tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82498443937547212462024-03-05T23:15:32.392-06:00The Diary of a Crazy Woman after God's HeartThe rantings and heart-felt testimonies of a simple woman who's thrilled and scared to see where God is leading her and who He's changing her into.alannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01250571155722492715noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8249844393754721246.post-54037099958969577362010-02-24T16:35:00.001-06:002010-02-24T16:37:25.234-06:00Guitar Giveaway!!Are you children musically inclined!!?? Check out this <a href="http://alisa-thesweetlife.blogspot.com/2010/02/super-cool-guitar-giveaway.html">giveaway</a> for a guitar, and enter to possibly win it!!alannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01250571155722492715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8249844393754721246.post-91895491622646592792010-02-24T16:13:00.000-06:002010-02-24T16:15:39.495-06:00What Footwear Do You Have On?God's Cleats<br />24 Feb 2010<br />Rachel Olsen<br /><br />"Wisdom and money can get you almost anything, but only wisdom can save your life." Ecclesiastes 7:12 (NLT)<br /><br />The Vancouver Olympics have me glued to my TV. Figure skating, downhill skiing, snowboarding, even curling - I'll watch most any Olympic sport. I relish the competition, the teamwork, the medal ceremonies, and especially the stories of athletes overcoming odds to perform well.<br /><br />In fact, it reminds me a little of my husband Rick.<br /><br />My husband grew up with a single mother, and very little money. In high school, Rick wanted to try out for track and field – he dreamed of running fast and long, and throwing a javelin. The problem was he didn't have the right shoes, and couldn't afford them. Thank God for good friends and a kind coach.<br />< br>One of Rick's close friends invited Rick over to his house one day and said, "Try these running shoes on. They just don't fit my feet right and I'll never wear them." Rick wasn't sure if J.T. was telling the truth, but the shoes fit Rick fine. Those shoes helped him qualify for the state meet in the 800 meter race.<br /><br />Running shoes allowed Rick to run much faster than his old sneakers would, but he would slip and slide in them while trying to throw the javelin. One day after practice, Rick's coach called him over and held up a big box of cleats. "Here's some unclaimed shoes students left in their lockers at the end of the school year. Find your size if you can." Rick found some that fit and the cleats made all the difference. Even the "crunching" sound they made on the track sent shivers of confidence and purpose up Rick's spine. Rick discovered it's much easier to strive for the goal when your footing is secure.<br /><br />Many athletes dream of standing atop a podium during an awards ceremony with gold medals around their necks. For most, it takes talent, hard work, plus money to get there. But there is an ornament even more valuable than a gold medal. Proverbs 3:21-23 reveals:<br /><br />"My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight; they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck. Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble."<br /><br />Sound judgment and discernment are medals that become ours when we walk in wisdom. Money can take us places, for sure, but it can only take us so far. It provides but a measure of security. Wisdom is the footwear each of us needs to run the race God has set before us. Wisdom will help us make the important trek from this world into eternity.<br /><br />When we walk in His wisdom – in God's cleats – He promises us solid footing. He does not promise a road that is always flat, or a route that is easy to run, but He promises us solid footing no matter the terrain. Wisdom – proper respect for the Lord and His ways – affords us ultimate security. Eternal security. Money can't do that.<br /><br />Rick went on to compete successfully in high school, and on his college cross-country team. He also went on to gain godly wisdom. I'm so thankful for the friends and coaches that ensured Rick had what he needed to run his best.<br /><br />God ensures – through the Bible, His followers, and His Spirit within us – that we each have what we need to run our best as well. He equips us to follow hard after Him. No money is necessary to be well-heeled in God's kingdom. Whether we're wearing nursing shoes, work boots, high heels, hand-me-downs, or flip-flops, we can walk securely by walking wisely.<br /><br />Dear Lord, grant me wisdom and sure footing as I follow after You. I trust You to equip me with all I need. Whatever my path, I believe Your principals can keep me from slipping. You lead, I'll follow. In Jesus' Name, Amen.alannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01250571155722492715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8249844393754721246.post-35806073842569542722010-02-02T15:08:00.001-06:002010-02-02T15:10:21.332-06:00Are you thirsty?In An Ordinary Coffee Shop<br />2 Feb 2010<br />Marybeth Whalen<br /><br />"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." Matthew 5:6 (NIV)<br /><br />I sat down with my cup of green tea and breathed a sigh of relief. My kids were occupied for the morning and I was looking forward to the brief respite that I had coming. Three hours of quiet—no one asking me for anything, no one fighting, no one complaining. Just some good old-fashioned peace and quiet. I planned to make good use of my time by making an appointment to meet with God. But could I trust Him to show up?<br /><br />I had originally planned to use this rare time alone to "get things done." I had even made a list of all that I hoped to accomplish. But after frustration with my kids, angry words exchanged with my husband, and a nagging feeling that something just wasn't right, I felt God whisper to my heart: Put away that list and spend some time with Me. I knew that was exactly what I should do.<br /><br />The coffee shop was far from quiet. Loud jazz music played on the speakers and the voices of patrons and machines intruded on my thoughts at first. Could God speak over all the noise? I pulled out my journal and began to write how I felt, what was on my mind, and asked God to speak to me in the midst of this most ordinary of places.<br /><br />I wrote down that I felt dry, barren, like my soul was cracking from lack of refreshment from Him. I confessed that I had not made time for Him like I should and that my soul felt the gap that had formed. And then I wrote "Speak Lord, for your servant is listening…" and I waited for Him to do just that.<br /><br />I turned the page of my journal to find Psalm 107:9 written at the bottom of the next page: "For he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things." Astonished, I found the verse in my Bible and began to cross reference the word "thirsty." I had come thirsty. I had come dehydrated. I needed Him to water my soul.<br /><br />And He did. Frantically I scribbled what He was speaking through His Word. Again and again that morning I was astonished and amazed by what His Word had to say—the many promises of what He would do for those of us who come thirsty. Two hours later, I closed my Bible and journal with a big smile on my face and a full tank of the joy that can only come from spending time with Abba. Like Moses stumbling upon a burning bush in an ordinary desert, I had had an encounter with the Living God in the midst of a most ordinary place.