SCARED A BIT

I received wonderful Christmas presents this year. A great new pair of black boots that would make Big Mama proud. A fantastic brown jacket. A Scentsy that matches our home decor. The John MacArthur Bible Commentary. However, I received one gifts that scares me. To the point I have avoided it as long as possible. I have actually tried it once, but quit soon after. The culprit... Breaking Free by Beth Moore. Yes, I am afraid of it a tiny bit. When people who have done the study say things to you like,

"If something ever happens to me make sure that

study gets burned BEFORE anyone reads it",

well, it makes you a little leery. I know, thousands of women have done it and been blessed beyond belief. I also know it has a way of getting all up in my business and rocking my world. To the very core. Which is kinda the point, but scary still. It is really a silly fear and a complete work of the enemy, but a fear that is still there.
What is even more frightening is what will be missed if I don't do it. The only way I am going to fulfill all God has and wants for me is to let Him get all up in my business. To allow Him to reach into the very core and start from there. I must admit I am a bit ashamed that I am even telling you I have been dodging it. Almost like I have failed you. Truth be told though, if I have failed anyone, I would be me and Him. It would be easy to let that condemnation monkey jump on my back. I won't. For I know this as well, God's timing is perfect. Perfect. He knew exactly when I would be willing, if not totally ready, and willing I am.
I have not started it yet, but next week when we get back to our regularly scheduled lives I will. I go into it with great expectancy. If what I expect to happen happens, my regularly scheduled life is no more.
Praise the Lord!
P-r-a-i-s-e t-h-e L-o-r-d.

COMMANDO CONTAGIOUSO...

So yesterday I made mention of MC 1 going commando all day Christmas Day.

I did not realize this condition was contagious until bath time last night.

After an afternoon of going to various stores and playing outside,

it was time for MC 2 to get cleaned up.

MC 2 take you clothes off and get in the shower.

MC 2 strips down and gets in the shower.

As I am picking up, I notice the orange sweat pants

he was wearing were laying on the floor,

underwear in absentia.

Dude, where is your underwear?

I don't know.

Did you wear any today?

Uhm..nope.

G-R-E-A-T.

So now underwear confirmation has been bumped

to the top of my daily to do list.

I hope HH doesn't catch it.

TMI... I know;)

AND THEN THERE WERE TWO...

Did you spot it?

Our first causality from the bow and arrow set MC 1 got for Christmas.

Granted they were suction cup arrows, so I really did not think they could do too much harm.

I did not take into account MC 2.

Apparently the wise man was eyeballin' him the wrong way.

MC 1 - Mom! MC 2 broke on of your guys!

Me - What? Why? How?

MC 2 - It was an accident Mommy! It was an accident!

MC 1- Yeah right. Mom when he did it he pulled his arm in and said Y-E-S!

Me- Dude that is not an accident when you celebrate.

MC 2 - Uh huh Mommy. It was an accident.

Accidents do happen Mommy. They do.

In their defense, they did have all the visible pieces picked up and thrown away before I even came in.

Ahhh...life with men children.

Oh and did I tell you MC 1 went commando ALL DAY LONG Christmas day.

Yes mam. Did not find out until one of his cousins ratted him out at grandma's house.

Yep...good times;)

RELOAD!

You good Ag's will recognize that sentiment! My Ags's face the Dawgs of Georgia today. We pray for a good showing.
This week we are literally reloading. Reloading the house after Christmas '09. Reloading the washing machine and dryer for the ump-teenth millionth time. Reloading the fridge. All in preparation for 2010.
Christmas Eve we went to our church's candlelight service. I would love to tell you how great it was, but MC 2 was still being beastly, so I missed most of it. We did get to see some huge snowflakes though. That was neat.
Christmas was surprisingly great. To be honest I was a little concerned about the men children. They each only received 2 gifts at the house, one Santa and one mom and dad (and that one was homemade). I was concerned they would be upset and throwing fits. Much to my delight, not a cross word was said. They did not care one bit. (Makes me think how much money I could have saved in Christmases past). They were thrilled with their toys and homemade gifts and we really had a great day. We moved from our house to my parent's house. Again, the homemade gifts were a hit. I had made my two nieces bags and the boys "interest appropriate" pillows with their initials one them. Sisters were very impressed. We are already planning for next year's homemade make - off. To say we are a bit competitive is putting it lightly. After lunch and a few naps, we migrated to MIL's. I will say I did have to finish some of the presents on the way. Again, the men children were delighted with all the things they received.
So now we recover.
We reload.
Gig 'em Ags! Beat the heck outta Georgia!

I WIN! YOU OWE ME!

CHRISTMAS EVE GIFT!

Merry Christmas

to you and yours

from me and mine.

"LINE"!

