Treasures

Thanksgiving List A - Z

2011-11-23T22:08:00.000-08:00

A- aunties, autumn, angels, air conditioning, adoption

B- babies, beaches, Bible, bathes, baseball,

C- car, Costco, clearance racks, cousins, cell phone, camera, church, cuddling

D- dresses, doggies, dishwasher, doctors, dentists, dancing

E- email, exercise, ebay, eyes

F- family, friends, freedom, flip flops, facebook, flowers, feet

G- garlic fries, Goodwill, gum

H- house, hope, hugs, hands, happiness, heat

I- ice cream, imagination, Imitrex,

J- jammies, jokes, jewelry, joy

K- kids, koolaid, kisses, knitting

L- laptop, light, lollypops, laughter, lip gloss, love

M- music, microwaves, mercy, make-up, movies

N- neighbors, nieces & nephews, nail polish

O- onion rings, ocean, oatmeal cookies

P- parents, pumpkin pie, prayer, purses, pepto

Q- quiet, quality time, quotes, Q-tips, quilts

R- rain boots, remote control, romance, relaxing, raspberries, Ryan Reynolds (hehe, jk)

S- sisters, Splenda, slippers, soccer, sunshine, silliness, Starbucks, soldiers,

T- texting, tea, thrift stores, teeth, toys, tacos, toilets

U- umbrella's, USA, unity

V- vitamins, vacation, veggies, vacuum, vanilla

W- washer machine, wisdom, water, weekends

X- Xanax

Y- yogurt, yard sales, yoga

Z- ziplock baggies, zoo

The Value of Time

2011-02-09T10:16:00.001-08:00

To realize
The value of a sister/brother
Ask someone
Who doesn't have one.

To realize
The value of ten years:
Ask a newly
Divorced couple.

To realize
The value of four years:
Ask a graduate.

To realize
The value of one year:
Ask a student who
Has failed a final exam.

To realize
The value of nine months:
Ask a mother who gave birth to a stillborn.

To realize
The value of one month:
Ask a mother
Who has given birth to
A premature baby.

To realize
The value of one week:
Ask an editor of a weekly newspaper.

To realize
The value of one minute:
Ask a person
Who has missed the train, bus or plane.

To realize
The value of one second:
Ask a person
Who has survived an accident.

Time waits for no one.

Treasure every moment you have.

You will treasure it even more when
You can share it with someone special.

To realize the value of a friend or family member:

LOSE ONE.

The Whale

2011-01-06T08:39:00.001-08:00

In case you missed a recent front page story of the San Francisco Chronicle, you would have read about a female humpback whale who had become entangled in a spider web of crab traps and lines. She was weighted down by hundreds of pounds of traps that caused her to struggle to stay afloat. She also had hundreds of yards of line rope wrapped around her body, her tail, her torso, a line tugging in her mouth. A fisherman spotted her just east of the Farallon Islands (outside the Golden Gate ) and radioed an environmental group for help. Within a few hours, the rescue team arrived and determined that she was so bad off, the only way to save her was to dive in and untangle her. They worked for hours with curved knives and eventually freed her. When she was free, the divers say she swam in what seemed like joyous circles. She then came back to each and every diver, one at a time, and nudged them, pushed them gently around as she was thanking them. Some said it was the most incredibly beautiful experience of their lives. The guy who cut the rope out of her mouth said her eyes were following him the whole time, and he will never be the same.

May you, and all those you love, be so blessed and fortunate to be surrounded by people who will help you get untangled from the things that are binding you.
And, may you always know the joy of giving and receiving gratitude.

A New Year Blessing

2010-12-27T09:05:00.000-08:00

May God make your year a happy one!
Not by shielding you from all sorrows and pain,
But by strengthening you to bear it, as it comes;
Not by making your path easy,
But by making you sturdy to travel any path;
Not by taking hardships from you,
But by taking fear from your heart;
Not by granting you unbroken sunshine,
But by keeping your face bright, even in the shadows;
Not by making your life always pleasant,
But by showing you when people and their causes need you most,
and by making you anxious to be there to help.
God’s love, peace, hope and joy to you for the year ahead.

Thanksgiving 2010

2010-11-29T11:37:00.000-08:00

I really wanted to get my Thanksgiving list posted last week but the storm that hit Kitsap county left me without power most of the week. Better late than never, right?

What a year this has been for me. It was my first year on my own as a single/working mom. It's been rough at times, but God continues to meet our needs and shower us with His bountiful blessings.

So many things to be thankful for:

The ABC's of Thanksgiving

2010-11-24T13:44:00.000-08:00

Although things are not perfect

Because of trial or pain

Continue in thanksgiving

Do not allow your lips to complain.

Even when times are hard—

Fierce winds are bound to blow—

God is forever able;

Hold on to what you know.

Imagine life without His love.

Joy would cease to be.

Keep thanking Him for the things

Love imparts to thee.

Move out of "Camp Despair."

No weapon that is known

On earth can yield the power

Praise can do alone.

Quit living in the past;

Redeem the time at hand.

Start every day with worship.

Thanksgiving is God’s command!

Until we see him coming

Victorious in the sky,

We'll run the race with gratitude,

Xalting the Lord most high.

Yes, there will be times good and bad,

but . . .

Zion awaits where no one is ever sad.

Bitterness vs. Love

2010-10-20T14:49:00.000-07:00

Bitterness imprisons life... love releases it.
Bitterness paralyzes life... love empowers it.
Bitterness sours life... love sweetens it.
Bitterness sickens life... love heals it.
Bitterness blinds life... love anoints it's eyes.

The Cracked Pot

2010-09-20T10:16:00.000-07:00

An elderly Chinese woman had two large pots, each hung on the ends of a pole which she carried across her neck. One of the pots had a crack in it while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water. At the end of the long walks from the stream to the house, the cracked pot arrived only half full. For a full two years this went on daily, with the woman bringing home only one and a half pots of water.

Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments. But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it could only do half of what it had been made to do. After two years of what it perceived to be bitter failure, it spoke to the woman one day by the stream.

“I am ashamed of myself, because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your house.”

The old woman smiled. “Did you notice that there are flowers on your side of the path, but not on the other pot’s side?”

“That’s because I have always known about your flaw, so I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back, you water them. For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate the table. Without you being just the way you are, there would not be this beauty to grace the house.”

Each of us has our own unique flaw. But it’s the cracks and flaws we each have that make our lives together so very interesting and rewarding. You’ve just got to embrace who God made you to be and how He wants to use you, and remember to smell the flowers on your side of the path!

What I am in Christ

2010-08-26T10:40:00.000-07:00

I am blessed with all spiritual blessings — Ephesians 1:3
I am accepted in the beloved — Ephesians 1:6
I am born of God — 1 John 5:18
I am a son of God and joint-heir with Christ — Romans 8:14-17
I am a new creature — 2 Corinthians 5:17
I am baptized by His Spirit into His body — 1 Corinthians 12:13
I am bone of His bone and flesh of His flesh — Ephesians 5:30
I am forgiven — Ephesians 1:7
I am redeemed by His blood — Colossians 1:14
I am robed in His righteousness — Isaiah 61:10; 2 Corinthians 5:21
I am the temple of the Holy Ghost — 1 Corinthians 6:19; Romans 8:9
I am sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise — Ephesians 1:13; 4:30
I am kept by the power of God — 1 Peter 1:5
I am a saint — 1 Corinthians 1:2
I am alive with Him — Ephesians 2:5
I am seated with Him in heavenly places — Ephesians 2:12
I am complete in Him — Colossians 2:10
I am more than a conqueror through Him — Romans 8:37
I am an ambassador for Christ — 2 Corinthians 5:20
I am free — Romans 8:2; Galatians 5:1; John 8:32
I am holy and without blame — Ephesians 1:4
I am predestinated to be conformed to the image of Christ — Romans 8:29
I am a partaker of His divine nature — 2 Peter 1:3-4
I am the light of the world — Matthew 5:14
I am strengthened with all might — Colossians 1:11; Philippians 4:13
I am greatly loved by God — Colossians 3:12; Romans 1:7; Ephesians 2:4
I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me — Galatians 2:20

If Not For Easter

2010-04-03T21:57:00.000-07:00

If Not For Easter

If not for Easter,
the chaos of this world
would be all there is
and all there ever would be.
If not for Easter,
the unfairness of life
would drive us to despair.
But God sent His Son
to give eternal life
filled with peace, happiness
and unimaginable blessings
to those who choose Him.
All we have to do is choose Him.
Happy, Happy Easter!

By Joanna Fuchs

Take a RISK

2010-03-29T10:24:00.000-07:00

To laugh is to risk appearing the fool.
To weep is to risk appearing sentimental.
To reach out for another is to risk involvement.
To expose feelings is to risk exposing our true self.
To place your ideas, your dreams, before the crowd is to risk loss.
To love is to risk not being loved in return.
To live is to risk dying.
To hope is to risk despair.
To try at all is to risk failure.
But risk we must, because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing.
The man, the woman, who risks nothing does nothing, has nothing, is nothing.

