purple sponge painting out of the guest room.  So....I decided to utilize all my antiques and create a beautiful Grandmother room.  I think any lady would love to spend the night  here.  It's like a regular Bed and Breakfast now.  So different from the rest of the house, which is deep red and rustic upstairs and black and shiney downstairs.  But it's fun.  Enjoy!