First, let me preface this post by saying I am not well. But I am not super sick either. Nothing hurts, I just have a nasty cough that has not left me yet. I mean nasty. The kind that when a bad one hits you it takes your breath away. Having said that, you will hopefully understand if I seem a bit raw in this one.
I love Christmas time. It is beyond a shadow of a doubt my favorite "time" of the year. One of the regrets I had from working was that I did not get to fully do Christmas like I wanted to, for me or the kids. I was super excited about this one because I knew I would have the time to do all the things I wanted to for me and for them. I was looking forward to going to the local nursery and buying a poinsettia and seeing all the decorations. I was excited about taking us all to the local Bass Pro Shop for Santa's Workshop and our FREE pictures with the big man himself. I would be going to man child 1's music program and party. We would make candy, cookies and baked goods to take to our friends. We would attend a local live Nativity. My house would be decorated by the first week of December. We would spend Christmas Eve decorating the tree. I had it all planned out.
Guess what?
You already know don't you.
With the exception of the party, NONE OF THAT HAS HAPPENED OR WILL.
Some I am responsible for; some were unavoidable; some just did not pan out.
How was I to know that MC 2 would puke as we were getting in the car to go to the music program or that I would be sick 3 days before the day.
To say I am disappointed would be an understatement. Yes I know what Christmas is about...yes Jesus is the reason for the season... Yes I am trying to refocus. I have to tell you, though, my flesh is highly disappointed. HIGHLY. I caught the tail end of the a Brady Christmas special and actually teared up. (Thank goodness it wasn't Little House on the Prairie for I would have been a goner for sure).
My flesh quickly cried out, "Why can't my life be like that!"
My spirit man quickly replied, " Because your life is not a script. Your life is REAL."
VERY.
My life has very real financial constraints. My life has a very real man child who was an absolute horror while HH was away on a hunting trip. My life has two men children in it who got in a shoving match at Wal-Mart, after they had fought with the purchases I had made. My life has a very real woman smack dab in the center of it who is reading a book about grace and discovering she grapples with it. My life is real.
So is yours. You have your very real stuff as well.
As I am working this out, even as I write and between coughing fits and a man child telling me to go to the doctor, this thought comes to mind.
Just as my life is real, so is my God.
Amen!
Can I get an amen?!
He is not made of stone. He is not carved of ivory or jade. He is not embodied in an animal. He is very real. Sitting on His very real throne by His very real Son who is making very real intercession for me at this very moment.
I can make all kinds of memories with my kids, but if those memories don't focus on the real Son of God who came to dwell among us, then I have failed. If they don't know that the real Son of God who came to Earth as a baby is coming back as King, I have missed the boat. Truth be told, my kids aren't missing the "stuff" I wanted to do. The stuff has no eternal impact on their lives. What will is mama getting her priorities refocused on the real reason for the Christmas celebration. So she will, real fast.
Thanks for listening while I work this out. I feel better already, spiritually anyway. Physically may take a bit.

NIGHT AWAY

HH and I got the chance to go away for a night this past weekend for some work related thing for him (because as he so often points out I am unemployed). Of course I am not sure I would call sitting in a fine eating/drinking establishment for 6+ hours and watching "da' BOYZ" beat the Saints work related, but what do I know...I'm unemployed (and quite happy about it!).

I digress.

Anyway, in the spirit of PW's book tour I thought I would take pictures of our historic hotel.

Now picture in your mind all the fancy rooms PW has stayed in.

Got 'em?

Good.

Now completely erase those thoughts.

Here is the room/bedroom.

Here is the bathroom.

THE END.

THIS IS HOW WE CHRISTMAS

Celebrating Christ....

1. My parent's home church does a Bethlehem Alive program where they re-enact the Nativity Story. This year it was very interactive.The men children could make bread and get their names written in Greek.

2. We go to our church's Christmas Eve service.

3. Pretty much everyday when we get on our "I Want" kicks, we re-tell what Christmas is really about. My men children are small.... E-V-E-R-Y-D-A-Y:)

4. Veggie Tales movies!

A Call to Grace

ABOLISHED

BECOME WHO YOU ARE

A Call To Grace

BLOG BLOCKED

I have a blog block.

Actually, I have some stuff but it will require more attention

to the writing than I want to divert from the Mentalist right now.

It is one of those shows you have to watch or

you spend all night asking, "What did he say?"

So, enjoy your last shopping weekend before Christmas.

Don't get caught up in the hustle and bustle.

Be nice.

Smile.

Show Jesus.

Everyday.

Much love sisters.

Much love.

WHO AM I

Then king David went in and sat before the Lord; and he said:" Who am I, O Lord God? And what is my house, that you have brought me thus far? And yet this was a small thing in Your sight, O Lord God; and You have also spoken of Your servant's house for a great while to come. Is this the manner of man, O Lord God? Now what more can David (RHONDA) say to you? For You, Lord God, know Your servant. For Your word's sake, and according to Your own heart, You have done all these great things, to make Your servant know them. Therefore, You are great, O Lord
God. For there is none like You, nor is there any God besides You, according to all that we have heard with our ears."

2 Samuel 7:18-22 (NKJV)

IT CONTINUES...

As MC 1 lay on the couch,

sleepy-eyed and quiet,

I,

in my best,

most loving

mama voice ask,

"Do you need some

mommy love baby?"

Response-

"I want daddy."

