tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-204344752024-03-14T08:33:19.456-07:00Stars Over MinnesotaStarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14771996222538459082noreply@blogger.comBlogger120125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20434475.post-32398389212010152622012-03-02T21:03:00.000-08:002012-03-02T21:03:15.444-08:00New art<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNW19mUGsDQSo-W71GRGK9XZCQV6j7vXFWoTMuK5fKR0BT-fK0HSnfvgZ3TqzuMIrXy9gaRelNQEoPDALpAf98kY8lb8awobG2exoq7gEwH00HApVE5x8Z1cjxg9oMUgSCSidNag/s1600/419192_10151331503325648_617080647_23193865_116704206_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNW19mUGsDQSo-W71GRGK9XZCQV6j7vXFWoTMuK5fKR0BT-fK0HSnfvgZ3TqzuMIrXy9gaRelNQEoPDALpAf98kY8lb8awobG2exoq7gEwH00HApVE5x8Z1cjxg9oMUgSCSidNag/s320/419192_10151331503325648_617080647_23193865_116704206_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Starhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14771996222538459082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20434475.post-76749749144206551192011-05-11T10:12:00.002-07:002011-05-13T13:27:13.605-07:00It's been too long!<span style="color: #666666;">I'll begin with my manna for today:</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;">Psalm 71:14-16 (NIV)</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;">As for me, I will always have hope; <br />
I will praise you more and more. </span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"> My mouth will tell of your righteous deeds, <br />
of your saving acts all day long— <br />
though I know not how to relate them all.<br />
I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, Sovereign LORD; <br />
I will proclaim your righteous deeds, yours alone. </span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;">"I will always have hope", I love that!</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"> I didn't always..... have hope.</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"> It's just that sometimes, things happen. Things that shift your focus. "Rock your world" kind of things. </span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;">But, that's another story. I want to finish this one</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;">I guess I was talking about "the surgery"</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;">When we finally got to see Scotty, he was surrounded by machines, and tubes of every shape and color. A tube to give him breath, a tube for fluids, and drain tubes. He was connected to a large machine that pumped the blood for the right side of his heart, called an RVAD and another for the left, an LVAD. VAD stands for Ventricular Assist Device. It was somewhat overwhelming, except that all I remember was, He was alive! Nothing else mattered. </span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;">The very next day they had to take him back to OR for what they called a "washout". Clean up of leaking vessels.</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"> He hadn't awakened as yet, they were keeping him sedated, in a coma-like state. </span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;">Because his condition was so poor when they first operated, I'm not sure they expected him to have any brain function. But God had a better idea! </span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;">The day they "wakened" him, my manna was from Ephesians 5:14. It says:</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;">"Therefore He says, Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall shine (make day dawn) upon you and give you light."</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;">WOW! Talk about just what you need! And he did too, he woke up. His doctor was there when he fluttered his eye lids, and moved his fingers, and responded to commands! When the anesthesiologist stopped by later, Scotty,s doctor told him, "This is that kid we operated on, he woke up!" like he was surprised! </span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;">After that, it was kind of one-day-at-a-time for us. But we kept on fighting and standing our ground. I have it recorded somewhere how many, but he had several surgeries, including a lobectomy for a lung infection, but he always came through. And every time they took him away to surgery, I told the doctors, I was praying for them. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;">Then one day they told us the RVAD had stopped functioning, because of a blood clot. Dave was there when they did the echo, and they could see this long, stringy clot fluttering with every heartbeat clogging up the RVAD. This was very serious. The clot could break off and it would kill him. But they didn't think his heart would function without the RVAD. So they wanted to take him to surgery immediately, but the doctor that was trained for this was already operating on another patient. Plus, there were no more surgery suites available either.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;">His transplant co-ordinator left the room in tears. He had survived so much and come so far, only to have it end like this.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;">As I write this, it seems unbelievable. How could this be happening? And yet I wasn't moved! They may have thought I was unhinged. Somehow I knew that the God who had brought us this far, would not forsake us now. When they finally took him to surgery they removed the RVAD.Against all odds, they were able to remove the clot in one piece. And beyond all expectations, the right side of his heart beat under its own power.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;">There were many days after that, when all I could do was hold his hand, and I know he liked that, and I think it was as much for me as for him. In fact if we didin't get to the hospital soon enough, he would have the nurses call us. And still we persevered.</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"> He had been in Intensive Care for two and a half months, it was getting close to New Year's Day, and suddenly we saw drastic improvement. Like he really was better! He wanted to eat, he wanted to walk.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;">He stayed a total of 101 days at the U of M Hospital. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;">This March 1st, we celebrated the sixth anniversary of his heart transplant!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666;">There are so many other details that I could add, and maybe I will some day. For me, today, this is enough.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="color: #666666;">And his story isn't over either. He is normal in every way. He has issues, yes, but I am confident that those issues will be resolved.