tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7922117231198283412024-03-19T11:06:43.645-07:00My Cup Runeth OverEvery good and perfect gift is from above
James 1:17Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13215999417714525952noreply@blogger.comBlogger55125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792211723119828341.post-59469493893373665892014-01-03T19:28:00.002-08:002014-01-03T19:28:13.284-08:00Baked French Toast<br />
I love the idea of baked french toast. All warm and yummy and EASY! Just pop that bad boy in the fridge, crawl back into bed for an hour or so and, wham. Delicious homemade breakfast right there. However, my experiences with baked french toast have not been such a fairytale as that. Every time I've made them they have come out mushy, eggy and flavorless. That is until now, enter in the most delectable baked french toast to have ever passed my lips….<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie09o4U0bQ3s0kkKffycVr_TT1Ge28C6F5KF0OlZC9GF7SrLAvNpN7rlJChCgSjUUhLcgrnXpT-QUhsvbgGexRONExO71yFEC5SH4SfVVC5cFqEesNFOryiJQxekju4WbcPI2yPLLTa0c/s1600/Baked+French+Toast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie09o4U0bQ3s0kkKffycVr_TT1Ge28C6F5KF0OlZC9GF7SrLAvNpN7rlJChCgSjUUhLcgrnXpT-QUhsvbgGexRONExO71yFEC5SH4SfVVC5cFqEesNFOryiJQxekju4WbcPI2yPLLTa0c/s640/Baked+French+Toast.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I got the recipe from the Pioneer Woman's new cook book (you can buy it <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-Woman-Cooks-Step---Step/dp/0062225227/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1388805124&sr=8-2&keywords=pioneer+woman+cookbook" target="_blank">here</a>, and I HIGHLY recommend that you do. There's some good stuff in there, yo.) The recipe was super easy. It only took me about 20 minutes to whip up before I went to bed, put it in the fridge, and then through it in the oven in the morning. The hardest part was waiting an hour to devour this plate of deliciousness. </div>
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I halved the recipe and it was more than enough for my little family. So without further ado, here you are…</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Pioneer Woman's Baked French Toast</b></span></div>
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<b>Ingredients:</b></div>
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<li>1 loaf crusty artisan bread or sourdough bread. (I used a crusty french baguette because it was small enough to equal half of a regular loaf of artisan or sourdough bread)</li>
<li>8 eggs</li>
<li>2 cups milk</li>
<li>1/2 cup heavy cream</li>
<li>1/2 cup sugar</li>
<li>1/2 cup brown sugar</li>
<li>2 teaspoons vanilla</li>
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Topping:</div>
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<li>1/2 cup flour</li>
<li>1/2 cup packed brown sugar</li>
<li>1 teaspoon cinnamon</li>
<li>1/2 teaspoon salt</li>
<li>1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg</li>
<li>1 stick cold butter cut into pieces (I always use salted, gives everything a better flavor and balance)</li>
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<li>Grease baking pan thoroughly with butter, or use butter spray (that's what I did, worked like a charm)</li>
<li>Tear bread into pieces into baking dish</li>
<li>Whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla and pour over bread</li>
<li>For the topping mix the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt and nutmeg in a separate bowl, then cut into cold butter pieces until mix resembles coarse sand. </li>
<li>Sprinkle topping over french toast, cover tightly and store in fridge for several hours, preferably overnight. </li>
<li>When ready to bake put in oven preheated to 350 degrees F, bake for 1 hour</li>
<li>Serve with butter and warm syrup. </li>
<li>DEVOUR! </li>
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You can find Ree's post of the recipe <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2012/08/baked-french-toast/" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13215999417714525952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792211723119828341.post-67456395777476446392014-01-03T13:00:00.000-08:002014-01-03T13:00:45.387-08:00Catch the Moment 365<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.nurselovesfarmer.com/" target="_blank" title="Nurse Loves Farmer"><img alt="Nurse Loves Farmer" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2815/11669640196_8b5a93ed44_m.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a><br />
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This year I am going to take part in the "Catch the Moment 365" Challenge hosted by Sarah at <a href="http://www.nurselovesfarmer.com/" target="_blank">Nurse Loves Farmer</a>, and a couple other ladies I'm excited to get to know through this adventure! </div>
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My wonderful husband got me a FANTASTIC camera for Christmas….</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb7pkTmN34BOl_HlGdHw8Dr3BriuO3y_npZOVnk1Yzzusn-EoUJlLSaCdGLd88cjrcbJY_5CgD6bepaYTyiuA4PA2vaIQ4zIX6AkcPxG_d8oprTlmW85wJFD_D0ilyrxqeYHdbFDbY9XA/s1600/IMG_2653.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb7pkTmN34BOl_HlGdHw8Dr3BriuO3y_npZOVnk1Yzzusn-EoUJlLSaCdGLd88cjrcbJY_5CgD6bepaYTyiuA4PA2vaIQ4zIX6AkcPxG_d8oprTlmW85wJFD_D0ilyrxqeYHdbFDbY9XA/s400/IMG_2653.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Check out that beaut </div>
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This camera far surpasses the quality of any camera I have ever owned. A fact that both thrills and terrifies me. I know this camera has so many features that are just waiting to be discovered. And when I read about The 365 challenge I knew this was the perfect way for me to almost be forced to use, use, use and use this beauty. The idea of this challenge is to take one picture everyday for the entire year. Each week I will be posting my pictures from that week. I am going to try to mainly use my DSLR, but know a few iPhone pics will make there way in there because hey, let's be honest, sometimes instagram turns out some fantastic shots. </div>
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The other reason I love this challenge is because it will offer a serious glimpse into our lives this year. Ever since my mom got sick I really have been challenged with the idea of taking more pictures and putting myself in more pictures even if I don't want to. That way when the time comes that memories fade, there will still be reminders left for myself and others to enjoy. </div>
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Here's a few pics from the last couple days :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs1JeYiGORyXjasXO3088PJrOnaSwt-etN7F3_Uv74ywIBdARi-x5qRsclpgrekWJD9Wf50uten7tmdMXORDegArdj-eJFgHVcFQEl9d7hryi-eJq1QkJZsNNlcczOLVBpeo2NfRlg-P4/s1600/IMG_0031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs1JeYiGORyXjasXO3088PJrOnaSwt-etN7F3_Uv74ywIBdARi-x5qRsclpgrekWJD9Wf50uten7tmdMXORDegArdj-eJFgHVcFQEl9d7hryi-eJq1QkJZsNNlcczOLVBpeo2NfRlg-P4/s640/IMG_0031.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZKD18JlPajbpj-GKZapzu93Sy5lqNlaQ4x01idYphszBEiOat3i1QhcW9TD8VNsGw7Mz7mcBgE_QO-7fEG1oMWzX3vrisMhOQ3b-2o0CGFSFuS7N10C36mJLQeFhRw1z582yeDICAP7U/s1600/IMG_0039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZKD18JlPajbpj-GKZapzu93Sy5lqNlaQ4x01idYphszBEiOat3i1QhcW9TD8VNsGw7Mz7mcBgE_QO-7fEG1oMWzX3vrisMhOQ3b-2o0CGFSFuS7N10C36mJLQeFhRw1z582yeDICAP7U/s640/IMG_0039.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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Now that I see these images nice and big on my screen I'm even MORE excited about this challenge because I can see how incredibly far I have to go lol! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13215999417714525952noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792211723119828341.post-54729423448961186892013-12-05T12:11:00.001-08:002013-12-05T12:11:09.405-08:00Just Give Me Jesus The holiday season is in full swing. There are lights twinkling, cookies baking, carolers singing and presents being bought. This is my favorite holiday, my favorite time of the year. (Unless it's fall, then that's my favorite season until Christmas rolls around.) I love the sights, the smells and the joy. But I keep finding myself struggling a little this year. We are having such a great time because Brody is really starting to get it this year. We are having all kinds of fun with our advent calendar, our elf named Nemo, and our daily family devotions, but yet still I keep feeling this subtle, and sometimes not so subtle, pull of sadness on my heart.<br />
My mom loved Christmas. It was by far, hands down her favorite holiday. We always went overboard on everything and had a great time doing it. My childhood is full of beautiful memories of Christmas. But the last couple of years things have been different. Alzheimer's has robbed me of the mom I knew, she's gone and in her place is someone that looks like my momma but has changed in every aspect of her personality. This has played a huge toll emotionally on my family. My mom was the glue for our family, our rock. And things have forever been changed since her illness began.<br />
I went shopping with my sister today and we were looking at Christmas decorations, nativity scenes, wrapping paper, even candles, and we were kept saying "This looks like Mom," "Oh, this would have been Mom's favorite," "Do you remember the...or when...or how..." and the sadness and longing we felt was tangible. We miss her, we miss our momma.<br />
But one thing has ran through my head as I begin new traditions and carrying on old for my little family of three. As we pick things to trim our tree, and plan how Santa is going to come and teach our son about the TRUE meaning of Christmas, and that thing is lyrics to a song that speaks right to the core of my heart, to the darkest corners where loneliness, doubt, longing and even jealousy as I look on at other families live. That song is "Give Me Jesus." The lyics say...<br />
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<b><i>"Give me Jesus, Give me Jesus. You can have all this world. But give me Jesus.</i></b></div>
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<b><i>In the morning when I rise...When I am alone...When I come to die...Just give me Jesus"</i></b></div>
