Monday Manna

Those busy beavers seems to have accepted me into their clan.  Or pack.  Or whatever it is a group of beavers calls themselves.  (Note to self:  Googel that later.)  We have been getting much done...in anticipation of rest.  Isn't it funny how in order to have time away, we have to do so much planning and work ahead of time. 

I'm thankful for...

My mom!  Holy smacks.  She was a lifesaver this weekend when I was at Women of Faith.  Not only did she take care of the kids a good part of the time, but she coordinated where they would be when, picked up their Girl Scout cookies from their troops and helped deliver most of them.  My word!  She is a super-mom!

God moment...

A sermon I heard yesterday morning just lit a fire under my bottom.  I love when that happens.  The pastor was so into it, flying high on the message that the congregation could hardly get in an "Amen!"  Every once in awhile, he would say "Are you breathing?"  Sometimes I wasn't!  The sermon was so good, it took my breath away.  Thank you, Lord, for passion!

Work for home...
Packing.  Yep.  That's it.

Work for work...
I'm writing a review for one of our newer employees.  I'm searching for something critical to say.  We're just so blessed by the people God has brought to our ministry, that it's hard to find fault!  I mean, if God ordained them to be here...which He ordains each of us into the work we do, who am I to criticize?  This is a good problem to have. 

Craft time...
While we're away, the girls and I will be teaching two classes at Scott's grandmother's assisted-living facility.  One is a card craft.  One is a jewelry craft.  Both need to be prepped and have samples made.  I'm really excited to be teaching!

Me, Mary, Rachelle & Marilyn

Photo of the week...
Mary lives in my hometown.  She listens to Family Life now and was at Women of Faith this past weekend.  Rachelle and I were blessed to connect with her and her friend, Marilyn.  About 8,000 women in one room, all singing praises.  What a glimpse of Heaven!

Monday Manna

God has been very good to me this week.  Last week I learned, some things just gotta give.  I skipped Ladies' Bible Study because I was running late coming home from work.  And I completely forgot to make the church bulletins.  And you know what?  Nobody died.  I was able to get some rest, and made it through the week without any major meltdowns.

I'm thankful for...

Emily's new Girl Scout leader.  It was a tough choice, deciding not to lead a troop this year.  We are blessed by the socialization scouts brings, but in the past couple years, it's been very hard, running a troop.  I'm thrilled to have found a new group for her to join.

God moment...

Just last night my husband had the opportunity to teach at our church about the blessing of tithing obedience.  We're so not out of the financial woods yet, but are challenged everyday to keep our wants and needs in check.  And God keeps blessing.  Just today I got the opportunity to audition for an out of market job that would be steady income, using my skill set.  What a gift that would be to get!

Work for home...

It's a challenge, making the most out of what you have.  I'm trying to live below my grocery budget, while also creating delicious, satisfying meals for my family.  The economy doens't make it easier.  However, if the economy ever does rebound, we'll be conditioned to this frugal way!

Work for work...
We are preparing for our bi-annual Sharathon at Family Life.  It's a busy, exciting time.  I also have the joy of working with our Morning Show every week, developing new ideas and strategies for our audience.  It's one of my favorite things!  This past week, when I was feeling so discouraged, one of our morning hosts said the most encouraging thing, just when I needed it.  I love when that happens and am so blessed to be working in a place that is way more than a paycheck.

Craft time...
My card swap group just downsized, from 12+ to seven.  I'm looking forward to making fewer, more intricate cards.  Of course, it would be easier if I didn't have to get them done tomorrow!

Photo of the week...

Anna, Dana, Marissa, Malina & Ashley

Ashley's 10th birthday included dinner out at Quaker Steak and Lube, and the movie Dolphin Tales.  Our server at the restaurant told the girls they could win a bucket of wings for a year, if their photo was chosen as the best.  So we thought and thought, and this was the best we could come up with.  They all posed, as if they were lifting the car that was suspended above our table.  Some of them are pretty convincing!  Hope we have enough Tums.  Those wings are as good as ours!

Monday Manna

There is so much happening this weekend...I could cry.  Seriously, wad myself up in a ball and just sob it out.  There is so much fun stuff in the mix, that I should be excited.  But the reality is that I feel defeated.  Beat up.  Put down.  My attitude changing will be the key to anything being accomplished.

I'm thankful for...
A washer and dryer that work.  We have piles of laundry and it's a gift to have appliances that work.  I can hear the dryer clinking right now.  I'm trying not to think about how much folding is ahead of me...just trying to focus on the positives here!