LIKE A BANNY ROOSTER

So I was thinking about how I would act if God actually gave me a "Christian" lunchbox.
Ya'll I would be struttin' around like a banny rooster.
I would be so proud of myself.
I can see it now.
Strut into the lunch room at work (assuming I go back to work, otherwise I will just have to crash someone else's work).
Casually slide that bad boy out to the center of the table.
Someone says "Nice lunchbox"
I reply " Yeah....It's from God"
Can you see me puffin' my plumage out as I say it?
"I am one of His. Aren't you?"
A pitiful mess I would be.
The question is not bad.
I am one of His. Aren't you?
That is exactly what I should be telling people.
Not proudly, but in humility.
See... here is what He has given me.
Eternal life.
Forgiveness of sin.
Relationship with the Father.
The Comforter.
Jesus Christ.
Those bad boys I can show off to everyone at lunch.
At work.
At Wal-Mart.
God in His great wisdom knew.
He knew that to appreciate what we had been given, we must never forget it had been GIVEN.
Not earned, not merited, not deserved.
GIVEN.
To flash our card, we must give of ourselves.
Not because people have earned it or deserved it or even merit it.

We love because He first loved us.
1 John 4:19 (NIV)

CARD CARRYING MEMBER

MC 1 finished up his rodeo tour this past weekend. The kids ride once a month for five months. You are allowed to miss one. If you complete four (of which you only have to compete in one event) you WIN A PRIZE. Win is a rather loose term since mama and daddy paid good money for you to ride, but WIN you do! He got a set of reins, a belt buckle, and cowboy'd up lunch box. He was so excited about the lunch box because when he took it to school on Monday, then people would really believe that he is a cowboy, like he has been telling them. Because every card carrying cowboy has a cowboy lunch box. It's proof I tell you. P-R-O-O-F!

Wouldn't it be easier sometimes if God gave us a "Christian" lunch box. Or something to prove we were card carrying members... you know some kind of proof. Something tangible. Something to show to our friends that says "Official Christian" on it.

In John 13, verse 35, Christ does give us our card...

"By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."

That we have genuine affection for one another in the body of Christ, regardless of which part of the body they are. We flash our cards every time we speak, good or bad, about fellow Christians. We flash our cards when we see someone is upset, believer or non-believer, and we either stop and listen or we walk away.
Our love for one another is our card. It carries more power than any "Christian" badge we could ever flash. It is poured out in our words and our actions. It can either shine brilliantly as our Christ does or be as dull as the world. This Christmas season provides a great opportunity to pass out our business cards to the people around us. Whether it be the people we serve at the mission, or the checkout lady at Wal-Mart, we can show our card. Hearts are tender, people are searching. Let us, and by that I mean me (believe me), point the way.

Would be totally cool to get a lunch box from God though.

Have a great weekend!

THIS IS HOW WE CHRISTMAS - DECORATIONS

I have been looking forward to this post all week. Not so you can see my decorations, but so I can see yours!

First, we do no outside lights because, and I quote HH "Then people would know we live here."

Second, this is what I have to work with...

We do a real tree with string lights, but we don't do it until closer to Christmas.

My plan this year is Christmas Eve Day is tree day!

I tend to use ornaments that where either made by family members or given by family members.

On to the house... a few pics and explanations.

These stockings were given to me by a classmate when we were in the 8th grade. She made them herself.
These were made by the men children during daycare days.

Santa basketball lights.
They were a gift (I think...it's my story anyway)

The men children love them.

The nativity was a gift from my mom. The runner was made by my grandmother. She is celebrating in heaven for the second year. Miss her and her red robe.

The deer are all sporting the Christmas ties. What else was I going to do with them?

Can't wait to see yours!

CHRISTMAS VACATION

Yesterday Clark Griswald (I mean mc 2) and I put up the random strands of lights we have around the house. Of course this was after I convinced him that he could NOT plug in the one big bundle of a mess they were in and just connect them all together. That, and the fact that just because you can jump off the ladder onto the couch does not mean you can jump from the couch back onto the ladder...just doesn't work that way. I will have pics up tomorrow for This Is How We Christmas, but, please, bear in mind that I have deer heads on my wall. Notice I said heads, plural, so don't get to excited.
By the way, did you watch the Biggest Loser last night? Love that show. I am officially addicted. How do you lose 50+% of your weight? Without surgery? Amazing! One of the Biggest Loser contestants from seasons past is part of a movement called I am Second. So are some other interesting figures, like Mike Huckabee and that boy that QB's for that other school down Highway 6. You know the one with the steer for a mascot.
Hope you guys have a great Wednesday and be sure to check back tomorrow for the complete decor! I know, you won't be able to sleep tonight. It's like Christmas has come early. My gift to you.

FLESH VERSUS FAITH

The past month has been (and continues to be) a battle of my flesh versus my faith. Some days it feels too close to call. I would love to tell you it is only about one particular situation, but it is not. Flesh and faith are battling over a few things. Part of my frustration comes from the silence I keep getting from the Lord. I have had many days of "WHY AREN'T YOU TALKING TO ME" conversations. His answer... silence. S-I-L-E-N-C-E! My faith knows that He is listening. I have searched and repented. He hears me, I know He does. My flesh says something totally different. That I have angered or disappointed Him so that He has turned a deaf ear to me. My flesh says that I have not kept all the rules so He wants nothing to do with me. I know this not to be true by faith, but that flesh is holding on tight.