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I have decided to change my focus from loneliness to contentment. From doubt to trust. From longing to remembering. From jealousy to joy. I will not let Alzheimer's rob me of my joy this Christmas, or in this life. Not anymore. Just give me Jesus. Let me celebrate this season thanksgiving. I am so thankful that Christ was there from the beginning of time, and will be with me every step of the way. He's all I need, just give me Jesus.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13215999417714525952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792211723119828341.post-28314597173874079592013-11-27T21:49:00.002-08:002013-11-27T21:49:59.859-08:00Give Thanks to the Lord Dear Lord,<br />
Thank you feels like such an insignificant word. Especially when brought before the creator of the heavens and the earth, but thank you is all I have. Thank you for my life. Thank you that as I sit here and breathe in and out, I do so without struggle. Thank you for my health. Thank you that I don't worry everyday I wake if this will be the last I get to spend with my family. Thank you for my family. Thank you for the way they shaped and molded me as I grew. Thank you for giving me the best mother you possibly could have, one that taught me what it means to care about people and to think of yourself less. Thank you for this new family I have and am growing with Lance. Thank you for sending me a man that loves You more than he loves me. Thank you that I don't ever truly question his love for me. Thank you for his servant heart that is displayed to me daily. Thank you for giving me a husband to share this life with. Thank you for granting me the most wonderful privilege to be Brody's momma. Thank you for his sweet spirit, his kind, tender heart. Thank you for the many expressions that pass across his face daily. Thank you that although we may be worrying and struggling with his ears, that he is healthy and so smart and thriving. Thank you for our cozy, warm house that is ours. Thank you for a job that I get to serve people during their most troubling times. Thank that this job allows me to be at home four days a week. Thank you for making me a passionate person who really feels everything. Thank you for our wonderful church family that demonstrates Your love and fellowship so beautifully. Thank you for the many opportunities you present before us to serve there. Thank you for my wonderful Dgroup girls. Thank you for the close group of friends you have given us that we get to do life together. Thank you for allowing me to live in this beautiful, free country. Thank you for allowing me to live in Oklahoma where people talk a little slower and love a little deeper, where homes are always open and ready to help. Thank you for sunrises that remind me that Your mercies are new every morning. Thank you for the brilliance You have displayed in clouds that remind me You are the Great Creator. Thank you for technology that allows me to stay connected to people in a way that has never been possible before. Thank you for music that speaks deep down to my soul and helps me heal, rejoice, praise, mourn and love. Thank you for coffee and the way it brightens my day. Thank you for Your son. Thank you that while I was still a sinner Christ died for ME. Thank you that You don't love in the way that I love, Your's is greater than any love could ever be imagined. Thank you for Your Word that is so readily available to me any time in any place. Thank you for brilliant Christian scholars who have poured their lives into understanding your Word thoroughly so that I might understand Your word a little better. Thank you for this time of year for the joy and memories that flood it and the wonderful memories to be made. Thank you just doesn't ever seem like enough. But it's all I have to give. Thank You Lord, Thank You.<br />
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<i>"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever." 1 Chronicles 16:34</i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13215999417714525952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792211723119828341.post-52997486253365991662013-11-26T18:59:00.002-08:002013-11-29T06:56:11.631-08:00Learning to take the timeWe are moving into the busiest time of the year. The holidays come and feels like all we do is go go go go go. And then go some more. In a time of the year when we should be slowing down and enjoying the blessings the Lord has provided for us and sharing those blessings with others, we get bogged down with hectic schedules trying to fit it all in.<br />
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This year I'm going to challenge you, and myself to do it a little differently.<br />
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There is nothing more wonderful and humbling than your 2 year old teaching YOU a lesson. We were at target the other day. (Not a rare occurrence for us) When we go to target Brody always wants to "touch the balls." There's something so intriguing to him about these giant spheres that line target. Every time we go I let him touch one, two, maybe three and then hurry him into the store so we can o about our business. On this particular day Brody said, "No Momma, I want to touch ALL the balls!" As I was getting ready to tell him, no that's enough, I caught myself and thought, "Why not?" What am I in such a hurry about that we can't walk clear to the end of the building and make our way back. We weren't on any kind of schedule and in no rush to go anywhere so we went with it. As I'm holding his hand and walking along the sidewalk up to the store and watch him pat the top of each ball I thought. Whoa. Look at this joy. Brody is having a blast doing this and it's taking a minuscule amount of time out of our day to do this.<br />
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We slowed down, enjoyed the moment and just rolled with it. And it changed my perspective. How much joy am I missing out on in a day when I rush through the little parts of life? This time of year is full of little moments and I fully intend on embracing them. I don't want to rush through or miss one glorious microscopic minute of this glorious season.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13215999417714525952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792211723119828341.post-59304578993318335412013-11-26T18:47:00.002-08:002013-11-26T18:47:41.160-08:00Making Your Home a Haven-The Kitchen <br />
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<a href="http://womenlivingwell.org/category/homemaking/making-your-home-a-haven-challenge/" target="_blank">This Challenge</a> was probably my favorite because the Kitchen is the heart of our home. I love to cook and bake. I love showing love to people by preparing a meal for them. There is nothing like the smell of something baking in your home. </div>
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<b>This Challenge:</b></div>
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<strong> <strong>Focus on the kitchen, the heart of the home. Cook things with pleasant aromas</strong> </strong> <strong>like homemade bread, pies, and cookies. Don’t wait to have a reason to make something special – do it simply to show love to your family. </strong>Invite your kids and/or hubby to cook along side of you – make memories in the kitchen – test tasting, being creative, laughing and loving. Remember the importance of dinner time around the table as a family. <strong>Work on showing love to your family. </strong></div>
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I have always had Brody in the kitchen with me. I affectionately refer to him as my little sous chef. Even when he was an infant, I'd move his bouncer into the kitchen and talk to him about what I was making and how. As soon as he was old enough to stand in a chair safely, I had him right in the kitchen with me. He loves it. If I start to do anything in the kitchen, he's coming up next to me saying, "I elp momma?" His 2 1/2 year old attention span usually stays with me long enough to dump a few things in the bowl. But then he's on to pulling my spoons and spatulas out, opening and closing the lid on the crockpot putting cupcake liners in and taking them out. But he's with me. Experiencing it with me. It is such a special time for us. I have so many memories of cooking with my mom, I can't wait for Brody to have these too. </div>
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For this specific challenge we spent the afternoon making homemade applesauce. I could not believe how easy it was! Applesauce was always a little intimidating for me, but this was unbelievably easy and it made the house smell AMAZING! <br />
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You can find our recipe for applesauce <a href="http://theblessedmrsc.blogspot.com/2013/11/homemade-applesauce.html" target="_blank">here!</a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13215999417714525952noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792211723119828341.post-83433894111251690872013-11-26T18:46:00.003-08:002013-11-26T19:06:22.592-08:00Homemade Applesauce I have always loved applesauce. It's one of my favorite "treats" to put in my lunch that I take to work. It may make me feel a bit like a 7 year old, but hey, I love it! And Brody now loves it too! I never realized just how easy it is to make. I got this wild whim when we were at the grocery store one day to give it a shot, thinking I was going to be getting into something horrible complicated, I carved out the afternoon for this activity. I was so wrong. Let me tell you, the hardest, most time consuming part of this recipe was peeling and cutting the apples, and that took me a whole maybe ten minutes. And I had the cutest little helper doing it, so the time flew by. Like a lot of the things I make, I used the Pioneer Woman's recipe and tweaked just a tad. You can find the original recipe <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2013/10/homemade-applesauce/" target="_blank">here</a><br />
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Here's what you'll need...<br />
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<ul>
<li>6lbs apples, peeled, cored and cut into 8 slices</li>
<li>1 cup Apple Cider </li>
<li>Juice of 1 orange</li>
<li>1 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon</li>
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And that's it folks. You are four ingredients away from deliciousness.<br />
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1. Get yourself a big ole mess of apples. And having a handsome, handy little helper doesn't hurt either!</div>
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2. Peel, core and dice up that big ole mess of apples. I used an apple slicer (you know the big circle kind that doesn't always cut all the way through and you end up almost chopping your finger off when you try to push it through? No? Just me?) and it made quick work of it. I did have to use a knife to cut off some core when I didn't line the apple up quite straight enough.</div>