God moment...
The Lord is carrying me right now.  That's God Moment enough.

Work for home...
Ashley is having a sleepover with a couple of her friends Friday night, so I'm trying to maintain some of the house cleanliness we reached from the birthday party we hosted this past weekend.  Getting the house clean is only part of the battle...keeping it clean is just as hard.

Work for work...
We're hosting two screening of "Courageous" this week.  I'm so excited to see this film and how it impacts people's lives.  I'm also excited to connect with Family Life listeners face to face.

Craft time...
Emily never did get her earring making time last week.  However, both girls have lost several earrings this week and really need more, or their holes will close up.  It will be way cheaper, and probably quicker, to make a few pair than to go shopping.

Photo of the week...

We celebrated Ashley's birthday with our family this weekend.  Saturday was also Scott's Aunt Pat's birthday.  We usually have two cakes, one for each girl.  This year I made both...a cheesecake brownie for Aunt Pat and a Boston Cream Pie for Ashley.  They both made very special wishes, I'm sure.

Putting Up

My sweet, sweet husband is always looking out for us.  Normally each summer I can tomatoes.  In recent years I've been able to find bushel boxes for about $10 at the Public Market downtown.  This year, however, no such luck.  Prices have been high, and are staying that way.  No canning this year, I thought.  No big deal, as we have several quarts left from last year.  We'll make due.

Then, a friend of my hubby's from work, offered him free tomatoes.  This friend is a farmer on the side and had many tomatoes he didn't think would make it to the weekend market.  Awesome!  We're back in the tomato business.  Major blessing!  So before work today, and again tonight, I will be up to my elbows in red, slippery goodness.  There's something about the smell; the feel.  It reminds me of Autumn, my favorite time of the year.

Putting up.  It's something we do.  Storing away things from the summer to be used later on.  In the middle of winter, fruits and veggies just taste better when I know I've canned them myself.

But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven,
where neither moth nor rust destroys
and where thieves do not break in and steal.
For where your treasure is,
there your heart will be also.

Matthew 6:20

That's fine for fruits and veggies, but they don't last forever.  Nor do the material things we gather through a lifetime.  Are you "putting up" for eternity?  What kind of things last forever? 

Mercy.  Kindness.  Love.

The acts we do today will be preserved on a shelf in Heaven.  Reaching out to someone in need and blessing them with the abundance of what you have.  By giving away what we have on earth, we can be weathy forever.  I can't wait until the day when I can walk into God's pantry and see all of the incredible works that will last for eternity.  What a grand collection of jars that must be!

Monday Manna

Today is just a regular ol' Monday.  And I like it!  We've been struggling to get our stride with homeschooling and I'm really hoping today is the day we click.  I try to tell the girls that when their work is all squared away, we have more time for fun stuff, but they aren't buying it!

I'm thankful for...
Autumn like days.  There's something about the crispness in the air.  I just love this season.  It's the time of year when the earth begins to rest.  It's a reminder that we can't run on "summer" all the time.  There's a time to slow down, and be still.

To everything there is a season,

a time for every purpose under Heaven.
Ecclesiasteas 3:1 (NKJV)

God moment...
Yesterday we sang "American the Beautiful" in church.  It was fitting, with the 10 year anniversary of September 11th.  I just love the second verse of this song: 

O beautiful for pilgrim feet
Whose stern impassioned stress
A thoroughfare of freedom beat
Across the wilderness!
America! America!
God mend thine every flaw,
Confirm thy soul in self-control,
Thy liberty in law!

This verse pleads with God to fix what is wrong in our nation.  It was true when this song was written in 1895, and it's true now; only God can fix what's wrong with America.  And note how it's to be done:  through self-control.  What a great reminder to each one of us as to how we should live.

Work for home...
Our home is a mess.  There are some rooms I don't even want to be in.  A few of our friends have moved lately and it just reminds me what a burden it would be if we were to move.  It's time to purge the extras.  We've been blessed.  Now it's time to pass the blessings on!

Work for work...
I finished so many of my Monday tasks before 5am, so I'm hoping for continued productivity this week!  Really looking forward to getting some creative time going with the Family Life Morning Show on Wednesday.

Craft time...
Emily has wanted to make some jewelry for a few weeks.  I've been telling her we can do that, when she gets caught up on school.  We've put a plan in place to make that happen, so hopefully by Friday my girlie and I can be making some earrings and bracelets.  (A mama can dream!)

Go, Mom, go!