</span> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #999999;">And...</span><span style="color: #666666;">As for me, I will always have hope.</span>Starhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14771996222538459082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20434475.post-83681718825850176872010-06-25T08:46:00.000-07:002010-06-25T08:46:11.957-07:00Goodmorning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYVEF0Bxvo0apE6Guz225kOhjVl3dwSw5rKjSHjBdwAEA6YpMhcNQ2TZVxQJpgJjmRaHeFXK_z6TrjMBHZ_r1zmNgb_QHXtUdgugkZ2Y2a60QJaP0Jh0xxDrHRHNWVZs5lGDK_Jw/s1600/1adovefabgfairy003d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ru="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYVEF0Bxvo0apE6Guz225kOhjVl3dwSw5rKjSHjBdwAEA6YpMhcNQ2TZVxQJpgJjmRaHeFXK_z6TrjMBHZ_r1zmNgb_QHXtUdgugkZ2Y2a60QJaP0Jh0xxDrHRHNWVZs5lGDK_Jw/s320/1adovefabgfairy003d.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I just love this image. I grabbed it from the Graphics Fairy. Go check it out!Starhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14771996222538459082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20434475.post-6378366787372226862010-04-01T13:02:00.000-07:002010-04-01T13:14:49.426-07:00A Fixed HeartHere is my testimony of how God helped us when we really needed Him. Some may know part, but not all. I will be adding to it. This is for my healing and for God's Glory. He is truly a GOOD GOD!<br /><br /><br />You know how some things happen, when you are least expecting them? This was one of those times. 2003, All I can remember is that the Minnesota Twins were in the playoffs. I dropped the boys and Dave off to watch a game being shown at the Riverview Theater. We have a picture that I took of them going in. I still have it in my head. Later that week Scotty got sick, maybe he was, even then. It was bad, coughing, throwing up, tired, and pale. But as the week went on it got worse. By Saturday we took him to urgent care, they basically did nothing. Now, I don’t blame them, they didn’t know what was wrong. But something was definitely wrong. They told us he probably had the flu and to come back if he didn’t get better. Well he didn’t, in fact he got worse. On Tuesday morning he was having trouble thinking. He knew what he wanted to say, he just couldn’t say it, and by that evening he was having chest pain and also had trouble breathing. I should have called 911, but I didn’t. The one thing I did do right was that I spoke the Word over him.<br /> I am the Body of Christ and satan hath no power over me. For I overcome evil with good.(1 Corinthians 12:27; Romans 12:21)<br /> I will fear no evil for thou art with me Lord, your Word and your Spirit they comfort me. (1 John 4:4)<br /> No weapon formed against me shall prosper, for my righteousness is of the Lord. But whatever I do will prosper for I’m like a tree planted by the rivers of water. ( Isaiah 54:17; Psalms 1:3)<br /> I called the nurse line. She said take him to Children’s Hospital. I didn’t have a way because Dave was at choir practice. So I called him, and he came and picked Scotty up, and took him over to the ER. Over the next several hours they tried to find out what was going on. Pneumonia, tumor, were some of the words I heard.<br /> Poor Dave, it must have been a long night. God had been at work preparing us, guiding our steps. Actually Dave being the one to go to the ER that night was God. Choir practice is like going to church. They really prepare for worship. Praying, singing. So he was full. And me? I was ready too. Maybe not to the same degree, bit I had been going to a class, learning to hear from God, Fresh Manna. Led by Daniel Gutierrez. <br />What is Fresh manna, you say? Going to God’s Word daily to hear what God is speaking to you. I had been working hard on it too. I was getting strong. Hearing what God wanted to tell me. Still that night when Scotty was clearly in trouble, I was unsure. Looking back, it was like taking a baby step, a little shaky. However, I’m so glad I spoke those Words. Even though speaking was a small thing. I do believe it made a difference.<br /> That next morning, I sat down to read. I didn’t know where to start. We had a little holder shaped like a loaf of bread that held Bible verses. I picked one out. <br /><br /> It was –<br />But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.(John 4:14)<br />I wasn’t satisfied that that was what God had for me, so I got out my Bible and turned to John the forth chapter and kept reading, I’m so glad I did. I came to verse 50, which was it! It jumped off the page for me.<br />” Go in peace, your son will live”<br />It was almost like an audible voice! What more did I need? <br />But to say I was ready, is so not true, how can you be ready for the things we heard? HEART FAILURE! Heart failure? My child? How? Unbelievable! NO! <br />I decided to believe anyway!<br />When I finally was able to see him, he actually looked better. The sweet nurses had him tucked in bed; He was on oxygen and had an IV. We called church and asked Pastor Jeff, his youth pastor, to come and lay hands on him and anoint him with oil. We were just following the Scripture that says-<br />Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: (James 5:14)<br />” They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.” Mark 16:18 <br />Pastor Jeff was so nice to come, and he did pray for Scotty. Nevertheless, he didn’t get better, he got worse.<br />I know I keep saying “he got worse”, but he did. Every time they came to talk to us, and even when they didn’t talk to us, we knew it was worse. More and more I.V.s. , 18 different medications by the time they transferred him to the U of M. I know Scotty doesn’t remember anything about that time, for which I am very thankful, because there were times all I could do was cry. It makes me tear up, even now, 7 years later. Everyone was so nice to us, and to Scotty. They did everything they knew to do, but there came a day, a week after he had been admitted, when they said, “we have to make a decision”. There were two choices, one, Put him on a big machine that takes the blood out of your body and pumps it back in, kind of like a giant heart or two, send him to the U of M and they would implant a device called an LVAD (Left Ventricular Assist Device)and an RVAD (Right Ventricular Device). A heart replacement while he waited to get better or a transplanted heart was found. Now he was still way too sick to even consider a transplant, but that is what he needed. His cardiologist, the top Dr at Abbot, working with the Children’s Dr, had to make a very hard decision, and they made it at just the right time. They decided to send him to the U of M. <br />Sending Scotty was not an easy thing, it took about a half hour, for the nurses and EMT’s, just to get him ready. I remember standing outside Children’s Hospital, holding a bunch of balloons and watching the ambulance drive away. We thought, finally he’ll be OK. But I knew in my heart I needed to be with him. Terry, Mom Dave and I drove home. Just a few blocks. We all were tired from the week of stress, but as soon as we got there, Terry and I decided we had to go and make sure he was settled in. It was a good thing we did, because as soon as we arrived a nurse was handing me a piece of paper to sign, they were taking him directly into surgery. “Come on, we have to go” was what I heard them say.