Random Things for the "Older" Folks

I found this on Amy’s blog! Since I just had my 43rd birthday on Tuesday, this seems to fit. :o)

Tired of all of those surveys made up by high school kids? Have you ever kissed someone? Missed someone? Told someone you loved them? Drank alcohol? Here you have 39 questions for the people who are a little older…

1. What bill do you hate paying the most? Credit Card - we usually pay it off each month, so it's a doozy!

2. Where was the last place you had a romantic dinner? We went out for our anniversary in February to a new restaurant downtown...can't remember the name of it, but it was nice and it was romantic since it was just the two of us.

3. What do you really want to be doing right now? Taking a nap!

4. How many colleges did you attend?
Two. Southern Ohio College and Liberty University

5. Why did you choose the shirt that you have on right now? Because it was clean and short sleeves

6. What are your thoughts on gas prices? They went up *again* last night!

7. First thought when the alarm went off this morning? "uggghhh"

8. Last thought before going to sleep last night? Praying for my kids

9. Do you miss being a child? Sometimes...only because I'd like to sit on my Daddy's lap one more time and because I'd like to change some things I did.

10. What errand/chore do you despise? Going to Wal-Mart

11. Get up early or sleep in? I like to sleep in until about 8:00, but try to get up earlier to get my quiet time done.

12. Have you found real love yet? Absolutely!

13. Favorite lunch meat? I don't think I have one. I like turkey breast and bologna on occasion

14. What do you get every time you go into Target? It varies...last time was water balloons. :o)

15. Beach or lake? Beach

16. Do you think marriage is an outdated ritual? Absolutely not!

17. Sopranos or Desperate Housewives? Neither

18. What famous person would you like to have dinner with? Glen Beck -- only because Neal would love it!

19. Have you ever crashed your vehicle? Yes

20. Ever had to use a fire extinguisher for its intended purpose? No

21. Ring tone? Ring, Ring ;o)

22. Strangest place you have ever brushed your teeth? camp site

23. Somewhere in California you’ve never been and would like to go? I've only been to San Diego, so I would like to see the rest of the state. :o)

24. Do you go to church? Yes

25. At this point in your life would you rather start a new career or a new relationship?
Neither :o) I wouldn't mind starting a new career down the road. I'm not opposed to starting new friendships, but I don't feel like I spend enough time with the friends that I have now.

26. How old are you? As I said above...I turned 43 this past Tuesday (May 19th)

27. Are you where you want to be in life? Yes, but I'm not where I'd like to be with "me"

29. Growing up, what were your favorite cartoons? Scooby Doo and the Jetsons

30. What about you do you think has changed the most? My boldness..I'm not as shy as I used to be.

31. Looking back at high school, were they the best years of your life? Not even close! Life just keeps getting better and better.

32. Are there times you still feel like a kid? There are a few people in my life that I tend to feel "immature" around. I hate that feeling though.

33. Did you ever own a troll doll? No

34. Did you have a pager? No

35. Where was the hang out spot when you were a teenager? Friend’s houses

36. Were you the type of kid you would want your children to hang out with? For the most part

37. Who do you think impacted your life the most? Everyone I'm friends with have impacted my life to a certain extent, but I would say my Mom and my husband

38. Was there a teacher or authority figure that stood out for you? Two of my friends moms -- Daisy and Johnny

39. Do you tell stories that start with “when I was your age”? You know it! It's my turn now! :o)

Recipes

I've posted a couple of recipes on my food blog.

Rotisserie Chicken Salad

and

Crockpot Yogurt.

I made my second batch of yogurt last night, and I used Lactaid instead of regular whole milk. For those of you who may not be familiar with it, Lactaid is a "lactose free" milk for people who are lactose intolerant. The first time I made the yogurt, I made it with regular whole milk, and let's just say it didn't agree with my system! The Lactaid worked great, and so far -- so good! :o)

The Rotisserie Chicken Salad is really good. A mixture of different flavors that come together very nicely!