I am focusing on His Word. I am praying always. I am praising and not pleading. Not that I haven't pleaded my case, for I have, but my words have turned to praise for this time. All be it deliberate praise by faith, praise still. Praise that this time is maturing my faith and killing my flesh. Praise that my God is able to meet my needs out of His glorious riches (my synopsis) and praise that He knows what I need.

Today is going to be a battle day, I can already tell you. For me, I will fight on the side of faith. Because regardless of how bad the battle is, I still pick the side I am going to fight for.

I choose.

If you are a follower of Deliberately Delivered, you'll notice a lot of activity. This is part of my battle plan. Not that I read to get great stuff to write about so you will think I am so smart or whatever. This battle plan entails me getting focused and searching the Word for what He is saying to me. Today we go to James 1. Just click the broken shackles on the right to join in. What He is saying to you may just be the thing that helps me.

SELF-PORTRAITS

My boys like to see themselves in pictures.

A LOT

Some are self-discovery...

... and there are always a few peace signs...

...they are big on drama at times....

... and then for fun they like to melt their mama's heart.
Hope you a having a great Monday.

TICKLE YOUR EARS

I love Christmas music. I really do. Carols stir up a range of emotions within me. O Come O Come Emmanuel makes me cry every time- a good hard cry. Something about the despair of the lyrics combine with the hope of the chorus. I also love the secular songs. Bing Crosby and White Christmas are perfection. My mom used to play Silver Bells and Walking In A Winter Wonderland so I love those as well. (Just heard I'll Be Home for Christmas...definite favorite. Oh and Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire... I need to stop or I will go on for a bit).
ANYWAY... if you are looking for a great night of music and worship then check out Gloria!
Shaun Groves
Travis Cottrell
Cindy Morgan.
Having heard 2 of the 3, I can promise you won't be disappointed.
So if they are in your area, go check it out!
Have a great weekend.

LOTS TO READ

Still going through the last few chapters of Hebrews

on Deliberately Delivered.

Just click the broken shackles (AMEN!) on the right.

Also, check out the post below for quirky Christmas traditions

and the link to the Preacher's Wife "This Is How We Christmas".

You will enjoy it I am sure.

Have a great day!

THIS IS HOW WE CHRISTMAS

I am participating in The Preacher's Wife "This Is How We Christmas". Click on over and check out the others:) It will be fun!

Quirky Family Traditions
1. Christmas Eve Gift - On Christmas Eve (obviously), when we see or talk to my grandfather or mom we try to be the first to say "Christmas Eve Gift". When we were younger, if we successfully beat our grandfather, he would dig into his little red plastic change holder, the kind you squeeze the ends together to open, and pay up with some coinage. If he won, we settled up with a Yankee dime (aka a kiss on the cheek). We play to the very day.
2. Christmas Trees - We always went and cut our own from the woods (not the tree farm). A tradition I continued. However, one year, HH bought a tree on Christmas Eve that was gorgeous and super cheap. So I am thinking we are doing that again. In my mind's eye I visualize going and getting the tree Christmas Eve morning and spending the day decorating it.
3. Gifts - We do one gift at a time as well. Slows it down and lets us appreciate it.
4. Midnight Mass - We are not Catholic, however, when my grandparents lived by a monastery we would go to Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. It was beautiful and something I enjoyed.
5. Christmas Morning - We can not wake my parents until the coffee is made. Even now. Even though we drive nearly an hour to see them- MAKE THE COFFEE FIRST!

FEARFULLY AND WONDERFULLY....

MC 2, well, he is something else. As my mom said he is not the first wild child to be born, he is just our first. Last night HH and I got in a discussion about MC 2 starting school. We have concerns, mainly that he will run away. Wander to the bus barn, perhaps visit the tractors across the street. HH fears MC 2 is just mean and will get into trouble. Granted HH pesters the mess out of him and he does retaliate so I don't think "mean" is an issue. I have even thought of requesting MC 2 be put in a classroom with no outside facing doors. One way in and one way out. Rest assured I will be talking with his teacher when he does start.

As we were talking, I could not help think how God has made MC 2 fearless and brave. When he formed him and put character and personality in him, He threw in brave and courageous, and He did not do it randomly. He, God of the universe, has a purpose for this man child. A purpose that will require courage and bravery and all the things that drive me nuts now. (I maintain that MC 2 is going to serve somewhere clothes are scarce and they eat raw food based on his current behavior and attire).

So while his antics fill me with fear and wonder at times, I must never forget that MC 2 is fearfully and wonderfully made by God Himself.

So are you, lest you forget:)

I will praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

Marvelous are Your works,

And that my soul knows very well.