The Perfect Morning Prayer

2010-02-23T13:18:00.000-08:00

“Well, Lord, it's gonna be me and You again today; more You than me, for You know how I am. So, if You don't mind, I'm going to trail along behind You, for I have not been this way before. And I hope that by day's end, when I lay my head on my pillow, that I have not gotten myself into something that will take me the rest of my life to get out of. The only way that could happen is for me to not watch where You're walking. And Lord, may I not look up and see that I am here and You are over there! Should such happen, please wait and let me catch up. Amen!"

Joyful Expectation

2010-02-22T11:31:00.000-08:00

Psalms 25:3 "Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed..."

Years ago, one of the characters in a popular comic strip was looking forward to an upcoming event. Throughout the strip the character’s excitement continued to grow. At the end of the strip the character stood with his head down and a look of disappointment upon his face. When asked by a friend what was wrong, the character replied, “I found that my expectations far exceeded the actual event.”

What happened to this comic strip character will not happen to the child of God who is trusting in God’s promises. What God has planned and prepared for those who love Him will blow them away! We must remember that the difficulties, hardships and trials that we are presently going through are only pages in the story of our lives. We must be patient and read on, waiting with excitement and expectation for what the final chapters will bring.

God will never betray our trust in what He has said, and as we wait upon Him to fulfill His promises, we do not need to fear disappointment. In the end, we will not be let down by the expectations of our faith. Everything He brings to us will be more than we could ever ask or think. Since what God has for us will exceed our expectations, it means we can never expect too much.

Psalms 30:5 "... weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning."

S.D. Gordon tells us, “Trust trusts God when it doesn’t understand what He is doing." As you wait for the fulfillment of His promises, you don’t have to wait in gloom or misery. Even if you don’t understand the things that are happening around you, you can trust Him in joyful expectation for the fulfillment of what God has promised to do.

Romans 8:18 "For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us."

That's God...

2010-02-22T09:17:00.000-08:00

Have you ever been just sitting there and all of a sudden you feel like doing something nice for someone? That's God talking to you through His Holy Spirit.
1 John 4:7 "Beloved, let us love one another."

Have you ever been down and out with nobody around to talk to? That's God wanting you to talk to Him.
Psalms 34:18 "The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart, and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit."

Have you ever been thinking about somebody that you haven't seen in a long time and then you see them or receive a phone call from them? That's God.
Proverbs 17:17 "A friend loveth at all times..."

Have you received something wonderful that you wanted but didn't ask for; like money in the mail, a dept that has mysteriously been cleared, or a coupon to a department store whre you had just seen something that you needed but couldn't afford? That's God knowing the desires of your heart.
Phil. 4:19 "But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus."

Have you ever been in a situation and you had no clue how it was going to get better, wondering when the hurting and pain would end? When you look back on it, you can see that you were never alone... that's God passing you through tribulation to see a brighter day.
Hebrews 13:5 "...I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."

False friends..

2010-02-17T11:50:00.000-08:00

"False friends are like our shadow, keeping close to us while we walk in the sunshine, but leaving us the instant we cross into the shade."

God has blessed my life with many "true" friends. I love you all very much.

Valentine's from GOD

2010-02-15T02:10:00.001-08:00

Valentine's Day is over, but I just couldn't go to bed without sharing some of these pictures that I have been collecting this week.

I have the greatest Valentine of all and I am determined to have the relationship with Him that He has been longing for. I never have to feel alone for He is with me. He will never leave me or forsake me. He is the Friend that sticketh closer than a brother and He cares for me more that I can even imagine.

God... the perfect Valentine

2010-02-12T22:20:00.000-08:00

He is a gentleman,

He is confident

He is a Provider and Protector

He is rich and powerful

He owns everything; there is nothing He wouldn't do for me!

He perfects all things concerning me

He anticipates my wants and needs

Every day He tells me and shows me how much He loves me

I don't have to perform in order to earn His love!

He keeps all of his promises

No one can influence His opinion of me

He is the ultimate intimate partner

He can't "disown" me because I am a part of Him

He prepares a table before me (Selah)

He covers me and doesn’t expose me.

He wrote His loving words down so that I'll never forget how He feels

about me.

NOW THAT'S LOVE!!!

Kids Thoughts on LOVE

2010-02-12T14:34:00.000-08:00

The proper age to get married :

"Eighty-four, because at that age, you don't have to work anymore, and you can spend all your time loving each other in your bedroom." (Judy, 8)
"Once I'm done with kindergarten, I'm going to find me a wife." (Tom, 5)

What do people do on a first date?

"On the first date, they just tell each other lies, and that usually gets them interested enough to go for a second date." (Mike, 9)

When is it okay to kiss someone?:

"You should never kiss a girl unless you have enough bucks to buy her a big ring and her own VCR, cause she'll want to have videos of the wedding." (Jim, 10)
"Never kiss in front of other people. It's a big embarrassing thing if anybody sees you. But if nobody sees you, I might be willing to try it with a handsome boy, but just for a few hours." (Kally, 9)
"It's never okay to kiss a boy. They always slobber all over you...that's why I stopped doing it." (Jean, 10)

Is it better to be single or married?

"It's better for girls to be single but not for boys. Boys need somebody to clean up after them." (Lynette, 9)
"It gives me a headache to think about that stuff. I'm just a kid. I don't need that kind of trouble." (Kenny, 7)

Why it happens between two particular people:

"No one is sure why it happens, but I heard it has something to do with how you smell. That's why perfume and deodorant are so popular." (Jan, 9)
"I think you're supposed to get shot with an arrow or something, but the rest of it isn't supposed to be so painful." (Harlen, 8)

The question, "What’s falling in love like?" :

"Like an avalanche where you have to run for your life." (Roger, 9)
"If falling in love is anything like learning how to spell, I don't want to do it. It takes too long." (Leo, 7)

Thoughts on love and good looks:

"If you want to be loved by somebody who isn't already in your family, it doesn't hurt to be beautiful." (Jeanne, 8)
"It isn't always just how you look. Look at me, I'm handsome like anything and I haven't got anybody to marry me yet." (Gary, 7)
"Beauty is skin deep. But how rich you are can last a long time." (Christine, 9)

Why lovers hold hands:

"They want to make sure their rings don't fall off because they paid good money for them." (Dave, 8)

What do you really think of love?:

"I'm in favor of love as long as it doesn't happen when “The Simpsons” is on television." (Anita, 6)
"Love will find you, even if you are trying to hide from it. I have been trying to hide from it since I was five, but the girls keep finding me." (Bobby, 8)
"I'm not rushing into being in love. I'm finding fourth grade hard enough." (Regina, 10)

What are some personal qualities necessary to be a good lover?:

"One of you should know how to write a check. Because even if you have tons of love, there is still going to be a lot of bills." (Ava, 8)

How to make someone fall in love with you:

"Tell them that you own a whole bunch of candy stores." (Del, 6)
"Don't do things like have smelly, green sneakers. You might get attention, but attention ain't the same thing as love." (Alonzo, 9)
"One way is to take the girl out to eat. Make sure it's something she likes to eat. French fries usually work for me." (Bart, 9)

How can you tell if two adults eating dinner at a restaurant are in love?:

"Just see if the man picks up the check. That's how you can tell if he's in love." (John, 9)
"Lovers will just be staring at each other and their food will get cold. Other people care more about the food." (Brad, 8)
"It's love if they order one of those desserts that are on fire. They like to order those because it's just like how their hearts are on fire." (Christine, 9)

What are most people thinking when they say, "I love you." ?

"The person is thinking, Yeah, I really do love him. But I hope he showers at least once a day." (Michelle, 9)

Survive Valentine's Day as a Single Parent

2010-02-12T09:47:00.000-08:00

Each year, Valentine's Day seems to become even more commercialized. From heart-shaped candy boxes to jewelry ads, it's easy to believe that everyone around you has found true love.

The key to surviving this holiday, though, is to look beyond all that and redefine Valentine's Day in a way that is meaningful for you.

Here are some suggestions:

1. Celebrate Each Child's Uniqueness

Of course we tell our kids that we love them, but do we tell them that we notice them? Think of some of the unique talents and qualities you observe in each of your children and use the occasion of Valentine's Day to celebrate how they've grown. After all, part of loving someone is really knowing who they are on the inside, so make this holiday an opportunity to share the gifts you see developing in each of your children.

2. Make a special Valentine's day dessert.

I grew up associating baking with a sign of love, and I still like to make something special for my kids on Valentine's Day. This year, we're going to make heart-shaped cookies. Basically, almost any dessert can be tailor-made to celebrate Valentine's Day just by using a heart-shapes. So whether you consider yourself a novice or a pro, consider celebrating Valentine's Day with something sweet to eat.

3. Do something creative.

Instead of purchasing Valentine's Day cards for one another, take the time to make your own homemade cards. This is a great gift idea for grandparents, teachers, and baby sitters and for each other.

4. Get Together with friends.

Most of the holidays throughout the year are times we spend with family members. Make Valentine's Day the holiday you celebrate with the friends who've supported and encouraged you throughout the year. Pick a time close to Valentine's Day and gather your friends together. Honor each guest with a special card and share why they have become so important to you.

5. Remember the Forgotten

Do something different and unexpected. Go to the dollar store and purchase valentines for a local nursing home,. As alone as you may feel during the Valentine season, there are always people who feel worse. Thinking of them before yourself can help you to not only survive Valentine's Day, but make it an occasion of hope and celebration.