Let me know if you try either of these!

Easter Pics

Teresa and Neal -- Easter morning 2009

We weren't crazy about this picture, but I wanted to show the kids outfits. Aren't they cute?!!!

Sweet picture of Beth and Ben!

Ben looking stylish (he didn't know this picture was being taken)

The kids asked Neal to wear a tie for Easter. Here's his answer to that question!

On March 13, 2008, the phone rang. A call that would change our lives! It was Neal's cardiologist, and he was only supposed to call "if there is a problem." He told me he'd lost Neal's cell phone number and needed to call him. Amazingly I recalled the number since my mind was flying in a million different directions. I gave Neal about 15 minutes before I called him. In the meantime, I: 1) Prayed; 2) Shot an email off to my friend Perri to start praying; and 3) Went down to my Mom's to make the phone call to Neal. (I knew I would need her support and I didn't want the kids to overhear my conversation.)

Neal answered the phone and tried to ignore my questioning. I said "Listen, the doctor called here first so I know something's up, and I have to take the kids to piano and I will not be able to function if I'm worrying the entire time." He gave up. He told me that he was going to finish up at work and come home and tell me in person, but since I called he told me what the doctor said. Neal had an aneurysm in his aorta. His aorta was double the size it was supposed to be. The doctor said it was only a matter of time before it could rupture and then he would most likely die. He also said that while they were in there, they should go ahead and replace his bicuspid aortic valve (a defect he'd had since birth). When Neal told me all of this, I felt like I'd been kicked in the stomach. I literally doubled over and could barely catch my breath. I knew something was up, but I didn't think about it being that serious! Thankfully I was at my Mom's and she was there to support me.

The next three hours or so seemed like an eternity. About 5 minutes after I got off the phone with Neal, the surgeon's office called to set up a consultation (good thing Neal told me what was going on!). Then I went upstairs and called Perri to tell her the news. I could barely get the words out, it just didn't seem real. Then I had to take the kids to piano and act "normal." My answer to acting "normal" was to turn the stereo up high in the car (which they love) and play Toby Mac. Of course that's more normal for Daddy...not Mommy. Beth said she knew something was up.

We went to piano and not long after we returned Neal came home. We sat the kids down in the living room and told them what was going on. We cried, laughed (because we always laugh with Neal!) and prayed together. That evening we went and told Neal's parents. I'm sure that was difficult to hear about your son, but they handled it so well. I made a few phone calls that night and got the word out so that people could be praying.

After seeing the surgeon a week later, surgery was scheduled for April 9th. One year ago today!

We were so blessed during those weeks before the surgery. The outpouring of love and concern was incredible! One of the most special times was the following Sunday after we found out about the surgery. Our Adult Bible Fellowship class (ABF) spent the entire class time listening to Neal's story and then praying one by one for Neal and our entire family. It was extremely moving and comforting.

One year ago today....right now....11:14 am...Neal was in surgery. They came out at 8:10 am and told us they had started. They came out at 10:10 and told us he was on the heart/lung machine. We had family and friends around us all day...supporting us and praying with us. Those who couldn't come were praying at home and calling and emailing me throughout the day. I've never felt so cared for in my entire life! (Thank you friends!)

Neal's surgery lasted about 8 hours, and he came through with flying colors. The first few days after surgery were a bit scary...the bottom chamber of his heart didn't start back up and they put an external pacemaker on him. After 3 days had gone by and it still didn't start on its' own, the doctor thought it wasn't going to happen. I started calling and emailing people to pray for his heart to start beating on its' own. The next morning when Dr. M checked his heart I was standing there watching his face...and praying. I knew the moment when *he* knew Neal's heart was beating. His mouth dropped open and he said "well I'll be .... It's working!" And a big smile spread across his face and I just started crying.

