Worship Him

"O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for You. My soul thirsts for You; my whole body longs for You in this parched and weary land where there is no water."
Psalm 63:1, NLT

Studying...Created to be His Help Meet

We are studying the book by Debi Pearl, Created to be His Help Meet. Through our study of this book, we are going to learn what it means to be a help meet and actually living the role that God created us as women to fill. I've read this book once before and applied many of the things that Mrs. Pearl spoke of, and it has transformed an already good marriage into nothing short of awesome!! I encourage you to purchase this book and follow along or at the very least, check out the Pearl's website at http://www.nogreaterjoy.org/ Any text taken directly from Mrs. Pearl's book will be highlighted in blue.

I realize that in studying Created to be His Help Meet at the rate of one chapter per week, we will be doing this study for approximately 24 weeks. We could go at this at a much faster rate, but I believe that if we truly want to change and fill our God given rolls as help meet to our husbands, then we need to take things slower and put into practice what we are learning. I hope you agree and stay the course with me as we become better help meets together.

Part 2: Titus 2

Chapter 21: Good

Are you a good woman?

I believe I am a good woman, and after reading through this chapter, I still believe I am a good woman, but I sure have room to be better.

Goodness is one of the fruits of the Spirit, so it's obviously very important.

What I found most interesting though was, of the men (including older teenagers) questioned about what they look for in a wife, the majority answer was someone who was not high maintenance, she couldn't be a lazy, gossiping, shopping going out to eat 4 times a week lady.

As a matter of fact, my own son when asked this question agreed but went on to say that he wants someone who can take a little and make it into something nice..or in other words, someone could never tell that things might be a bit tight. He didn't want someone who would spend more time whining than making do with what is provided.

I know with my own husband, he wants a woman who needs him, whom he can take care of, but he also wants me to be able to stand on my own two feet.

Not that he wants me to (because he truly doesn't), but he is pleased that I can change the oil in my car and keep a check on the other fluids. I know what a good running motor sounds like and if something isn't just right, I can tell him..and now, after 26 years, I'm often able to get close, if not on target with what the problem is.

I can cut the grass, weed eat, and do minor repairs around the house. Even if I can't fix what's wrong, just the fact that I'm willing to put forth the effort is enough to please him.

Mrs. Pearl went on to share that a good woman is a wise steward of the finances her husband brings home, will cook from scratch as opposed to going out or always preparing pre-packaged meals, keeps her house clean and the children well taken care of.

She shares that even if the husband isn't fulfilling his role as he should, by being what we should in Christ for our husbands will cause others to look at him and say, "He has a good woman". And what man wouldn't be encouraged by that?

Next week: Obedient to Their Own Husbands

Sharing From My Inbox

This came in my inbox this week and I just wanted to share.

Have a blessed day!

Because of Love

A brother and sister had made their usual hurried, obligatory pre-Christmas visit to the little farm where dwelt their elderly parents with their small herd of horses. The farm was where they had grown up and had been named Lone Pine Farm because of the huge pine, which topped the hill behind the farm. Through the years the tree had become a talisman to the old man and his wife, and a landmark in the countryside. The young siblings had fond memories of their childhood here, but the city hustle and bustle added more excitement to their lives, and called them away to a different life.

The old folks no longer showed their horses, for the years had taken their toll, and getting out to the barn on those frosty mornings was getting harder, but it gave them a reason to get up in
the mornings and a reason to live. They sold a few foals each year, and the horses were their reason for joy in the morning and contentment at day's end.

Angry, as they prepared to leave, the young couple confronted the old folks "Why do you not at least dispose of The Old One." She is no longer of use to you. It's been years since you've had foals from her. You should cut corners and save so you can have more for yourselves. How can this old worn out horse bring you anything but expense and work? Why do you keep her anyway?"