My favorite photo...
This is my mom's calling card.  When she goes for a bike ride in the early morning and stops by our house, she draws herself in chalk.  It's her way of saying "I was here...it didn't look like you were awake, so I kept on peddling."  When we finally get ready to go out and I see this on the driveway, it puts a smile on my face!

Monday Manna

It hardly seems like Monday.  It seems like another Sunday, but without church, so really a Saturday.  Except I worked today, so that's kind of like a Monday, but nobody else was in the office, so...well...you know what I mean.  Today was a funky day!  Still, a Monday Manna day!  Better late than never.  Maybe you'll be reading this on a Tuesday...that feels like a Monday.

I'm thankful for...
Wisdom that never changes.  We've had a couple curve balls thrown at us this week.  All potentially good stuff.  It's reassuring to go to the solid word of the Bible to KNOW what we're to do, without trying to guess in our carnal way.

God moment...
Our church had a little Labor Day-ish picnic yesterday afternoon, for anyone who was still in town.  It was AMAZING.  There was a real sense of family in our little baby church.  To top it off, we had a missionary visit who was just spot on with his sermon.  All good glimpses of what Heaven will be like!

Work for home...
Will I ever be caught up?  Just when the school year gets rolling, it seems the vacation countdown has started.  The days.  The planning.  The packing.  Since we'll be away for Thanksgiving.  My mom (who is also going with us) and I are starting to work on the details of the meal, what we'll need to buy and what we'll want to take with us.

Work for work...
I feel like I'm failing miserably in my work.  Who am I kidding?  I feel like I'm failing in every aspect of my life.  When I'm a creative project, I don't work at the pace some would like.  And sometimes I overlook things a left brained person would remember.  It's a real challenge to remind myself that God wouldn't put me somewhere he doesn't plan to use me.  And that may not have to do with where I work, or what I'm doing, but with what He is trying to do in me. "Terese:  Work in progress."

Craft time...
Who am I kidding?  I am so desperate for a creative outlet that I spray painted some shelving for Ashley's room turquoise this week.  It may be the only painting I get to do for awhile.

What I'm reading...
I have found some time to curl up and read this week.  Mostly in the wee hours or late night.  Our ladies Bible study at church is working on a Nancy Leigh DeMoss book on brokenness.  Well, it's about three different things, but I'm working on the brokenness section right now.  Brokenness can be a downer.  The key is to see the victory that comes from it.  I'm well into chapter 5, so I asked our teacher which part we'd be studying this week.  She said "the introduction."  Oops...think I went a little too far. 

Providing...through Pennies

It started innocently enough.  There is a crystal bowl we received as a wedding gift.  I never know what to do with things like that.  "What's its purpose?" I thought.  So it became a collection spot, for coins and small trinkets.  If it was in my pocket, or on my dresser, and didn't have a place, in it went.  And it's been that way for years.

Last week, I gave away my Women's Study Bible.  It was a Lord-led thing.  But the very next day, I missed it.  Did I need another?  No way.  I have several other bibles.  Still, my husband said "Just order another one."  Sure, we probably have some extra money for that, but I just didn't have a peace about going online, ordering a bible and putting it on a card.  It was a want, not a need.

Go back to the week before that.  I had the most frustrating green bean canning session.  No matter how I tried, I couldn't get my canner to build pressure.  More water, less water, oiled the ring, flipped the ring.  Nothing.  Eventually, I called my mother.  She brought over her canner and finished the batch for me.  So add "canner ring" to my shopping list.  Another purchase I didn't feel good making, so I put it off.

Now, back to that crystal bowl.  Out of the blue this past weekend, Ashley says, "Mom, can we take that dish of change you have to the coin counting machine at Wegmans and see how much is in it?"  "Okay," I thought, "That'll be fun!"  Scott mentioned he had some change too and we could add it to the batch.

We ended up with a quart sized bag of coins.  It weighed 10 pounds.  I was hoping I'd have enough to pay for most of the bible I wanted.  So, we loaded the money, and watched the total go up.  $25...$50...$75...$100!  
"Ashley, watch this!"  I said, watching the total accelerate.  The grand total:  $131.28. 

Now, I could have cashed it out, for a 5% fee, or just converted it to a gift card, with no penalty.  I opted for an Amazon gift card and came home and ordered my bible.  In fact, I splurged a little extra and bought the same one I had, but with a prettier cover.  Yesterday, the light bulb went off and I searched "canner rings" on Amazon.  Sure enough, they have those there too.  Ashley's birthday is a couple weeks.  I bet I can find something for a 10 year old on there.  And who know what else our household will have a need for that I'll be able to pay for with that gift card. 