Neal did end up having to get a pacemaker two days after he was discharged from the hospital, but it's to keep his heart in rhythm...not to keep it beating. It's kind of like a nice insurance policy! :o)

Today Neal is healthy! He feels better than he ever has. He has more energy. He can work out longer and harder...walk longer on the treadmill, lift more weights, etc.

I'm just so thankful that God allowed us to find out about his condition before it was too late. But I'm also thankful that no matter what had happened Neal was ready. He was ready to meet God if he had not made it. We're very glad (obviously) that he did make it, but he truly was ready either way.

"Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name!" Psalm 100:4

Hip Hop Flight Attendant

Love it!

Hip Hop Flight Attendant @ Yahoo! Video

Sunday Night

Remember Mike Huckabee? He ran for President last year...and, sadly, didn't win... Last night he was in town at a local church, and we had the opportunity to hear him preach! What a blessing. We also had the opportunity to hear him play bass guitar with some of the church's band members. Here's a picture I got off a friend's facebook:

That's Governor Huckabee playing the red guitar at the front.
He preached about the parable of the prodigal son, and did a great job.

We were surprised to have another well-known speaker last night. Actor Stephen Baldwin (Alec Baldwin's youngest brother) was there. He's been a Christian for 7 years now (he got saved one year after his wife, and about a month at 9/11/01). He has such an awesome testimony. I first heard his testimony about 2 or 3 years ago, and the Lord impressed it on my heart to pray for him and for his family. I really wanted to speak to him last night, but we had to rush out after the service was over. I was hoping I'd get to bump into him on the way out, but it didn't happen. At one point he was about 3 feet away and I was so tempted to run over there, but he was doing a book-signing and it would have appeared I was just cutting in line. I guess I would have been cutting in line. lol Anyway, I just wanted him to know I was praying for him.

This is Alec on the left and Stephen on the right (picture taken from a website)

I left my camera in the car last night! I had planned on taking some pictures of Mike Huckabee, but it didn't happen!

Anyway, last night was fun, and it was great to hear our future president speak. ;o)

Yay!

A couple of weeks ago I entered a give-a-way at Andi's blog, and I won! It was for the "Rose Book of Bible Charts, Maps, and Timelines." The title may sound dry, but let me tell you, the book is anything but dry! It arrived late last week and it is a beautiful, interesting book. A wonderful book for a Christian homeschooling mom!

Thanks Andi!

These pages tell about different festivals/holidays in the Bible

The Tabernacle

Creation

Christian History Timeline

31 Days of Prayer

(I know this has been hit and miss, but I still pray daily for my husband!)

Day 9

Pray that your husband handles finances wisely, will have discernment concerning budgeting and investments, and will be a good steward of his money in regard to giving to the Lord's work. Pray that money will not become a source of discord in your family.

Proverbs 23:4-5; Romans 12:13; Hebrews 13:5

Snow!

Our front yard

Yay!!! We got lots of snow Sunday night and had lots of fun playing in it yesterday! We received 10 inches...which is the biggest snow my children have ever seen.

Neal took the day off (our road wasn't cleared until late in the day) and helped the kids make tracks for sledding. Neal's sister Janet came and spent the day with us. We built a big track out in the woods. I forgot my camera when we went in the afternoon, but that night after dark, our friends came over and we went back out there. The sky was very clear and the snow helped illuminate everything so we could see. I took a few pictures, but then my battery died. My friend, Colleen, took some pictures, so I hope to get copies of them from her.

Leah looking for Han Solo and Luke

Maybe they're hiding in one of the snow caves!

Ben making a snow angel!

Erin and Beth (it's hard to keep your eyes open when you're hit with a bright flash in the dark!)

Ben sledding down to the bottom of the hill

Ben sledding backwards

Looking up through the trees at night. The brightest light is the crescent moon.

All Fired Up!

Last night I got together with several of my homeschooling friends for a mom's night out. We met at a local ceramics shop called "All Fired Up." On the last Thursday of the month they have a ladies night and all the pottery is 10% off. We had so much fun.