<br />12 hours…….I was so glad I had that Word, <br />” Go in peace, your son will live”<br />Dave had one too-<br /> My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise (Psalm 57:7)<br />We waited…and waited. Once the anesthesiologist came out, he said they weren’t able to give any anesthesia because they didn’t have time, he was dying, (he didn’t say that, but that was what he thought). They opened him up as fast as they could. He didn’t tell us at the time, but another assisting nurse specialist came and told us later that they scooped large blood clots out of his heart. <br />Oh......... remembering is kind-of hard, but good at the same time. The space of time gives you perspective. I think I’ll stop here for now, I know God saved him, I know God loves him, and I know God has a purpose. Part 2 soon.Starhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14771996222538459082noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20434475.post-84439752201712665972009-11-14T08:02:00.001-08:002009-11-14T08:10:41.832-08:00ATC's<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ6EhMgbupezU23GICFGtm9d1bzeH-4-g60SY3jkxsIwh1ILcIehCwTbq9vGgQw-v7nG9ySxt688Oh81GAkRq2AFDUiZyA-P_ukHjlmOoOVZeokILSzUg2Vxy_RzX-qxRVczZkrA/s1600-h/atcbeyourself.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 235px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ6EhMgbupezU23GICFGtm9d1bzeH-4-g60SY3jkxsIwh1ILcIehCwTbq9vGgQw-v7nG9ySxt688Oh81GAkRq2AFDUiZyA-P_ukHjlmOoOVZeokILSzUg2Vxy_RzX-qxRVczZkrA/s320/atcbeyourself.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403990547997737090" /></a><br />Dave and I have been busy making ATC's. Very fun little( 2 1/2" by 3 1/2") cards, endless possibilities! We are preparing for a swap in December, where we will trade our creations for someone elses. We've joined a group called MN Altered Arts. They meet about once a month, meeting at The Open Book downtown or at someones home. We are excited to meet some artists and see what they are doing.Starhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14771996222538459082noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20434475.post-90863347294684862012009-10-05T18:43:00.000-07:002009-10-05T18:54:30.501-07:00Don't look at what you can see with your eyes.2 Corinthians 4:18 (The Message)<br /> 16-1 8So we're not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There's far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can't see now will last forever.<br /><br />Kenneth says-<br />Don’t center your attention on what you can see in this natural, physical sense realm. Everything you see is temporal and subject to change. So put your faith in the unseen eternal realm. The things which are eternal are not subject to change. <br />God’s Word is eternal and contains 7,000 promises to cover any circumstance you’ll ever face. And, no matter what happens in this shifting, changing world you live in, those promises will forever be the same.<br /><br />Star says-<br />Lately the "seen" realm has had my attention, I'm sad to say. It's just that when you look around you and see the events of the day, it's so easy to do. I'm glad this verse reminded me where my attention needs to be. There is only one thing that will save the United States, yes and even the world, and that is for us to wake up and turn to God. No one man can save us now. Only God. So don't look to man, look to God. He's just ready and waiting for a conversation with you.Starhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14771996222538459082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20434475.post-45459254608966725642009-03-02T08:15:00.000-08:002009-03-02T08:16:38.024-08:00My heart is full of loveEphesians 4:16 (New Living Translation)<br /><br />" He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love."<br /><br /><br />This was acted out this weekend beautifully by some Homemakers! It was such a blessing to be at the Homemakers overnight! It was expanded this year to include workshops. There were several, but I chose one on Deals,deals and more deals, with Carrie , one with Jen on health and fitness, and one on Style with Cyndi. I enjoyed them very much, but more than that, I was impressed and thankful that God is supplying us with information that will help us grow. As the verse says " each part does its own special work ", the truth is we all have something to contribute, to each other. Thank you Renee and company for putting this together for us HM. It will be exciting to see the "fruit" of this time we had together. I know it will be good!Starhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14771996222538459082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20434475.post-55497598589856765372009-02-23T08:17:00.000-08:002009-02-23T09:04:23.393-08:00Beyond their wildest dreams<span style="font-weight:bold;">But the seed planted in the good earth represents those who hear the Word, embrace it, and produce a harvest beyond their wildest dreams." Mark 4.20<br /></span><br /><br />This week we had some good seed planted! We were privileged to have Dr. Creflo A. Dollar here in Minneapolis,MN. It was our stewardship services at Living Word Christian Center. <br /><br />The very first service he spoke about the necessity of getting fear out of our lives! He said that the only way satan can access our life, is to get us to fear. <br /><br />Then he went on to talk about our spiritual hearing, how reading and praying are all good, but we need to hear the voice behind the Word. I loved this. When Saul was on the road and "The Light" came; there were people who saw the light but didn't hear the "Voice".<br /><br />Acts 22.9 <span style="font-weight:bold;">And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me.</span><br /><br />I want to know that Voice. I want to hear the Voice behind the Word, so I am practicing hearing from God. I know that I am about to have a harvest beyond my wildest dreams!<br /><br />I bless you now...<br />Numbers 6. 