<br /><br />Do you need Him to meet with you today? Are you wondering if He will keep the appointment? I can promise you that there was nothing special about the way I approached Him. I didn't have a magic formula or extra special direct line to Him. I simply came to Him thirsty—parched and desperate for His living water. I opened up my heart and my life to Him and then I listened to what He had to say. It was that simple and that complex all at the same time. I am grateful that I put away my to-do list, cleared my calendar for that morning and kept the appointment I had made. God showed up and changed my life all over again. All in an ordinary coffee shop.<br /><br />Dear Lord, thank You for being the God Who Is Near. Thank You for meeting with me wherever and whenever I seek You. Thank You for Your word, which speaks to me, reminding me of Your promises and refilling my soul. I need Your living water, Lord. In Jesus' Name, Amen.alannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01250571155722492715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8249844393754721246.post-44654294778325785252009-08-08T12:06:00.004-05:002009-08-08T12:34:44.500-05:00Wow, I'm still hereHoly cow it's been a long time!!! February was the last post!! A lot has happened since then. Nothing extremely exciting, but a lot nonetheless. I'll just touch on the latest thing - a family Reunion on my Mother-in-Law's side. It was absolutely a blast. We stayed at his Uncle and Aunt's ranch in Westcliffe, Co. we roasted marshmellows and made s'mores, 7/8ths of the family hiked the side of a mountain nearby, while those of us with youngins 'hiked' the short trail (3 mins.)and let the kiddos play by or in the stream by the bridge where we were to meet up with the rest of the fam (45 mins. later). The kids were asked by Auntie to look out for walking sticks on the hike because they were going to decorate them later in the weekend. We also had gunny sack races, three-legged races - kids w/kids, kids w/ adults and adults w/ adults; horse races (Auntie had these adorable plush horse 'costumes' that the kids slid on over their shoulders), made gak, lassoed 'bulls', had church in a barn, and decorated the walking sticks, went to Garden of the Gods and went to The Royal Gourge (which we happened to get in free because we went in the south entrance and the woman working that 'gate' was awesome!!!!!) My family and I got to sleep in the Greenery? I can't remember if that's what it is called. We used a Port-a-Potty all weekend, had some yummy food, and saw some family that we hadn't even seen in years. It was nothing short of a blessing!alannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01250571155722492715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8249844393754721246.post-3653869742685086762009-02-25T13:38:00.003-06:002009-02-25T14:35:12.111-06:00Take Back the ReignsI was working on finishing up a Beth Moore study that's been done for quite some time, when I a song washed over me. The lesson that that I last finished was on the Power of the Tongue, how we can use it "to praise our LORD and Father, and use it to curse man." (James 3:9) I have tongue issues, as verse 2 and 8 state, we all do, and at the end of the daily portion of the lesson, it asks you to bring your issues to the LORD and let him know what's on your heart and how He can help. I am a nurturer by default, so much so that I want to fix things, mainly people. Sometimes the only part in their mending I should have is to just be ears, or a shoulder. James 1:19 asks us to take note of this: "to be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." Three areas that are my weakest when it comes to my mouth.<br /><br />Back to the fixing thing. I am utterly and completely guilty of trying to fix my husband. I have been convicted, many times, of being in God's way of growing my husband. This is not a good lesson to be stubborn about learning! I really pray that I would GET OUT OF THE WAY, for good. Not only am I causing myself heartache, but also damaging my relationship with my husband because I think I need to fix it. Are there any doctors who'll staple mouths shut? Sign me up! <br /><br />I love how in James 1:19 the first thing that we are to note is to be "quick to listen." Which if you rearrange the letters also spells SILENT. Not a coincidence. I'm not always the best listener, especially when I get passionate about something. Whether I'm right or not is not the point, it doesn't matter if I don't have love for the other person to listen to what they have to say as well.<br /><br />Now, back to the song that washed over me. One of my past Youth Minister's and his wife made an album and one of the songs on the album is entitled 'Give me the Reigns' and which the words to are:<br /><br />Jesus' time had come to give his life.<br />He said, "Everything will be different now, but that's alright.<br />I will go to Jerusalem and declare who I am. <br />I will go to my Father and prepare the way for man," <br />but Peter said, "No! Lord I know best, give me the reigns.<br />LORD listen to reason this isn't a game<br />I have decided, to give it my all, do it the best<br />show everyone that I'll stand up to the test,<br />do what I can, never will fall, never will stumble, but I'll always stand tall<br />go it alone, never with you, LORD you don't know what I've been going through<br />And I still wonder why it does wrong.<br /><br />Take off your shoes, Moses.<br />He said, "I've chosen you to lead my people.<br />You will go to Pharoah and declare who I am.<br />And I will go there with you and reveal to you my plan,"<br />but Moses said, "No! And I wonder why, when I'm on my own<br />it never turns out the way I planned?<br />LORD, why, when I'm all alone? I just don't understand."<br /><br />Don't make me go, Sprit.<br />There's so much more I need to know about my future.<br />My life seemed so wide open till you came with your call<br />but LORD it's not that simple just to give to you my all<br />I want to say, "Lord you know best, take back the reigns.