Little League Tryouts 2010

2010-02-10T14:03:00.000-08:00

I am anxiously waiting to hear the words, “Play Ball” for Little League season 2010. I think that I am even more excited than David for the games to begin. There’s nothing like sitting in the fresh air watching your kid play sports.

Saturday was try-outs for this year, where the coaches watch the kids play ball and then pick out the players they want on their team. He did an awesome job when it came his turn to show them what he could do. They have the kids start out batting, and they have them bunt the first two pitches. David nailed both of his bunts as I cheered from the sidelines and he gave me his, “Please don’t embarrass me” look. Then they told him to hit away. He hit all but one of the pitches while I bit my tongue and just beamed with pride. Then the coaches had all the kids line up and run from home-plate to 2^nd base while they timed them. David ran it in 7 seconds flat. He also played a little infield and outfield determined to stand out from the rest.

This will be David’s first year in the Majors, although he did play on the Southern League “All-Star” team last year so he was able to experience playing with the better players. He’s ready to play with the big boys now. It’s going to be a GREAT year!!!

This World Is Not My Home

2010-02-03T12:44:00.000-08:00

"I am a stranger in the earth" (Ps. 119:19).

The Psalmist of our text was saying this world was not his home. If you are a Christian, it’s not your home either. We just passing through. We are strangers and pilgrims (1 Pet. 2:11; Heb. 11:13). Our citizenship is in heaven (Phil. 3:20). We are“fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God”(Eph. 2:19). Christ has “made us sit together in heavenly places” (Eph. 2:6). We are in the world, but we are not of the world. We are twice-born in a world of once-born people.

We are like a deep sea diver who is underwater and outside his natural environment. He could not live if he weren’t linked to his life supply above. That’s the way we need to live. If we are to survive, we must stay linked to Jesus who is our life. The Bible says we’re not to set our affections on things beneath, but on things above where Christ sitteth at the right hand of the Father (Col. 3:1).

How's your lifeline? Where are your affections? David said,"I have set my affection to the house of my God" (1 Chron. 29:3). That is about as close to "home" as you can get this side of heaven.

By Pas. Al Hughes

Letting Go...

2010-02-01T09:53:00.000-08:00

"Letting go doesn't mean giving up... it means moving on. It is one of the hardest things a person can do. Starting at birth, we grasp on to anything we can get our hands on, and hold on as if we will cease to exist when we let go. We feel that letting go is giving up, quitting, and that as we all know is cowardly. But as we grow older we are forced to change our way of thinking. We are forced to realize that letting go means accepting things that cannot be. It means maturing and moving on, no matter how hard you have to fight yourself to do so."

Directions to my Father's house:

2010-01-25T13:53:00.000-08:00

Make a U-turn onto Believeth Blvd.

Keep right and go through the Green Light, which is Jesus Christ.

There, you must turn onto the Bridge of Faith, which is over troubled water.

When you get off the bridge, make a Right turn and Keep Straight.

You are on the King's Highway - Heaven-bound.

Keep going for three miles: One for the Father, One for the Son, and One for
the Holy Ghost.

Then exit off onto Grace Blvd.

From there, make a Right turn on Gospel Lane.

Keep Straight and then make another Right on Prayer Road.

As you go on your way, Yield Not to the traffic on Temptation Ave.

Also, avoid SIN STREET because it is a DEAD END.

Pass up Envy Drive , and Hate Avenue

Also, pass Hypocrisy Street , Gossiping Lane, and Backbiting Blvd.

However, you have to go down Long-suffering Lane,
Persecution Blvd. and Trials and Tribulations Ave.

But that's all right, because VICTORY Street is straight ahead!

Surrendering your "right" to be "right"

2010-01-15T08:36:00.000-08:00

“Agree with thine adversary quickly whiles thou are in the way with him…” —Matthew 5:25

One way to improve our relationships with others is to quit trying to prove how “right” we are. Revivalist Ralph Sutera told me one time, “You need to surrender your ‘right’ to be ‘right’ if you want to restore a relationship.” The relationship is more important than you and I proving we are right and the other person is wrong.

There have been times when I’ve said, “I’m sorry,” even when I knew I was right. It meant more to me to restore the relationship than to prove I was right and lose that relationship.

Paul said in 1 Corinthians 6:7 that it is better to be defrauded (take the blame) and gain your brother than to prove he is in the wrong and lose your brother.

The bigness of your Christian life is NOT in the tallness of your rightness. Rather, it is in the bigness of your smallness to humbly agree with your adversary and take the blame, even when it isn’t your fault.

That is what Jesus did when He HUMBLED Himself and went to the cross. Pride likes to argue, while it requires humility to take the wrong without defending our rights to be right!
-Pas. Al Hughes

Installing a Husband

2010-01-11T10:20:00.000-08:00

Dear Tech Support,

Last year I upgraded from Boyfriend 5.0 to Husband 1.0 and noticed a distinct slow down in overall system performance, particularly in the flower and jewelry applications, which operated flawlessly under Boyfriend 5.0.

In addition, Husband 1.0 uninstalled many other valuable programs, such as Romance 9.5 and Personal Attention 6.5, and then installed undesirable programs such as NBA 5.0, NFL 3.0 and Golf Clubs 4.1.

Conversation 8.0 no longer runs, and Housecleaning 2.6 simply crashes the system.

Please note that I have tried running Nagging 5.3 to fix these problems, but to no avail.

What can I do?

Signed,

Desperate.

DEAR DESPERATE,

First, keep in mind,
Boyfriend 5.0 is an Entertainment Package, while
Husband 1.0 is an operating system.

Please enter command: ithoughtyoulovedme.html, try to download Tears 6.2, and do not forget to install the Guilt 3.0 update.
If those applications work as designed, Husband 1.0 should then automatically run the applications Jewelry 2.0 and Flowers 3.5.

However, remember, overuse of the above application can cause Husband 1.0 to default to Grumpy Silence 2.5

.

Whatever you do, DO NOT under any circumstances install Mother-In-Law 1.0 (it runs a virus in the background that will eventually seize control of all your system resources.)

In addition, please do not attempt to reinstall the Boyfriend 5.0-program. This is an unsupported application and will crash Husband 1.0.

In summary, Husband 1.0 is a great program, but it does have limited memory and cannot learn new applications quickly. You might consider buying additional software to improve memory and performance. We recommend Cooking 3.0,

Hot Lingerie 7.7., and Jeep Parts 5.5!

Good Luck!
Tech Support

Time For Inventory

2010-01-04T08:50:00.000-08:00

“…give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead.” ―1 Peter 4:5

Most companies take a regular inventory of their assets. Usually at the end of each year an accounting is made of the company’s ledgers and audits are conducted.

Every Christian is heading for an “divine audit” called the Judgment Seat of Christ. The Christian would be wise to take inventory of his life on a regular basis so he doesn’t have to be ashamed when he gives account to God.

As we begin 2010 it would be good to review the past twelve months and evaluate how you performed spiritually for God. Ask yourself the following questions and honestly answer them before God:

1. Am I more mature spiritually now than I was at the beginning of this year?

2. Have I been faithful in my walk with God (Bible reading, prayer, church attendance)?

3. Is there any hidden sin in my life right now?

4. Have I been a faithful witness to the lost this year in sharing the Gospel?

5. Is my conscience clear in my relationships or do I harbor some ill feelings towards another?

6. How many people are attending church right now because I invited them?

7. Is there anyone I have wronged this year that I have not asked forgiveness?

8. Have I honored God in through faithful stewardship?

9. Am I actively using my gifts and talents in my local church?

10. Has my faith increased over the past twelve months?

Alice's 2009 AWARDS

2009-12-31T17:39:00.000-08:00

LIFETIME SERVICE AWARD (longest friend)? that would be JOY. I've known her her whole life and most of mine.

NEWCOMER AWARD - COOLEST NEWEST FRIEND? Amber :)

HIGH POINT OF THE YEAR? Hopie's salvation

LOW POINT OF THE YEAR? spending Thanksgiving without my kids

BEST HOLIDAY? Christmas day with EVERYONE at Grandma and Grandpa Hughes' house

YOUR SONG FOR 2009? "Crazy Days" written by my neice Sally.

MOVIE FOR 2009? Faith Like Potatoes

WHO WAS YOUR BEST KISS? from David..who rarely gives his mommy kisses anymore

WHO DID YOU SPEND VALENTINES WITH? the kids

WHAT DID YOU DO ON HALLOWEEN? spent it with my family and friends at BBC

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR? Panera Bread

BEST DECISION MADE THIS YEAR? finally accepting the past and moving forward to a brighter tomorrow.

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR NEXT YEAR? be more Christ-like, be there for my kids whenever they need me, and of course, the usual, lose weight!!

TV SHOW OF THE YEAR? haven't really watched much T.V. this past year

MOST LOYAL FRIEND OF 2009? Lindsey Armstrong. ( I love you, Sweetie, and couldn't have made it through 2009 without you).

BIGGEST CHANGE OF THE YEAR? Dustin moving out

BIGGEST JERK AWARD? I don't know any jerks ;)

NEW YEAR RESOLUTION? diet and exercise

MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT for 2009? Pam Jamerson giving me my 1st Coach bag! Thanks again Pammie! Love you.