22-23 <br /><br />God spoke to Moses: "Tell Aaron and his sons, This is how you are to bless the People of Israel. Say to them, <br /><br /> God bless you and keep you, <br /><br /> God smile on you and gift you, <br /><br /> God look you full in the face <br /> and make you prosper. In so doing, they will place my name on the People of Israel— <br /> <span style="font-weight:bold;">I will confirm it by blessing them."</span>Starhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14771996222538459082noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20434475.post-27553037215719655012009-02-16T06:39:00.000-08:002009-02-16T07:32:34.915-08:00The BloodLeviticus 17.10-12(Message) <br /> "If any Israelite or foreigner living among them eats blood, I will disown that person and cut him off from his people, for the life of an animal is in the blood. I have provided the blood for you to make atonement for your lives on the Altar; it is the blood, the life, that makes atonement. That's why I tell the People of Israel, 'Don't eat blood.' The same goes for the foreigner who lives among you, 'Don't eat blood.'<br /><br />Yesterday was such a good day! Well the whole week-end for sure! But yesterday I read these verses from my Bible and also about the crusifiction in Matthew. We ended up going to the 11 am service at church. We arrived <span style="font-weight:bold;">just</span> in time to go to the communion service. We were late and were served just as we walked in. Pastor Matthews was leading the taking of the bread as we joined the service. He spoke about our families, and our life, believing for whatever the problems we are experiencing, to be fixed, because of the Blood. Tears just came, I couldn't stop them. Unexpected, but I knew it was the Holy Spirit. What I thought of was that I was taking the Blood! Back in Leviticus it was wrong to take the blood, and anyone who did was cut off! But now it is because of the Blood of Jesus we have our covenant! After that, I was seeing all kinds of things. If this is true than the opposite is true! It was totally wonderful! <br /> In the main service Pastor Mac talked about tithing. How the tithe was the "devoted" thing, set apart. How at Jericho the Israelites were instructed.<br /><br /><br /> Joshua 6.17 And the city and all that is in it shall be devoted to the Lord... It was a tithe. <br /><br /> Then when <span style="font-weight:bold;">one</span> person made the decision to "take" of the spoils. He and his family were "stoned".<br /><br /><br />Joshua 7.24 "And Joshua and all Israel with him took Achan son of Zerah, and the silver, the garment, the wedge of gold, his sons, his daughters, his oxen, his donkeys, his sheep, his tent, and all that he had; and they brought them to the Valley of Achor." <br /><br /><br /> He went on to say, we are not under the law, but grace and covenant. We won't be stoned if we don't tithe, but when we don't tithe, we choose cursing in our life. And there are consequences to our choices. And, it affects not only us personally, but also our family and church! <br /><br /> The message was really good! It was a hard message, but delivered in love. My take on it was this, that if "taking" the tithe brought a curse, then "giving" the tithe brings a blessing, and not only to us personally but to our family and our church! I know it might be obvious, but to me it was the "cord" through the day. From beginning to end. <br /> We haven't always tithed ( I say with sorrow), but we have been faithful since being taught the principles, and have committed to continue to be faithful. God has been so merciful to us, and I will thank Him all my days, for how good He has been to us. <br />But <span style="font-weight:bold;">now</span>, I <span style="font-weight:bold;">know</span> what is ahead for us, and it's GOOD!Starhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14771996222538459082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20434475.post-69084593903289867312009-02-05T06:35:00.000-08:002009-02-05T06:45:24.790-08:00Be yourselfMatthew 23:11-12 (The Message)<br /><br /> "Do you want to stand out? Then step down. Be a servant. If you puff yourself up, you'll get the wind knocked out of you. But if you're content to simply be yourself, your life will count for plenty.<br /><br /> I have to admit that even though I have always been shy, the spotlight has a good <span style="font-style:italic;">feeling</span> that goes along with it. I think that's why this verse stuck out to me today. A caution to me to not look for those spotlight opportunities. I know it's all about your motives, and I do want Gods light to always shine in me and through me. But to "simply be yourself" <span style="font-weight:bold;">is</span> the key. Be who He made you to be, don't try to be someone else. God made you just right, and He LOVES you!Starhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14771996222538459082noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20434475.post-75914987599139521712009-01-08T08:11:00.000-08:002009-01-08T08:42:21.254-08:00My Folder<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKMHj4uA6gup0BBYjh9KN0nKMQ2EWzw22_kpE09Gd44OQ8utbWC0YAZPnSpai4qcT_7ksHNcHfiEh2kHbE7lRLAq8jE4nhtMvCX9JHrpiRkm2wGsq3yeto1M-dBnjcJD02aoaCww/s1600-h/HMfolder.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKMHj4uA6gup0BBYjh9KN0nKMQ2EWzw22_kpE09Gd44OQ8utbWC0YAZPnSpai4qcT_7ksHNcHfiEh2kHbE7lRLAq8jE4nhtMvCX9JHrpiRkm2wGsq3yeto1M-dBnjcJD02aoaCww/s320/HMfolder.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288961885267000482" /></a><br />I have to give God some glory, so here goes... This week we started back with Homemakers(a "small group" that happens every week, I may have mentioned it), and I couldn't find my folder. Everything is in my folder, notes, lists, everything! All evening I looked for it, but couldn't find it. Frustrating, to say the least! I ended up going to Homemakers without it.<br /> When I came home I really wanted to find it, so (why I didn't do it right away, I don't know) I prayed. I said "Lord you know where that folder is so please help me find it", and do you know, I walked right over to where it was and found it! It couldn't have been easier, unless it walked up to me and jumped up on my lap. God is so good. So, the next time you need some direction, what will you do? <br />Just ask!