The old man looked down at his worn boots, holes in the toes, scuffed at the barn floor and replied, " Yes, I could use a pair of new boots. His arm slid defensively about the Old One's neck as he drew her near with gentle caressing he rubbed her softly behind her ears. He replied softly, "We keep her because of love. Nothing else, just love."

Baffled and irritated, the young folks wished the old man and his wife a Merry Christmas and headed back toward the city as darkness stole through the valley. The old couple shook their heads in sorrow that it had not been a happy visit. A tear fell upon their cheeks.. How is it that these young folks do not understand the peace of the love that filled their hearts?

So it was, that because of the unhappy leave-taking, no one noticed the insulation smoldering on the frayed wires in the old barn. None saw the first spark fall. None but the "Old One".

In a matter of minutes, the whole barn was ablaze and the hungry flames were licking at the loft full of hay. With a cry of horror and despair, the old man shouted to his wife to call for help as he
raced to the barn to save their beloved horses. But the flames were roaring now, and the blazing heat drove him back. He sank sobbing to the ground, helpless before the fire's fury. His wife back from calling for help cradled him in her arms, clinging to each other, they wept at their loss.

By the time the fire department arrived, only smoking, glowing ruins were left, and the old man and his wife, exhausted from their grief, huddled together before the barn. They were speechless as they rose from the cold snow covered ground. They nodded thanks to the firemen as there was nothing anyone could do now. The old man turned to his wife, resting her white head upon his shoulders as his shaking old hands clumsily dried her tears with a frayed red
bandana. Brokenly he whispered, "We have lost much, but God has spared our home on this eve of Christmas. Let us gather strength and climb the hill to the old pine where we have sought comfort in times of despair. We will look down upon our home and give thanks to God that it has been spared and pray for our beloved most precious gifts that have been taken from us.

And so, he took her by the hand and slowly helped her up the snowy hill as he brushed aside his own tears with the back of his old and withered hand.

The journey up the hill was hard for their old bodies in the steep snow. As they stepped over the little knoll at the crest of the hill, they paused to rest, looking up to the top of the hill the old couple gasped and fell to their knees in amazement at the incredible beauty before them.

Seemingly, every glorious, brilliant star in the heavens was caught up in the glittering, snow-frosted branches of their beloved pine, and it was aglow with heavenly candles. And poised on its top most bough, a crystal crescent moon glistened like spun glass. Never had a mere mortal created a Christmas tree such as this. They were breathless as the old man held his wife tighter in his arms.

Suddenly, the old man gave a cry of wonder and incredible joy. Amazed and mystified, he took his wife by the hand and pulled her forward. There, beneath the tree, in resplendent glory, a mist hovering over and glowing in the darkness was their Christmas gift. Shadows glistening in the night light.

Bedded down about the "Old One" close to the trunk of the tree, was the entire herd, safe.

At the first hint of smoke, she had pushed the door ajar with her muzzle and had led the horses through it. Slowly and with great dignity, never looking back, she had led them up the hill, stepping cautiously through the snow. The foals were frightened and dashed about. The skittish yearlings looked back at the crackling, hungry flames, and tucked their tails under them as they licked their lips and hopped like rabbits. The mares that were in foal with a new years crop of babies, pressed uneasily against the "Old One" as she moved calmly up the hill and to safety beneath the pine. And now, she lay among them and gazed at the faces of the old man and his
wife. Those she loved she had not disappointed. Her body was brittle with years, tired from the climb, but the golden eyes were filled with devotion as she offered her gift---

Because of love. Only Because of love.

Tears flowed as the old couple shouted their praise and joy... And again the peace of love filled their hearts.

Random Dozen

Time to share a bit about myself by linking up with Linda over at 2nd Cup of Coffee for Random Dozen. I really love participating in this meme. The questions are fun (although sometimes the answers can be tough) and it's great to read how others think about the same things.

Click here to join us!!

1. Have you ever fired a gun or shot a bow and arrow?

Yes! I truly love to target practice. Of course, I'm more apt to use a rifle or a pistol now that I'm older since a shotgun will almost knock me off my feet now!!