5 Tips For Loving Your Teenager

2009-12-30T09:35:00.000-08:00

Author:

Jim Burns, Ph.D.

With teenagers in the house, there are times that most parents find it difficult to love their kids. Usually such struggles are brief; troubles resolve and emotions settle. Families get on with life. Yet, for some parents, living with an out of control or very difficult teenager is a daily ordeal. Some kids are hard to express love to - even though parents truly love them. Regardless of your life situation - parents can resort to shame-based parenting when their teenagers become difficult to live with. Shame-based parenting, when parents attempt to influence their children's behavior through shaming, nagging and negativity simply does not work in the long run, and makes it much more difficult to build an environment of love within the home. Shame-based parenting may gain an initial victory, but in the end, a parent's relationship with their kids will suffer. As an alternative to shame-based parenting, let me offer five tips for loving your teenager.

1. Place relational "deposits" in your teenager's emotional bank account.
Relational deposits can make your kids feel loved and accepted even in the midst of discipline. Here are some deposits you can make:
. Saying "I'm sorry" to your children when you blow it
. Forgiving them
. Hugging often
. Saying "I love you" every day
. Speaking with a tender tone of voice
. Playing together
. Spending time together

2. Avoid making relational "withdrawals" from your teenager's emotional bank account.
Relational withdrawals teach kids that nothing is ever good enough for mom or dad, and result in kids giving up or acting out. Here are some withdrawals to avoid:
. Nagging
. Belittling them
. Being sarcastic
. Making negative put-downs
. Criticizing
. Screaming
. Heaping guilt on them
. Never saying "I'm sorry"

3. Affirm your teen whenever possible.
Most often, the difference between kids who make it and kids who don't is one caring adult. Even if you struggle with your teenager, I challenge you to believe in them! Most teenagers suffer from low self-esteem - and I almost always see this is cases where teens struggle with their parents. Low self-esteem is a vicious cycle that when left unaddressed creates an situation where establishing a loving environment within the home becomes much more difficult. Kids with low self-esteem tend to make poor decisions socially, in regards to drugs and sexuality - and academically. Kids with low self-esteem often act out rebelliously with their parents. Their move to a lower standard of behavior is often due to the way they perceive of themselves. These poor behaviors, in turn, create tensions in relationships between parents and their kids and vice versa. Parents can make a huge difference in their teenager's life by affirming them, praising them and believing (even in the midst of struggle) in the person they can become. When your teen has wronged you, forgive them. Restore them. Move on. (See the story of Jesus and Simon Peter in the Gospel of John as an example of this.)

4. Demonstrate affection towards your teenager.
Make it your goal to create a home environment of warmth and affection. You may rightly say, "Hey, I'm reading this article because I'm having trouble expressing love to my teenager. Now you're telling me to love my teenager. How is that helpful?" I understand your point. That's why I want to encourage you to take "baby steps" in this area.

Taking baby steps means that if you have behavior issues to discuss with your teenager when he or she gets home from school - wait. Instead, take your kid out for his or her favorite junk food. Don't bring up your issues. Instead, spend your time talking and listening to anything your teenager wants to talk about. Don't ask probing questions. Don't make accusations. Talk with your son or daughter the way his or her friends would talk with him or her. Your teenager, of course, will be waiting for the hammer to drop, but bite your tongue and don't drop that hammer. Keep the conversation warm and friendly. When you are finished, give your teenager a hug and tell him or her how much you enjoyed being together. You still have your issues, don't you? So now, after some hang-out time with your teenager, ask him or her when would be a good time to go over some of those issues. You'll usually get a better reception. Remember, baby steps.

5. Provide lots of encouragement to your teenager.
Don't withhold your emotional support from your teenager. Keep telling them that you love them - even when it's hard to feel loving. Loving your teenager unconditionally is more than expressing feeling or words - it has much to do with action (see 1 John 3:18.) Build up your teenager. Strengthen them through your words and actions. Challenge them to become all that God has created them to be!

6. The Burns' bonus tip: pray!
If you are having a difficult time loving your teenager today, I challenge you to pray! God hasn't given up on your child - or you! Pray for your teenager! Pray for yourself - that God would give you the inner resources to help you respond to your teenager in ways that are helpful and loving (which often times means setting boundaries and providing consistent discipline, by the way.) Never forget that God loves your teenager even more than you do, and that He is faithful and able to work in your son or daughter's life - in His own perfect timing.

A Newborn's Conversation With God

2009-12-30T09:15:00.001-08:00

A baby asked God, "They tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow,
but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless?"

God said, "Your angel will be waiting for you and will take care of you.."

The child further inquired, "But tell me, here in heaven I don't have
to do anything but sing and smile to be happy."

God said, "Your angel will sing for you and will also smile for you.
And you will feel your angel's love and be very happy."

Again the small child asked, "And how am I going to be able to understand
when people talk to me if I don't know the language?"

God said, "Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words
you will ever hear, and with much patience and care, your angel will
teach you how to speak."

"And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you?"

God said, "Your angel will place your hands together and will teach
you how to pray."

"Who will protect me?"

God said, "Your angel will defend you even if it means risking its life."

"But I will always be sad because I will not see you anymore."

God said, "Your angel will always talk to you about Me and will teach
you the way to come back to Me, even though I will always be next to you.."

At that moment there was much peace in Heaven, but voices from Earth
could be heard and the child hurriedly asked, "God, if I am to leave
now, please tell me my angel's name.."

God said, You will simply call her, "Mom."

Gingerbread Tree

2009-12-22T12:20:00.001-08:00

Ingredients

DOUGH:
1-1/3 cups packed brown sugar
1-1/3 cups molasses
2 cups cold butter, cubed
2 eggs, lightly beaten
8 cups all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons ground ginger
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
4 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons ground allspice
2 teaspoons ground cloves
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
ROYAL ICING AND DECORATIONS:
7-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar, divided
6 tablespoons meringue powder, divided
10 tablespoons warm water, divided
Edible glitter
Candy of your choice
Dark chocolate and white candy coating, melted
EQUIPMENT:
Pencil
Ruler
Waxed paper
Scissors
Cookie cutters—round (2-1/2 inches, 2 inches and 1-1/2 inches) and star-shaped (3 inches, 2 inches and 1 inch)
#101 petal pastry tip

Directions

To create star templates: With a pencil and ruler, draw five-pointed stars on sheets of waxed paper, labeling each template with its dimensions. Draw an 8-1/2-in. star, 8-in. star, 7-1/2-in. star, 7-1/4-in. star, 6-3/4-in. star, 6-in. star and 4-1/2-in. star. Cut out with scissors and set aside.
To make dough: In a large saucepan over medium heat, bring brown sugar and molasses just to a boil, stirring constantly. Remove from the heat; stir in butter until melted. Stir in eggs until blended. Combine the remaining dough ingredients; stir into brown sugar mixture. Divide dough into four portions.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out each portion to 1/4-in. thickness. Using templates, cut one 8-1/2-in. star, two 8-in. stars, one 7-1/2-in. star, two 7-1/4-in. stars, one 6-3/4-in. star, two 6-in. stars and one 4-1/2-in. star. Place on greased baking sheets. Bake at 325° for 12-15 minutes or until set. Remove to wire racks to cool.
Cut two circles using a floured 2-1/2-in. round cookie cutter. Cut 12 circles using a floured 2-in. round cookie cutter. Cut two circles using a floured 1-1/2-in. round cookie cutter. Cut remaining dough using floured star-shaped cookie cutters. Reroll scraps. Place on greased baking sheets. Bake at 325° for 10-12 minutes or until set. Remove to wire racks to cool.
For one batch of icing: In a large bowl, combine 3-3/4 cups confectioners' sugar, 3 tablespoons meringue powder and 5 tablespoons water; beat on low speed just until combined. Beat on high for 4-5 minutes or until stiff peaks form. Keep icing covered at all times with a damp cloth. If necessary, beat again on high speed to restore texture.
To assemble: With icing and round cookies, make six large sandwich cookies and one small sandwich cookie. Let stand for 15 minutes or until set.
Place the 8-1/2-in. star on a serving plate. Spread a small amount of icing onto center of star; top with an 8-in. star. Spread a small amount of icing onto center of star; top with a large sandwich cookie. Spread a small amount of icing onto sandwich cookie; top with remaining 8-in. star. Let stand for 15 minutes or until set.
Repeat with remaining icing, sandwich cookies and stars, building tree using the largest stars and sandwich cookies first. After each star is added, let stand for 15 minutes or until set.
To decorate: Prepare a second batch of icing. Cut a small hole in the corner of a pastry or plastic bag; insert #101 petal tip. Fill bag with icing. Decorate tree as desired with icing, edible glitter and candy. Decorate a 2-in. star cookie as desired; secure on the treetop with icing.
To decorate small star cookies: Dip cookies in melted candy coating; place on waxed paper and let stand until set. Sprinkle white cookies with edible glitter. Leave some cookies plain if desired. Gently place cookies onto tree branches and on the serving platter. Yield: 1 gingerbread tree and 3 dozen small star cookies.