<br /><br />John 14:14 (The Message)<br /><br /> 11-14"Believe me: I am in my Father and my Father is in me. If you can't believe that, believe what you see—these works. The person who trusts me will not only do what I'm doing but even greater things, because I, on my way to the Father, am giving you the same work to do that I've been doing. You can count on it. From now on, whatever you request along the lines of who I am and what I am doing, I'll do it. That's how the Father will be seen for who he is in the Son. I mean it. Whatever you request in this way, I'll do.Starhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14771996222538459082noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20434475.post-87873037239273061462009-01-07T08:48:00.000-08:002009-01-07T09:51:39.291-08:00A New Year<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSpIpJbafFYW_fqucqH6LUTQCtS8U1RBzlBEEwi_w_RajJSzO7nD15L3M03uo-pGrLBCZ9J80kXfsSptGOKWsiy15bSwLw162_4hTROwVaRSFlqGgVBj2qCyTMVpWk9JpUpuwzuQ/s1600-h/IMG_1717.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSpIpJbafFYW_fqucqH6LUTQCtS8U1RBzlBEEwi_w_RajJSzO7nD15L3M03uo-pGrLBCZ9J80kXfsSptGOKWsiy15bSwLw162_4hTROwVaRSFlqGgVBj2qCyTMVpWk9JpUpuwzuQ/s320/IMG_1717.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288596573895216770" /></a><br />Jeremiah 29:11 MSG ~ I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.<br /><br /> Good News for a New Year!Starhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14771996222538459082noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20434475.post-5890334058936447522008-12-26T08:13:00.000-08:002008-12-26T08:35:25.308-08:00Merry ChristmasPsalm 37:7 Be still and rest in the Lord; wait for Him and patiently lean yourself upon Him...<br /><br /> A friend of mine told me a "story" about being on a plane in a holding pattern.<br /> Not a fun place to be. <br /> She related it to how we can get ourselves so worked up about "life". Worrying over the "hows" and "whens" and "whys".<br /> I have felt like that. When I feel like that, who am I trusting in? Myself, and my ability to do something about the "situation". Can I <span style="font-weight:bold;">do</span> anything, really? I can <span style="font-weight:bold;">do</span> as the verse here says, be still.<br />It's the best thing we can <span style="font-weight:bold;">do</span>. <br />I pray the New Year brings all the blessings you can imagine, with loveStarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14771996222538459082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20434475.post-6315845644357120752008-11-27T08:11:00.000-08:002008-11-27T08:12:10.695-08:00HAPPY THANKSGIVING everyone!!Starhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14771996222538459082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20434475.post-80857704454430653582008-11-08T08:05:00.000-08:002008-11-08T08:32:52.462-08:00God loves me<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV3ikzewm71yi9kpnBA8sNV0RSAZkTCkC9FXrRj_HYfE9EMr1cn5TGb5_GlOvdv302UG2h-8WecuUmDjXI699mS4x2rkQe9WuMoSLOG1xfbXUsxyjr2QXUM11Pa1l3MXcSXh9Wqw/s1600-h/MexicanCalendarGirlCover.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 248px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV3ikzewm71yi9kpnBA8sNV0RSAZkTCkC9FXrRj_HYfE9EMr1cn5TGb5_GlOvdv302UG2h-8WecuUmDjXI699mS4x2rkQe9WuMoSLOG1xfbXUsxyjr2QXUM11Pa1l3MXcSXh9Wqw/s320/MexicanCalendarGirlCover.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266319871959413266" /></a><br /><br />This is how this verse makes me feel, happy!<br />True confession. I have had a skewed picture of myself (in my mind). This week Renee spoke about how much God loves us. She gave examples from her own experience. It made me sad, at first, to hear her talk about her feelings about herself. But I realized I had some of those same feelings about myself. I think it made God sad, to hear it. When God made me He said "it is good!", who am I to argue? But when it comes down to daily life, do I believe it? Not always. <br />This self acceptance needs to be reality. It affects every one of our relationships. I want to have healthy relationships. When we do,(really believe how much God loves us) we will truly have the Glory of God manifest in our life.<br />So here I am Lord, saying, I'm glad you made me the way I am, I'm thankful for all my seen and unseen blessings, and for the gifts You have placed in my life, I purpose to use them for Your glory, to make sure everyone knows just how much You love them too!<br /><br /><br />Ephesians 1:4 (The Message)<br /><br /><br />The God of Glory<br /> 3-6How blessed is God! And what a blessing he is! He's the Father of our Master, Jesus Christ, and takes us to the high places of blessing in him. Long before he laid down earth's foundations, <span style="font-weight:bold;">he had us in mind</span>, had settled on us as the focus of his love,<span style="font-weight:bold;"> to be made whole and holy by his love</span>. Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ. <span style="font-weight:bold;">(What pleasure he took in planning this!)</span> He wanted us to enter into the celebration of his lavish gift-giving by the hand of his beloved Son.Starhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14771996222538459082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20434475.post-11728414269950883972008-11-03T10:18:00.000-08:002008-11-03T11:03:11.453-08:00I was tagged by my dear friend Tammy- I've linked to her blog- She is a mighty woman of God, and has some mighty cute kids!<br /><br />Here's how it works.1) Link to the person who tagged you.2) Post the rules on your blog (copy and paste 1-6).3) Write 6 random things about yourself (see below).4) Tag 6 people at the end of your post and link to them.5) Let each person know they have been tagged and leave a comment on their blog.6) Let the tagger know when your entry is up.<br /><br />1) In this lifetime I've considered being a nurse, a baker and landscape designer.<br />2) I would love to own a successful business.<br />3) I was born and have lived most of my life in Minnesota, but have also lived in Florida (which I lovingly call my 6 mo. "vacation"(it was nothing of the sort!) I had a 2 and a half year old AND a 4 mo. old baby and by the time we left, was pregnant with our 3rd. Evan (the baby) cried non stop the whole time, until we came home to MN, when he promptly stopped. But, don't get me wrong it wasn't ALL bad.<br />4) When I was a girl, my parents, who were both disabled, took us on many summer road trip vacations, camping along the way. I still have fond memories, of helping set up camp.<br />5) I have also daydreamed of giving away everything and traveling across America with my family in an RV.<br />6) My prayer is that we would find the right "job" and that we would be able to see our children and grandchildren (that live far away) more. Though I love them one and all!<br /><br />I have tagged these wonderful women and friends!