At first it was a bit overwhelming trying to decide which piece of pottery to choose. I didn't want something knick-knacky to sit around and collect dust (it sounds like I've been spending lots of time with Neal, doesn't it?), so I ended up choosing a small pitcher that I want to use as a vase in my kitchen. I'm planning on painting my kitchen soon in shades of red and mustard. I bought some cool salt and pepper shakers last summer...one is shaped like a red pepper and the other like a yellow pepper. I loved the color combination and decided I wanted to redo the kitchen in those colors.

With the pitcher I painted the inside yellow and the outside red. I painted some yellow flowers and dots on the outside (not too many, just enough to make a pretty design), and on the inside lip of the pitcher (where it is yellow) I painted some red dots to tie it together. I can't wait to see it glazed and fired! I hope I covered it well!

Yesterday was a beautiful day here, and I actually wore short sleeves last night and didn't even need my jacket when I left at 9:30. Today and the days ahead will be a different story!

Longer

I have my music (at the bottom of this page) set on random, so I never know what song will pop up when I get on here. I have a mix of mostly Christian, but also an electic mix of different music I've enjoyed as an adult. Today when I got on my blog the song "Longer" by Dan Fogelberg came on. When Neal and I were dating he had a cassette tape by Dan Fogelberg that we listened to some in his car, and he loved the song "Longer." That is the song we chose for our wedding. Our friend, Jay and Neal's aunt Wanda sang it...it was beautiful!

If you want to hear it, go down to the bottom of this page to the player. Scroll down to #27 and click on it. :o)

Another song I loved at that time was "Groovy Kind of Love." We didn't have anyone sing it, but Janet did play it on the keyboard before the ceremony...along with a lot of different songs. It was fun!

31 Days of Prayer

Day 8

Pray that your husband will work hard to provide for your family, to the best of his ability. Pray that the character qualities necessary for a successful career and ministry will be a growing part of his character -- persistence, decisiveness, strength, an analytical mind, organizational skills, positive relationships with people, determination, etc.

Romans 12:11; 1 Corinthians 15:58

31 Days of Prayer for my Husband

Day 7

Pray that your husband will safeguard his heart against inappropriate relationships with the opposite sex. Pray that his heart will be pure and undivided in his commitment to you.

Prov. 6:23-24; Romans 13:14

31 Days of Prayer

Day 6

Pray that your husband will love righteousness and hate wickedness, especially the evils of the culture. Pray that he will recognize and avoid wickedness in his own life, and if necessary, take a clear, strong stand against evil.

(Prov. 27:12; John 17:15; 1 Cor. 10:12-13)

Family Picture 2009

Elizabeth Jayne (14), Neal, Teresa, Benjamin Ward (11)

***As a side note, everyone had on flat shoes except me, and I wore my highest heels. I wish I had thought about it before we took the picture and I would have removed them. I am actually an inch shorter than Beth!***

Anniversary Celebration

Well, Neal did a great job of planning our day on Saturday. He arranged for his parents to take the kids after Ben's basketball game (which they won!).

Neal had told me he had four things planned for the day. The only thing I knew was that he told me to wear my sweats to Ben's game. I figured out that we were going walking, but I didn't know where. He took me to a local walking trail called Blackwater Creek. It's really nice and the day was cold, but sunny. After we'd walked a half-mile or so, we started warming up. We walked a total of 3 miles. Then we went home, ate some leftovers for lunch, and then changed clothes. We headed out and he took me to a play at a high school in the next town over. They were performing "Beauty and the Beast." It was so good! The high school had borrowed the sets and some of the costumes, etc, from an off-broadway production in NYC. They were awesome! After the play Neal took me to a new restaurant in town. It is always busy and they do not take reservations, so we had about a 30 minute wait. It wasn't bad, and the food was definitely worth the wait. We had Greek Pizza and Crunchy Thai Salad (can't remember if that's the correct name or not). The food was really, really good. Finally he took me to Olive Garden for dessert. We had Tiramisu which is one of my new favorite desserts. Olive Garden was busy, so we found two seats at the bar and the bartender told us we could order our dessert and coffee there. The line was about an hour long, so I'm glad Neal did that!