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3. Put said big ole mess of apples in a big ole pot. Pour apple cider over and squeeze in the juice of 1 orange. </div>
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4. Add brown sugar...<br />
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5. ...And cinnamon. </div>
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6. Cook over medium heat for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Isn't this beautiful y'all? And the smell? Fuhgedabouit!</div>
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7. Pour into your food processor and and blend until smooth. This recipe makes so much, I had to do it in two batches. </div>
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Enjoy! Applesauce will keep for a week in an airtight container in the fridge. But I would be willing to wager it won't last that long. It for sure didn't at our house! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13215999417714525952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792211723119828341.post-37776434967023104652013-11-07T11:47:00.000-08:002013-11-07T12:01:59.378-08:00Making Your Home a Haven- Family Fun Night<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The second challenge in <a href="http://womenlivingwell.org/category/homemaking/making-your-home-a-haven-challenge/" target="_blank">Making Your Home a Haven</a> was planning a Family Fun Night. The focus of this challenge is working on gentleness in your home.<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', 'Book Antiqua', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', 'Book Antiqua', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px; text-align: justify;">J.R. Miller says</span><strong style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', 'Book Antiqua', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px; text-align: justify;"> <em>“The richest heritage that parents can give is a <span style="font-size: 20px;">happy childhood</span>, with<span style="font-size: 20px;">tender memories of father and mother.</span> This will brighten the coming days when the children have gone out from the sheltering home, and will be a safeguard in times of temptation and a conscious help amid the stern realities of life.”</em></strong><br />
<strong style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', 'Book Antiqua', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px; text-align: justify;"><em><br /></em></strong>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Palatino Linotype, Book Antiqua, Palatino, serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;">Our family fun night was all about pumpkin carving. We anxiously waited for daddy to get home and dinner to get eaten. Then we busted out the pumpkins, knives and spoons and prepared ourselves for a rich, fun night. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxzCjWPxlDQPeGCq1S8cAROzoPTI8G6DVhlH0x99IAKjJPEvkW20dy91XhVWx5Qn-Gfk24tSEdaRjbRqE0X_Rja1UA2vXTdL_UHT6HanLECT6EVUexEf0C8QENyAzlYowQDqCuJAofaaI/s1600/Family+Night.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxzCjWPxlDQPeGCq1S8cAROzoPTI8G6DVhlH0x99IAKjJPEvkW20dy91XhVWx5Qn-Gfk24tSEdaRjbRqE0X_Rja1UA2vXTdL_UHT6HanLECT6EVUexEf0C8QENyAzlYowQDqCuJAofaaI/s640/Family+Night.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Palatino Linotype, Book Antiqua, Palatino, serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;">This was the first year Brody was really into decorating pumpkins. It is so neat to see him beginning to enjoy the holidays and begin making memories and traditions with him. Building these warm fun family memories are something near and dear to my heart. My mom's <a href="http://theblessedmrsc.blogspot.com/b/post-preview?token=SqfDK0IBAAA.eU3pyMot3UqHJlb0a_-t9g.cXrl6QbineLi4rrrjbqIOA&postId=7863925170117834833&type=POST" target="_blank">Alzheimer's</a> is getting worse. She doesn't share many memories with us anymore, and when she does remember a certain time or event, the people, times and details are usually grossly confused. However, I remember them, my sister remembers them, my brother remembers them, my nieces and nephews remember them. These are gifts she gave to us without even knowing she was doing it. Even though she can't look back fondly on these times like we can anymore, we can. We remember the warm, love filled family nights and traditions she began with us. And we're better people for it. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Palatino Linotype, Book Antiqua, Palatino, serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;">This is what I want to give my family. If there ever is a time I am not here, or unable to remember these wonderful times, they will have them. </span></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13215999417714525952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792211723119828341.post-89937662763963476722013-11-06T06:22:00.000-08:002013-11-06T06:22:29.367-08:00Make Your Home A Haven I stumbled on this wonderful blog through a friend's facebook page. Unfortunately, I was a couple weeks late for the link up, so I thought I would just wait and cram my "home into a haven" transformation into a week. Each week <a href="http://womenlivingwell.org/2013/09/making-your-home-a-haven-fall-challenge-is-back-with-an-ipad-mini-giveaway/" target="_blank">Courtney</a> gave a practical tip and challenge to give your home the feel of a haven. I love this quote by Courtney...<br />
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<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #222222; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', 'Book Antiqua', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;">I believe we can create a physical environment, </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #222222; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', 'Book Antiqua', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;">as well as a spiritual environment, that can bring peace, </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #222222; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', 'Book Antiqua', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;">harmony and a sense of calmness to our homes if we are willing to be intentional.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">I want my home to be a feeling. I love walking in the door and the overwhelming peace that can be felt. I love the comfort, the warmth and the love that accompanies this feeling. It seems like this feeling is most felt during the holidays. I also feel challenged to provide this same feeling for my husband and child. I want home to be more than just a physical address for them. I want it to me their heart, their safe place, their memories. </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Here was Courtney's first challenge...</span></div>
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<strong>Go buy an extra large candle and light it everyday in your home. </strong>I will be starting mine in the morning but if you work – you can start yours at dinner time and let it burn until you go to bed. Do what makes sense for your family. I will be placing mine in the kitchen – the main hub of my home.</div>
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<strong>Each time the candle catches your eye, say a prayer for peace in your home.</strong></div>
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Philippians 4: 6,7 says: “<em>Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by<strong>prayer</strong> and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. <sup>7 </sup>And the<strong> peace of God</strong>, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”</em></div>
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There is something so warm about a candle. It's no secret that I'm a scentsy lover. I love the decoration of the warmers, I love the scents, I love that I can leave them on and know my house will smell divine when I get home. But there's something about a candle, something about the warmth, the flicker, the act of lighting that just has more feeling attached to it, so rather than just falling back on my well used scentys I went out and bought an actual candle. </div>
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Every morning I've lit this candle and said a prayer for the peace of our home. Every day I pray that Brody and his future wife have childhoods full of love and laughter. I believer part of this starts with the environment of the home. I vow to always try to make my home a haven for all those who enter in. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13215999417714525952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792211723119828341.post-4396085215613892792013-11-05T11:53:00.001-08:002013-11-05T11:53:53.747-08:00Halloween, Corter Style I am an avid lover of all things festive, holiday, and celebratory. I am about as sentimental as they come. Lance claims my spiritual gift is hospitality. I love opening up our home (whether literally, or figuratively through hosting at another location) and loving on people through food, fellowship and making memories.<br />
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Last year we hosted our first halloween party. It was so much fun to decorate, cook and have our friends in our home and seeing their cute littles all dressed up. Brody is blessed with lots of little automatic friends through our close group friends. So naturally, I just had to do it again this year.<br />
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This year I decided to go with a "Monster Mash" theme. Our kids are all still to little to get into too much of the "spooky" aspects of halloween, so this was a much better direction.<br />
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I had some fun games planned for the kids to play. </div>
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The monster slime was definitely the favorite. The kids spent most of the night playing with this and it was so easy to make! </div>
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Here's a look at the <b>decorations</b> for the party. Usually I make a lot of the decorations for my parities, but I found a ton of cute monster themed decorations at Hobby Lobby and gave myself a break for this one. I love how everything tied together! </div>
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For <b>food</b>, I went with the old fall stand by, a chili bar. I had cheese, fritos and jalapeños out for people to add, and hotdogs for the kids. I poured some chef mix into a bowl and called it "monster mush." </div>