Psalm 139:14 (NKJV)

GRAB YOUR BIBLE AND JUMP ON OVER

Deliberately Delilvered

3 YEARS AGO TODAY

Three years ago today I was sitting in the truck with HH, in the freezing cold, standing guard over our house that had caught fire. The kids were at HH's mom's house and we were just sitting back taking it all in. I alluded to it here, but today I want to give you, as Paul Harvey would say... The rest of the story.
First - Jesus Christ saved our lives. Let's establish that from the get go. Okay let's go now.
We had stoked up the old fireplace the night before as it was bitterly cold. The boys were in bed, HH shut down the fireplace and to bed we went. Our bedroom is located at the back, while the men children's room is next door to the living room (where the fireplace is located). Due to heating issues in our house, we had pulled the door to our room to, not shutting it all the way, in case a man child needed us.
I remember waking up from a groggy sleep to some annoying beeping sound. You know, the kind where you think it is a dream, so you roll over and go back to sleep, which is exactly what I did. However, it would not go away. Finally, after an exasperated "What is that?", I got up and opened the door from our room to track it down.
When I stepped in to the kitchen, smoke was over the ceiling. I stepped around in to the living room, where I saw a glowing the wall about 5 feet up - not where the fireplace is supposed to be. Our lone smoke alarm, which had not been checked in a very long time, was going off.
Before I continue you need to know one tiny fact. At this time in my life I was taking anti-anxiety meds. The reason why is a long story that has to do with a very prideful girl and a God who was gracious enough to knock her on her butt. However, being on anti- anxiety meds, well it REALLY mellowed me out. R-E-A-L-L-Y!
So I casually call back to HH. "HH the house is on fire", then proceed to the boys room. Again smoke is all over the ceiling and I can hear the fire rolling over the ceiling in the boys room. I begin to ever so gently wake the boys, "Boys we need to get up, the house is one fire. Boys, boys...". By that time HH has raced in to the bedroom. He yanks MC1 up by the arm, over the dresser and heads outside, while screaming at me "COME ON!".
We get the boys safely into the car. I run back in for the bills, HH goes for something but I can't remember what, and we try to go out the back door. The lock is frozen so I run, well probably just walked fast, out the front door. HH gets the lock open and goes out the back. He calls the fire department and his mom. In the decade+ we have been married I have never seem HH cry. I did not that night either, but apparently he did.
I back the car away from the house and call my parents and my friend Casey. Then we waited. One lone fire fighter shows up first. He begins putting the fire out. They remove HH's lone deer mount before it gets damaged. When they open the garage, smoke billows out like you see in the movies. Mom-in-law and family rush over, and then we watch and wait. The volunteer firefighters did an amazing job saving our house.
We received texts and calls all morning checking on us. HH called Cory and he came over to help. Then he and his wife did an amazing thing...they opened their home to us. The home they just bought and moved into 2 weeks before. So that night , me and my 3 men children moved into their back bedroom where we lived for four months.
Casey washed clothes for us, as did others.
Cory's mom brought food and sleeping bags for the boys, which they have this very day.
Our church family took up an collection for us that blew our minds.
At the end of the day we had a roof over our head and friends and family by our side. December 1 will always be an Ebenezer stone for me. I know God Himself brought us safely through.

Here I raise mine Ebenezer;

hither by thy help I'm come;

and I hope, by thy good pleasure,

safely to arrive at home.

Jesus sought me when a stranger,

wandering from the fold of God;

He, to rescue me from danger,

interposed His precious blood.

ROAD SIGNS

We were driving into town the other day and I saw the strangest road sign.

It read "Incident Ahead".

Never have I seen one like that.

I wished I had snapped a photo of it,

but I am pretty sure slamming in my brakes at 70 mph

would have prompted the need for another road sign.

How much easier would life be if we had signs like that.

Drama ahead

Hormones ahead (for you men to read)

Emotionally strung out child ahead

What signs would you like to see?

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

From my turkeys to yours,

Have a very Happy Thanksgiving:)

Psalm 100

A Psalm of Thanksgiving

Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all ye lands!

Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before His presence with singing.

Know that the Lord, He is God;

It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;

We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise.

Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.

For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting,

And His truth endures to all generations.

NKJV

WHOLE AGAIN

Remember this debacle?

I know you have been wondering.

I know your nights have been spent anxiously awaiting any update.

I know it, I just know it.

Well, today, is your lucky day.

Here is the completed project.

Glued down for safety (aka MC 2 proofing).

THE WINDS OF CHANGE ARE BLOWING...

Hunter Hubs was gone last week on a hunting trip. We have survived many weeks of HH being gone. Weeks to Colorado, weeks to West Texas, weeks to South Texas. Normally, the boys do good until about 2/3 of the way through. By then we are all tired and missing daddy. It is usually then when they start to cry for him. Not last week. Last week, we started crying on Day 1. It is as if they suddenly remembered they had a daddy and he was missing. This is new for me. I knew it would come someday. I knew they would start to identify with HH, want to be with HH, want to imitate HH. I just did not think it would be until they were like 21. No seriously, I knew and I am glad. It is part of it. A good healthy part. So when my men children shun me (as MC 1 did at his school Thanksgiving dinner - not a word people... NOT...A...WORD..) for their daddy I will gladly let them go.

