January 15, 2012

The wind is blowing and it has rained most of the day.  Sounds and looks like the storm they talked about is on its way.  Praying that the coastal range will be dry or at least just rainy wet when we drive over it on Thursday!  I am such a white-knuckle driver in wintery weather!

Our life this week:

Since is a blustery winter day, I am glad to stay home cozy and warm.  Dick went to the park to watch the waves.  I am so thankful that he turned his drinking addiction over to the Lord and we are on our way into year two of no alcohol!!!   Thank you Jesus.

Last Sunday was our 7th year anniversary.  It has been an interesting and wonderful journey.  Last year of course almost losing Dick twice has kept me on my toes.  We are both so happy and content, even though we wish it were different and that health was not an issue. 

This morning we finished 1 Thessalonians chapter 3.  Reminds us not to get too *comfy* in our walk with the Lord.  We are to continue to seek, grow and learn!  That seems pretty easy for me, since I do not feel I can ever get enough of the Word.  Each time I read the same verse or chapter something new pierces my heart and I am once again overwhelmed and feel like my cup runneth over again and again.

Bible Study:
My new bible study with Cathie Laurie called *Pursuing God* is taking me through the Psalms!  Lesson 1 was Psalms 25, Lesson 2 was Psalms 96.  I finished that one last night.  It did not *sing* out to me as much as Lesson 1, but I know I am pursuing God and that is my intention.

Here is my summary:

This lesson shows me the importance of singing praises to the Lord and what an honor it is I have to be able to do that.

To sing to the Lord in thankfullness of the blessings he bestows upon me (including my salvation).

To sing is the opportunity to proclaim the Good News of Salvation.

To sing in declaration of His Glory.

God is so great!  Wow to think He made the Heavens.

What a privilege to sing to him praises for His honor, majesty, strength and beauty.

He alone is worth of my songs of praise.  He is coming soon to judge the eath with

righteousness and with His truth!

Verse of the day:

For He is coming, for He is coming to judge the earth.  He shall judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with His truth.  Psalm 96:13

My Pearl of the Day:
Once again, I think it is just cotton candy sweet to know that God chose me.  That I remain eager to learn and be used.  I am just needing to declare my love for God!


Picture of the day

Today Lisa is taking Dani out for *sister day*.  It was Lisa's Christmas present to Dani.  Brunch, movie, snacks .... just a day together.  I love my family so much and am so proud of these two nieces!  Lord, I pray you just bring them joy today as they make memories!

January 13, 2012

The sun is shining and it is a beautiful wintery day.  Just got home from my weekly shopping trip and Dick has gone out for a ride and to the park to watch the ocean.
Our life this week:
Dick is having trouble sleeping.  I think it the stress of not knowing what the results will be from the CT Urogram he had yesterday.  We both pray and try to live the life of trusting and believing that our path is exactly what the Lord has planned for us.  I guess it is just that human trait to hang on and worry.  I don't sleep well either.   I sleep so lightly listening for any problems Dick might have.

Our reading this morning from 1 Thessalonians 3 actually was what we needed to hear - Praise God for His wisdom to have us at these verses this morning!  It talked about the fiery trials we must face and that we must face them with joy.  They don't make or break us, they show what is inside us.  I like that!  In the past, I have found myself reading the bible and thinking that so and so should read this, it is definitely for them.  This year I am reading it with ME in mind only.  I have not been the least bit afraid of the results we will hear on Thursday.  I guess for me it is a joy that I face these trials.  It was interesting that Jon C. pointed out that sometimes the trials are to show what inside of you ... like anger.  If you are angry with someone ... it is not that you are really angry with that person ... the anger is just there inside of you.  The Lord may give you a test to show you the anger in you.  If you are walking with Him you will learn this .... He has such amazing ways of showing you those things.


Bible Study:
My new bible study with Cathie Laurie called *Pursuing God* is heart warming!  I finished lesson 1 which is based on Psalm 25.  

Here is my summary:
The study is helping me to listen to the Lord, live the lessons I learn from His Word.  I will give attention with intention to obey what He is saying to me.

Show me your ways! Teach me your paths!  Lead me in Your truths!

My help only comes from God.  I can only trust God's character.  God will deliver me.