I just think it's so neat that God provided with money He had already given me!  It was right in front of me the whole time.  He provided through pennies...and nickels...and dimes and quarters too.  How many little blessings like that do I overlook each day?  What has He already given me that I take for granted?  I'll be keeping my eyes open, that's for sure!

Monday Manna

Time...stop!  Okay, that doesn't appear to be working.  Maybe the issue is me.  Maybe in the midst of all my goals, and to-do list, I've not given FULL control of my time to the One who made time.  This is the verse I'm resting on right now:

See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

Ephesians 5:15-16

I'm thankful for...
The guide to life, the Bible.  When I'm stressed, busy, crazy (more than normal), it's great to be able to go to one source that provides perfect advice. 

God moment...
I needed a new Bible.  Okay, maybe not NEED.  I have several, but I really wanted a new Women's Study Bible.  My hubby told me to just order one, but I just didn't have a peace about it.  So, I waited.  God provided the money for one, in a pretty neat way.  I'm hoping to blog about that tomorrow.

Work for home...
We are desperate for organization.  Pastor Curtis said something yesterday that I knew in my heat, but it just clicked in my heart.  "You can't take it with you."  We have ALL these things.  Why?  They aren't going to do us any good in Eternity.  So I'm keeping that in mind as I clear things out.

Work for work...
I am still in the writing pit.  It's so hard to be creative when you HAVE to.  I have written so many things in the past week, but there is so much more to write.  Will I ever be done?  No!  A new month is just around the corner...and that means more to write!  {sigh}

Craft time...
STILL working on those journals for my friend's daughters.  I finally was able to find composition books for a good price ($.40) and have picked out paper to fit each girl.  I'm hoping my girls can finish their school in a good time today, and we can work on these together.  It appears they have inherited my delightful time management skills.

My favorite photo...

We aired "Soul Surfer" for our first Family Movie Night
at our new church.  It was a packed house and just
so much fun.  What a great night to enjoy so many people!

Inspired by Foodie Blogs

Blogs about food are so bad for me.  It seems people have gotten even better with photography...or maybe it's Photoshop.  The pictures are scrumptious!  I can hear the nooks and crannies calling my name and I swear my computer screen begins to omit odors.

Just this morning, I stumbled upon a savory muffin recipe I've never made.  So, of course I just HAD to.  It required an early morning grocery store visit, which was a small price to pay for a homemade melt-in-your mouth muffin.  By the way, I didn't download the recipe...I just got the idea off the site I visited, and decided to improvise my own recipe.

I used a boxed corn muffin mix, added an egg and 1/2 can creamed corn.  Then, we folded in some parsley, cheddar cheese and crispy cooked bacon.

THEY ARE DELICIOUS!

Melty...crunchy...sweet...baconny. 
Yeah, I think it's the baconny part that seals the deal. 
Bacon fixes everything.

There's this fantasy that I have that there will be at least one of these muffiny treasures will be left for me to take to work in the morning.  It's a long shot.  I might just need to put forth the effort to bake more tonight.  If they were THAT good in the morning, I bet they'd make a divine midnight snack...

Monday Manna

This is going to be, by far, one of the busiest weeks we have had in awhile.  I pray we all keep our patience high and our tempers low.  Monday is already almost over and I'm JUST getting my weekly manna together. 


I'm thankful for...
God's bounty!  We're having a wonderful time watching all of our plants begin to produce fruits.  The bounty is not only a great testimony to God's creation, but also is delicious.  Ashley especially is having a wonderful time checking the tomatoes and cukes every couple days.  She likes eating them too!

God moment...
I gave away my Bible.  It was just so clear to me that God wanted me to give it away, so I did.  I've never done that before.  The shocking part was the person who I gave it to took it!  It was a lovely Women's Study Bible, with love-worn pages, but no writing in it.  I pray it gets read.

Work for home...
Why is everything is disorganized?  We have a library book that is 4 days overdue and cannot be renewed anymore.  It's gotta be somewhere in this house.  Where!?  I'm sure it's somewhere...just waiting to be found.  Oh, and those library fines...they're my way of supporting our community in a positive way.

Work for work...
Today I was able to interview Angie Smith.  She is a remarkable woman.  I'll be working on editing our chat over the next day, so it can air on Wednesday.  Read here story here.

Craft time...
I finally finished my Mickey Mouse cards for the swap and will be sending them out tomorrow.  I'd post a picture, but I don't want to ruin it for the fellow swappers!  Next, I'm planning on altering some composition notebooks.  Friends of mine have 3 daughters, and are adopting 2 more, from Africa.  I'd like to make them each a personalized journal, to write their thoughts on the new family.  I'm hoping to have them done in a timely fashion, as they'll be coming home with the girls soon.