<br /><br /><br />Ella Bella<br />The Sparrow Talks<br />El Norteno<br />Happy Wife of Eliud<br />This is my Life<br />Renee BurtStarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14771996222538459082noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20434475.post-48768208954227387022008-11-01T07:50:00.001-07:002008-11-01T08:25:53.929-07:00Halloween<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjipTHxK9vI5XOFkc5MQUhpjSQxDU5WfABconesvlXb1oRJu1W7snZLoAmP7ZVT6An1l6tTXpoYmFrFLDXhudtrl-TI7dXn1sz9UMiGctv4fr5f8qIBTxHK3p_ToxEyBYeInj6Tcg/s1600-h/kiss2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjipTHxK9vI5XOFkc5MQUhpjSQxDU5WfABconesvlXb1oRJu1W7snZLoAmP7ZVT6An1l6tTXpoYmFrFLDXhudtrl-TI7dXn1sz9UMiGctv4fr5f8qIBTxHK3p_ToxEyBYeInj6Tcg/s320/kiss2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263703090637376258" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIkxMWwByHC2DjNkLnBFly6S5mx2uohE-wiIFDJze_gSTx16x3BfSJiwUK9FzwSUGJIhdMUZ0xV8QbctK8XWRAszDXkYWFCbtonCKU0WcA8nhgKJHw3fTpRzTyHDWmfTTYHJgS_Q/s1600-h/2008%232.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIkxMWwByHC2DjNkLnBFly6S5mx2uohE-wiIFDJze_gSTx16x3BfSJiwUK9FzwSUGJIhdMUZ0xV8QbctK8XWRAszDXkYWFCbtonCKU0WcA8nhgKJHw3fTpRzTyHDWmfTTYHJgS_Q/s320/2008%232.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263703081091545362" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkraTej_2mrMDwpgPsyJbZL3v5BQMsoa9AnTg85n8K5nMhBli9ljcDt872BV4_WyticyVdvE_X53QoOyHD_SGFY5kvAoPd8vi5xpE9sqZuQLGBbqZYxtMAX9JKNKUOB188rMQ2rw/s1600-h/pirate+wenches.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkraTej_2mrMDwpgPsyJbZL3v5BQMsoa9AnTg85n8K5nMhBli9ljcDt872BV4_WyticyVdvE_X53QoOyHD_SGFY5kvAoPd8vi5xpE9sqZuQLGBbqZYxtMAX9JKNKUOB188rMQ2rw/s320/pirate+wenches.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263703072848974162" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDJ2oYdwqqtiGtdBM1TmX-6vb41_Ot0f8YGEdWpzMyBZMCcfvvR_wSlBmJqJMHhdn_hDacW4nOC2GS9xJox3dTRRpg7zauWiItNNHGTCaOnwsxGK8L7isOQjZGCHLt_ZL0c4nluA/s1600-h/starpirate.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDJ2oYdwqqtiGtdBM1TmX-6vb41_Ot0f8YGEdWpzMyBZMCcfvvR_wSlBmJqJMHhdn_hDacW4nOC2GS9xJox3dTRRpg7zauWiItNNHGTCaOnwsxGK8L7isOQjZGCHLt_ZL0c4nluA/s320/starpirate.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263703066456552082" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGKMeRa0yg0sgtSwrGpFI91O5O9AcfEhhatFqbTqfYmhE6QqNfrIuQMXQfbGtIuGNlOMxaI4zMCx4zVAcXeObZtToXVxtajjR94yGh4BXobgxMFFDxgQjcsUiteihCNcwgUEBfbQ/s1600-h/Kiss+shoes.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGKMeRa0yg0sgtSwrGpFI91O5O9AcfEhhatFqbTqfYmhE6QqNfrIuQMXQfbGtIuGNlOMxaI4zMCx4zVAcXeObZtToXVxtajjR94yGh4BXobgxMFFDxgQjcsUiteihCNcwgUEBfbQ/s320/Kiss+shoes.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263708547395253042" /></a><br /><br />O.K. I dressed up for Halloween! It was fun. For weeks we have been discussing costumes. At first the boys wanted to be commandos. Now, I didn't really have a problem with it except that they wanted to carry air soft guns. And I was pretty sure our neighbors wouldn't care for that. As it turned out, they didn't go to even one of our neighbors homes. We ended up in Fridley where the Browns live. But back to the planning phase... My suggestion was, be a band. I knew they would all want to be together anyway, and they all already have the "look". But of course they went extreme, KISS. With a little help from my dear friend Elizabeth, we did a shopping trip to "Savers" and found shoes, clothing and wigs, then we did some alterations of the clothing. It finally all came together last night. And I think it all came together quite well. They got some nice comments on their outfits, had they gone to a party, they would have won. I pretty sure it will be their last year going house to house.<br /> Elizabeth and I were pirate wenches, as last minute costumes. The weather turned out a bit chilly, but the kids were fine without coats, though I needed one.<br />All in all we had a great time! <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguAkJ_Eh8RwogAfXaP7FhaRqMrdGUNRtKUWJv-5kXTByz4Z-kE_XZaaRtRKndNyPAGYby9HLI52gynHrsjbFBtye35ckIwuyOIo_-5BMUJ0dIgw6iNk_D30yqk_K3qfTZdrxjsjA/s1600-h/zombie+family.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguAkJ_Eh8RwogAfXaP7FhaRqMrdGUNRtKUWJv-5kXTByz4Z-kE_XZaaRtRKndNyPAGYby9HLI52gynHrsjbFBtye35ckIwuyOIo_-5BMUJ0dIgw6iNk_D30yqk_K3qfTZdrxjsjA/s320/zombie+family.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263709959846668738" /></a><br />Oh and here is Evan and Ginny and Liberty. I was at their house early in the day, babysitting, so I had to have a picture. Aren't they cute!( It's from my cell phone, so it's not that great, sorry)Starhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14771996222538459082noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20434475.post-27454978308996190832008-10-21T13:20:00.000-07:002008-10-21T13:28:31.147-07:00Card<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIrOlknwvziVBhR_9TNAxQwE4-HHhOtIIWygMTD3pSEkDTBngOzK0frfzMEvdQvLboQX27CG80HsuSDvVarh5nATKlS_EBk736t3FBvcz1GGuxiTt4SM9k8qI3Qyj_PkvpU_gY9g/s1600-h/Mom+card.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIrOlknwvziVBhR_9TNAxQwE4-HHhOtIIWygMTD3pSEkDTBngOzK0frfzMEvdQvLboQX27CG80HsuSDvVarh5nATKlS_EBk736t3FBvcz1GGuxiTt4SM9k8qI3Qyj_PkvpU_gY9g/s320/Mom+card.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259705234590306546" /></a><br />I took a picture I had, of my Mom (from when she was young) and made a card from it as a tribute to her. I miss her and love her always. She's been gone for awhile (2001). I spent alot of time with her those last few years, and I'm so glad. She was not only my Mom but she was also my friend.Starhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14771996222538459082noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20434475.post-49632602808115854892008-10-17T11:15:00.000-07:002008-10-17T11:37:47.388-07:00New puppy and end of the garden<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkxf7oN_PN1p-YoJVjrJ93pNZTAJ_TfdIWH7UYWFwHlHtvFQFHoeSiikP98fN4-tVSKb9Vosb5trB-MHXfWbKsngpzJ8RzFqwwheOM6ZKMd70oTR00ziD4p-9theQO6zaNzqRh-w/s1600-h/IMG_1163.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkxf7oN_PN1p-YoJVjrJ93pNZTAJ_TfdIWH7UYWFwHlHtvFQFHoeSiikP98fN4-tVSKb9Vosb5trB-MHXfWbKsngpzJ8RzFqwwheOM6ZKMd70oTR00ziD4p-9theQO6zaNzqRh-w/s320/IMG_1163.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258193634691037106" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6j7VrHKONfX8OjcJxu4dIVq1t1FOIWHpZrRziIrXD0-ME19pT-lfFCsdB4gZzYm-YJSZBkuIGVckQ6w7vJ0jaH5bG3YIK5s9g3RqaM-tdXA0u84ysT_ifZBH9ru779EJLAdcIcA/s1600-h/IMG_1156.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6j7VrHKONfX8OjcJxu4dIVq1t1FOIWHpZrRziIrXD0-ME19pT-lfFCsdB4gZzYm-YJSZBkuIGVckQ6w7vJ0jaH5bG3YIK5s9g3RqaM-tdXA0u84ysT_ifZBH9ru779EJLAdcIcA/s320/IMG_1156.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258193639003006466" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6t5993ow3EfaQnWJaLEqOirp5s4JJ_uoSHXfF4K56d8OuAzpk75GCOrXIgns71zhyphenhyphenMPuEC8pDXCV4Zu-xJwDef_GhuW6sKs2gPIpXUFBGP_Rfumr4SMgCPPfpEsh3Gk4yReYoxg/s1600-h/IMG_1161.