God is merciful, loving, kind, everlasting, trustworthy, forgiving, the refresher of my soul, my leader, my teacher, committed to me, good, upright, my savior, a promise keeper, my friend, the one who chose me, the planner of my path.


Verse of the day:
My eyes are ever toward the Lord for He shall pluck my feet out of the net.
Psalm 25:15

My Pearl of the Day:
God never tires.  He is there with me every second of every day for everything!  The reality of that takes me to my knees.  He is committed to me.  He chose me. 
I read somewhere and I think it might have come from DL Moody and went something like this:
I am glad God chose me before I was born, if I had lived for awhile I am sure I would not have been His choice.


Picture of the day
With my care for Dick, I have had to stay pretty close to him, thus inactive and have gained
all the weight I lost before ... so now I am taking just 15 minute walks and watching what I eat, so ...

Not really!   I just thought this was so cute!
Praying you all have a wonderful day safe in the arms of our Lord!

January 12, 2012

January 12, 2012

Where did the time go?  I was going to be so faithful to my blogging and it has been almost a month.  I am going to use a new format and hope you will enjoy.  To be honest it is more for me, my daily life with my precious husband and my walk with the Lord!

Our life this week:
Mornings are my favorite time with Dick.  We go through our regular routines, then set aside time to read the bible and pray together.  There are times when I think of those moments and my heart swells like a hot air balloon! 
We were so impressed with the book of Colossians and the lessons we learned we hated to leave that book, but felt the nudge to go on to 1 Thessalonians.  We are in chapter 2 now.  Dick sits with his eyes closed as I read until he wants to inject a comment!  I love our discussion times and how we can put into practice the lessons the Lord gives us from His word. 

Yesterday, we went to Corvallis for Dick's CT Urogram.  The weather held out and we had a sunny drive with just a bit of frost on the road.  Dick said that yesterday was one of the worse days of his life.  He had to lay flat on his back for almost an hour as they took frame after frame of xrays.  He was hurting so bad that he finally yelled out for help.  If you know Dick, that took some time.  They then placed a pillow under his hip/back and it helped somewhat.  However, by that time he was in so much pain.  We came home had dinner right away and Dick was off to bed.  Now we wait for the results until next week.  We pray that it is just infection related and not cancer.  The Lord's will is what we have prayed for and we know that no matter what the results show, we can handle our path as the Lord lays it out for us.

I have crocheted a baby blanket for Lia and Burt and just can't wait for my brand new great nephew.  This is going to be such an amazing year of events in our family, weddings, births, graduations and reunions!  Thanking God for my precious family.

Bible Study:
I am just starting my new bible study with Cathie Laurie called *Pursuing God*.  Her studies have been so amazing and I am looking forward to this one too.  Thanking God for Cathie!!!

Verse of the day:
For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us ye received it not as the word of man, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe. 1 Thessalonians 2:13

My Pearl of the Day:
God's written Word and the Living Word, Jesus are my truth, my light and my bread!
I have been so thankful for those truths.  God does not have a rear view mirror, He does not look back at any of my sin.  He does not store them up on a shelf to bring them down when I mess up again!  He says that, I believe that He is my truth, my light and my bread!!!

Picture of the day

The man I love at the cabin on the lake in Florence.
I am so proud of Dick.  He has been sober for over
a year now with the help of the Lord it has not been
the struggle it was in the past for him.  Praising God!

A Simple Woman's Day Book

FOR TODAY December 14. 2011 Wednesday

Outside my window ...
I see the signs of winter!

I am thinking...

I so dislike changes.  The TV cable man
is coming today to hook up our HD
and switch our internetto the cable
company ... new things to learn and
new things for Dick to try and learn!

I am thankful ...

for a God who loves and forgives
me over and over again.

From the kitchen...

plans to bake a pumpkin pie this afternoon!

I am creating...

a home filled with the love of God!

Bible Reading with my husband, Dick for today...

Philippians  2:1-16

God's *PEARL* for me today from the bible reading ...