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The <b>desserts</b> were my favorite and turned out to be a huge hit. I made cupcakes and had candy melts in all different design and squiggles and candy eyes set out so the kids could make their own monsters. I also made "Monster Mallows" by dipping marshmallows in candy melts, adding some candy eyes and piping on some frosting hair. The great thing about monsters, is it's better if they're not perfect, so it definitely takes off a lot of pressure! </div>
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We had such a great time! I think a halloween party will definitely be an annual thing for us. It's going to be so neat to watch the kids grow up together and have these fun memories to share!</div>
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I'm pretty sure it's near impossible to get a group of toddlers to stand still OR look in the same direction. But don't they look great?!</div>
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<b><u>Trick or Treating</u></b></div>
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Our church does a huge trunk N treat every year that is open to the entire community. This year they hosted in on the Wednesday before Halloween. This is what we've decided to do as our only "trick or treating" event. Brody gets a TON of candy (more than he could ever need) and most of the people that really want to see him dressed up are there, so this route just works for us. It had rained all day, so instead of worrying about canceling and rescheduling, it got moved inside to the fellowship hall and it actually worked out really smoothly! </div>
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Brody even found another rodeo cowboy that also just happens to be one of his favorite big kids! </div>
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<b><u>Halloween Day</u></b></div>
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Even though we don't do traditional trick or treating, I still wanted to make this a fun day. So we got up early, had a spooookyy halloween breakfast and Brody put on his costume. </div>
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We went up to his daycare to join in on the party and took one of our favorite treats, DONUTS! </div>
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It was so fun to see Brody interacting with his friends and his teachers. There is always a little bit of worry that accompanies sending your child to a daycare and seeing him so happy there and loved on helps alleviate some of that worry. </div>
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Then we hopped back in the car and headed to Momma's work to see Brody's Aunt Eyah and our good friend Tracie. Oh, and did I mention the hospital I work at has a Coffee shop that serves Starbucks right in the lobby?! So naturally, we stopped for a warm drink. </div>
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Then we headed on over to Daddy's work and did some office to office trick or treating then had a fun lunch with daddy. </div>
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That night, Brody put on his Halloween jammies, we ate pigs-in-a-blanket and french fries for dinner and watched "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown," as we passed out candy to trick or treaters. Brody loved running to the door and seeing the kids coming by dressed up. </div>
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I love the way we do Halloween. It just works for our family and can't wait to just keep building these memories every year. What are some of your halloween traditions?</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13215999417714525952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792211723119828341.post-21079378988071065602013-11-03T13:56:00.004-08:002013-11-03T13:56:49.791-08:00Christ In Me <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A while back I was listening to <a href="http://www.klove.com/" target="_blank">KLove</a> on my way home from work and was listening to an artist on there talking about when she made the shift from listening to Christian music to being a Christian music listener. The difference was really hearing the lyrics of the song and feeling them. Knowing them. Living them. Music has always been a powerful thing to me. I love it. We have music playing in our house constantly, thanks to Pandora and iTunes Radio, and are known for some mad "jam sessions" in the car. One of the songs that I've really been moved by recently is "Christ in Me" by Tim Timmons. Listen to the song and take a look at the lyrics. </div>
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<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">The same great light that
broke the dark<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">The same great peace that
calmed the seas<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">Hallelujah, is living in me<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">The same great love that
gives us breath<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">The same great power that
conquered death<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">Hallelujah, is flowing
through me<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">And what, what if I believed
in Your power<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">And I really lived it<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">What, what if I believed
Christ in me<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">What if I believed<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">I would lay my worries down<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">See these hills as level ground<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">What if I believed, Christ in
me<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">The same great love that
casts out fear<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">The same compassion that
draws us near<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">Hallelujah, is living in the
air<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">The same great mercy I
received<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">Amazing grace for a wretch
like me<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">Hallelujah, is flowing
through me<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">And what, what if I believed
in Your power<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">And I really lived it<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">What, what if I believed,
Christ in me<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">What if I believed<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">I would lay my worries down<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">See these hills as level
ground<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">What if I believed, Christ in
me<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">Oh, I would praise You with
my life<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">Let my story lift You high<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">What if I believed, Christ in
me<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">What if I believed, Christ in
me<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">And what, what if I believed
in Your power<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">And I really lived it<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">What, what if I believed,
Christ in me<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">What if I believed<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">I would lay my worries down<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">And I'd see these hells as
level ground<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">What if I believed, Christ in
me<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">Oh, I would praise You with
my life<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">What if I believed, Christ in
me<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">What if I believed, Christ in
me<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">What
if I believed, Christ in me</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">The chorus of this song convicts and challenges my heart. I've learned about, and known God all my life. I was raised in a Catholic church and attended almost every Sunday. Then in high school I started attending the church I am still a member of today. I went to bible college, I've been on mission trips, I serve in the church today. I'm not telling you this as a pat on my back, but so I can tell you how strongly convicted I am by this song. I proclaim and teach "Christ in Me," but do I truly believe, or claim it? Probably not. "...if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." (Matt17:20) How often do I turn to myself for things when I should be turning to Christ. If I truly lived the lyrics of this song, lived a life trusting in the light, peace, love and power that is "flowing through me," rather than trusting in my own strengths, abilities and desires, God could do some amazing things. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">Christine Cain says, "Impossible is where God starts." Think of all the impossible things we, as believers, could do, say, conquer, the people we could reach, if we really claimed "Christ in Me," and believed the impossible could happen. This has been my prayer this week. That I may not only claim, but truly live and believe "Christ in Me." </span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13215999417714525952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792211723119828341.post-50031759721628259872013-10-31T13:10:00.000-07:002013-10-31T13:10:22.039-07:00Staying Connected<br />
A couple years ago, our church announced the beginning of a major transition for our congregation. We would be losing our music minister, children's minister, associate minister and senior minister to retirement. One of the greatest blessings of our church is the commitment and longevity of our staff. It also has made for a time of radical transition. Our staff and leadership put in a lot of time planning a "transition schedule" if you will, so we wouldn't be losing everyone at once. Two weeks ago Sunday, we closed the final phase of the transition. We said goodbye to our senior minister who had been serving at our church for 24+ years. Leon Weece had faithfully and wonderfully shepherd our congregation, and the loss of his presence is one that is tangible.<br />