Besides about dark time they will be wanting their mama back;)

ETERNAL FRIENDSHIP

I did something yesterday that was completely out of character for me. I opened up to a complete stranger (live and in person) and cracked the door for a new friendship. Completely out of character for me, especially live and in the flesh. It was almost like someone else was sitting there and talking for me. I tend to be a very guarded person. Bloggy stuff is easier because I don't see you. You can't hurt me and I can't hurt you. Now there have been a few bloggies get by. Keri is one of them. I have never laid eyes on Keri and she has never laid eyes on me. Yet, we have established a friendship. We email, we facebook, we blog. I look forward to the day (which is coming soon I hope) when we can hug each other's necks in the flesh. When what I am sure will be an ugly cry will come upon me just from the sheer joy of seeing my friend in flesh and blood.
In my inner circle (immediate family excluded), I have Casey. Casey who I have known for nearly a decade. Casey who has seen me at my worst and who has seen glimpses of my best. Casey, who endured our strained friendship when we went our separate ways for a season. Casey who accepts my apologies when I realize I have been insensitive and who laughs with me at my silliness.
God ordained friendships, which I believe both these to be, are a sweet and precious thing. Some friendships are ordained only for a season. I have seen those come and go, as recent as this year. Some are ordained for a lifetime. There is only one that is God ordained for eternity.

"Let your heart not be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also."

John 14:1-3 NKJV

ONE DOWN, 1998 TO GO

A couple of years ago I started a puzzle for my dad. It is of a John Deere tractor scene. Short version goes like this - I finished the puzzle but had lost one piece in the middle. Thought okay no problem, I'll just get another one and put that piece in. Purchased said other puzzle and set it aside. In the mean time MC 2 discovered the completed puzzle and in one fell swoop demolished it. Then he opened the other puzzle resulting in this finished product.

1999 glorious pieces.

So I thought to myself, no problem.

I will just start putting it together and get rid of the extra stuff.
Here is a bit of trivia for you.

Did you know that even though it is the EXACT same picture,

the puzzles are NOT cut the same?

That is right guys and gals,

the pieces don't match!

Resulting in this:

Yes, I now have two puzzles to put together and no real way to tell the pieces apart. I also have a man child who wants to help desperately bad and keeps asking mama if she is done yet. No, mama is not done yet. Meantime, MC 2 has been busy with this:

Because every good farm has a polar bear and a camel penned together. Maybe he could go work for Marlboro Man. Anyone who can pen a polar bear, a camel, a tiger and some cows together should be able to handle it. Right?

Should you need me today, I'll be trying to figure out which of these is not like the other with my puzzle.

HUM DRUM.....

Hopefully someone is reading this today. Judging by the lack if comments yesterday, you may be totally repulsed and never coming back.
Sadly, that experience has been the most blogable thing that has happened lately.
Seriously.
Have been a hermit for the last couple of weeks so I have no exciting stories to tell you.
We went to an open house last night.
For a child who claims to have no friends, MC 1 sure knew a lot of people.
Came home.
Had some chili.
Watched TV.
Went to bed.
See...nothing exciting.
Walking by faith right now...some serious walking.
Can't see a darned thing.
The light unto my path is literally one foot in front of the other.
No more info than that.
Trying to make sure I keep unbelief at bay.
That I finish this portion faithful.

NEW POST

FINISH FAITHFUL

MAMA...

*VIEWER DISCRETION ADVISED*
You have been warned.
MC 2 loves his mama.
He needs his mama.
Daily he tells his mama he loves her.
Daily he is sweet to his mama, and showers her with hugs and kisses.
Which is good for his mama when there are moments of all gross boyhood like yesterday.

Mama, I love you.
I love you too, baby.
Come on give me a hug.
((HUGS))
Mama, smell my hand.
SNIFF SNIFF
I don't smell anything baby.
I put my finger in my butt.

Excuse me I need to go find someone's finger to pull before I wash SUCKER off my forehead.

I'M GOING TO PUNT....

Due to a lack of sleep and electrical power at all hours of the night,

I am going to punt to

The Preacher's Wife this am.

Lisa's post is awesome and required reading for all us gals.

It goes right along with I CHOOSE!

Enjoy!

SOMETHING FOR NOTHING

I was not made in the image of nothing.

I was not created for nothing.

I am not called to nothing.

All of creation does not declare the glory of nothing.

I am not saved from nothing.

Christ did not die for nothing.

God sent His Something

to die for this nothing I would be without Him

to allow me to become the something

He dreamed and created me to be.

That is worthy of praise.

Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord;

let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.

Psalm 95:1

LEST YOU BE JUDGED

I know we are taught to not judge people, in or out of church.

However, I think we can and do judge their actions.

I will let you judge this one for yourself.

No.

This is not HH's truck.

For fear of the "foreverness" of blog posts,

I have no words.

However, if I EVER do this to my vehicle,

please judge me and do it quickly.

OPENING WEEKEND

MC 1 & HH's matching "head lamps".

THE SHALLOW END OF THE KIDDIE POOL...

My toddler is not in a hospital in Boston fighting for his very life like MckMama, while the rest of my family is miles away. I tucked them in and prayed with them last night - both of them. My husband is not fighting for his life or lost over the ocean. He was safe in our bed last night, pulling covers and stealing pillows. I have not been battling cancer for years like my sweet friend Nikita or months like Bev. My husband does not leave for weeks on end, except for the occasional hunting trip. We have not had to file bankruptcy and we don't battle mental illness in our marriage.
Yet last night and this morning I am sad. Hormones? Possibly. Maybe a crack that I have let the enemy see because I am tired....

of being fat

of being on a budget and going over

of constantly fighting something (real or imagined) in my life.