<br />Lord give me your reasons, I'm living in pain<br />I have decided<br />to give up control, only to you<br />fall on my knees, chasing only what's true<br />take it to heart, learn that I can't<br />find that on you I can depend till the end<br />show you my love, that's all I know<br />LORD, please lead me where you want me to go<br />Jesus oh Jesus, show me your way <br />Show me Your way<br /><br />I often "wonder why." Why "it never turns out the way I planned?" Hmmm, as easy as it is for me to believe satans lies that I'll never get "it" - getting out of the way, so why even bother. I know that I have the victory!!! He that is in me, is greater than he that is in the world! (1 John 4:4) And as long as I'm faithful to the One "who began a good work in me," He will be faithful to "carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus" <br /><br />I pray that I would see the obstacles in my life, not as discouraging stumbling blocks, but as empowering spring boards. I can either chose to praise my LORD and Father or curse man with my tongue, "As for me and my household, we will serve the LORD!" (Joshua 24:15b) I chose to give back the reigns, what will you chose?alannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01250571155722492715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8249844393754721246.post-65628402151919740162009-02-10T12:59:00.003-06:002009-02-10T13:10:06.710-06:00It's been a long time, but that's okay, things have been busy. But I've just got to share. My sweet Kelby did the most sweetest thing last night. I was on the computer checking mail and such, and Kelby starts putting the dishes from the dishwasher away. At first I was like, "Oh hunny, no, no, no, those aren't cleaned yet...." But then I realized they were and let him proceed. I helped him put a couple of the plates away, but other than that, he did it all! And he wiped the table down too! He asked me "Mommy, do you know why I'm doing this?" "No baby, why?" "So that you don't have to." My heart melted, as you could imagine. I then asked him if he wanted water or lemonade and he said lemonade. So, I made him some. He asked me if I was getting him some lemonade because he was working hard :oD, "Yes sweet boy, you are working hard." I pray that that selfless servants heart continues to grow. I pray that I can nurture it respectively. That was a beautiful way to end the day.alannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01250571155722492715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8249844393754721246.post-89467803711097106772009-01-28T12:59:00.003-06:002009-01-28T13:09:57.127-06:00"God's Mirror"This is part of an excerpt from the book <span style="font-style:italic;">I'm Not Good Enough</span> by Sharon Jaynes. You can read the rest of the excerpt by clicking on the title of the this post. Wow!!! I'm hooked!<br /><br />When we look into God’s mirror, His incredible love letter to us we<br />call the Bible, we discover the truth. God does love you (Colossians<br />3:12). You have an entire cloud of witnesses cheering for you (Hebrews<br />12:1). You are God’s masterpiece…a work of beautiful art (Ephesians<br />2:10). You are good enough because Christ lives in you (John 14:20).<br />You are a chosen, holy, dearly loved child of God. Th at’s the truth.<br />Let’s get out of the house of mirrors and start seeing ourselves as God<br />sees us.<br />In one of John’s letters, he wrote, “I have no greater joy than to hear<br />that my children are walking in the truth” (3 John 4). I believe that<br />God has no greater joy than to know that His children are walking<br />in the truth. When we are walking in the truth, the lies are exposed.<br />We can recognize the lie, reject the lie, and replace the lie with truth.<br />Th en, and only then, can we be all that God has created us to be and<br />do all that God has created us to do. We can experience the abundant<br />life He planned all along.alannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01250571155722492715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8249844393754721246.post-83901749746538477362009-01-15T09:55:00.005-06:002009-01-15T10:06:44.627-06:00Three Years Ago TodayWow, it's been a while! Well, today is my now, three year olds birthday! It's finally here. Not that I was wanting it to get here fast, but actually thankful that it's gone by what seems to feel like, slowly. She's actually 3 going on 13. She's quite the ham, but also has a very shy side. And when she wants to, she can wrap you around her finger in a matter of seconds. She's a charmer, just like her Daddy ;o). Even though she can be sweet, she also can get an attitude that is nothing shy of ugly. I hope, and pray that I can consistently and effectively harness that attitude. There are some goods things intertwined in there - she recognizes her boundaries and her space. Now, I just need to teach, and learn myself, how to appropriately express those boundaries without being cold, rude or mean. Praise God his mercies are new every day!! And despite my faults, God still uses me to plant healthy seeds in my children. <br /><br />Happy Birthday Clara Jean!! Mommy loves you!!!alannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01250571155722492715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8249844393754721246.post-35642728267296007002008-12-30T16:26:00.001-06:002008-12-30T16:27:49.229-06:00"Winning Over Worry"I so needed this today!!!<br /><br />December 30, 2008 <br />Winning Over Worry, Part 2 <br />Mary Southerland<br /><br />Today's Truth <br />"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:4-7 (NIV)<br /><br />Friend to Friend <br />In Philippians 4:4-7, Paul gives us the promise of peace. However, there are conditions to be met and actions we must take in order to experience that peace and win over worry.<br /><br />Action one: Choose joy <br /><br />Action two: Be gentle<br /><br />Philippians 4:5 gives an unusual directive concerning worry. "Let your gentleness be evident to all." "Gentleness" literally means "humility, softness and tenderness" and seems to indicate that part of dealing with worry is related to the directive that we must be gentle with everyone. The Living Bible translates "gentle" as "unselfish and considerate". Any way you look at it, this truth is in direct opposition to the viewpoint of the world in which we live. Power and assertiveness gain respect while gentleness is often viewed as weakness. In God's eyes, gentleness is harnessed strength, and a controlled power. What does gentleness have to do with eliminating worry? Paul is saying the way we treat people affects our peace. Many of us have lives filled with worry because we have relationships filled with conflict. When we are not gentle, conflict is the inevitable result. Worry and anxiety thrive in the atmosphere of conflict. What does it mean to be gentle in our relationships?<br /><br />· Gentleness is willing to give up control. <br /><br />James 3:17a "But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure and full of quiet gentleness. It allows discussion and is willing to yield to others." Gentleness can always find a patch of common ground, giving people room to grow and change. <br /><br />Gentleness doesn't control but is willing to yield or submit to one another in love.<br /><br /> · Gentleness is love in action. <br /><br />James 3:17b "Gentleness if full of mercy and good deeds." When gentleness sees a need, it does something about it. It is compelled to take action!<br /><br />· Gentleness forgives. <br /><br />Colossians 3:13 "Forgive as the Lord forgave you." Gentleness is quick to give and to receive forgiveness, always taking the responsibility to initiate forgiveness. <br /><br />· Gentleness wages peace. <br /><br /> Hebrews 12:14 "Pursue peace with all people." "Gentleness" does not retaliate but pursues peace instead. The goal of gentleness is unity. I've read that when thoroughbred horses are under attack, they stand in a circle, face each other, and with their back legs kick out at the enemy! Donkeys do just the opposite. They face the enemy and kick each other. <br /><br />We are called to wage peace. When we practice gentleness and pursue peace in our relationships, there will be less conflict, more unity and fewer footholds for worry.