The Worth of a Smile

2009-10-23T12:38:00.000-07:00

A smile costs nothing, but creates much good.
It enriches those who receive it without impoverishing those who give it away.
It happens in a flash, but the memory of it can last forever.
No one is so rich that he can get along without it.
No one is too poor to feel rich when receiving it.
It is rest to the weary, daylight to the discouraged,
sunshine to the sad and nature’s best antidote for trouble.
Yet it cannot be bought, begged, borrowed or stolen.

Friday Night Live, BBC Teen Bible Study

2009-10-13T19:58:00.000-07:00

After months of prayer and searching for God's plan for our youth at Bible Baptist Church, He has blessed us with a wonderful youth pastor. Brother James Owalobi has surrendered his Friday nights to serve with us as we build the spiritual lives of our teenagers. We like to refer to it as Teen Bible Study, rather than Youth Group, for it is all about teaching the young people how to live according to the Word, and we spend most of our time together in the Book. One of the teens commented, "I am so excited to actually being learning the Bible instead of playing silly games all night with a quick 5 minute devotion before we go home."

This past Friday was our first Bible study. It was awesome to watch Brother James interact with the kids. He has a way of getting the kids attention and keeping it. We were blessed with 19 teens, who all participated with good attitudes. It's exciting to watch God at work in our lives as we strive to please Him in all areas of our life.

Friday Night Live meets every Friday night at 6:30 pm in the fellowship hall at BBC. If you have any questions or need information please call the church 360) 876-0602.

Grace is SWEET 16!!!

2009-10-09T08:00:00.001-07:00

My how you've grown. It seems like only yesterday I was anticipating your birth. I will never forget how I felt when I saw you for the first time. You were this perfect little life that God had given to me to care for. It was love at first sight.

Do you realize how much it means to me to know that you and your friends love the Lord? It is what I have prayed for since before you were born. It is my hearts desire to see you grow up and serve Him. I am so proud of you!

I love that you come and talk to me about what is going on in your life. You can tell me anything, because I am always here for you...even when you are REALLY chatty.

I love your happy heart! It's contagious to those around you. Keep smiling, pretty girl.

You have grown into a beautiful young woman, although I still see you as my "little girl".

Life is definitely fun when you are around. You keep those around you laughing at all you silly faces and crazy comments. Don't ever lose your sense of humor!

I hope that you have a very happy birthday, Sweetheart. I love you so much.

SIN FLU

2009-10-05T10:24:00.000-07:00

Sent to me from my dad...
Sin, like a virus, sneaks upon you when you least expect. In a crowded room full of temptation, rubbing elbows with those who are already infected. In a place where you know that you should not be, thinking you are invincible, you only plan to stay a little while. You can even see that some have been sick for quite some time, but you don’t think you have to avoid them, their sickness will not touch you as long as you stay far enough away. But like airborne droplets the germs float into the air and into your fragile human body and take root and begin to grow.

Even when you go back into your daily routine, you now carry an unwelcome visitor that was not there before. It soon becomes rooted inside and although it takes a while to take hold… eventually it begins to take over. Your body cannot fight the germ any more, you feel odd, and know that something is not right. Something is just a little…off. Pretty soon you begin to feel the effects stronger and stronger until you have no doubt that you have been overcome and are without hope. The virus has taken hold of you and has dug its way so far down inside and multiplied and consumed your body till it can no longer function properly. You feel queasy, and confused and vomity. The fever begins to rage inside of you and your body is no longer your own. You cannot continue living your normal life, everything you would usually do comes to a screeching halt as you resolve to the fact that you are a prisoner to this disease that has taken over your body.

Wrapped up in your blanket, shaking and trying to fight off what shouldn’t have even been inside of you in the first place, you feel repentive and remember that hand you shook and elbow you rubbed that shared their horrible virus with you and know immediately that it was all your fault and you should have never been there.

The only thing you can do is pray and hydrate and rest, leaning on the Holy Spirit to mend and heal and help you like a medicine that is the only thing that can sooth and calm the heat that is tearing up your body. Like a salve He comes to comfort, a cool water that eases the fever inside of you. Slowly, with a lot of grace and consistence…little by little you feel your strength being restored. Feeling weak and vulnerable, you lean heavy on Him, depending on Him to get you through. He forgivingly offers relief from the pain, allowing you to rest heal.

When you come out of it, you will be tired and drained and weak. But God can restore you to full health, though many will still carry the scars with them for weeks and months.

The worst part about it is those around you that you have unknowingly infected with your virus. Bringing it back to your friends, your family, your children…leaving them vulnerable and knowing that if they become infected that it was YOU who brought it to them.

Sin is a virus…like the flu. Once you are exposed, you may have to go through a whole process of getting things right and restoring your life to God. Or, you can just rot and die….many people do die from the flu you know. Every year we lose people to this common every day illness. Why do they die? Because they are weak, not healthy, don’t have the proper medicines, or are unable to heal. We lose many to sin this way too. Those who are unsaved and have no help from the Holy Spirit to get them out of their sin, or no doctor who has the remedy to help them. Soul winners, I’m talking to you. Maybe they love that sin so much they refuse to let it go and it multiplies and becomes too great a burden for their body.

We have the great gift being born with a body God made able to heal itself when attacked…and a chance to repent, again and again for the wrongs that we do. He could have been unforgiving for all the wrongs we do…but instead He is a forgiving God that will love you and take care of us even when we purposefully infect ourselves with the wrong things. Praise the Lord for a God who restores and heals.

T.H.I.N.K.

2009-10-01T12:50:00.000-07:00

"Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer." ―Psalm 19:14

Someone once said, “Before you engage your tongue, be sure to engage your brain.” So true. The acrostic T.H.I.N.K. says it well:

Truth- Are your words true?

Helpful- Are your words helpful?

Inspiring- Are your words inspiring?

Necessary- Are your words necessary?

Kind- Are your words kind?

Great Tips to a Thinner YOU!

2009-09-29T15:47:00.000-07:00

I found this article VERY helpful and hopefully it will be a great start to a healthier ME. I have read and reread it, and I am excited to start practicing good exercise habits.

by Mireille Guiliano

Look at everyday movement (what you do in street clothes, not spandex) as essential to your overall wellness, and not to see exertion as something assigned to the gym. Here are a few tips on how to stay fit without ever setting foot in a gym.

1.) Don’t save your steps, multiply them! Instead of driving your car around in circles to find a close spot, purposefully park far away and walk the couple extra feet. Do you know burning a mere 50 extra calories a day equates to five pounds a year?! Burn those calories creatively; think thrice about using interoffice mail, walk that memo to your coworker’s office. Take an extra few laps around the block at lunch time, take the long way home when walking your dog at night. The principle is to squeeze as much physical exertion as possible during a few intervals a day into what were once routine tasks tied to avoiding any physical efforts.

2.) Incorporate simple resistance movements into your daily routine. Use your own body weight as resistance wherever possible. Isometric exercises are discreet but effective. This can be done before you even leave the house in the morning. For example, while waiting in traffic or on the subway, contract your abs for 12 seconds with your back pressed against the seat (it’s better for you than road rage). When reading a magazine at home, try sitting on the floor with your legs stretched and apart in a V and your hands on each side; this is a great stretch for your inner thigh muscles.

3.) Take care of your core. I’m a firm believer that we need to attend to our abdominals as we age. These are the muscles that hold all our vital organs in place; they support good posture and a healthy spine, something we must take care of as we get older. Do a few sit-ups as part of a little stretch/exercise/yoga routine in the morning — it’s never too early or too late to start this ritual.

4.) Acquaint yourself with small to moderate free weights (3-5 lbs.), especially if you’re over 40. A bit of extremely simple resistance training is an antidote to hours spent on gym machines. Short but focused movement with small weights is a good way to preserve upper body tone and bone density and supplement the cardiovascular benefits of an active lifestyle. A little goes a long way, and that only increases the older you get, so don’t let extremism overtake you.

5.) Ride your bike. We tend to see bicycling as recreation, and often either as a child’s pastime or a hobby for only the most serious triathletes. I encourage those who can bike to work or shopping to do so. One of my pleasures is taking my bike to run errands. Riding my bike is one of my favorite warm weather routines and is, of course, environmentally clean and efficient, so I am happy to see bikes and bike lanes increasing in New York and other cities. Cycling has well-known health benefits: it’s a low-impact, mild aerobic exercise that strengthens your heart and lungs; tones the large (read: fat-burning) muscle groups; keeps joints, tendons and ligaments flexible; builds stamina; and is generally fun, reducing stress and boosting your mood. And the view from a real bicycle ride beats the view from a stationary bike in a white-walled gym any day of the week.

6.) Yoga. If there was ever a fountain of youth, it might be the practice of yoga. Not only does it reduce stress, improve your posture and help to develop longer, leaner limbs, it also speeds up your metabolism, works nearly every muscle group and promotes an overall bodily wellness that no other sport or class can compete with. I practice yoga religiously, usually in the comfort of my own home. I am no yogi; I do not spend hours upon end on my head — I simply have a handful of mastered poses and movements that make me feel good and keep me limber and trim. Most women can find 20-30 minutes a day to practice if they make it a priority. No equipment necessary.

7.) Take the Stairs! Taking the stairs whenever possible is one of the main tenets of my philosophy. It always astounds me to see people who live no higher than the fourth floor and with nothing more to carry than themselves taking the elevator. We rarely spend an hour stair climbing, but you should know that climbing stairs burns a stunning 1100 calories per hour. Climbing a couple flights a day will surely go a long way. A few times a week I choose to walk up the 15 flights of stairs to my apartment for some healthy fun — and yes, I do enjoy it.