My favorite photo...
Driving home from church, after the storm had passed, I felt like God was saying "It's alright, precious...I have it all under control."  Wow!  He sure does!

Joy in the Trenches

The other day a friend who I don't believe has ever called me on the phone before dialed me in distress.  She was overwhelmed by a family situation and needed prayer.  It was such a joy to stop with her, right then, and give it to the Lord.  As I was praying and talking with her, I could feel my words fading, and His coming to the forefront.  While it didn't change her circumstances, the truth changed her perspective some. 

"I will build my church;
and the gates of hell
shall not prevail against it."
Matthew 16:18

Folks, we are in a spiritual battle.  And just like anyone who fought in a traditional war, the fighting is intense!  There are people on the front line, with reinfocements behind.  There are those who have surrendered and those who will fight to their death.  But when a brother or sister is in the trenches, they need back up, to help them focus on the goal, and continue fighting the good fight.  Will you be available for that service, if God calls you?

In the darkess of my friend's despair, I saw joy.  I was practically beaming as I shared with her truths about her and the situation, from scripture.  And as I could hear the worry start to fade in her voice, I knew she felt it too.  It's an honor to be in the ranks of our God.  He has armed us.  And he has promised that, in the end, we win the war.

Monday Manna

Is this weekend really over?  Seriously?  I cannot believe how fast it flew!  We had some great moments of fellowship, family and food, that's for sure!  Time for a new week.  And a new start.

I'm thankful for...

Great sermons at church.  This week I was really plugged in to what Pastor Curtis was saying.  Got idols?  Lay 'em down!  Get in line with what God has for you and it'll all fall into place!  If you'd like to listen to our pastor's message from yesterday morning, click here.

Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord,

and He will lift you up.

James 4:7, 8 & 10

God moment...

The kids' fighting has really been getting to me lately.  I truly understand what the phrase "blood boiling" means now.  As much as their behavior makes me crazy, I know I can only control my reaction, and that's what God has been working on in me.  Several times this week, I was able to difuse their intense arguing with a calm voice, and rational thoughts.  I am so thankful God is able to work through me to provide them peace, and not more anger.

Work for home...

Laundry!  Ironing!  Help!  I'm buried under a pile of clothes!  I have 4 baskets lined up in the laundry room this morning, ready to be washed.  And poor Scott never has much of a choice of what to wear to work, because my ironing is sadly behind.

Work for work...

More writing.  More planning.  We have a busy fall lined up and now is the time to get the wheels moving!

Craft time...

Yes, STILL working on my card swap cards.  Not even sure when the deadline is.  The girls and I did manage to get to AC Moore to buy some inspiring new papers.  Along the way, we found out Utopia closed.  How did I miss that?  It's probably best.  I would have gone broke at their Going Out of Business Sale!



My favorite photo...(okay, so three of them)

Ashley's brithday invites.
She punched the characters and
inked the edges of each one.

While I did not get my card swap cards done, Ashley and I were able to make some ADORABLE birthday invites for her party in September.  They are Disney themed, with a magnetic closure.  Those are from Basic Grey, and now I wished I had purchased more when I had the chance.  If anyone knows where I can buy them from a retail store, let me know.  I really prefer brick and mortar over online.


Each invite is closed with
a hidden magnet.



You can see how the whole thing
works when you see it from the side.





Lying in the Lawn

Last night we had clear skies for the Persied Meteor Shower.  The girls had heard about it, and were curious, so we headed outside around 10pm.  I lit my citronella candle and set a quilt out on the front lawn.  We live in an suburban area and the moon was full and bright.  I doubted we would see a thing.  While pointing out the Big Dipper to the girls, they saw their first meteor!  It was streaking across the bowl part of the constellation.

My camera is not nearly good enough to
get a shot like this.  But this is what our
streaking meteor looked like!

So, we laid down and looked up.  We stayed there long enough for the automatic light over the garage to go out, so a few minutes had passed.  Suddenly, we saw the most brilliant sight!  A bright meteor streaked across the sky, tail trailing behind!  It left us all in awe.

Over the next twenty minutes or so, we saw slower, less exciting meteors.  Most looked like dim stars, suddenly dislodged from their orbit, falling slowly to the ground.  Still, we lied, in awe.  ...Of the creation God made.  So many stars.  So many meteors.  All created by the same hands that held dirt and breathed life into man.  I'm always amazed how scientific events help solidify my faith.