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Last Sunday, our youth minister preached during church. This was something he felt strongly led to do so that we as a congregation would know that he felt the loss as well. Jerad preached an amazing, strong, God breathed sermon that spoke to the soul of the church.<br />
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He challenged us with the thought of staying connected. Staying connected to God and to each other as a body of believers. This thought has really got me thinking this week. One of the biggest evangelical movements of today is reaching the "unchurched." We live in a country that is void of many "non Christians," and is full of people that have left, never been, or been turned off from the church for a myriad of reasons, many of which are extremely valid. We are challenged to make friends and "do life," with these people so they know they belong with us.<br />
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This is an idea that I have loved from the moment I heard it preached. I have always been one of those people that has had the need to "belong." I don't do alone well. I hate not feeling like I "fit in" or belong. And I never want anyone else to feel that way. So many people present this idea of Christianity as one that is almost like a private club. You have to look, act, think, work and play like we do, or you don't get in. This has burned so many bridges that we're being built in an effort to lead someone to Christ.<br />
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However, there is something to be said for surrounding yourself with fellow believers. Not necessarily ones with the exact same doctrinal beliefs as you, but people who when it's all said and done at the end of the day, have chosen to live a Christ filled life. You need a strong foundation of relationships to help you when you go through a hard time. Like our church will rely on one another to stay connected as a body of believers rather than letting Satan tear down the walls of our congregation from the inside out, we need those deep personal connections with fellow believers when we're in the middle of very real, very personal, very traumatic events happening in our lives.<br />
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During dark times in my life, I've been close to both active Christ followers, and once that haven't quite reached that intimate level of relationship yet (though my deepest prayer and desire is that they will). Reactions to troubling circumstances can differ greatly, when the advice or direction from one friend is driven by the Spirit. One's main focus is me and the other, is Jesus. One gives me advice that they feel will make me the most happy. One gives me advice that may not be exactly what I want to hear, think, act, or do, but is what the Bible calls me to do. I need the challenge, I need the accountability. I love surrounding myself with all kinds of people and loving them with a Christ filled love, but the one's I let in the closest, the one's that I let see down to the darkest, deepest depths of my soul, need to be on the same page with me about Who I'm living for and Who's I am .<br />
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So today, I encourage you to reach out and love on those that don't yet know Christ. Because I do. Please don't hear me wrong on this. Love people. Let them in. Show them the tangible love of our wonderful Lord and savior. But I also encourage you to be careful about who you turn to during troubling, wonderful, tragic, and rejoicing times. We all need people. We just need to make sure the people we're needing will always point us back to Him.<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13215999417714525952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792211723119828341.post-25130715306338544502013-10-21T13:01:00.002-07:002013-11-03T12:44:07.493-08:00Living a Spirit Led Life <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A few weeks ago I went with about several women from my church to a <a href="http://www.womenoffaith.com/" target="_blank">Women Of Faith</a> Conference in Kansas City. I haven't been to an event like this since I was in High School and we attend <a href="http://www.ciy.com/" target="_blank">CIY</a> conferences. I was so excited about this event. I was especially looking forward to the event because of the theme, "Believe God Can Do Anything." I have seen God move in mighty ways in my life recently and was ready to celebrate that fact! What I didn't anticipate was the stirring the Spirit was going to begin in me while I was there.<br />
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I've always been unsure about God's plan for my life. Did he want me to be a nurse, a teacher, a business women, a writer, a stay at home mom? There are a few things I have always been sure about though. I knew God wanted to use me in a mighty way. I knew God placed a passion in my heart for people. I knew God gave me the gift of gab. But how am I supposed to use these things?<br />
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Currently I am an RN in an intensive care unity in a nearby hospital. I love my job. I love helping people, I love being able to be a light to them in some seriously dark times. I love that I am able to get full time hours done in three days and be at home with my sweet boy the other four days a week. But is this where God is calling me to? I know God is calling me here now, for this season, but I can't help but feel this stirring in my heart for something else. I want to preach, teach, lead, and live life side by side with women in some practical way. I want to be a light in this dark world. I want to live a Spirit led life.<br />
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I've always said I have three jobs here on this earth, 1) Love God, 2) Love People, and 3) make sure people know God loves them too. I am a firm believer that God can use you wherever you are doing whatever it is you're doing. As long as you live your life doing these three jobs, whatever you do as a career, whoever it is you're surrounded by, that is your ministry.<br />
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I have no idea what God is going to do with these promptings I feel on my heart. I have no idea what doors are going to be opened. But I do know I'm here. I'm waiting. I believe God can take this simple girl from Oklahoma and use her in mighty ways, whether it be staying right put where I am in the ICU, or whether He's going to blow open doors I never thought possible. But I do know I'm ready, patiently waiting and living a Spirit led life.<br />
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<a href="http://womenlivingwell.org/category/women-living-well-wednesdays/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i457.photobucket.com/albums/qq297/courtneylivingwell/LivingWell.png" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13215999417714525952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792211723119828341.post-65808075398602415342013-08-06T16:16:00.000-07:002013-08-06T16:16:11.565-07:00Down on the farmBrody loves everything about life on a farm. He loves the animals, the clothes, the chores. Stick this kid on a farm and he is happy. He chooses to wear his "bowboy" boots with everything. Give the kid a hat and fuhgetaboutit! It'll stay there all day. So when it came time to plan his second birthday party, a party on the farm is where we went.<br />
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There is a great pumpkin patch that we went to last fall (you can read about it <a href="http://theblessedmrsc.blogspot.com/2012/10/pumpkin-patch-fun.html" target="_blank">here</a>) and I knew it would be the perfect location for Brody's birthday party. They have the cutest barns on site, a petting zoo, a train ride and a play area. The staff was absolutely fabulous to work with! I would highly recommend <a href="http://www.annabellesfunfarm.com/" target="_blank">Annabelle's Fun Farm</a>! Brody got sick and was diagnosed with pneumonia two days before his birthday so we had to cancel last minute and reschedule. The owners were super understandable and worked with us.<br />
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Finally came the day for us to hit the farm and here's how we did it...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdUwMb64KnatGEM3etvzqNVfgJWpfiRzSpvv1mFumvQ-QBuTrX_ndg4J7aSSjLuNw-YwcXAS0icuuNNfa5_a_lw7NB85vuFy82_VrNIkuVPuzhyphenhyphenU90VR4sU-t4RYGFVFOIv1eNMzb9HxI/s1600/IMG_1230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdUwMb64KnatGEM3etvzqNVfgJWpfiRzSpvv1mFumvQ-QBuTrX_ndg4J7aSSjLuNw-YwcXAS0icuuNNfa5_a_lw7NB85vuFy82_VrNIkuVPuzhyphenhyphenU90VR4sU-t4RYGFVFOIv1eNMzb9HxI/s320/IMG_1230.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Kept the food super simple with hot dogs and chips :). </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi75LiGLu-P8h1VwwtEKb1sedDnS62p5UAIUPPQu7a5IUDOGQ0_oRKvZCjDiVIr_oH_cDLh0WMNY8i8-a0B3a9kBoIjkUynSx0wERIqTm6w-lP6-Fvf5JaCHCWAMj4_dWaoIAQ6BdOfjjQ/s1600/IMG_1232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi75LiGLu-P8h1VwwtEKb1sedDnS62p5UAIUPPQu7a5IUDOGQ0_oRKvZCjDiVIr_oH_cDLh0WMNY8i8-a0B3a9kBoIjkUynSx0wERIqTm6w-lP6-Fvf5JaCHCWAMj4_dWaoIAQ6BdOfjjQ/s320/IMG_1232.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj66c9CzgRJW0YHm7jjAA9Yi43VpnYnc4plCNZeZ56R7j-ZQkFBrMGDU2lgB9V3WER_NaikjJYrO1a56rE140Za-Xblod-czd5Lc8l59OZbViQbuvjnpqfHt3roh08agCI2Gxfwbc_eHkU/s1600/IMG_1233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj66c9CzgRJW0YHm7jjAA9Yi43VpnYnc4plCNZeZ56R7j-ZQkFBrMGDU2lgB9V3WER_NaikjJYrO1a56rE140Za-Xblod-czd5Lc8l59OZbViQbuvjnpqfHt3roh08agCI2Gxfwbc_eHkU/s320/IMG_1233.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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My sister-in-law made the adorable, not to mention delicious, cake and cupcakes. We had lemon, cookies and cream and chocolate cupcakes and the cake was white cake with strawberry filling. To die for! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrDUzd5_uD5bL23HYFgyG4gPpJJKE5JPUNJ-IR5Fk93UDSG5hyphenhyphensXvcLalhpENxS3CbB_-c3uQb7GWotPtD2CXDkKFUPpD3L4nMnvHLNAfakS4kBX_t7-qrfnP350_5E4jKkbuqdf4ALsM/s1600/IMG_1234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrDUzd5_uD5bL23HYFgyG4gPpJJKE5JPUNJ-IR5Fk93UDSG5hyphenhyphensXvcLalhpENxS3CbB_-c3uQb7GWotPtD2CXDkKFUPpD3L4nMnvHLNAfakS4kBX_t7-qrfnP350_5E4jKkbuqdf4ALsM/s320/IMG_1234.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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And a farm ain't a farm with out sweet tea and lemonade. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh88XbXX9souGOJbSe3rSTOPmdLj6f_r1OnWfB1Hjjwj1qHe6c9MZIEBEfQ2Secm1jEsjtjlp2i9HvaQG_EOLyAIIZrXkRa9IvVh2q3uhYt2HnDIH11KLAVqwKoREjELmcLDGZPn7QT5fk/s1600/IMG_1235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh88XbXX9souGOJbSe3rSTOPmdLj6f_r1OnWfB1Hjjwj1qHe6c9MZIEBEfQ2Secm1jEsjtjlp2i9HvaQG_EOLyAIIZrXkRa9IvVh2q3uhYt2HnDIH11KLAVqwKoREjELmcLDGZPn7QT5fk/s320/IMG_1235.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1SIGItB9ZBNS3K9q8MtGCjeFkOFcD_epYWTxGIGkHM7VjXR4V4Fm37UVnamdVObHSI9BZHrztLkayAyqeejS2cWtipPhLUHXCnzvEMj_9MfaVPDD2BAN1yjcXiWm5cl_DIjZXCb3qrgc/s1600/IMG_1236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1SIGItB9ZBNS3K9q8MtGCjeFkOFcD_epYWTxGIGkHM7VjXR4V4Fm37UVnamdVObHSI9BZHrztLkayAyqeejS2cWtipPhLUHXCnzvEMj_9MfaVPDD2BAN1yjcXiWm5cl_DIjZXCb3qrgc/s320/IMG_1236.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I LOVED the way these milk jugs turned out!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPLruHyERC6TyUjhKK0E6037_BrsiAP38XAm9c_8bQ6enQVn3bLuRCrT-CmOoePEt0TwnDf0lC1PUMgQ5GNhtcyB_8GFy18ecm5KMnPAP5qHzCQ0eeGZPmLdgdBa-16SZRAkXg9uxHbUs/s1600/IMG_1237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPLruHyERC6TyUjhKK0E6037_BrsiAP38XAm9c_8bQ6enQVn3bLuRCrT-CmOoePEt0TwnDf0lC1PUMgQ5GNhtcyB_8GFy18ecm5KMnPAP5qHzCQ0eeGZPmLdgdBa-16SZRAkXg9uxHbUs/s320/IMG_1237.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Goody bags for the everyone! All the kids got a cowboy hat and bandana. They also got to pick out a farm animal mask. Inside the bags were bubbles, suckers, farm stickers and a farm animal rubber ducky. </div>