In the end, remember that those who overexert themselves inevitably burn out, but those who know how to stay fit while enjoying life come out ahead, mentally and physically.

The Potty

2009-09-24T12:51:00.001-07:00

A little three year old boy is sitting on the toilet. his mother thinks he has been in there too long, so she goes in to see what's going on. The little boy is sitting on the toilet reading a book, but every 10 seconds or so he puts his book down, grips onto the seat with his left hand and hits himself on the head with his other hand.

His mother says, "Billy, are you all right?? You've been in here for a while."

Billy yells out to his mom, "I am fine, Mommy...I just haven't gone doody yet."

Mother peeks into the bathroom, "Okay, you need to hurry up though."

Mom, "Billy, why are you hitting yourself on the head?"

Billy, "It works for ketchup!"

BBC Carnival 2009

2009-09-24T11:14:00.001-07:00

We had such a good time this year at BBC's carnival. It has been years since we have put on this event for our children, but we plan to do it at the end of every summer from here on out. Instead of cash the children can only spend the Baptist bucks that they have saved all summer. They earn them for attendance to Sunday School, bringing their Bible, learning their verses, bringing friends and doing their take home papers. Some of the little ones had quite a few saved up. I know that my boy David left that day with a huge bag of candy and prizes, and even had enough bucks to buy his mommy some candy and a few games.
There was face painting, fishing, hot dogs and hamburgers, a shooting range, a store, an old fashioned popcorn machine, a cake walk, a balloon making clown, and everyone's favorite…the big flush. Andre Floyd and Mr. Turk took turns sitting under the toilet while the kids (and some of us adults) tried to hit the target so the toilet would flush on them. Pretty gross...but very funny. The kids loved it. Everyone asked when Pastor was going to sit under it, and he responded with, "It will cost 1000 Baptist bucks per throw if I sit in there." After an hour or so, Jen Simpson went around asking for donations so she could get Pastor under the pot. She had a huge handful of bucks, but as soon as Pastor saw what she was up to he disappeared. LOL.
It was so much fun not only for the little ones, but for us grown ups alike. Such a great time to get to know the other families and just have a good time together. My kids are still talking about it, and we can't wait for next year.
Thank you to all those who helped to make it such a huge a success.

Satan's Plan

2009-09-23T12:38:00.000-07:00

Satan called a worldwide convention of demons.

In his opening address he said,

"We can't keep Christians from going to church."

"We can't keep them from reading their Bibles and knowing the truth...."

"We can't even keep them from forming an intimate relationship with their SAVIOR."

"Once they gain that connection with JESUS, our power over them is broken."

"So let them go to their churches; let them have their covered dish dinners, but steal their time, so they don't have time to develop a relationship with Jesus Christ."

"This is what I want you to do," said the devil:

"Distract them from gaining hold of their SAVIOR and maintaining that vital connection throughout their day!"

"How shall we do this?" his demons shouted.

"Keep them busy in the non-essentials of life and invent innumerable schemes to occupy their minds," he answered......

"Tempt them to spend, spend, spend, and borrow, borrow, borrow."

"Persuade the wives to go to work for long hours and the husbands to work 6-7 days each week, 10-12 hours a day, so they can afford their empty lifestyles."

"Keep them from spending time with their children."

"As their families fragment, soon, their homes will offer no escape from the pressures of work!"

"Over-stimulate their minds so that they cannot hear that still, small voice."

"Entice them to play the radio or I-Pod whenever they drive." To keep the TV, DVDs, CDs and their PCs going constantly in their home and see to it that every store and restaurant in the world plays non-biblical music constantly."

"This will jam their minds and break that union with CHRIST."

"Fill the coffee tables with magazines and newspapers."

"Pound their minds with the news 24 hours a day."

"Invade their driving moments with billboards."

"Flood their mailboxes with junk mail, mail order catalogs, sweepstakes, and every kind of newsletter and promotional offering free products, services and false hopes."

"Keep skinny, beautiful models on the magazines and TV so their husbands will believe that outward beauty is what's important, and they'll become dissatisfied with their wives. "

"Keep the wives too tired to love their husbands at night."

"Give them headaches too! "

"If they don't give their husbands the love they need, they will begin to look elsewhere."

"That will fragment their families quickly!"

"Give them Santa Claus to distract them from teaching their children the real meaning of Christmas."

"Give them an Easter bunny so they won't talk about HIS resurrection and power over sin and death..."

"Even in their recreation, let them be excessive."

"Have them return from their recreation exhausted."

"Keep them too busy to go out in nature and reflect on GOD'S creation. Send them to amusement parks, sporting events, plays, concerts, and movies instead."

"Keep them busy, busy, busy!"

"And when they meet for spiritual fellowship, involve them in gossip and small talk so that they leave with troubled consciences."

"Crowd their lives with so many good causes they have no time to seek power from JESUS."

"Soon they will be working in their own strength, sacrificing their health and family for the good of the cause."

"It will work!"

"It will work!"

It was quite a plan!

The demons went eagerly to their assignments causing Christians everywhere to get busier & more rushed, going here & there.

Having little time for their GOD or their families.

Having no time to tell others about the power of JESUS to change lives.

I guess the question is, has the devil been successful in his schemes?

You be the judge.

Does "BUSY" mean: B-eing U-nder S-atan's Y-oke?

A beautiful day for a walk.

2009-09-21T21:20:00.001-07:00

A few weeks ago, after failing to button yet another pair of jeans, I decided to start eating better and exercising more. My dryer was broken so I was at my parents doing laundry and decided it was a beautiful day for a walk. My sister Joyce came over to join me on my venture to be thin again. Our first lap around the block we enjoyed the flowers that were in full bloom all over the neighborhood. Before our second lap, I grabbed my camera so I could get some pictures.
Enjoy.

On our third lap we got distracted by the Schwan man who gave us a catalog to look at. We never made it around the forth time, since all the goodies in the catalog made us hungry. We headed back to mom and dad's to see what goodies we could find. :-)

Puyallup Fair 2009

2009-09-21T08:34:00.000-07:00

This year with Dustin in China during the state fair and unable to accompany us, we ended up doing the Puyallup with our friends Jen, Kat and her family. I must say, it is rarely boring with those two around. Hopie just adores "Miss Jen", who taught her Sunday School class for a couple years, and I found myself (Hope-less) on a few occasions as she ran off to go on the dizzy rides with Jen. David is very much like me, we aren't too crazy for the spinny rides that make you sick to your stomach. Even on the milder rides the poor little guy would grip the bar so hard that he complained of his hands hurting whenever he would get off a ride. He told me that he was afraid of falling out of the seat. I found that he enjoyed the games a lot more than the rides so next time we know to save his money for that sort of thing instead of the rides.

Grace brought Ashton, her inseperable other half, with us; so I didn't see her much. They had some friends from school who met them there, and would only call my cell when they wanted food. I suppose I am good for something.

We checked out a few of the animals, but not as much as I would have liked to. David wouldn't stop complaining about the smell, and for those of you who know David, you know that once he sets his mind on something...that is all he talks about. So, due to the smell, and the constant whines we decided to go check out the venders instead.

We ended up staying till they closed the park. With a dozen scones, a few prizes and a handful of sleepy kids we headed home. Everyone was asleep before we even got out of Puyallup. Everyone but David, who kept asking me if I was sleepy, in fear of my falling asleep at the wheel. I knew he was exhausted, as his little head would bob from time to time, only to awaken and ask me again if I was tired. I told him that I wasn't a bit tired, except for my feet and that he could go ahead and rest. Of course...he fought sleep until we pulled into the driveway and he replied, " I just can't believe you aren't sleepy, Mom." (ahhh..but I was).

Free water, Yay!!

Before...

After...(lol)

Back to School '09

2009-09-09T08:39:00.000-07:00

Well, it's that time of year again. The kids were all so anxious to go to school that they got up WAY too early. All 3 of them were ready to go a half an hour before they needed too. I know this won't last long, it won't be too long when we are scrambling out the door to catch the bus.

Grace is in 10th grade at the highschool this year. Am I really old enough for this? I mean, seriously, it was only yesterday when Joy and I were standing at the bus stop waiting to go to highschool. Grace plans to work extra hard this year to get good grades and won't be participating on the dance team. We are all kinda bummed about that, but it's the plan for now.

David is in 5th this year. It's his first year with a male teacher, and I think it will be really good for him. He needs that manly authority right now. Unlike last year, this year he is all about the "girls" and not embarassed to admit it. Watch out ladies!

Hope is in 4th grade. She's a lot like me when it comes to school. I just never quite figured out math and it's a constant struggle for her (as well as myself when I have to help her with homework). Yet, when it comes to English, reading and writing, well, she goes above and beyond what is expected. Last year she was the teachers pet and she loved every second of it. We will have to see if this new teacher can resist her charms.

Weapon of Mass Destruction

2009-09-08T15:08:00.000-07:00

Psalms 90:9
For all our days are passed away in thy wrath: we spend our years as a tale that is told.

Proverbs 11:13
A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.

Proverbs 18:8
The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

Proverbs 20:19
He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.