Anyway, we had a fabulous day, and it meant so much to me that Neal took the time to plan such an awesome day. Don't I have a wonderful husband?!!!

I love you, Neal!

31 Days of Prayer for my Husband

Day 5

Pray that your husband will be faithful to his wedding vows. Pray that he will have a desire to cultivate your relationship as a sign of his loyalty and commitment to you, and as a picture of Christ's love for the Church.

Prov 20:6; Gen. 2:24

Wedding Anniversary

Monday is our 18th wedding anniversary! I can't believe it's been 18 years already! We are going to celebrate tomorrow. Neal is planning our day. Ben has a basketball game at 10:00 in the morning, so we will go to that, and then Neal's parents are going to take the kids home with them for the day.

He says he has four things planned. All I know is that for the first part of the day I'm supposed to wear workout clothes. (weather permitting) I already guessed that we're going walking, but I don't know where. I hope the weather's nice, because a good, long walk sounds wonderful right now!

I assume one of the things is dinner, but I don't have a clue as to the other two.

I'm so excited to spend an entire day alone with my husband! I'll let you all know later what we did.

Have a wonderful weekend!

31 Days of Prayer (Day 4)

Pray that your husband will grow in leadership skills in your relationship -- protecting and providing for you. Pray that he will lead you wisely and love you sacrificially, so that God will be glorified in your marriage.



Ephesians 5:25-29 and Col. 3:19

31 Days of Prayer (Day 3)

Day 3

Pray that your husband will be humble and quick to agree with God about his sin. Pray that his heart will be tender toward the voice of the Lord. (Ps. 51:2-4; Micah 6:8)

31 Days of Prayer (Day 2)

Day 2
Pray that your husband’s relationship with God and His Word will bear fruit in his life. Pray that he will be a man of wisdom and understanding, fearing the Lord.

(Prov. 3:7, 9:10; Ps. 112:1)

31 Days of Prayer for my Husband

I saw this on someone else's blog (they are on day 16), and I decided to do it for Neal. What better way to show him love than by praying for him on a daily basis!

If you read this, I hope you join along with me by praying for your husband (or boyfriend).


The Apostle Paul instructed all Christians to pray for one another (Ephesians 6:18). This includes wives’ responsibility and privilege to pray for their husbands. Earnest prayer for your husband is good for him, for you and the spiritual health of your home (Proverbs 31:11-12). Satan desires to destroy your husband, especially his character and his leadership in your relationship. Trust God through prayer as you daily surrender your husband and marriage to the Lord’s wise, loving care.

31 Days of Prayer

Day 1

Pray that your husband will grow spiritually and consider his accountability before the Lord. Pray that he will guard his heart by developing spiritual disciplines—Bible reading and study, prayer, meditation, scripture memorization, etc.
(2 Peter 3:18; Prov. 4:23)

Catching Up

Wow, I sure haven't posted much lately, have I? I should never have joined Facebook...it's addicting. I'm trying to break that though, and actually spend less time on the computer.

So, what's going on around here? Today we're doing school and staying at home. I have some laundry to catch up on and some housework to do, and that's about it. Nice!

This past weekend we had planned on going to visit some friends in SC. We made these plans several months ago, and were going with another family that lives near us. We were to leave at noon on Friday and return Sunday. Neal was in Georgia on business, so he was going to meet us there. Friday morning my mom called me and I could tell she was upset. She said her sister (who is 89 and had been in the hospital for a week and had had surgery earlier in the week on Tuesday) was going to have to have surgery again and she was going to drive to Kentucky to be with her. I hung up the phone with her, but didn't feel comfortable with her driving there by herself. She's done it before, but it was well thought out and she drove early on Sunday morning when the traffic wouldn't be bad...and she wasn't upset at that time. I called Neal and told him I felt like I should go with her. So we worked it out where the kids rode to SC with our friends, and Neal met them there. I drove Mom to KY and we spent the weekend at the hospital and at another aunt's house. My aunt is recovering well from her surgery. We ended up having a really nice visit with family, and I always enjoy that!