I Scream for Ice Cream

Ice Cream.  Smooth.  Creamy.  Delicious.  I think I'd like to try my hand at making my own.  The idea of concocting innovative flavor combinations just delights me.  Apple Caramel with Graham Cracker Crumbles.  Yum!  And of course, the educational aspect.  Ahem!  Right! 

So the question is, do we invest in an ice cream machine?  They take up room.  And I've done a pretty good job getting rid of appliances I don't use very often.  So then, I think about getting one just temporarily.  Purchasing for a season, so I can say "been there, done that," and donating it.

So what should I look for in a used ice cream maker?  They're priced as cheaply at $10 on Craigs List.  Is 1 quart big enough?  I mean we'll likely just eat what we eat right away and that seems big enough.  Then, if we don't like our flavor creations, we haven't ruined gallons of ingredients, right?

Anyone have experience with their own ice cream machine?  Is it worth it? 

Manna Monday

My family is in major need of a reset.  We have been on the road for the better part of the past week and it's just draining.  I take back all the complaints I've ever issued about our home.  I'm happy to be in it today...and will be staying put for awhile!  It's a good time to start with a fresh week, with fresh perspective and opportunity.

I'm thankful for...
Rain!  As much as it stunk being stuck in it several times at Kingdom Bound and Spiedie Fest, our veggies are nearly bursting.  Now, we need some sun so it can all ripen!

God moment...
In running from tent to tent at Speidie Fest, we ran into a family who had been in the Family Life tent at Kingdom Bound.  It was so encouraging to hear how the ministry I work for has impacted their lives.  Sometimes it seems just like regular work.  I appreciate the reminder that it's not!

Work for home...
Getting our home cleaned and organized!  We are having some friends over tonight for a Phineas and Ferb movie viewing.  I love having friends (especially those with kids) over and appreciate the push to spiff things up a bit!

Work for work...
What's next?  With the big festivals behind us, I'm looking forward.  I'll be reviewing last year's plans, doing lots of writing, and anticipating my next big challenge!

Craft time...
STILL working on those appreciation cards for a swap.  I purchased a Groupon for a card class and might try to have a go at that Friday evening.  Click here for the great $7 deal!

My favorite photo...
Driving home last night, it appeared the clouds just parted and sunshine streaked down.  It was just a neat glimpse into the vastness of the beauty God is able to create.

Ticket Takers



Em helping me at work, by modeling
T-shirts for sale at the Family Life table.

 Wednesday, Emily and I had some alone time at Kingdom Bound.  Scott was working in the morning and his mom had Ashley.  Meanwhile, Emily stayed with me the night before (getting up at 4:30am) and spent the morning with me at the Family Life tent.  After the show, we rested for a bit, then had a great lunch with some co-workers.  We were kind of fizzled out from the week's festivities, but decided to head into Darien Lake anyway.  Rides seemed a little overwhelming, so we settled on a few games of Skee Ball.

Skee Ball is one of my guilty pleasures.  I'm not very good at it, but boy, when you hit 100 once or twice, it just get so exciting.  So Emily and I are racking up points and watching the tickets pour of the machines.  She eyes her prize...a 250 point Webkinz figurine, with a bonus code to use online.  I like it.  Not your typical theme park junk. 

After a few rounds, we don't have enough tickets.  So, we head to another arcade, and play a game of "Deal or No Deal."  On our first game, we scored 78 tickets!  Still, about 20 ticket short, we head back to the first Skee Ball booth.

We put in our quarters, and nothing.  It's pretty hot by now, and I'm kinda feeling tired and gross.  But one of the things that frustrates me about Christian festivals is how sometimes Christians don't act the way they should, so I go to the guy running the booth and ask him to check it out.  He is skeptical, I see.  He comes over to look at our machines and Emily is now getting a little anxious.  I start talking to her softly, explaining that sometimes it's the process of getting something we desire that teaches us more that the final outcoming.

A couple minutes of tinkering, and out come our first rack of balls.  We being to play.  The points are not very high...and the tickets are just not coming.  I look at the machine next to me, which the attendant also just serviced.  It has a string of tickets hanging out of it.  The impuse immediately is "TAKE THEM!"  And then the Holy Spirit steps in. 

Ask and it will be given to you. -Matthew 7:7

I yell over to the attendant, "Did you leave these tickets for us?"  I see his smile.  "Yep, you can have them."  Sweet!  We finish up the round, count our loot in the ticket machine and head to the prize counter.  There are about 20 different Webkinz figurines and Emily is slow to decide.  We talk it through, very sweetly, me never rushing her.  She finally decided on a blue hippo, wearing overalls, holding a paint can and brush.