<br /><br />Action three: Be aware of His presence. <br /><br />Philippians 4:5 "The Lord is near." We often pray, asking for God's presence when our prayer should be, "Lord, make me aware of your presence." He is near but many times our lives and hearts are too crowded to see or hear Him. The more we are aware of God's presence the less we will worry. We become aware of His presence through:<br /><br />· Bible<br /><br />Hebrews 4:12 "For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword."<br /><br />The most powerful weapon against worry is scripture. Read it. Memorize it. Immerse your life in it. The word of God grounds us, repelling worry. When worry comes - reject it! Deflect it with the shield of God's word.<br /><br />· Prayer<br /><br />1 Peter 5:7 "Let him have all your worries and cares, for he is always thinking about you and watching everything that concerns you."<br /><br />Prayer is simply conversation with God and a powerful weapon against worry. I read of a widow who had successfully raised a large family of eighteen children, twelve of whom were adopted. Yet, she never seemed to worry. During an interview, a reporter asked the secret of her peace and confidence. She said, "I'm not alone. I'm in a partnership with God. Years ago, I said "Lord, I'll do the work and you do the worrying! I have had peace ever since!" <br /><br />· Friends<br /><br />Ecclesiastes 4:12 "And one standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer; three is even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken."<br /><br />When you share your fears with others, they grow smaller because someone has gotten under the load with you. A shared load is a lighter load. We tend to hide our fears in darkness where they grow and strengthen, instead of bringing them out into the light where they will die. When we try to be "lone-ranger Christians" and handle our fears on our own, we are susceptible to attacks that will defeat us. When we stand together, our strength is multiplied and we are not easily beaten. <br /><br />· Experience<br /><br />James 1:17 "Every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation, or shifting shadow."<br /><br />The more we know Him, the more we will understand that He really is who He says He is and that He is willing and able to work in our lives. We will naturally begin to trust Him and soon discover that He is faithful. <br /><br />So much worry is buried in the unknown. The "known" victories of yesterday can destroy the fear of today's "unknown" circumstances because He is always the same. What a security comes when we realize that we can truly count on Him. God's presence empowers us to win over worry. When you are tempted to worry, stop and go back over the books, remembering the victories and celebrating them once again. The God who delivered you yesterday will deliver you today and tomorrow! The experiences of life prove Him true and underline His presence within.<br /><br />Let's Pray <br />Father, help me to handle the relationships in my life with gentleness. When there is conflict, give me the strength to confront it in Your love. I long for Your presence in my life. Help me to be more aware of Your hand at work. <br /><br />In Jesus' name, I pray <br />Amen.alannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01250571155722492715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8249844393754721246.post-83349564535368752332008-12-19T16:47:00.004-06:002008-12-19T17:02:43.440-06:00Name above All NamesThis was wall stated from a church's Advent devotional guide. Click on the title of this post and it will take you to the OUR DAILY BREAD devotion where is came from.<br /><br />"Let us at all costs avoid the temptation to make our Christmas worship a withdrawal from the stress and sorrow of life into a realm of unreal beauty. It was into the real world that Christ came, into the city where there was no room for Him, and into a country where Herod, the murderer of innocents, was king. He comes to us, not to shield us from the harshness of the world but to give us the courage and strength to bear it; not to snatch us away by some miracle from the conflict of life, but to give us peace - His peace - in our hearts, by which we may be calmly steadfast while the conflict rages, and be able to bring to the torn world the healing that is peace."<br /><br />You shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins. <br />Matthew 1:21alannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01250571155722492715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8249844393754721246.post-63965294664574517342008-12-16T15:12:00.001-06:002008-12-16T15:14:27.875-06:00Christmas Scrapbook<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0" bgcolor="#ffffff"><tr><td><a href="http://smilebox.com/play/4e6a41784d4459354d413d3d0d0a&campaign=blog_playback_link&blogview=true" target="_blank"><img width="386" height="303" alt="Click to play Christmas Scrapbook" src="http://smilebox.com/snap/4e6a41784d4459354d413d3d0d0a.jpg" style="border: medium none ;"/></a></td></tr><tr><td><a href="http://www.smilebox.com/?partner=smilebox&campaign=blog_snapshot" target="_blank"><img width="386" height="46" alt="Create your own scrapbook - Powered by Smilebox" src="http://www.smilebox.com/globalImages/blogInstructions/blogLogoSmileboxSmall.gif" style="border: medium none ;"/></a></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><a href="http://www.smilebox.com/scrapbooks" target="_blank">Make a Smilebox scrapbook</a></td></tr></table>alannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01250571155722492715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8249844393754721246.post-69676179389820455102008-12-15T18:10:00.002-06:002008-12-15T18:12:06.950-06:00An Early Christmas Laugh<div style="background-color: rgb(233, 233, 233); width: 425px;"><object id="A862649" quality="high" data="http://aka.zero.jibjab.com/client/zero/ClientZero_EmbedViewer.swf?external_make_id=iHVny3gngou34vsW&service=sendables.jibjab.com&partnerID=ElfYourself" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="319"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><param name="movie" value="http://aka.zero.jibjab.com/client/zero/ClientZero_EmbedViewer.swf?external_make_id=iHVny3gngou34vsW&service=sendables.jibjab.com&partnerID=ElfYourself"><param name="scaleMode" value="showAll"><param name="quality" value="high"><param name="allowNetworking" value="all"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="FlashVars" value="external_make_id=iHVny3gngou34vsW&service=sendables.jibjab.com&partnerID=ElfYourself"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></object><div style="text-align: center; width: 435px; margin-top: 6px;">Send your own <a href="http://www.elfyourself.com/">ElfYourself</a> <a href="http://sendables.jibjab.com/ecards">eCards</a></div></div><img style="visibility: hidden; width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="http://counters.gigya.