Neal and the kids had fun in SC visiting with our friends. They did fun stuff like eating tons of ice cream late at night, playing follow the leader ... outside ... after dark ... jumping over bushes and walking around fountains ... you know -- stuff they don't do with Mommy. :o) On Saturday they all went to Charlotte, NC to visit the Billy Graham museum. They enjoyed it, and Ben took lots of pictures for me.

We all returned home within an hour of each other on Sunday night. Everything turned out fine! :o)

Last night we watched the movie "The Ultimate Gift." The kids and I actually watched it last week while Daddy was out of town, but we wanted him to see it last night. I cried harder last night than I did last time we watched it!

We've recovered from our trip and illnesses. Beth does have a fever this morning, and I don't know what that's about. Hopefully it will not amount to anything!

I guess that's it for now. Nothing much going on right now...which is just fine with me!

Perri's Dad

Perri left such a beautiful tribute to her dad on her blog that I wanted to share it here. If you can, take a moment and check it out.

I pray that some day my kids will have such wonderful memories of their Daddy and I.

Perri

My friend Perri just called and told me her dad died this afternoon. My heart aches for her. I lost my dad 6 1/2 years ago...I know how she feels. Perri was extremely close to her Dad and had to watch him go through Alzheimers this past year. He's much better off now since he knew Jesus as his Savior and he's in Heaven, but Perri (and her family) are hurting. Please pray for her.

Does it make a difference?

The other night as Neal and I lay in bed talking about my trip, he asked me if I thought these short term trips really make a difference. I told him some of the stories I'd heard of people coming to know the Lord through the outreaches there. I told him about all the work that the mission does, and how we, as volunteers, help by doing the everyday jobs that need to be done. It may not sound like much to pull weeds in a garden, dice tomatoes, clean bathrooms, roast macadamia nuts, or clean a trailer, but those are all jobs that need to be done. If the short term volunteers are not there to do them, then the full time staff and volunteers would have to take time away from their jobs to get them done.

Then you may wonder how much good does it do to go to a migrant camp and blow bubbles, hand out candy, stickers and toys, and maybe some food? But when you are there, and you see the faces of these children and parents light up just because you took an hour or two of your time to spend with them...you know it's worth it! It's a short amount of time where they are distracted from their surroundings. They get to experience the love of Jesus through groups of people who take time to go and smile at them...even if they can't speak the same language! But you know what? I got to experience Jesus through them! I am blessed to live in a nice home, have food on the table three times a day, have healthcare, have a car to drive, and I have clothes to wear. I don't have to depend on someone coming to my neighborhood to tell me about Jesus. I can pick up my Bible anytime I want, I can go to my church several days a week, or I can turn on the radio or tv and hear about Him 24/7. I don't have to depend on someone coming to my neighborhood to bring me food or clothes. I live 5 minutes from Wal-mart, and have a car to take me there and money to purchase the things I need. Yet I am still not satisfied most of the time. I looked at some of the people in the camps who know the Lord as Savior, and although I'm sure they'd love to live in a better environment, they had real joy on their faces. They really made me re-examine my life and if I could I would tell them "Thank You!"

A verse I read in my quiet time yesterday reminded me of these wonderful people:

2 Corinthians 6:10 (New Living Translation) "Our hearts ache, but we always have joy. We are poor, but we give spiritual riches to others. We own nothing, and yet we have everything."