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There was so much for the kids to do at the farm! They got free reign of the place and got to just run around to their hearts content! There's a great petting zoo (no picture, momma fail) with all kinds of animals for the kids to see and pet. The owners were there to take the kid on train rides and they have an awesome play area with swings and slides. </div>
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Then came time for cake and presents. This year was so fun because Brody was actually more into the whole idea :). He joined in the singing and loved picking out a cake :). Brody was so cute opening his presents He got some really awesome toys this year and <strike>his momma</strike> he was ready to tear into each one and start playing right away! </div>
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We had such a great time and can't wait to go back to Annabelle's this fall when the pumpkin patch and corn maze are all ripe and ready!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13215999417714525952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792211723119828341.post-33334299143302519902013-02-24T06:22:00.000-08:002013-02-24T06:22:51.122-08:00Love Come to Life Love. It's the driving force in our walks with Christ. It's our calling. It makes this world a tolerable, even enjoyable place. Yet sometimes, we get so hardened by the evil that presides on earth, we get cold. We need to be the warmth, light and love to this fallen world. Big Daddy Weave's song "Love Come to Life," articulates this message so beautifully, I wanted to share it with y'all today...<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/YrRbPU8YRxs?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<div style="border: 0px none; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px 10px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
I've been restless on the inside<br />
Wondering about this heart of mine<br />
I've been desperately trying to find<br />
A way to prove that I'm still alive<br />
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Has the love I speak so loudly of quietly grown cold<br />
Has my life been an empty voice?<br />
What I say needs to be seen<br />
I need to step out and make the choice<br />
To let go of everything<br />
Would You reignite this heart spark here in the dark?<br />
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<i style="border: 0px none; font-size: 1em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">[Chorus]</i><br />
Bring Your love to life inside of me<br />
Why don't You break my heart 'til it moves my hands and feet<br />
For the hopeless and the broken<br />
For the ones that don't know that You love them<br />
Bring Your love to life inside of me<br />
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A generation You're calling out<br />
Living everything that we sing about<br />
A revelation right here and now<br />
Of love beyond a shadow of a doubt<br />
Love that's greater than our own<br />
Won't remain unknown, when You...<br />
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<i style="border: 0px none; font-size: 1em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">[Chorus]</i><br />
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Love come to life<br />
Love come to life<br />
Bring love to life inside of me<br />
<i style="border: 0px none; font-size: 1em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">[X4]</i><br />
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<i style="border: 0px none; font-size: 1em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">[Chorus]</i><br />
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Love come to life<br />
Love come to life<br />
Bring love to life inside of me<br />
<i style="border: 0px none; font-size: 1em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">[X4]</i></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13215999417714525952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792211723119828341.post-26160091558935827152013-02-22T03:13:00.000-08:002013-02-22T03:13:15.781-08:00Preparing for EasterWe are now in the season of Lent. We belong to an Independent Christian church, and while we don't place any emphasis on this season, I want to use these days as a time of preparation and teaching in our home so that our children will always know the true meaning of Easter.<br />
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This week I spent time with Brody reading and telling him about the Triumphal Entry. I love accompanying a craft with lessons and important stories because I really think it helps children grasp the idea and meaning behind them.<br />
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Here's the craft we made to drive home the Triumphal Entry. I apologize for the lack of quality and quantity of the pictures. I accidentally rebooted (or whatever the technical term is) my iPhone and erased the pictures I already had on there. So I was forced to just snap a quick end product pic.<br />
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I took two leaves from an old wreath and dipped them in paint, then let Brody apply the "stamps" the be paper so they resembled the palms branches laid down. Then found a picture of Jesus riding a donkey on the internet, printed it off and let Brody color it. Then we glued it on top of the "branches."<br />
This week we have been saying "Hosanna, in the highest." And singing a song we sing in church,<br />
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"Clap your hands all you people, shout unto God with a voice of triumph. </div>
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Clap your hands all you people, shout unto God with a voice of praise. </div>
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Hosanna! Hosanna! Shout unto God with a voice of triumph! </div>
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Praise Him, Praise Him! Shout unto God with a voice of praise! "</div>
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What activities are you doing with your kids to help them prepare for the Easter season? I'd love to read your ideas! </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13215999417714525952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792211723119828341.post-78639251701178348332013-02-21T07:26:00.001-08:002013-02-21T07:26:08.967-08:00Sometimes Life Sucks This is me an my momma. This is one of my absolute favorite pictures of us. It's old yes, (from my 16 birthday lol) but I love it. Pictures of us are few and far between. My mom has always hated having her picture taken, and I never thought to push the issue. Now I wish I would have. I wish I had more pictures of us together.<br />
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You see, our world was turned upside down in the late summer of 2010. We got the unthinkable, unfair diagnosis of Early Onset Alzheimer's. Excuse me? Alzheimer's? No, no no. You see, I'm a nurse. 57 year old, healthy, funny, intelligent, hardworking women don't get Alzheimer's. People get it late late in life. After they have enjoyed retirement for a while, enjoyed their grandkids, traveled, enjoyed the changing relationship with their children to friends.<br />
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I was supposed to be able to call up my mom in the middle of the night with my first child in tears because I don't know what I'm doing. I was supposed to be able to ask her when I started sitting up, crawling, walking and all other fun milestones my Brody was reaching. Brody was supposed to be able to "go on vacation to my Granny's," like my nieces and nephews did.<br />
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Instead we are dealing with early retirement and disability, selling her house and moving in with my sister, the inability to read a clock or get out correct change. My mom doesn't know how old I am or when my birthday is. And you know what? It sucks. It's horrible, it's not fair and it sucks. My mom is seriously the best mom in the world. We had the most amazing relationship that has been forced to change. And I hate it. It has rocked my family, my faith and my life to the core and it's not fair.<br />
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Sometimes a girl just needs her momma.....Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13215999417714525952noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792211723119828341.post-40952948138095114002013-02-20T08:16:00.001-08:002013-02-20T08:16:10.281-08:00Wordless Wednesday! A little after Valentine's Day creativity :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHw5EW_VOVmY3TulKeS7SxMU3wPn8XBRiflgSfebjl0wUnIaAw5aK6PjlPWqLyPLdWODdl-F270NSfTQuo_icjiqxtI_G3ztb_8YLdQQZx_m-uUFV79vnSnhA6kHjZZ6QWoJtUdCaCDMI/s1600/Wordless+Wednesday+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHw5EW_VOVmY3TulKeS7SxMU3wPn8XBRiflgSfebjl0wUnIaAw5aK6PjlPWqLyPLdWODdl-F270NSfTQuo_icjiqxtI_G3ztb_8YLdQQZx_m-uUFV79vnSnhA6kHjZZ6QWoJtUdCaCDMI/s640/Wordless+Wednesday+.jpg" width="546" /></a></div>
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This silly boy makes my world go round.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13215999417714525952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792211723119828341.post-91689024250547346642013-02-04T13:43:00.002-08:002013-02-04T13:43:17.782-08:00A Little Pinterest Love<div style="text-align: left;">