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.0NXC/bHQ9MTIyOTM4NDU3NTQzMyZwdD*xMjI5Mzg2MjI4MjE5JnA9NDE4ODEzJmQ9MjAyNjY5Jm49YmxvZ2dlciZnPTImdD*mbz1iZjdhZDU1NjZkZTQ*NTM2YjlmNWExMzc4YWNkZDYwMA==.gif" border="0" width="0" height="0" />alannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01250571155722492715noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8249844393754721246.post-10911490614385042242008-12-12T13:33:00.003-06:002008-12-12T13:37:43.089-06:00"Word Verification"Okay, so I find it absolutely hilarious the different...words...if that's what you call them, that blogger uses as 'WORD VERIFICATION.' So, I'd like to conduct a little....survey...poll, I'm not sure what it'd be called, but basically I'd like you to "post a comment," but all you really have to say is what the "word" is that you need to verify before you can post the comment. I just want to see how many ridiculous "words" come up...and then enjoy the laughs!!!alannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01250571155722492715noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8249844393754721246.post-44884022977189831082008-12-12T12:21:00.001-06:002008-12-12T12:22:36.000-06:00"This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine"<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: georgia; font-style: italic;">Dear Lord, Thank <span>You</span> for the promise of a future full of peace and contentment and free of pain and suffering.<span> </span>That <span>You</span> would sacrifice Your only Son for me takes my breath away.<span> </span>It is my desire to live my life allowing <span>Your</span> light to shine through me so that all may be drawn to You. <span>In Jesus' Name, Amen<em>.</em></span></span>alannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01250571155722492715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8249844393754721246.post-59776809843672872602008-12-10T11:23:00.006-06:002008-12-10T12:31:40.777-06:00What to give?A question that always comes up during this season is "What do I get for so-and-so?" It would be especially hard if you thought the person has everything already. But, do they have everything? <br /><br />The gift of eternal life has been given to all, but some have left it under the tree or have completely ignored it. Probably, because it's not wrapped perfectly, with shiny paper and a pretty red bow. But what most don't realize is that what's in the package is far more beautiful and greater than what they could imagine.<br /><br />Jesus Christ giving his perfect life for our sin-soaked excuse of a life is nothing, NOTHING, short of gracious. We have been given a gift that we don't deserve. A Gift that is overwhelmingly given with love and joy, and we let it sit under the tree! And for some of us who have already opened it, we stick it back under the tree, and pull it out when it's convenient for us. Or, we just look at it when we walk by the tree. I am soooo guilty of that! Just walking on by, whether it's purposefully ignoring it or being distracted with other things that I don't even see it - HIM, the Christ!<br /><br />As a full-time Mom, I have an ongoing list of things to do. More often than not, spending time with my Bridegroom, Jesus Christ, doesn't get put on the list. What I've also come to notice is that I can also be a little selfish with my Gift. I don't share it when I should...it's too much of an inconvenience, "What if they laugh at me?" "What if they won't like me?" Honest and common excuses. I forget, LORD, Father God please forgive me, I forget what you went through for my sake - betrayal, scoffing, mockery, persecution - verbal and physical, whipping, nailing, DEATH. And I don't want to share you because I'm afraid that someone may laugh at me!?<br /><br />LORD, I give my whole self to you as "a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable" (Romans 12:1) in your eyes, because I am "washed by the water through your Word"! (Ephesians 5:26) Father, I want to share your Gift of love and grace. Please help me to overcome my fears. For You "...did <span style="font-weight: bold;">NOT</span> give us a spirit of timidity<span style="font-weight: bold;"></span>, but a <span style="font-weight: bold;">spirit</span> of <span style="font-weight: bold;">power</span>, of <span style="font-weight: bold;">love</span> and of <span style="font-weight: bold;">self-discipline</span>." (2 Timothy 1:7) I want to give myself to you, just as a wife gives of herself to her husband.<br /><br />"...and let the wife see that she respects and reverences her husband (Ephesians 5:33 - Amplified Bible)[<sup>[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ephesians%205;&version=45;#fen-AMP-29336f" title="See footnote f">f</a>]</sup>that she notices him, regards him, honors him, prefers him, venerates, and esteems him; and <sup>[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ephesians%205;&version=45;#fen-AMP-29336g" title="See footnote g">g</a>]</sup>that she defers to him, praises him, and loves and admires him exceedingly]. [I Pet. 3:2.] (Now, this scripture passage speaks of the wife repecting and reverencing her earthly husband. But the only way that we will be able to do that for them is if we are that way towards our Heavenly Husband. It may not make complete sense, but it doesn't have to. We need to just "trust and obey." And when we do, the 'fruit' of it is oh so sweet!!!)<br /><br />Sorry, for the runon thought. It's a good thing that I'm not being graded on this and how well I stick to the main point. See the thing with me, if you don't know me that well, is that when I have a thought...there's a lot of other thoughts connected to it, and most of the time I don't make/speak the connection very clearly, but there is one, trust me. So, each, shall we call them "nuggets", should be taken with a grain of salt. Follow? ;o). (I pray that my groanings to the LORD would be heard...that they would fall on open ears and hearts. That a seed would take root. God, you are so Mighty!! I pray that through this, You would show off and that Your Name would be glorified! Praise Your Wonderful Name!!!)<br /><br /><br /><br />"As we approach Christmas, it’s good to remember why Jesus was born. The Son of God did not come to establish a nostalgic, family-oriented, commercially successful holiday. The angel told Joseph: “[Mary] will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins” (Matt. 1:21).<br /><br />Christmas began with a present from God to His sin-damaged world: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 6:23)." - David McCaslandalannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01250571155722492715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8249844393754721246.post-43504165327450031312008-12-09T12:16:00.000-06:002008-12-09T12:17:44.394-06:00<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: georgia; font-style: italic;">Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that <span>You</span> are my Savior and Redeemer.<span> </span>I pray I would know and trust <span>You</span> the way Mary did.<span> </span>Would <span>You</span> give me a heart of obedience and help me to say "yes" in the small, every day decisions?<span> </span>In the busyness of this season, please remind me to humble myself before <span>You</span> and hear Your voice.<span> </span>Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and make Your Presence known in real and powerful ways.<span> </span>Help me to be faithful in the ordinary, and in that, prepare me for the extraordinary. <span>In Jesus' Name, Amen.