I don't know what for sure.
Could I use a good cry - yes I could.
Am I entitled to it as these people are- probably not.
Does it mean it won't happen - doubtful.
But here is what I do know.
In the shallowness of my kiddie pool of sadness (and it is very shallow I know) or the depths of their oceans of despair these words are true...

For the Lord is good;

His mercy is everlasting,

And His truth endures to all generations.

Pslam 100:5 (NKJV)

Praise be His holy name!

HUT!HUT!

The men children and I have started a semi-nightly ritual of playing a game of football each night. MC 1 has an Aggie helmet and uniform he suits up in. MC 2 has nothing. We play catch, we tackle and tickle, we punt and kick and work on diving catches. MC 2 (my goodness I accidentally typed MC 3 -prophetic? HH hopes not!) gets so excited when we go out to play. He desperately wants to be a part of the game. He coaches us on our three-point stance. He pleads for us to give him the ball and then does his best hut hut.
HOWEVER,
when he sees MC 1 or myself running toward him to tackle him, he throws the ball away and falls down in a fetal position on the ground screaming NO! NO!
I really don't know why he does this other than the obvious -he doesn't want to get hit (For the record we don't hit. We gently pull to the ground). He has no problems jumping on one of us, but no contact sport for this little stinker.
Go with me now. Remember this is my blog so I am gonna talk about what applies to me, and hope it makes sense. There are things in life I want to do and be a part of. I bet you do to. Whether it is working in ministry, or a job you think you are called to and would love, or going back to school, or being a stay-at-home mom, or all of that, I want to play in the game. Things where I desperately plead with God to throw me the ball - let me get involved. I am excited and nervous and ready to play all at the same time, just like MC 2.
The Lord graciously throws me the ball, I take off running, and then the potential for some contact shows up. The enemy tries to tackle me. More times than I would like to count, and more recent that I want to admit, I have also done like MC 2. I have chunked the ball as far from me as possible, curled up in a fetal position and cried NO!NO!
I want to play the game, I just don't want to get hit. Now granted I don't think many people want to get hit. I know I don't, but the risk and reality of it comes with the territory. If I am going to play the game, I am going to be under the threat of getting hit often, and will get hit a few times. It's not like I am not equipped to get hit, I have, after all, a very powerful armor and a sword to defend myself. Honestly, though, the mere thought of taking a hit can cause me to chunk what God has placed in my hands. Just the thought.
I don't want to be like that. I want to be a "grid iron" warrior. I want to take on the opponent. Take the hits as they come. Get up and do it again. I don't want to curl up in the fetal position anymore. As scared as I am, and that is pretty scared for some of this, I want tuck the ball Christ has given me and run for the end zone! Some things may be a sprint and a touchdown. Some may be a war on the line, inch by inch, yard by yard. Some will be a three and out, because God just wanted to see if I had the courage to play the game.
See, I, we, have to play in the game. That is the only way we will see victory. You don't win if you don't play. Lying in a fetal position crying NO! NO! brings no glory to Christ Jesus. Makes me no stronger, just paralyzed with fear. Like a player on the field who does not block or run or move period. I want to suit up, get the play call from the sidelines, and PLAY BALL! I want to see the following:

We will shout for joy when you are victorious and will lift up banners of in the name of our God.

(portion of Psalm 20:5 NIV)

I want to see the same for you. If you have been lying in the fetal position, it is time to get up. Time to dust off the dirt, re-adjust that mouth guard, get the next play, grab that ball and run. You have an entire crowd of encouragers. A entire stadium of witnesses waiting to raise banners in the name of our God. Today hit those knees in your three-point stance and get ready.
The snap is coming and the hand-off is to you.
HUT! HUT!

THIS IS WHY I DON'T COOK

First, just put up a new post on Deliberately Delivered. Click on the shackles to jump on over.
Second, my lack of cooking knowledge shown through this morning. I was making some scrambled egg whites for my breakfast burrito I had been dreaming about. MC 2 wanted to help, so I gave him a whisk-y type utensil. Anyone want to guess what you get when you whisk egg whites?
You are half way to meringue.
So my burrito was a little fluffy today.
This is why I don't cook.
Which is not completely true because I do, just not very well.
After reading this is there any wonder why?

I'M A REAL BOY

Last night the boys were grounded from TV until after supper. As a result they ate dinner at the kitchen table. The following dialogue occurred after we sat at the table:
MC 1 : This is like a real family.
Me: That is because we are a real family.
MC 1 : No. Like a real, real , REAL family, with manners.
We try.