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6t5993ow3EfaQnWJaLEqOirp5s4JJ_uoSHXfF4K56d8OuAzpk75GCOrXIgns71zhyphenhyphenMPuEC8pDXCV4Zu-xJwDef_GhuW6sKs2gPIpXUFBGP_Rfumr4SMgCPPfpEsh3Gk4yReYoxg/s320/IMG_1161.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258193644856200098" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHUFDk1PAOL7VZF_qATi5jF8mPnzvqFYgWYf_TcYshd8x6fGXjYzBiK07dJnHbnr5XCW0hFvrsTp7bS-O2ivPmk_rUUR_v4-pTGTwW3JhE4BbvQ3lna0eAGBH-JLQrjgudSna4iA/s1600-h/IMG_1167.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHUFDk1PAOL7VZF_qATi5jF8mPnzvqFYgWYf_TcYshd8x6fGXjYzBiK07dJnHbnr5XCW0hFvrsTp7bS-O2ivPmk_rUUR_v4-pTGTwW3JhE4BbvQ3lna0eAGBH-JLQrjgudSna4iA/s320/IMG_1167.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258193650265555874" /></a><br />We finally were able to meet Scotts new puppy Dottie. She is a 12 week old pug mix and cute as a button. <br /> While we were there Scott dug his carrots, from the garden. Not a huge patch but plenty for a couple of meals. We tasted one and they were sweet and crunchy. There were also plenty of cherry tomatoes and a few peppers ready to eat. We still haven't had that first freeze, but I think we're on borrowed time as far as the garden goes. Katie has a picture of Scott with a rake standing in the garden, so I'll have to put that one up too (when we upload it from her camera).Starhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14771996222538459082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20434475.post-49077729655437685002008-10-13T08:44:00.001-07:002008-10-13T08:46:42.372-07:00Manna<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYVRxCKReqeAKNucm8N3NfvIPDvernsddcNzhLv8jg_07XvETYBaCEb3CxgkeVS-yAoNbIVwqm3-jVtXkUAeDWL34x9RHtRDyfWp0YEYBh-PCbCaPxhIS3z1zqpX-7eZg_ht35-A/s1600-h/fallPhotos+048.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYVRxCKReqeAKNucm8N3NfvIPDvernsddcNzhLv8jg_07XvETYBaCEb3CxgkeVS-yAoNbIVwqm3-jVtXkUAeDWL34x9RHtRDyfWp0YEYBh-PCbCaPxhIS3z1zqpX-7eZg_ht35-A/s320/fallPhotos+048.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256665338004271522" /></a><br /><br />Acts 18:10 (Amplified Bible)<br /><br />" For I am with you, and no man shall assault you to harm you, FOR I HAVE MANY PEOPLE IN THIS CITY."<br /><br />We have to remember we're not outnumbered. Sometimes this world seems so evil, we feel outnumbered. And don't get me wrong, I believe we still have a lot of work to do for the Lord, but it's all about what we think is true.<br /> Yesterday I was listening to some people talk about President Lincoln and his general, General George B. McClellan. Now McClellan was a good man, but many times he didn't believe he should win or even could win. In his mind he was outnumbered. Before we can have any impact we must believe we are conquerors, we are the winners. Now Say- I am a winner!"Starhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14771996222538459082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20434475.post-84175935724767177222008-10-01T07:52:00.000-07:002008-10-02T07:21:59.484-07:00manna<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxDvtiP3Kj96-iL_iI2tE_Nv3AO_SoOPSDp7Eek6Tx37NPj79Vtz8Vay5OFE7SxlPW8piwd9QuQ4g4UqOAQTZOyW-a7fpoMMnTX4kXoryTvX6Qx8laOCXgvquHJsZqO5B-Id4L9g/s1600-h/girlbr.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxDvtiP3Kj96-iL_iI2tE_Nv3AO_SoOPSDp7Eek6Tx37NPj79Vtz8Vay5OFE7SxlPW8piwd9QuQ4g4UqOAQTZOyW-a7fpoMMnTX4kXoryTvX6Qx8laOCXgvquHJsZqO5B-Id4L9g/s320/girlbr.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252200593417851314" /></a><br /><br />Here is a new card. I picked up some Cosmo Cricket paper, I love it and it inspires me. They have a website, check it out! http://cosmocricket.com/ and also Paper Whimsy, http://www.paperwhimsy.com<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The Message (MSG)<br /><br /><br />Isaiah 40.27-31<br /><br /> 27-31Why would you ever complain, O Jacob,<br /> or, whine, Israel, saying,<br />"God has lost track of me.<br /> He doesn't care what happens to me"?<br />Don't you know anything? Haven't you been listening?<br />God doesn't come and go. God lasts.<br /> He's Creator of all you can see or imagine.<br />He doesn't get tired out, doesn't pause to catch his breath.<br /> And he knows everything, inside and out.<br />He energizes those who get tired,<br /> gives fresh strength to dropouts.<br />For even young people tire and drop out,<br /> young folk in their prime stumble and fall.<br />But those who wait upon God get fresh strength.<br /> They spread their wings and soar like eagles,<br />They run and don't get tired,<br /> they walk and don't lag behind. <br /><br />God wants us to look to Him, trust Him. Here's another website to visit-<br />http://smallgroups.lwcc.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=51&Itemid=146<br /><br />My friend and leader Renee Burt. She's the BEST!" Renees Daily Scripture".Starhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14771996222538459082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20434475.post-30989733605115688912008-09-06T09:06:00.000-07:002008-09-06T09:24:32.736-07:00We're not quitters!Hebrews 10:22-25(Message)<br /> "So let's do it—full of belief, confident that we're presentable inside and out. Let's keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. Let's see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching."<br /> <br /> My manna for today. That phrase "Let's keep a firm grip" made me think of my manna from the other day, about holding on to God's promises with both hands.<br />And vs.39 <br />"But we're not quitters who lose out. Oh, no! We'll stay with it and survive, trusting all the way."<br /> That's what I want to do, Keep a firm grip on what I believe and stick with it all the way.<br /> Sometimes it seems so hard. Yes, but really what <span style="font-weight:bold;">seems</span> hard and what <span style="font-weight:bold;">is</span> hard are two very different things. It says earlier on in the chapter about how God feels when we turn our back on His sacrifice. <br /> "what do you think will happen if you turn on God's Son, spit on the sacrifice that made you whole, and insult this most gracious Spirit?"<br /> Now <span style="font-weight:bold;">that</span> would be hard. Facing the Most Holy God, after turning your back on the One Who loved you enough to give His Own life? But that is what we do when we doubt.<br /> Oh, no, it's not too hard for me to stay on track and survive, trusting all the way!Starhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14771996222538459082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20434475.post-60379396748649572502008-09-03T08:17:00.000-07:002008-09-03T08:33:14.974-07:00September<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH-MBssth_IDyk0dj8Lhdv4A1v38QriZ42ei9MYwKKMMw5AR2ofAbdDp0x47-0PHF77Sn2pAg4u8DTTkYEy76usY4Ub7__YcJ8zG-Uy3jnU2pcdw3l1EPRfFZA9_SPmLRX2DdRKg/s1600-h/csm.