Proverbs 26:20
Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.

Proverbs 26:22
The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.

2 Thessalonians 3:11
For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.

1 Timothy 5:13
And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.

1 Peter 4:15

But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters.

Photos by Hopie - Visit with the Blue's

2009-09-08T12:31:00.000-07:00

My parents and I made another trip over to see Pas. Blue and his wife on Labor Day. It is always a time of sweet fellowship and encouragement. I enjoy talking about the old days when our families served side by side in the ministry.

Hopie decided that 'she' wanted to take pictures of the event so some of these pictures are pretty random, but enjoyable nonetheless. She LOVES Pas. Blue and got a pretty good shot of him.

Before we left, I had to snap a couple for myself as my girls hugged on Pas. Blue's neck. Such a precious moment that they can now look back on and enjoy.

Attention Teenagers!

2009-08-28T10:38:00.000-07:00

Rule 1 : Life is not fair - get used to it!

Rule 2 : The world doesn't care about yourself-esteem. The world will expect you to accomplish something BEFORE you feel good about yourself.

Rule 3 : You will NOT make $60,000 a year right out of high school. You won't be a vice-president with a car phone until you earn both.

Rule 4 : If you think your teacher is tough, wait till you get a boss

Rule 5 : Flipping burgers is not beneath your dignity. Your Grandparents had a different word for burger flipping: they called it opportunity.

Rule 6 : If you mess up, it's not your parents' fault , so don't whine about your mistakes, learn from them.

Rule 7 : Before you were born, your parents weren't as boring as they are now. They got that way from paying your bills, cleaning your clothes and listening to you talk about how cool you thought you were. So before you save the rainforest from the parasites of your parent's generation, try delousing the closet in your own room.

Rule 8 : Your school may have done away with winners and losers, but life HAS NOT. In some schools, they have abolished failing grades and they'll give you as MANY TIMES as you want to get the right answer.This doesn't bear the slightest resemblance to ANYTHING in real life.

Rule 9 : Life is not divided into semesters. You don't get summers off and very few employers are interested in helping you FIND YOURSELF. Do that on your own time.

Rule 10 :Television is NOT real life. In real life people actually have to leave the coffee shop and go to jobs.

Rule 11 : Be nice to nerds. Chances are you'll end up working for one.

"Dear God.." from precious little ones.

2009-08-26T13:48:00.000-07:00

Just Me & David

2009-08-12T13:44:00.000-07:00

Yesterday morning David had his yearly doctor appointment. He was unusually very calm from the minute he woke up. His appointment went well, he is growing in leaps and bounds. Afterwards I decided I would take him to the liabrary and take advantage of his non-hyper mood. It was like having a different child with me. He did such a good job at the liabrary that I decided we would go get some hot chocolate so I could enjoy this rare moment a little longer. As we got close to The Morningside Bakery I could see that they had expanded and remodled. It was so cozy and inviting. David was a complete gentleman. He was just as fasinated at all the pretty cakes as I was, and as we shared a lemon pastry he was very careful not to eat too much of it so that I was sure to get enough. He also asked me if I could have any of the cakes which one I would pick. I pointed at one of my favorites and he said that he was going to buy it for me when he got the money. It just melted my heart.

I wish there were more mornings like this. Even with all that's going on this week...I have to say that this time spent with my boy was the highlight.

These bearclaws were so cool!

Hope's Birthday Party

2009-08-07T13:01:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Hope's birthday last weekend. We did roller-skating as well and cake and ice-cream at our place. She picked out the pink Cookie Monster cake over a pretty floral cake which surprised me since she is such a "girly girl". Not complaining though, it was delicious!

We took them roller skating at Hope's request. By the time we left she could actually skate a lap without falling down.

Sunbeams

2009-08-03T10:02:00.000-07:00

The sunset's have been so beautiful the past few nights. On Saturday evening I noticed it on the drive home, wishing my camera wasn't at home recharging so I could take a picture. Then last night on my way home from church..there sat the big ol' sun, behind the pine trees, shooting off huge sunbeams again. I still hadn't put my camera in my purse, but I pulled over anyway so that I could enjoy it for a little while. I sat there and actually got a little teary eyed, as I thought about what an amazing God I have. I remembered Bro. Scott's message on Wednesday night about getting rid of the things in my life that block out His light. I want to have sunbeams so big and bright that they reach everyone that I come in contact with.

I took a picture with my cell phone, it's not the best quality, but you can see the radiant sunbeams. Maybe you need to clear away a little clutter and allow God's rays to shine through and touch those in your life too.

Jeff Foxworthy's Take on Washington

2009-07-31T11:27:00.000-07:00

THIS IS WHAT JEFF FOXWORTHY HAS TO SAY ABOUT 'LIVING IN WASHINGTON'!

If someone in a Home Depot store offers you assistance and they don't work there, you live in Washington.

If you've worn shorts, sandals and a parka at the same time, you live in Washington.

If you've had a lengthy telephone conversation with someone who dialed the wrong number, you live in Washington.

If you measure distance in hours, you live in Washington.

If you know several people who have hit a deer more than once, you live in Washington.

If you have switched from 'heat' to 'A/C' and back again in the sameday, you live in Washington.

If you install security lights on your house and garage but leave both doors unlocked, you live in Washington.

If you design your kid's Halloween costume to fit over a 2 layers of clothes or under a raincoat, you live in Washington.

If driving is better in the winter because the pot holes are filled with snow and ice, you live in Washington.

If you know all 4 seasons: almost winter, winter, still winter, and road construction, you live in Washington.

If you feel guilty throwing aluminum cans or paper in the trash, you live in Washington.

You know more than 10 ways to order coffee, you live in Washington.

If you know more people who own boats than air conditioners, you live in Washington.

If you stand on a deserted corner in the rain waiting for the "Walk" signal, you live in Washington.

If you consider that if it has no snow or has not recently erupted, it is not a real mountain, you live in Washington.

If you can taste the difference between Starbucks, Seattle's Best, and Tullys, you live in Washington.

If you know the difference between Chinook, Coho and Sockeye salmon, you live in Washington.

If you know how to pronounce Sequim, Puyallup, Abiqua, Issaquah, Oregon, Umpqua, Yakima and Willamette, you live in Washington.

If you consider swimming an indoor sport, you live in Washington.

If you know that Boring is a city and not just a feeling, you live in Washington.

If you can tell the difference between Japanese, Chinese and Thai food, you live in Washington.

If you never go camping without waterproof matches and a poncho, you live in Washington.

If you have actually used your mountain bike on a mountain, you live in Washington.

If you think people who use umbrellas are either wimps or tourists, you live in Washington.

If you buy new sunglasses every year, because you cannot find the old ones after such a long time, you live in Washington.

If you actually understand these jokes , you live or have lived in Washington.

Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad!!!

2009-07-29T11:01:00.000-07:00

Happy 41st Anniversary! Your love for each other is apparent to all those who know you. I am so blessed to have parents that are still so in love after all of these years.

I can't remember when you weren't there

When I didn't care for anyone but you

I swear we've been through everything there is

Can't imagine anything we've missed

Can't imagine anything the two of us can't do

Through the years,

you've never let me down

You turned my life around,

the sweetest days I've found I've found with you ...

Through the years

I've never been afraid,

I love the life we've made

And I'm so glad I've stayed, right here with you

Through the years

I can't remember what I used to do

Who I trusted, whom I listened to before

I swear you've taught me everything I know

Can't imagine needing someone so

But through the years it seems to me

I need you more and more

Through the years,

through all the good and bad

I know how much we had,

I've always been so glad To be with you ...

Through the years

It's better everyday, you've kissed my tears away

As long as it's okay, I'll stay with you

Through the years

Through the years,

when everything went wrong

Together we were strong, I know that I belonged

Right here with you ...

Through the years

I never had a doubt, we'd always work things out

I've learned what love's about, by loving you

Through the years

Through the years, you've never let me down

You've turned my life around,

the sweetest days I've foundI've found with you ...

Through the years

It's better everyday, you've kissed my tears away

As long as it's okay, I'll stay with you

Through the years!

Happy Birthday to my Little Hopie

2009-07-28T11:13:00.001-07:00

Today is my baby girls birthday!! She is 9 today, so not really a baby in most peoples eyes, but she will be "my" baby forever. I am so glad that God has kept her tiny enough to still jump in my arms and sit on my hip. I love that she still loves to curl up on my lap and cuddle with me in the evenings. I treasure that precious time with her.

It seems like just the other day I found out I was expecting her. She is our little miracle baby. After adopting David, with the assumption that we could not have another child, along came Hope. She has been such a JOY to have in my life. I pray that her sweet disposition and sensitive heart will continue to blossom as she grows into the young lady that God has designed her to be.

Judging Your Life

2009-07-27T12:10:00.000-07:00

Don't judge your life by how many breaths you took;Rather judge your life by how many things took your breath away.

Don't judge your life by how many steps you took;Rather judge your life by how many footprints you left for others to follow.

Don't judge your life by how many mountains you climbed.Rather judge your life by how many mountains you moved

Don't judge your life by how much money you made;Rather judge your life by how much money you gave away.

Don't judge your life by how many days you lived;Rather judge your life by how much living you put into your days.

Don't judge your life by how many blessings you received;Rather judge your life by how many blessings you shared with others.