I'll close with a story that our Youth With A Mission group leader, Barry, sent in an email today:

“MAKING A DIFFERENCE”

One sultry and wind swept day after a battering storm, a small boy walked out on an empty stretch of beach. On the sand, just beyond the reach of the receding tide the boy noticed something. There lay thousands of starfish stranded in the glaring sun. The sun beat down on the quiet and lonely beach. The air was hot and droplets of perspiration stood out on the boy’s brow. As he took in the sight a feeling of urgency and determination over took the lad, and despite the heat, he began to fervently work.

He stooped down, picked up a starfish and threw it as far as he could into the surf. The youth paused for only a fraction of a second to smile, and then picked up and threw the next one and the next one and the next one.

As he continued to do this, an old man watched him as he drew closer to the boy. Closing the distance between them, he noticed just what it was exactly, that the boy was doing. And in his worldly wisdom began to chuckle to himself at the futility of what the foolish child was doing.

The boy barely gave the old man a glance. He continued his pace, undeterred by the smirk on the elders face. Finally the man could hold his tongue no longer.

Laughing out loud, he called out to the youngster. “Why are you wasting your time young man? There are thousands of starfish on this beach. You can’t possibly make a difference!” With out skipping a beat, the little warrior picked up another starfish and hurled it into the sea. “It makes a difference to that one!” he replied. Then he stooped to offer life to another of God’s precious creatures, as a smile spread across His face.



"Lord, help me to make a difference every day!"

Mission in Mexico II

Here are some more pictures from our trip:

Back from Mexico

These are the first pictures I'm posting on my blog. I'll have more later.

Our trip was incredible! God taught me so much in this trip...especially about how spoiled and selfish I am! Sounds like a great time, huh? LOL Actually it was. It was a needed lesson. I pray I don't forget it, and will move forward on this journey of life remembering it. I really don't know how to express my thoughts clearly yet. Maybe I never will. I sit hear thinking about it and tears just spring into my eyes.

"Why me, Lord? Why am I allowed to live so lavishly when a family of 11 in Mexico live in a house smaller than my son's bedroom?" I just pray that I do not fail Him, and that I give however I can, whenever I can!

"Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift." 2 Corinthians 9:15

Mexico

I'm sorry I haven't written much lately. I've been trying to focus on other areas of my life that needed attention, and have put my blog on the backburner. Hopefully I can get back in the swing of things soon!

I just wanted to let you all know that Beth and I leave tomorrow morning for Mexico. We are going on a mission's trip to an orphanage there, and will also be visiting migrant camps and taking them food and clothing.

We are looking forward to this experience and would appreciate any prayers you are willing to send up for us. :o)

BTW...if anyone reads this that lives on the West Coast (Amy?...Theresa?), we are going to In and Out Burger tomorrow in San Diego. What is your favorite thing to eat there? Do they take credit cards or will I need cash? I'm hoping to save my cash for Mexico.

I'll be back in a little over a week. God Bless!

A New Year

2009! Wow!

Last night our pastor's sermon was entitled "Spiritual Tools for Success in 2009." I have many areas I want to work on this year, and his sermon last night was very motivating for me.

Two of the areas I want to work on this year are physical and spiritual wellness. I need to be more consistent in my daily time with God...both in prayer and in Bible reading. I've been doing much better in these areas, but there is definite room for improvement. I also need to lose weight, but beyond that I need to get healthy! I've been working out on the Wii Fit for almost two weeks now and I can already feel the difference in my body. I've only lost two pounds, but I have improved my strength and I can see improvement in my knee pain.

The following verse really spoke to me last night:

Job 23:12 "I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread."

If I'm honest with myself and with God, I know that I do not put His Bread (the Bible) before my bread (my food). Food is like an idol to me in the sense that I eat too much and put too much emphasis on our meals and eating. With food my focus needs to be on feeding my family healthy, well-balanced meals. period. That doesn't mean they can't taste good, but it means they need to nourish my family, not just fill them up.

So, these are two of my goals for 2009. These are not my only goals, but they're the ones I want to share now with you.

I pray that 2009 is a good year for all who are reading this! God bless you!