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH-MBssth_IDyk0dj8Lhdv4A1v38QriZ42ei9MYwKKMMw5AR2ofAbdDp0x47-0PHF77Sn2pAg4u8DTTkYEy76usY4Ub7__YcJ8zG-Uy3jnU2pcdw3l1EPRfFZA9_SPmLRX2DdRKg/s320/csm.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241818518670406914" /></a><br />Hebrews 6.18-20 (the Message) <span style="font-weight:bold;">We who have run for our very lives to God have every reason to grab the promised hope with both hands and never let go</span>. It's an unbreakable spiritual lifeline, reaching past all appearances right to the very presence of God where Jesus, running on ahead of us, has taken up his permanent post as high priest for us, in the order of Melchizedek.<br /><br /> I read this today and it made me think of my feelings recently.<br /> Scottie came through once again. There were a couple of times when I was doing just that, holding on with both hands to the promise God gave me.<br />John 4:50 (The Message)<br /><br /> Jesus simply replied, "Go home. Your son lives."<br /><br /> The man believed the bare word Jesus spoke and headed home. On his way back, his servants intercepted him and announced, "Your son lives!" <br /><br /> But Scottie is good! No more pacemaker, no wires! That is victory. <br /> I went over this week to his house and helped make salsa . Pretty much everything came from the garden! I wish I had a picture, but I don't.But we're not finished yet putting things in jars, so I'll get one.<br /> I hope you all had a great Labor day. We did, Dave and I spent it together at the MN state fair. It was great, a perfect day.Starhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14771996222538459082noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20434475.post-14726853050487415652008-08-12T12:31:00.000-07:002008-08-13T11:51:41.125-07:00The Irish Fair<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY4mNYK3qsaulnkuDAkqlDxt8HFY9KyuZp27NBmtaS99xZBxL6RSeUFKTUzqakY3uHurhJOw8eLiqN8T-RduogtuBZBQ_1UG0JMS7cQtDlpE_-0RHZyWch3NLCbVHddj0i73O6aQ/s1600-h/Irish+Fair+2008+019.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY4mNYK3qsaulnkuDAkqlDxt8HFY9KyuZp27NBmtaS99xZBxL6RSeUFKTUzqakY3uHurhJOw8eLiqN8T-RduogtuBZBQ_1UG0JMS7cQtDlpE_-0RHZyWch3NLCbVHddj0i73O6aQ/s320/Irish+Fair+2008+019.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233766547605649778" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij32oqR71QCzqaGWP0WxPHDvRaDJcnrAqEfyFpf6-d1KBSk0tuuKYWP0JSiQzuEbOjWKnfXbBU8VQqWk0V06hFWauhZ4KraODUDHTIhc3D0MgFkt37-yOMC_nW3qFjdQ9ttDwkyA/s1600-h/Irish+Fair+2008+016.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij32oqR71QCzqaGWP0WxPHDvRaDJcnrAqEfyFpf6-d1KBSk0tuuKYWP0JSiQzuEbOjWKnfXbBU8VQqWk0V06hFWauhZ4KraODUDHTIhc3D0MgFkt37-yOMC_nW3qFjdQ9ttDwkyA/s320/Irish+Fair+2008+016.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233766558185376690" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-SLScRraL7KvdjmiGlv0RZiIa_ZnmX0VBI1yNSqoe5hF9eEn5gIv9Z_07HRES6Rikj5hK6o2BoxevzkUfT8Got7RCCwibtAEULtY8XJxOjj5swSGMqHxflHUEdM9O4Mcxn9-FRA/s1600-h/Irish+Fair+2008+003.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-SLScRraL7KvdjmiGlv0RZiIa_ZnmX0VBI1yNSqoe5hF9eEn5gIv9Z_07HRES6Rikj5hK6o2BoxevzkUfT8Got7RCCwibtAEULtY8XJxOjj5swSGMqHxflHUEdM9O4Mcxn9-FRA/s320/Irish+Fair+2008+003.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233766566690898370" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0kpFe_XbJNsqyuOSRutPnKtRzdHQLmLVPiBnk1oE7Ta25pAt2rFtLxbQDMhcOY5jd4_JBtfL4JZHEpEIUSefQoaYM8EW_4i9Lc3ks2PKPzQx8bZyt6CH3PWpJk4bSgL-vWVpHcA/s1600-h/Irish+Fair+2008+017.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0kpFe_XbJNsqyuOSRutPnKtRzdHQLmLVPiBnk1oE7Ta25pAt2rFtLxbQDMhcOY5jd4_JBtfL4JZHEpEIUSefQoaYM8EW_4i9Lc3ks2PKPzQx8bZyt6CH3PWpJk4bSgL-vWVpHcA/s320/Irish+Fair+2008+017.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233766575149436626" /></a><br />There were lots of fun things to do at the fair. Terry and Shelley entered photos they took on one of their trips to Ireland, and Terry won 3rd place. She was so excited.<br />There were dog breeds of Ireland. The St. Paul bagpipe band performed. Also Brooks and Jackie designed and ordered shirts for us. They had the McCoy motto, "with a strong hand" and in the back they had "Clan MacKay" .It was really fun matching.<br />I have a few more pics I will add when I get the chance.Starhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14771996222538459082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20434475.post-16950517032905111922008-08-06T08:18:00.001-07:002008-08-06T08:33:14.841-07:00Some new pictures<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-_RVecnnAbTxyf9t0KXsbwmMOrfPA45yiCCvW7CZKyJTZhyTzd2U3K6ikr539w4JVOGWFie3enUMqM360qFhBqRx2seB2yaJWJbuzUIBVVMMgVH25Z7n8xPsOtdZzOqOGccXk3g/s1600-h/white+lilly+005.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-_RVecnnAbTxyf9t0KXsbwmMOrfPA45yiCCvW7CZKyJTZhyTzd2U3K6ikr539w4JVOGWFie3enUMqM360qFhBqRx2seB2yaJWJbuzUIBVVMMgVH25Z7n8xPsOtdZzOqOGccXk3g/s320/white+lilly+005.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231425301584677218" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieK7zFtWktJCavPAmAobvqyXzkkDkOs7bydaOsm0LfsXDw1Q5rppUOa2hwJDQDVbbcowuV0pDCd0jAaHjWpx2fvIQyNRZ0ZvRZ2cLqGS9oSdjnYwJBWuIIq_Ks885g6Iz_Bi1oRQ/s1600-h/stargazer+lilly+002.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieK7zFtWktJCavPAmAobvqyXzkkDkOs7bydaOsm0LfsXDw1Q5rppUOa2hwJDQDVbbcowuV0pDCd0jAaHjWpx2fvIQyNRZ0ZvRZ2cLqGS9oSdjnYwJBWuIIq_Ks885g6Iz_Bi1oRQ/s320/stargazer+lilly+002.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231425310289003954" /></a><br />A couple of lilies that opened, one, when I was gone and one just yesterday.<br />My manna today was from Matthew 10.29-31,Here it is from the Message. <br /> "What's the price of a pet canary? Some loose change, right? And God cares what happens to it even more than you do. He pays even greater attention to you, down to the last detail—even numbering the hairs on your head! So don't be intimidated by all this bully talk. You're worth more than a million canaries". <br /> The Amplified says "Fear not, then you are of more value than many sparrows" <br /> I am so thankful the Lord put that in there. He cares about us and watches over us. WHATEVER it is! Jobs, kids, friends, Life, He knows it all.<br /> I'm glad to be home. Here to enjoy the beautiful weather and summer. Fall will be here all to soon. There are LOTS of great things about fall, there's just something about summer that I'm not quite ready to give up.Starhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14771996222538459082noreply@blogger.com0