AWAKE

So I have been reading Jennifer Rothschild Self-Talk, Soul Talk. Last night was the chapter on the phrase "awake , oh my soul, awake." My soul has been awake since 3:30 am. Totally NOT what I think she meant. However, my soul has some thinking and tending too that needs to occur. Got some relationships that I am not sure what to do with. Got some relationships that are frustrating the heck outta me right now. Got some that I just want to scream at them and say "HOW DO YOU NOT GET THIS? SERIOUSLY? H-O-W?!!" . Yes, I would like to scream in all caps. Trying to figure out how to make the mula last longer than it appears to want to. How to minimize my trip to the store today. Lots of worry knocking on my thought closet door. Plus I have been avoiding Bob for about 4 days now, so that does not make me feel any better.
However, as I have said so many times, and many of you have been quick to remind me, I get to choose what comes in that thought closet and what gets checked at the door. As BM said in Esther, God knows the how. Oh how He knows the how.
So, to change the subject in a blog full of links, here is another one. Boo Mama wrote a great post about Steven Curtis Chapman and his new CD. Plus, Mr. Chapman is having a chat on Facebook tonight and Boo has the link for that.
Hope you guys have a great Tuesday!
And the mouse lives to fight another day.

OF MICE AND MEN

We have a mouse in our house. You will recall here my last run in with them. I hate mice. HATE them. They are dirty and sneaky and dirty, and I can not stand them. I told HH about him a couple of weeks ago. He said set some traps, blah blah blah. It is clear now that he did not believe me. Even last week when I saw the mouse run across the floor, he still did not believe me.
Much like our own lives, the truth always comes out. SOOOOO when the mouse skirted across the floor LAST night and HH SAW him, he sprang into action. Suddenly there was a battle plan...more traps..more peanut butter and cheese.... basically MORE.
He even rearranged my traps (which I had asked him to set out) last night.
The mouse is still free today but his days are numbered.
To just 1 I hope.

WALKING IN HER SHOES

This is my dad's family, many years ago.
Imagine growing up with all those boys.
All that wrestling.
All that food.
All that milk.


Combined, my dad and his siblings have cranked out over 40 grandkids, with lots of boys in the mix. When we were growing up, and would go visit my grandmother, many, MANY times she would end up saying one of the following:

"Boys! Get out of my kitchen!"

"Take it outside boys!"

"Get out of the refrigerator boys!"

I never really got why she got so upset about it.
After all I grew up in a house full of girls.
I totally get it now.

IT'S LIVE BOYS

DVR has changed the way my kids watch TV. Me too, but it really shows up in them. They keep wanting me to fast forward through the commercials of live TV. When we go to Audie's house they want to rewind her shows. (Audie is DVR less...poor thing).
I keep telling them,
"It's live TV boys, you can't fast forward that."
Now what I am about to say is nowhere near a novel idea. Just my two cents worth.
This morning as we were watching X-Men Revolution, live, and another request to fast forward was denied, I thought how many times I have asked God to fast forward, and rewind, and pause, and occasionally delete, and keep times in my life.
Times when I would like to hurry up and get to the part where it is all better.
Times when I would like to go back to when it was all good.
Times when I want to pause and just stay in the moments,
and those moments I wish were never even given the time.
And many times, my DVR life request is denied.
Why?
Cause it's LIVE boys!
We are called to live it. Today. In the now.
Not in the past, although we remember it and learn from it.
Not worrying about the future, although we plan for it and pray for it.
Not deleting the things we wished had never happened, because given over to Him they are turned for His glory and we are restored.
Not even the times we want to pause and relish this life for an unhealthy period of time, lest we loose focus of Who should be our focus.
Nope- can't DVR this thing called life.
What we can do is live it.
To the fullest.
We choose.
You choose.
I choose.
Because He chose.

MCKMAMA

Great post by MckMama.
Worth the read.
(If it wasn't I would not have put it on here).
Have a great Wednesday!

HE CAME... I WILL....

We sang a song in church Sunday that has stuck with me. The chorus goes like this...

He came and He healed me.
He came and refreshed me.
He came and washed my sins away.

I will rejoice.
I will rejoice, and be glad.

That pretty much sums it up. I will leave it alone and let it sit on you for a bit.
Bet it makes you smile.

WHATEVER MARTHA!

I love Martha Stewart. I do.

Prison time and all, I still love her.

As much as I love her, I could never be her.

As was evidenced by the cookies we made Saturday.

HH was off riding his motorbikey thingy with some motorbikey peeps.

The men children and I were going to make pumpkin cut out cookies.

It is one of the main reasons I decided to stay home this year.

To bake cookies.

I had every intention of doing the whole PW thing and taking multiple pics of the progress.

Every intention.
Then the men children got involved.

And I got this instead.

We did a couple of good ones out.

We did get flour all over my non-existent floor.

We did have a grand ole time eating them up.

I have decided at Thanksgiving, Mommy will make the cookies at night

and the men children can decorate.

Yes.

I think that will be much better.

Saturday night brought the UFC.

And Bob.

Who brought some of the best brownies EVER!

He could give Martha a run for her money!

I LIKE HELPING YOU MAMA

I long for the day.

I really, really do.

When MC 2 will not hold my rear end

while I am doing kicks for

Jillian and Biggest Loser Boot Camp and say

"I am helping you mama".

Jiggle control.

That is his job.

Have a great weekend!

PS - Honestly- I will miss this time together terribly.

All too soon my men children will be men and will be gone.

They need to stick around.

The jiggles can go away any time though.