Brody is really getting into crafts and art projects, so I have tried to add at least a couple (other than drawing with crayons and paper, which he does daily) into our weekly rotation. I also am a serious holiday junkie. I go overboard and love it. So when I found this pinterest inspired Valentine's craft I knew we had to give it a go, and it was a total success! This craft was so easy and Brody had a blast doing it. Toilet Paper roll as a heart stamp? Hello genius. </div>
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Supplies</div>
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1 toilet paper roll</div>
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paint</div>
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paper</div>
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That simple folks. I cut the toilet paper roll into two so that Brody could have a red stamp and a pink stamp, dipped the ends in paint and let him go to town! </div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">**TIP- I always use blue painter's tape to secure the paper to the table. This way, the paper stays put, it peels up easier than regular tape and comes right off his paper without tearing!**</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He loves craft time!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ0GE4HVP2zCfLAB13X1NIiJCvddZcC8lSVYulB-is_uVqqMDIVPsJJkBnOFg1FGH3u9Va4BV-5m_FDWczblN1GJr7_XX7DhBEnNDjeN5NZUpweboIi6oC5qmUH5S45hJnOsYn3uNiWB4/s1600/IMG_0554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ0GE4HVP2zCfLAB13X1NIiJCvddZcC8lSVYulB-is_uVqqMDIVPsJJkBnOFg1FGH3u9Va4BV-5m_FDWczblN1GJr7_XX7DhBEnNDjeN5NZUpweboIi6oC5qmUH5S45hJnOsYn3uNiWB4/s400/IMG_0554.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The dude is serious about his art </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ3y5F65MXiOgXaWa3FA0ze-iUJeIcwcXkS928L3OW-YjohiQrRyblX-aCtBi3eiwAWpVP_vdKcXCN2d4RVQ0mnQ1ZTCqCMj-iPZ5LgvZhQGnnXckPpKrVEbieslRruIew0kyAMwZDmTY/s1600/IMG_0557.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ3y5F65MXiOgXaWa3FA0ze-iUJeIcwcXkS928L3OW-YjohiQrRyblX-aCtBi3eiwAWpVP_vdKcXCN2d4RVQ0mnQ1ZTCqCMj-iPZ5LgvZhQGnnXckPpKrVEbieslRruIew0kyAMwZDmTY/s400/IMG_0557.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ok, maybe not SO serious :) </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_wiKwCL7rWBROIRXEEQXisIqtcW2XFa0tMK72HBYCtGutyn7BSbQERhyphenhyphenOpqkEjPCURlrQCqCL8ArGm3fv7QZvBy2cE7ydwOhQ5Ms34BGibzHoLdG14iPX0iQWihBkgcGYXYlfVFqk7zI/s1600/IMG_0559.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_wiKwCL7rWBROIRXEEQXisIqtcW2XFa0tMK72HBYCtGutyn7BSbQERhyphenhyphenOpqkEjPCURlrQCqCL8ArGm3fv7QZvBy2cE7ydwOhQ5Ms34BGibzHoLdG14iPX0iQWihBkgcGYXYlfVFqk7zI/s400/IMG_0559.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bonus? When they get bored of painting, the stamps make an awesome telescope! Yo Ho Ho! </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The finished Project!<br />And someone trying to sneak their cute little hands back into the paint :) </td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13215999417714525952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792211723119828341.post-90824429003237126262013-01-30T10:07:00.000-08:002013-01-30T17:05:45.190-08:00Well hello there...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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...trying twos!<br />
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Some refer to this as the "terrible twos." I HATE this term! Do some days, hours or even minutes <i>feel</i> terrible? You bet. But I loath the idea of referring to any part of my son's life as "terrible," I like "trying" much better. :)<br />
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Brody is such a great kid with such an awesome personality. And in the last couple weeks this little boy is definitely starting to explore exactly what this personality is going to be. He gets the craziest ideas in his head and he HAS to see them through. Like, right. this. second. Even if said plan is jumping off the back of the couch, throwing our snacks around the living room, our playing "earthquake" with our sweet 5 month old friend while he is in the jumper. (It didn't get far Mika, promise!)<br />
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If I happen to have the audacity to stop one of these wild schemes, whoa man. It is world ending. We're talking throw ourselves on the floor, wailing, flop like a fish kind of world ending. Another world ending event we've been experiencing is bed time (and nap time). He is so full of energy and life the idea of having to slow down for any amount of time seems insurmountable and torturous.<br />
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Hello discipline, we finally meet. Lance and I have been having many discussions as to how we want to handle discipline in our house and what behaviors we find unacceptable. Now I know there are 10,764 ways to discipline a child, these are just the ideas that we have decided to implement in our home and reserve the right to declare them utter failures and abort at any time. :) I'm just going to say upfront we are ok with spanking. We are definitely not ok with excessive spanking, violent and anger driven spanking or spanking for everything. We have decided we will have a list of things we feel are completely unacceptable all the time and those get an automatic spanking. The driving factor with this list is hurting someone, hitting, kicking, biting, throwing things AT someone all make the list.<br />
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The other forms of discipline we are sticking with are positive reinforcement, distraction and time out. Positive reinforcement and distraction are ideas we've been using all along. I feel no child wants to misbehave and can usually be redirected to acceptable behavior. And everyone wants to be praised and do a good job. Praise good behavior, that's what the child will strive for. But, Brody is a kid and is trying to figure this thing called life out, and will do things that require teaching and punishment. Enter time out. Our decided time out length is based upon age. So right now, his time out length is 1min 45 seconds. Yesterday was the first day we really started implementing time out. He sat in time out 3 times, twice for dumping his food out on the floor and once fore the earthquake baby incident. And you know what? They worked great for us! He cried through the whole thing of course, but after the second food incident he didn't dump his food anymore and after one time out for playing rough with the baby, he didn't attempt that either.<br />
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Now, I know we will have set backs, we will have great days and we will have days that tempt me to call this phase "terrible." But along with this stage is so much fun. Brody is becoming so loving and affectionate (hello melt into a mushy momma puddle every time I hear that sweet voice say "ah you" {translation=love you}), his sense of humor is starting to develop and finds things hilarious, the amazing way is knowledge grows everyday. And oh so much fun playing! I love this age with all the ups and downs and can't wait to see where this little boy takes us next. :)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13215999417714525952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792211723119828341.post-55370655927273154972012-10-31T13:05:00.000-07:002012-10-31T13:05:08.479-07:00Brody's Wish List! I am very much a one holiday at a time kina gal. I love them all and think they all deserve their own time to shine. With Christmas being the PARTIAL exception. I refuse to put up any decorations, listen to music, give in to the social pull to start Christmas in August (I mean, come on! Respect the bird people!), but I will begin thinking about Christmas gifts months in advance. That way I an keep my eye out for sales, get lists to relatives and so on.<br />
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So, without further ado.... (dun dun dun...)<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Brody loves to work on things and figure out how to take things apart and put back together. He will LOVE THIS! </span></div>
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Some play cookware, food and dishes for his kitchen<br />
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Some Melissa and Doug Puzzles<br />
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On his list will also be some books, PJs, and new outfits. And this little Santa tends to go overboard, so I'm sure a few more things will pop up between now and December 25. :) But it's a start. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13215999417714525952noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792211723119828341.post-21041438553305418882012-10-25T20:23:00.002-07:002012-10-25T20:24:27.677-07:0018 Months?! Dear Brody,<br />
I can't believe you are 18 months! (plus some!). You are such a joy! Your Dad and I are SO blessed to be your parents. You constantly keep us laughing with your silly faces and your every growing sense of humor! It is so fun to see you start to develop a sense of humor and I really think you're making jokes already! You'll do something silly or crazy and then crack up at your self; it's really the cutest thing in the world!<br />
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Your favorite toys right now are your horses, your books, cars and your kitchen. We spend most of our days running between these few things. You love to be outside most of all though :). Crazy Oklahoma weather has forced us to stay inside here lately because of rain, heat, cold and all of the above! You love to drive your truck, swing, and sword fight with sticks. Our good friends the Panters have all kinds of animals that you love to go see! When we say we're going to KP's house, you know you'll get to see horses and cows and get so excited! And dogs! Oh boy, do you love dogs! Any time you see a sliding/french/or any kind of back door, you run to it saying "GOG GOG GOG!" you just KNOW there will be a fur buddy on the other side. It's so cute because you get really confused if there's not one! Bath time is also one of your favorites. :) Any time I say "bath," you immediately run to the bathroom, throw back the shower curtain and start tossing in your soap. Shouting "bat bat bat" the whole time. :) </div>