Don't judge your life by how many things you did right;Rather judge your life by how many things you made right.

Don't judge your life by the circumstances you faced;Rather judge your life by how you faced the circumstances.

Don't judge your life by how many times you succeeded;Rather judge your life by how well you handled the defeats.

Don't judge your life by how tall you stood;Rather judge your life by what you stood for.

Haven Lake

2009-07-27T10:36:00.000-07:00

The girls and I spent Saturday evening at Haven Lake with Joy and her friend Bill. It was so refreshing after such a hot day. The view was absolutely gorgeous with the Olympic Mountains in the distance. I was very disappointed that my camera battery had died, but was able to get a few pictures with my cell phone camera. Not the greatest quality, but they will do for now. I am anxious to go back and get some GOOD pictures of the beautiful scenery.

Bill took the girls out on the boat to teach them a little bit about fishing. They didn't cath any fish but were able to get a bit of seaweed on the line. :)

As the sun set, the sky and the lakes reflection got prettier and prettier. God sure made us a beautiful world to enjoy.

We ended the evening with a bonfire down on the lake-front, chit chatting over smores while Grace kept us laughing with her silly stories and comments.

LAWS

2009-07-23T13:15:00.000-07:00

1. Law of Mechanical Repair - After your hands become coated with grease, your nose will begin to itch and you'll have to use the bathroom.

2. Law of Gravity - Any tool, nut, bolt, or screw, when dropped, will roll to the least accessible corner.

3. Law of Probability - The probability of being watched is directly proportional to the stupidity of your act.

4. Law of Random Numbers - If you dial a wrong number, you never get a busy signal and someone always answers.

5. Law of the Alibi - If you tell the boss you were late for work because you had a flat tire, the very next morning you will have a flat tire.

6. Variation Law - If you change lines (or traffic lanes), the one you were in will always move faster than the one you are in now (works every time).

7. Law of the Bath - When the body is fully immersed in water, the telephone rings.

8. Law of Close Encounters - The probability of meeting someone you know increases dramatically when you are with someone you don't want to be seen with.

9. Law of the Result - When you try to prove to someone that a machine won't work, it will.

10. Law of Biomechanics - The severity of the itch is inversely proportional to the reach.

11. Law of the Theater and Hockey Arena - At any event, the people whose seats are farthest from the aisle arrive last, and they are the ones who will leave their seats several times to go for food, drink, or the bathroom and who leave early before the end of the performance or the game is over.
Those in the aisle seats come early, never move once, have long gangly legs or big bellies, and stay to the bitter end of the performance and beyond. The aisle people also are very surly folk.

12. The Coffee Law - As soon as you sit down to a cup of hot coffee, your boss will ask you to do something that will last until the coffee is cold.

13. Murphy's Law of Lockers - If there are only two people in a locker room, they will have adjacent lockers.

14. Law of Physical Surfaces - The chances of an open-faced jelly sandwich landing face down on a floor covering are directly correlated to the newness and cost of the carpet/rug.

15. Law of Logical Argument - Anything is possible if you don't know what you are talking about.

16. Brown's Law of Physical Appearance - If the clothes fit, they're ugly.

17. Oliver's Law of Public Speaking - A closed mouth gathers no feet.

18. Wilson's Law of Commercial Marketing Strategy - As soon as you find a product that you really like, they will stop making it.

19. Doctors' Law - If you don't feel well and make an appointment to go to the doctor, by the time you get there you'll feel better. Don't make an appointment and you'll stay sick.

The Telephone

2009-07-22T12:36:00.000-07:00

As you probably know the Amish believe in living a simple life – no electricity, no telephones, no motorized vehicles. Yet in many of their communities there is a pay phone. When asked about this apparent discrepancy one elder explained, “If the telephone were in our home it would control us. As long as it is out there we control it.” He went on to say, “Most people drop everything they are doing the instant the telephone rings and run to answer it. In their lives the telephone takes precedent over everything. (Of course cell phones have only made this addiction far worse.) The pay telephone, on the other hand, is our servant. It is there if we need it but we do not allow it to intrude into our lives."

Playing at Park...in the Dark!

2009-07-21T11:26:00.000-07:00

My sister Ruth's daughter Pearl spent the night last night. We were all sitting around watching Disney Channel..nothin spectacular. It was a beautiful night, so I suggested we all go for a walk. They couldn't believe I was serious since it was already 9pm, but I was up for the adventure. We ended up at the park where we had a blast....until the sprinklers turned on and had us running for cover. haha. Well, the girls and I went running away from the sprinklers while David screamed with delight and ran into them.

Ever gone to the park at night? You should, it was a lot of fun!

Missing Kyle Hake

2009-07-20T11:03:00.000-07:00

It's been a tough week at our church having to say goodbye to the Hake family. Pas. Hake was the little brother we never had...a son to my dad, a co-laborer in the work of God. As my dad stated in yesterday morning's service, he was his "right arm" and someone he depended on. Now, with Pas. Kyle and Judith's decision to move back down south, it has left a huge gap in our church ministries but even a bigger hole in our hearts. He is greatly missed already. Please pray for our church, that we will lean on the strong arms of our Savior and for my dad as he struggles to keep up with all the responsiblities around the church.

For all my brothers and sisters at Bible Baptist, it's time for us to stand in the gap. Time for us to step out in faith and take on some responsibilites that we may feel inadequate to do. God has not let us down before and has always brought us through the difficult days.

Miss you.

Jubilee '09

2009-07-16T06:56:00.001-07:00

Be sure to mark your calendars!!!!!

The Valley

2009-07-14T23:04:00.000-07:00

Yea, though I walk through the valley..... Psalm 23:4.

Lord, I asked for mountains,
But You gave me the valley;
I asked for blessed fountains,
But You gave me seasons dry.

Lord, I asked for refreshing rain,
But You gave me the dry place.
I asked for freedom from pain,
But You gave me grace to bear.

Lord, I asked for the cool breeze,
But the sweltering heat You gave.
In the valley You brought me to my knees
That I might behold the Lily there.

Lord, I asked to understand,
But You taught me to trust:
That all that comes through Your Hand
Is the best for me.

Lord, help me to rest in all Your ways
Being confident that all is well.
As we receive grace all our days,
Even in the valley the Lily is there.

Concho River

2009-06-24T10:02:00.000-07:00

While in Christoville we always spend a day at the Concho River. It feels so good to be in the river when the weather is so hot. It's so peaceful and beautiful there.

There goes Nathan off the rope swing!

Neileigh got a hold my camera..haha.

Last year I tried the rope swing and loved it. This year, however, I only went off it once. I would normally sit myself on the knot and swing back and forth a few times so that I wasn't so high in the air when I dropped into the water. This time, I couldn't get on the knot and as I swung out over the river I couldn't hold on to the rope and slipped off. You should see the bruises on my inner thighs where the water slapped me upon entry. I almost lost my breath...and when I got to shore I was shaking so much that I could barely stand up. So, yeah, I didn't do it again so there is no video.

Shayre's House in the Country

2009-06-24T09:30:00.001-07:00

Shayre lives in the small town of Christoville in west Texas. They have 30 acres in the middle of nowhere, and going there for a few days is always a treat. I swear they have WAY more stars in the sky than we do. I now know what they mean when they say that west Texas has a BIG sky. I wish I could have got some pictures but my camera doesn't take very well night pictures. It was breath taking.

We hung out on the porch and drank sweet tea, laughing and sharing stories from the not so long ago. While Shayre's husband Fred grilled up some homemade jalepeno poppers and chicken. Shawna and I even went out for a 4-wheel drive at night which was an adventure in itself. She tends to bring out courage that I never knew I had. We had that 4 wheeler going 50 mph at one point. Thank God I lived to tell the story.

Meet Anna the hound dog.

Shayre and sweet Neileigh

Anna and Abby were following us on the 4-wheeler in 100+ temp. Poor girls.

Road Trip!

2009-06-23T10:40:00.000-07:00

We loaded up the car on Saturday afternoon and headed for west Texas to visit with Shawna's sister, Shayre, and her family. It was a four hour drive with beautiful hills and farms all along the way. Shawna laughed everytime I took my camera out and shot pictures of the scenery swifty moving by. So, here's a little bit of Texas that I saw from the Tahoe.

Snack time!!!

Super sour skittles.

Where's mine???

The trip back home.

The sun setting in the west behind us.

The Windmill Down the Street

2009-06-20T08:28:00.000-07:00

I am here in Texas staying with one of my best friends. She just had a house built and as we turned into her neighborhood, I noticed the windmill on the side of the road. I had just bought one for my farm on FarmTown the night before (those of you who also play can appreciate this..haha). Anyways, I love the windmill and last night Shawna and I took a walk down there to get some pictures of it. I played around in photoshop and think the aged one looks pretty neat.

Pickle Flavored Snow Cones

2009-06-19T21:54:00.000-07:00

Yeah...who'd of thought??? But they really do make them here in Texas and they happen to be Shawna's favorite. My last visit she got me to try deep fried pickles (which I didn't care for) and once again she had me convinced to try this snow cone. Yep...it tasted just like a dill pickle. SO WEIRD. I ended up letting her eat the whole thing while I had them make me a more traditional flavor (lime). haha. Can't say I didn't give it a try though.