A small pearl from all we read to day!  I must look at
each person as better than me.  I must look into their
lives and see their secret hurts, pains and suffering
so all my animosity will evaporate and I can be filled
with love and compassion for them.  I am to learn
how to truly be a servant and do all things without
complaining or wishing for something different.
I want to move to the valley to be near my family and
better medical assistance, but I need to let God work
this out in His time and learn to live here with joy
and knowing that He has me here for a reason.  WOW
this book should just be read a verse at a time!!!
Thank you God for your Word!!!

Quote for today...

"The course of true love never did run smooth."
William Shakespeare

Green Smoothie for today...

Blueberry, banana and spinach!
My all time favorite.

One of my favorite things...

enjoying the fresh scent of the sea as I walk!

.

A few plans for the rest of the day:

a bath for Pebbles.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

Oh, I don't really mean that ... but God help

me continue on a healthy path of weight loss.

~ ~ ~

Click here to join the group of women journaling with A simple Woman's Daybook, thank you Peggy for the wonderful format!

A Simple Woman's Day Book

FOR TODAY December 13. 2011 Tuesday

Outside my window ...
the skies are still bright and sunny!

I am thinking...

of how much I am going to enjoy my sister,
Shirley and her husband Doug when they
come to visit on thursday ... life is good!

I am thankful ...

for a the lovely gift my sister Juanita sent!

From the kitchen...

the smell of Taco Soup simmering!

I am creating...

a festive and happy home to celebrate the birth of Christ.

Bible Reading with my husband, Dick for today...

Philippians 1:27-30

God's *PEARL* for me today from the bible reading ...

Again so much in just a few verses.  When I read this before, I was
so aware of how Jesus had to rely on God and the Holy Spirit for
all that he did as he walked the earth, not on himself and his divine powers.
  This time it again sparkedthe same awesome feeling.  But today
I felt mores strongly led to the later verses that talked about times
of trouble when I am under the attack of the Enemy I am to have a
single mind - Christ, knowingthat whatever comes my way will be
used by Him to my good and for His glory.  The attack proves that 
I am making an impact and the enemy sees me as a worthy target;
the attack provides an opportunity to show my faith in Christ;
makes me know thatI am still on the right road, that the process of
God working in my life is real and active.

Quote for today...

"There is no remedy for love but to love more."
Henry David Thoreau

I am hearing...

The silence - Dick went for a ride and I love the quiet!

Green Smoothie for today...

Strawberry, banana and romaine!

One of my favorite things...

family coming to visit!!!!

.

A few plans for the rest of the day:

going out to check the motor home, then load garbage
in the pickup to haul later this week.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

My precious Mom ... oh how I miss you.  It has been just

a few days over 5 years that you went to live with Jesus

and at times I feel you so close.  Know that I love you

dearly and always!

~ ~ ~

Click here to join the group of women journaling with A simple Woman's Daybook, thank you Peggy for the wonderful format!

CANNED BAKED BEANS

My project for tomorrow ... I love having these around.  I use to buy Boston Baked Beans, but making your own is so much less expensive and taste wonderful!  I love being a homemaker :)

CANNED BAKED BEANS

For each pint jar (about 8 jars)

1/8 cup diced onion in each jar 
1/3 cup DRY Navy Beans each jar (pint) Soak them overnight
Optional add few pieces of turkey bacon

Sauce:
10 cups V8 tomato juice
4 cloves garlic (you can used paste)
1/2 cup Molasses
1/2 cup Brown sugar
1 teaspoon each: cloves, allspice, mace, cayenne pepper
1 teaspoons mustard powder (dry)
Heat sauce ingredients together.
Pour sauce over already layered onions and navy beans to within 1" of top jar.
Process 75 minutes at 10 pounds pressure (I'm at sea level- adjust pressure to your area)  Enjoy!

~ MONSTER COOKIES ~
4 eggs
1 1/2 cup brown sugar
1 cup white sugar
1 1/2  cup wheat flour
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp maple syrup
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup butter
4 cups rolled oats
2 cups peanut butter
1 cup dark chocolate chips
1 cup peanut butter M & M's


Heat oven to 350 degrees
Beat eggs slightly add remaining ingredients and mix thoughly.
Place dough on cookie sheets in about mounds 2" wide.
Bake for 12-15 minutes.  Let cool slightly before removing
from cookie sheet.   YUMMY