</span></span>alannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01250571155722492715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8249844393754721246.post-21678367495435131782008-12-08T11:10:00.004-06:002008-12-08T11:36:00.664-06:00"Don't worry....."I believe that Jehovah Jireh will take care of us during this "recession", but that doesn't mean that we can just sit back and let Him do all the work. I pray that we, my husband and I, will be wise and good stewards of what we have now. I pray that we calmly and wisely pursue taking care of our responsibilities. Which will include working wherever we can to bring in some more income. I pray that we will have a healthy balance of trust and reality. I am guilty of sticking my head in the sand, partly because, well, when it comes to finances we haven't had the money to be able to pay that bill and/or this one...so I don't even address it. I know that doesn't make it go away, but I don't even communicate with the business/company that we owe the money to. I also recognize that when I bring our finances "down off the shelf" to take a look at so as to "deal" with it, I can easily and quickly get overwhelmed, and I don't want to do that either. So, I pray. I pray for wisdom to know how to take care of the situation - somewhere between ignoring it and getting overwhelmed by it. Because in either case, I end up not doing anything about it and that definitely isn't taking care of it.<br /><br />Well, I'll stop rambling now, but your prayers for wisdom and clarity would be greatly appreciated!<br /><br /><h3>Matthew 6:27-29 (New International Version)</h3> <p> <span id="en-NIV-23310" class="sup">27</span>Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life<sup>[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=47&chapter=6&verse=27&end_verse=29&version=31&context=context#fen-NIV-23310a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</sup>? </p><p> <span id="en-NIV-23311" class="sup">28</span>"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. <span id="en-NIV-23312" class="sup">29</span>Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.</p>alannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01250571155722492715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8249844393754721246.post-4456094716997715352008-12-08T11:07:00.002-06:002008-12-08T11:09:24.649-06:00Washing Judas' Feet<span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial;"><strong>I had to share this...it spoke volumes to my heart.<br /><br />She Stooped to Conquer</strong><br /><strong><a href="http://www.crosswalkmail.com/hgttksyfw_tdzdjlphlkj.html" target="_blank">LaTan Roland Murphy</a></strong> </span> <p align="center">We hope you are enjoying the Girlfriends in God daily devotions. We (Mary, Sharon, and Gwen) would like to introduce you to some of our special friends. From time-to-time, the Friday devotions will be written by one of our friends in ministry. We call them our "Friday Friends." So grab your Bible and a fresh cup of coffee and drink in the words from our "Friday Friend", LaTan Roland Murphy, author of <em>Becoming a Woman of Interior Elegance </em>and proofreader for Girlfriends in God devotionals. </p> <p><strong>Today's Truth</strong><br />Ephesians 5:21 "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ." </p> <p><strong>Friend to Friend</strong><br />"Mom, they were whispering to one another about the birthday party. They didn't want me to hear because I am not invited," my daughter said with trembling voice as tears filled her big beautiful eyes. </p> <p>My heart was breaking in half as I listened to how hurt she was. "They are my best friends at school, Mom. Why would they not invite me?" </p> <p>I reached out to hug her, our arms wrapping around each other tightly as she turned her soft tear stained face toward my neck. It was a familiar crying spot as she had buried her face there time and time again in the same position since she was a baby. We helped each other without speaking a word for a while. Sometimes there are just no words to make things better, so I cried with her. One week later, while driving our daughter to school, she asked her dad in a quiet voice if he would please stop at the grocery store. </p> <p>"Why DaNae'? Do you need something for school?" </p> <p>"Well, sort of." </p> <p>"What do you need, honey, because we are already going to be late." </p> <p>"I need to buy a balloon for someone who is having a birthday party tonight." </p> <p>"Who is it?" I asked. </p> <p>"Do you remember the girl who was whispering about her birthday party in front of me? Well, I want to take a balloon to school for her." I looked over at my husband and he looked at me, each of our hearts melting both with a sense of pride and of sadness. We knew we had to stop even if it meant we would be late. It was worth it! </p> <p>Da-Nae' walked happily into the grocery store and in a few moments came running out with a huge grin spread across her seventh grade face. Her balloon was flying high in the air with a pack of chewing gum hanging from the bottom, acting as a weight. She was the happiest girl in the world! </p> <p>My husband and I were so blessed by our daughter's actions that morning. She stooped to conquer feelings that could have been filled with anger and hurt. Some people might ask why she would make a fool of herself after being treated the way she was or how she could lower herself after what her friend had done to her. When Christ is the center of our lives, He empowers us to do things we could never do in our own human nature. Our daughter chose not to be a martyr. She chose to stoop a little so she could rise up on a much higher level. She chose to reject her sadness about not being invited to the party. She reaped the blessings of stooping to conquer her emotions and blessed her friend in spite of how she had been treated. When was the last time you stooped to conquer? </p> <p><strong>Let's Pray</strong><br />"Lord Jesus, please give me courage to stoop to conquer emotions that are not in perfect alignment with Your plan for me. Help me to be a woman of character--- submitting to Your leading in my life each day. Show me how to respond in a Godly way when I am hurt. Lord Jesus, thank You for stooping to conquer both death and the grave for my salvation. I pray my life will reflect the gratitude You deserve." In Jesus' name, Amen. </p> <p><strong>Now It's Your Turn</strong><br />Hurt will come to each of us. We can't change that fact. What we can change is the way we respond to hurtful situations in our lives. Will we become bitter or better? </p> <p>Think of a hurt you have carried for a long time. Think about how it has affected your life. How did you first respond to the hurt? What is your response today? </p> <p>Ask the Lord to bind up your wounded heart and heal you completely. Ask Him to give you such Godly character that every response is in alignment to His perfect will. </p> <p>Allow Christ to fill all the empty places in your heart </p> <p>Understand that by stooping to conquer these emotions, you will defeat the enemy's ploy to destroy and ultimately win over sin! </p> <p>Accept the truth that we are all made in the image of God and by submitting to one another as the scripture reference reminds us today, we will be reverencing God in the most beautiful way. </p>alannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01250571155722492715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8249844393754721246.post-57078575306296343612008-12-06T12:48:00.003-06:002008-12-06T12:53:14.087-06:00Chasing the Wind<div class="text"> <p>December 4tih Our Daily Bread<br /></p><p><br /></p><p>The epic film based on Margaret Mitchell’s novel <i>Gone With the Wind</i> opens with these lines:</p><p>“There was a land of Cavaliers and Cotton Fields called the Old South. Here in this pretty world, Gallantry took its last bow. . . . Look for it only in books, for it is no more than a dream remembered, a Civilization <i>gone with the wind.