After all the calculating, Emily has 9 tickets left.  She glances down at the case and looks behind her, where a little boy and his dad are counting tickets, and contemplating options.  "They can have my extra tickets," she says.

Without any prompting or prodding, she passes on the blessing.  I am beaming.  Not so much because I had anything to do with her behavior, but for how excited I am that God uses the Holy Spirit to always be with us.  A gentle reminder, a firm reprimand, we only need to be open to hear the Lord's leading.

Kingdom Bound Part 1 - Let's not make plans

Yesterday was the first day of Kingdom Bound at Darien Lake.  Already I have learned that God has a way of allowing friends to meet up, whether they make plans or not.  I cannot tell you the number of people we just ran into yesterday.  So many hugs.  So much good conversation.  And not one ounce of planning. 

I often wonder if that's what Heaven will be like.  Just when you think of someone, they will be there.  Certainly, we won't have to text or email ahead of time.  Will we still be able to encourage one another.  Will we have the need for others to minister to us?  What role will friendship and fellowship play in a perfect kingdom?

On another note, I lost my Palm Pre yesterday.  It's my phone, my planner, my internet, my life.  Well, after an hour or so, I realized it's not, in fact, my life and that I can survive without it.  As I check the one final place it could have been (a convenience store I stopped at to buy a cold drink) I found it.  I'm going to try to be less dependant on it from now on. 

Summer Goes So Fast!

Tomorrow our family departs for Kingdom Bound at Darien Lake.  I'm so excited for so many reasons.  First, we have many friends who are coming on various days and I love connecting with them and having some fun at the park.  Secondly, the concerts are amazing and it's great to be in a big body of believers.  Third, Family Life is broadcasting on location and I'll be working with both the morning and afternoon shows. 



Last year, interviewing Jill Kelly was a highlight.
Can't wait to chat with her again this year!

 I love to see how the team at Family Life comes together for this event.  Everyone has their own role and they do it with excellence.  From selling merchandise to handing out donuts, spinning the winner's wheel to interviewing artists, Family Life is blessed with amazing people.

You can keep tabs on what's going on during this event at www.fln.org/kb.  I'll be trying to post artists interviews quickly.  Of course, you can always listen to your local Family Life station, or online at www.fln.org/iradio. 

Please keep Kingdom Bound in prayer, both for our broadcast and for the entire event.  For my family, pray for sweetness towards each other.  It's hard when kids get tired and mom and dad are feeling hot and worn out.  Most of all, pray we would all reflect the heart of Jesus.

After Kingdom Bound we'll be going to the American Girl Club at Chili Library on Thursday afternoon.  Then, Friday is Take Your Child to Work Day at Scott's company.  Next weekend is Spiedie Fest in Binghamton.  The whole family is traveling there too this year.  Then, come Monday, we start homeschooling for the 2011-2012 year!  Wow, how this summer has flown.  We're really going out with a bang this last week!

Required Rest

There are so many places in scripture that tell us how important rest is:

(Mark 6:31)  Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”

(Exodus 33:14) The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

(Matthew 11:28)  “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." 

(Hebrews 4:9-10)  There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God's rest also rests from their works, just as God did from His. 

(Psalm 23:2-3)  He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul.


I love our vacations at Vero Beach.
We all truly rest.


The message is clear here.  Make time to rest.  So why don't I?  Sundays have become a regular work day around here.  And although scripture doesn't say you MUST rest on Sunday, I'm not taking any other day off either. 

I'm getting ready to go into a very busy time with work and not long after, we'll be starting school.  I am confident that without rest, I will not be able to function is a way that honors God, and is good to my family. 

If you have any suggestions on ways to rest, please let me know.  I'm one of those people who has a hard time shutting off my brain and just shutting down.  The alternative is running ragged, until I just break down.  I know that's not part of what God would have planned for me. 

Rest...it's not an option...it's required.

Library Deals

The library is one of our favorite places, because, well, it's free!  In addition to books and DVDs we can sign out, there is a section at our library where books, magazines and DVDs are for sale, to support the Friends of the Library program.  Tonight I was able to get four magazines for $.20 each.  Two were Crafts 'n Things ($3.50/issue).  I also picked up Real Simple ($1.99/issue) and World ($1.90/issue).  The kids each picked up a book too, for $.50 each.  If you haven't scoped out all that's offered at your local library, you might be missing out!