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Your vocabulary is really starting to boom! We still have a little bit of a hard time differentiating some words, but you're trying so hard and we are SO proud of you! Your regularly say, dog, cracker, momma, dada, moo, neigh, quack, baa, hot, hat, bath, car, tractor, out, bible, flag, ball, baby and a few more I'm sure I'm forgetting. It's so encouraging to see your words growing. It seems like just yesterday we were worried you couldn't hear at all and now, you can hear a dog bark a mile away and recognize it. Your signing is also incredible! You sign so many words and pick up new ones weekly! We're working on colors and you love learning about different animals and shapes. You are so smart Brody; I can see it in your eyes. :) </div>
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Another change this month is a little visitor we get twice a week. Baby Hudson. I was a little worried how you would adjust at first because you are so use to having all my attention all day. The first day was not even rough for you! Just a little confusing maybe, but you have adapted SO well! You love looking at him and get so concerned if he gets upset! You have even started giving him kisses. You are such a kind boy with such a tender heart. Please keep this trait forever. You are just the sweetest. I know someday you will be a fantastic brother. :) </div>
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It is amazing how fast you are growing! You are sleeping so great and eating like a champ! You've transitioned to one nap a day and are still sleeping 10-12 hours at night. We still have binky for a few more days and woobie and your dog accompany you to every bed time :). Your favorite foods are bananas, apples, grapes, chicken, green beans, peas and corn. You are a pretty diverse eater and will try almost any thing I give you. Your foodie momma is so proud of that Brody! You love to eat, cook and everything culinary! I can't wait to start cooking/baking together. I know it will be a great bonding time for us! You also have a sweet tooth. You come by it naturally though. Your daddy and I both love our sweets. But it's alright, everything in moderation </div>
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Your are in size four diapers and clothes are 18-24 months. You are so long and lean a lot of the time your pants will be too big in the waist or too short in the length. So far your built just like your daddy little man. Your feet are a different story though; those are momma's all the way! There big and wide just like mine! Sorry buddy. We went shoe shopping the other day and had to buy you 7s and I'm sure they won't last until spring!</div>
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Brody Pate, I could go on forever bragging about you. You are an absolute blessing to be around. I thank the Lord every day that he picked ME to be your momma. You are just the best little boy! It amazes me the connection we have and how much fun we have spending our days together. I hate leaving you in the morning and can't wait to get home to you in the evening. It is so exciting to see you growing and learning every day! Your daddy and I cherish each milestone and love seeing your learn new things! But it's ok if you want to slow down just a little! Let us enjoy it slowly. I pray for you every day sweet boy. You are my heart. </div>
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I love you to the moon and back... </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13215999417714525952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792211723119828341.post-34902862038501695032012-10-24T21:00:00.001-07:002012-10-24T21:00:44.711-07:00Carpe Diem Carpe Diem is a cliche that has been around for quite a while. Some people have taken it so far as to adopt it as their lifestyle. Usually, someone with this mentality uses it to encourage a life that is all about self. Doing what you want to do, when and how you want to do it. Your number one concern is living your life exactly how you want it. Life is too short to do it any other way.<br />
But what if we took this idea and applied it to servanthood? The other day while I was running I was listening to a sermon that encouraged people to "go until they here a no," in regards to serving God. For so many of us, it's hard to know exactly where God is trying to lead us in our life. We get so wrapped up in trying to look for that one area, that one ministry, that we just KNOW God has set out for us, that we may miss ways we can serve everyday.<br />
Matthew 28:19-20 tells us "Therefore go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." The Great Commission. To all of us. In all circumstances. It doesn't matter whether we are preaching, leading youth, cleaning bathrooms, or mothering our children, we are to do it with the great commission in mind.<br />
Carpe Diem is Latin and literally means, "to pluck the day." If we could wake up each day and say, "Ok God, I don't know what you've got planned for me, but today I'm going to look with your eyes and show your love to the world." God will do great things with you if you are willing, but what are you doing in the meantime? We as believers need to seize the day and take over this world for Jesus Christ. Refocus our "anything goes as long as it will benefit me" mentality to anything goes as long as it benefits the KINGDOM" mentality.<br />
So go, wholeheartedly, serve the world for Jesus with reckless abandon and watch what God will do with your life and your service. I promise, it will be amazing.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13215999417714525952noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792211723119828341.post-73401625319917284722012-10-24T10:26:00.000-07:002012-10-24T10:26:06.873-07:00Wordless Wednesday! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Do you think this is a sign that we MIGHT eat too much ice cream at our house? Nah, I didn't think so either. :) </div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">*Disclaimer, please excuse toy tornado in background and crappy photo quality. Pictures taken on my iPhone of an ever moving toddler. Hmm, same reason my living room looks like a disaster zone... :)</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13215999417714525952noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-792211723119828341.post-33298523548526031312012-10-16T19:35:00.000-07:002012-10-16T19:35:23.951-07:00Pumpkin Patch Fun! This weekend we took Brody to a pumpkin patch near our home. I honestly didn't go into it with the highest expectations. We are from a really small town, and we are the county seat :). So, little did I know we would find such an awesome patch so close to home! The pumpkin patch is called <a href="http://www.annabellesfunfarm.com/" target="_blank">Annabelle's Fun Farm</a>; it is a pick your own patch and so much more!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr2I722sKsVD3SOIusrWyHDnt02yUUvzHMK62wDmk-gZoNeQaJSjw-omyw1aMSfz0_AqHt7Lo-e2Tbdk8KCULMvDadWQKeH2VbttC_k9wp4Z1-xP9Yp_wiM9lduPHvWN6gCSBiwR-TTWE/s1600/Annabelle's+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr2I722sKsVD3SOIusrWyHDnt02yUUvzHMK62wDmk-gZoNeQaJSjw-omyw1aMSfz0_AqHt7Lo-e2Tbdk8KCULMvDadWQKeH2VbttC_k9wp4Z1-xP9Yp_wiM9lduPHvWN6gCSBiwR-TTWE/s640/Annabelle's+.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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How Cute is the this?! This is where you check in and buy your tickets. They also have a ton of homemade seasonal home decor for sale, and a concession stand. </div>
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It started raining as soon as we pulled in, so we were a little worried we may not get to enjoy the farm after all. But the rain stopped for a minute so we decided to go for it. These were the ominous clouds that lurked the whole afternoon though. </div>
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Our first stop after purchasing our tickets was the petting zoo. </div>
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Brody had so much fun here! The animal pens were painted to match the atmosphere of the whole farm. They had pigs, a HUGE tom turkey, peacocks, ducks, chickens, about 8-10 goats, miniature horses, and sheep. Brody's favorite were the goats. There were a few roaming between the pens and they would just come up and sniff you. He thought that was pretty funny :)</div>
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After the petting zoo, we made our way over to the play area. </div>
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How cute is this barn/play area! Brody had such a blast on the swings! </div>
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This patch did not have a traditional corn maze. But they had the best train! You gave the conductor (complete with hat and all!) Your ticket, picked a car, and hoped on for a trip through the corn field! They had it all decked out with grave yards, scarecrows, and skeletons throughout the field. It was SO windy outside! That's what's got Brody's hair so crazy in the bottom right picture :). Brody had such a great time riding and did NOT want to get off when it was over! </div>
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It was time to head out into the pick your own patch and he saw all the pumpkins and wagons! </div>
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We picked up a few pumpkins, then hoped on to Brody's first hay ride! Brody loves all things tractors and had a blast riding behind this one, taking in the scenes. </div>
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There were a few more activities the farm had that were just a little too old for Brody. But we'll try to catch them next year. Including bounce houses and air canons. It was a big day for Oklahoma college football so the air canons were rigged up to shoot at scarecrows in either, OU, OSU or Texas gear. (Go Pokes!) They also had this fun station you could "mine" for minerals. </div>
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It started pouring just as we were getting ready to leave. We were so thankful it held off long enough for us to get all of our fun in. Brody had such a great time, we had a bit of a melt down when it was time to get in the car. It only lasted a few short minutes though. We were probably not even a mile section down the road and I looked back and found this. </div>
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It was so great to check an item off of our family fall bucket list. I know we'll be back at Annabelle's in the years to come, and am excited to see it become a tradition for our little family. </div>
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Do any of you go to pumpkin patches as part of a family tradition? If not, what activities do you do to welcome in the season? </div>
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