</i>”</p><p>Not only does a way of life disappear but also the dreams that drive the main characters. Throughout the Civil War, Scarlett O’Hara is preoccupied with her love for Ashley Wilkes. But by story’s end, she is disillusioned.</p><p>Solomon saw the futility of seeking satisfaction in people and things. Despite amassing wealth and knowledge, completing great projects, and marrying many wives, he said, “All is vanity and grasping for the wind” (Eccl. 1:14).</p><p>Why does chasing transitory things leave us unfulfilled? The biblical answer is that we were created to find our ultimate fulfillment in God. Jesus promised, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10).</p><p>People and things come and go. But the spiritual satisfaction Christ offers sustains us in this world and will endure into eternity. — <a href="http://rbc.org/devotionals/our-daily-bread/Dennis-Fisher.aspx" title="Dennis Fisher">Dennis Fisher</a></p> <center> <p>What comes from man will never last,<br />It’s here today, tomorrow past;<br />What comes from God will always be<br />The same for all eternity! —Spencer<br /></p> <div class="bold"><p>Invest your life in what pays eternal dividends.</p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Ecclesiastes 1:2-9, 14</strong><br /></p><p> </p><p> </p><h5>Everything Is Meaningless</h5> <span id="en-NLT-17293" class="sup">2</span> “Everything is meaningless,” says the Teacher, “completely meaningless!”<p> <span id="en-NLT-17294" class="sup">3</span> What do people get for all their hard work under the sun? <span id="en-NLT-17295" class="sup">4</span> Generations come and generations go, but the earth never changes. <span id="en-NLT-17296" class="sup">5</span> The sun rises and the sun sets, then hurries around to rise again. <span id="en-NLT-17297" class="sup">6</span> The wind blows south, and then turns north. Around and around it goes, blowing in circles. <span id="en-NLT-17298" class="sup">7</span> Rivers run into the sea, but the sea is never full. Then the water returns again to the rivers and flows out again to the sea. <span id="en-NLT-17299" class="sup">8</span> Everything is wearisome beyond description. No matter how much we see, we are never satisfied. No matter how much we hear, we are not content.</p><p> <span id="en-NLT-17300" class="sup">9</span> History merely repeats itself. It has all been done before. Nothing under the sun is truly new.<br /></p><p><span id="en-NLT-17305" class="sup">14</span> I observed everything going on under the sun, and really, it is all meaningless—like chasing the wind.</p><p><br /></p></div> </center> </div>alannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01250571155722492715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8249844393754721246.post-17468285440658411622008-12-03T10:08:00.002-06:002008-12-03T10:12:48.028-06:00Turkey Stuffing BurgersWell, I felt creative last night. I grounded up some leftover turkey (about 2 cups was what it came out tobe after I grounded it up) in our magic bullet, and mixed it in with the leftover stuffing (about a cup and a 1/2) and then added 3 eggs to it and some salt and pepper. I molded the mixture into patties and then baked them at 350 for 25 minutes. They were actually pretty good! I put swiss cheese on top of mine. The kids aren't too fond of stuffing, but they ate most of the burger. Just another 'leftover' idea.alannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01250571155722492715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8249844393754721246.post-44183499432608202982008-12-02T11:01:00.006-06:002008-12-02T11:23:36.010-06:00Thanksgiving Fun!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK7p8fXkc0kgrfMsfgUXNu3udZghd0UB0b9WWyoiYGVJZVF14n_VTPwDnDUS0YB3XouVGUe30ceZ-vbTvMj0wED-je9nPyRR8Wwhy9yOviGXvpEpdMfF54d_MIJIoP781647nNT2NfKXg-/s1600-h/SA550691.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK7p8fXkc0kgrfMsfgUXNu3udZghd0UB0b9WWyoiYGVJZVF14n_VTPwDnDUS0YB3XouVGUe30ceZ-vbTvMj0wED-je9nPyRR8Wwhy9yOviGXvpEpdMfF54d_MIJIoP781647nNT2NfKXg-/s320/SA550691.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275242398226736194" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib7oKolSao6Sg5E6xJjLekNn68hYODGyjh6fzH_1r7kgo1B-2KFLFkeG2_XgUpNdqOLBEYhKPaHH4HeLCYX-EnmSReww9BTEphPvXCn8p-66Wp3JwYpYyV7S_u1nZT9epENy2qzErL_Idj/s1600-h/SA550683.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib7oKolSao6Sg5E6xJjLekNn68hYODGyjh6fzH_1r7kgo1B-2KFLFkeG2_XgUpNdqOLBEYhKPaHH4HeLCYX-EnmSReww9BTEphPvXCn8p-66Wp3JwYpYyV7S_u1nZT9epENy2qzErL_Idj/s320/SA550683.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275242400911586322" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1NwKli_SsWeV2P2dmF6xOT183QyBJlV_JOAjk2xgQt_1-9zNC3qYF_WSIjJpoMaLa8ItaUD9b8anuhusg40A7N_A0E9EzLrVxft4EBd7l_fHNdR9pxMC2hL2f-4ETlLV5FsLfXXmfpVFW/s1600-h/SA550687.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1NwKli_SsWeV2P2dmF6xOT183QyBJlV_JOAjk2xgQt_1-9zNC3qYF_WSIjJpoMaLa8ItaUD9b8anuhusg40A7N_A0E9EzLrVxft4EBd7l_fHNdR9pxMC2hL2f-4ETlLV5FsLfXXmfpVFW/s320/SA550687.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275242392589418978" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiztZj3rtTPlxdbCGiBedIFYZii9COWwKisPE0WumEvv1Hz8Ix21P_DSWCLemIZmmCTt5kdymzaIQ0Zgl5TaKBdODwYGPJlg9R4HlODc92QGIMtXvtpZqmKFf2h1_EjOwGNqn6AEYhRIzq2/s1600-h/SA550680.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiztZj3rtTPlxdbCGiBedIFYZii9COWwKisPE0WumEvv1Hz8Ix21P_DSWCLemIZmmCTt5kdymzaIQ0Zgl5TaKBdODwYGPJlg9R4HlODc92QGIMtXvtpZqmKFf2h1_EjOwGNqn6AEYhRIzq2/s320/SA550680.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275242389285950898" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZHGMyt1yh6KdRd34OEqhY1W7mt4lGCWlM9jEuKR1YWa2YExdlG5l5mhOZhJa3C-f3EKW8d_J_2tvFeroD2O9EXMFLxB27goxlPwN2Oq5M9G3lhiGC8jlowQ1gwcFB_1w7HjG-ArAaArDO/s1600-h/SA550673.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZHGMyt1yh6KdRd34OEqhY1W7mt4lGCWlM9jEuKR1YWa2YExdlG5l5mhOZhJa3C-f3EKW8d_J_2tvFeroD2O9EXMFLxB27goxlPwN2Oq5M9G3lhiGC8jlowQ1gwcFB_1w7HjG-ArAaArDO/s320/SA550673.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275242383261205970" border="0" /></a><br />It was just us on Thanksgiving Day, and you know, for someone who enjoys being around people (especially for Holidays) I was excited that it was just the six of us. We had a most wonderful meal consisting of ham - major kudos to my Honey!!, loaded mashed potatoes - kudos to CountryCrock!, corn, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. For desert we made turkeys out of cookies and candies - the idea was from one of Cora's teachers Ms. Madison - thanks! The kids had a blast, though not many turkeys got fully assembled ;o). Even though Kennedy didn't get make a cookie, she was scouring the floor for any crumbs that may have fallen. She is too stinkin smart for our good! (I think that's what I meant to say....well, you know what I mean, I hope)<br /><br />Okay, so how do I get the pictures to post after what I've typed, and then to be able to add a caption to each picture!?alannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01250571155722492715noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8249844393754721246.post-11504915684286203202008-12-02T10:51:00.002-06:002008-12-02T10:53:51.175-06:00To Play or NOT to play, that is the question<a href="http://www.crosswalkmail.com/kwwkwskbj_rqgkzrvsrmz.html" target="_blank"> <strong> </strong></a>This was today's "You Make Me Laugh" email from crosswalk. I found it thoroughly amusing. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.crosswalkmail.com/kwwkwskbj_rqgkzrvsrmz.html" target="_blank"><strong>A Primer For Accordion Beginners* </strong> </a><br /><br /> Get an accordion. The cheaper the better because they all sound the same. <br /><br />Do not tell anyone what you have done. It will only cause them to worry.<br /><br />They will find out soon enough.<br /><br />Take the accordion out of the case and strap it on. It is better if the accordion rests on your chest instead of your back but, for the first few weeks, it doesn't really make that much difference.<br /><br />For sounds to be produced, three things must happen. The third is the most important:<br /><br />1. The bellows must be moving in or out.<br />2. One or more of the keys or buttons must be pressed.<br />3. All potential weapons within a one mile radius must be collected and secured.<br /><br />The buttons on the left side are chord buttons. The "C" button has a dimple or nipple so you can find it without looking. This is a safety feature. Before it was invented, thousands of accordion players suffered painful and sometimes disabling injuries, much to the delight of the general public.<br /><br />Never use more than three buttons. "Professional" accordionists appear to be using lots of buttons but they are actually just desperately trying to find the stupid "C".<br /><br />By the way, "Professional" means they have learned to smile while they do it.<br /><br />Play the black and white keys. The high notes are at the bottom and the low notes are at the top. That arrangement isn't supposed to make any sense. Accept it.<br /><br />Note: If you find the high notes at the top and the low notes at the bottom, you have either put the accordion on upside down or you have tried to repair it yourself. If the former, turn the accordion over. If the latter, pack your accordion up with hundreds of dollars and mail it far away for a long, long time.<br /><br />Continue playing until someone begs you to stop or threatens your life, whichever comes first.<br /><br />Put the accordion back in its case, order an accordion t-shirt and wear it to your state's Accordion Fest.alannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01250571155722492715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8249844393754721246.post-52714638147112331922008-11-26T10:16:00.000-06:002008-11-26T10:17:46.471-06:00Prayer for hope<span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-family: georgia;">Dear Lord, <span>In</span> times of grief, help me remember You are my Hope and You are right there with me.<span> </span>I pray <span>You</span> open my eyes and heart to others who are hurting and help me remind them of the<em> </em>Hope. Please give me boldness and compassion during this season to introduce the ultimate Hope to others in need of hope. <span></span><span>In Jesus' Name, Amen<em>.</em></span></span></span>alannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01250571155722492715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8249844393754721246.post-27266646362489696342008-11-25T10:48:00.004-06:002008-11-25T10:57:10.715-06:00He still holds My handToday's 'Our Daily Bread' was based out of Psalm 73. How often I question just like Asaph - "Why do <span style="font-weight: bold;">they </span>continue to prosper (in monetary wealth)?!" Oh how I loose sight of the grander picture. Sometimes it can be so easy for me to throw a pity party. And that's just it,<span style="font-weight: bold;"> 'sometimes</span>' are the times that I take my eyes off of the <span style="font-weight: bold;">real</span> prize - my heavenly reward, which will be sufficient beyond words. <br /><br />Joe Stowell expresses it well in a much needed reminder:<br /><br />"We all face a variety of issues that threaten to make us stumble. For the psalmist Asaph, seeing the prosperity of the wicked caused him to question the goodness of God. But God squeezed his hand and reassured him that, given the judgment of God, the wicked do not really prosper. True prosperity, the psalmist discovered, was found in the fact that God was always with him: “You hold me by my right hand” (v.23). And just for good measure, God reminded him that He would also guide him through life and ultimately welcome him home to heaven (v.24). How good is that!<p>So, next time you stumble, remember that the powerful hand of God is holding your hand and walking you through life—all the way home!" — <a href="http://rbc.org/bible-study/strength-for-the-journey/Joe-Stowell.aspx" title="Joe Stowell">Joe Stowell</a></p>alannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01250571155722492715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8249844393754721246.post-75182748983462476332008-11-21T08:46:00.003-06:002008-11-21T09:08:08.651-06:00"Just keep swimmin, just keep swimmin.."Kennedy is mobile, well, she has been for almost two weeks now. Though, she hasn't quite got the leg part down. She still gets around by 'army' crawling. She also has this 'move' where she appears to be swimming. What was appropriate, only for our amusement, is that she was on the linoleum floor in the kitchen, so her movements were much more fluid. She was awfully excited to be going nowhere, for that point in time anyway, it didn't last long. What's nice about her mobility is that she stays content much longer. I can only imagine how I would be if I was confined, watch out! <br /><br />When my husband came downstairs to leave for work, he stopped by Clara and started singing, "She's got freckle on her, but I love her.." or, the more commonly punctuated version, "She's got freckles on her butt, I love her..." Clara kept saying, "No I don't," playfully. Dustin kept singing it, she was getting to the last straw...it hadn't broken yet, but you could tell it would only take a couple more times. After Dustin sang the lyrics again Clara proceeded with, "I don't have pickles on my butt!" I seriously need to start a journal of all the things that she says. It probably wouldn't take long to fill one up. :o)<br /><br />Too often, I take for granted what <span style="font-weight: bold;">God</span> has given me, even my legs and definitely my mouth. Father, I pray that I would be a good steward with <span style="font-weight: bold;">everything</span> that I have, currently, and <span style="font-weight: bold;">everything</span> that You graciously choose to give me. Lord, I pray that I can effectively teach my children to be content with whatever they have; that we need to store up for ourselves things in heaven, where rust and moth do not destroy. Thank you Father for all the blessings you've bestowed upon me.alannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01250571155722492715noreply@blogger.com0