Breakfast...to go

Typically I go into the office once a week, on Wednesdays.  This week I went yesterday, and will be going again tomorrow.  It's a longer drive, so I'm pretty zonked the day after I go (today...and likely Thursday).  Today I'm in survival mode, trying to think ahead to tomorrow, and plan the best I can. 

Some Wednesdays, while driving my kids to their grandmother's for daycare, I fall into the trap of fast food breakfast for them.  It's easy to grab them a couple of Mickey D's breakfast burritos and yogurt parfaits.  Today, while lying in bed I was contemplating giving them some motherly love, with a homemade breakfast, to go.

We already have the makings in the house...tortillas, eggs, turkey sausage and cheese for the burritos.  Then, low fat vanilla yogurts and berries for the parfaits.  In fact, I'm pretty sure I could make this meal cheaper, healthier and more delicous than take out.

Being away two days this week makes me really miss my kiddos.  Making breakfast is just one way to show them love, even though I'm not with them.  I am so thankful for my position at Family Life.  It affords me the luxury of having them with me 6 days a week, while still doing work I love.  God is so good!

"You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you."  John 15:16 (NKJV)

Manna Monday

Mondays are full of opportunity.  It's a new week.  A fresh start.  It's the day I like to plan out the week and figure out what I want to accomplish.  Once a week I will share what's on my plate.  I'd love to have your share what you have going on too!

I'm thankful for...
My mom.  She lives close to us and took the day off from work so I could travel to the office for a special meeting today.

God moment...
Lunch with a student finishing her internship turns into one of the best God chats I've had in awhile.

Work for home...
Picking and canning our overflow of green beans!

Work for work...
Planning Kingdom Bound broadcasts for Family Life.  I'm so excited that we'll be speding 4 straight days at Darien Lake.

Craft time...
Appreciation cards for a swap I'm in.

My favorite photo...
Ashley at Camp Edge last week.  She was in the music tract and was able to perform three songs with her group at the closing ceremony.

Blessed to Help

Have you ever taken someone up on their offer to help you.  I am often reluctant to do this.  For some reason, I feel like I'm weak if I take assistance.  However, everytime I have accepted help, I have been blessed.  Whatever I've been working on has been finished, and usually end up spending some quality time with someone I normally wouldn't get to.

But have you ever thought about the person giving the help?  They are blessed too.  When someone lets me come along side them, it warms my heart.  I am so thankful to be able to give of myself and feel a huge sense of accomplishment when I'm done.

The blessing goes both ways!

He who has a generous eye will be blessed.  Proverbe 22:9 (NKJV)

Where Are You Safe?

The horror in Oslo, Norway is enough to make your stomach churn.  Time and again, I read about the shock and loss of security.  This isn't the kind of thing that happens on Norwegian soil.  It's the kind of thing that happens on American soil, right?

I was pregnant on September 11th.  My second daughter was born just four days later.  I couldn't help but think, how different her and her sister's worlds would be.  Emily was born during an era when America was untoucahble, for the most part.  Ashley was born during a time when our vulnerability was rawly on display.

Security is a perception.  We sense it.  We feel secure.  We rest in something intangible.  But really, how safe are we at any given time? 

If we go into the Old Testament, we see the children of Israel, trying desperately to escape the Egyptians.  They were without homes, without alarm systems, without pepper spray.  Where did they find security?  In their faith:

"And Moses said to the people, 'Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. The LORD will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.'"  Exodus 14:13-14 (NKJV)

We sometimes hear "hold your peace" at weddings.  If you don't speak now, you will have to harbor in something about this bride and groom forever!  But this is a different peace holding.  It's possession.  It's ownership.  God gives us peace.  And we can hold it!  It's a real security, that's not based on emotion or intuition.  It's based on fact.  The truth that has withstood the test of time, from those days in the desert, until now.

Enough for Everyone

Oh my word, do I struggle with jealousy!  I just can't keep my eyes off what everyone else has.  Constantly comparing, sizing them up and then feeling bad for myself, because of what I don't have.  Every time I let my focus go to others, I fail to see what God has provided for me!  How many amazing opportunities do I miss because I can't see what's right in front of me?

Today I'm doing my best to look at each situation that turns me green with envy and see what my Father has for me that's better.  Certainly a God who spoke the world into existence has enough to go around.  He is ready to bless my socks off, and I'm too busy sizing up others that I miss what He has created especially for me!

Here are some scriptures that address envy and jealousy:

For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.  James 3:16 (NKJV)

But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.  Galatians 6:4 (NKJV)