2. Do you know where your childhood best friends are?

Some of them, yes. My best girlfriend in high school is actually the receptionist at our dentist's office so we get to see each other regularly!!

3. Do you usually arrive early, late, or on time?

Early! I'd rather be an hour early as a minute late.

4. Are you more of a New York or California type?

California...give me the beach baby!!

5. Do you have a special ring tone?

Nope.

6. What is your favorite type of chip?

ANY! But if I had to narrow it down...Munchos

7. Best comedy you've ever seen is ....

???????

8. Have you ever cut your own hair? To quote Dr. Phil, "How'd that work for ya?"

I do cut my bangs and the top of my hair regularly, but it's gotten so long in back I have to let the pros do that!

9. If you were going to have an extreme makeover, would you rather it be about your house or your personal self?

Oh my house...for sure!!

10. Are you allergic to anything?

Tetracycline and...get this...anchovies...

11. Why is it so hard to change?

Because change begins in our mind and it's hard to change what goes on in our mind in order to produce outward actions.

12. One last question dedicated to February love: CS Lewis said, "To love is to be vulnerable." Please share one example of that assertion or share any thought you'd like to about this topic.

When we make ourselves vulnerable we open ourselves up to be hurt and who wants to be hurt? But, oh the joys of true love far outway the hurt that may come along with that...

Just a Thinkin'

So....Sunday night after a wonderful evening of I Care ministry outreach at church, I found myself home alone. DD was still at work and DS and DH were still at church working on the new welcome desk that is being put in the foyer.

I was scanning through the channels and found a show that I thought I'd get a good snicker out of ..it's title was "Canine Castles".

It's easy to understand from the title that this is going to be a show about extravagantly built dog houses...and it was.

But, even to my own surprise, instead of the eye rolling chuckle at the outrageousness of these dog houses, I found myself bobbing somewhere between anger and pity and even a bit of frustration at my ownself.



(Click here to see this picture including the article that went with it)

The more I saw dog houses with central heat and air, color tv's with remote controls, beds, clothes, rugs, pictures...I found myself thinking this has got to be the saddest thing I've seen in some time!

I found myself looking at dog houses that any human would be proud to live in...thankful to live in.

I found myself thinking that people are starving and homeless, and folks are laughing, admitting that spending $8000 - $25,000 for a dog house is not normal..."but we really love our dogs. They're our kids!!"

Now, before anyone goes to sending me hate mail let me say this....we are the proud owners of a black lab named Toby, a beagle named Bailey and a very spoiled indoor kitty named Mandy.
Our animals our very loved and always dubbed our kids. We take care of their health and play with them including slobbery dog kisses on the cheek. Our dogs are outdoor dogs with a very nice size dog house including warm bedding for these cold winter nights. We LOVE our animals ....very much, but when we can afford to spend lavish amounts on animals when there are children and adults hungry and homeless....our priorities are waaaay messed up.

I'm just as guilty as the above people I mentioned. While there is no way I would spend that kind of money on a dog house, I do waste money and things that I could bless others with and make their lives easier..give them hope.

God forgive us when we take so little thought of our fellow man......

Bible Study At the Well

Today finds us At the Well for week three of our Bible study, "God , Who are You and What Can You Do for Me?".

It's not to late to join in and dig deeper into God's Word, learn more about Who He is and who we are in Him.

Click here to join us.

This week's question for discussion is:

How comforting is it to you to know that God is with you, through the good and the bad, always protecting you and always loving you?

I think for me, more than knowing God is with me, is knowing that He has to approve everything that happens in my life. I know that every good and perfect thing is from God and that blesses me and humbles me. You see, I know I deserve nothing, but by the grace of God I enjoy undeserved privileges through Him.

But when those bad things happen, when nothing is going right and it seems no matter how hard I try I keep taking one step forward and two steps back...it's those times I'm stand in awe of God because He has the faith in me that I will endure through the trials I am going through!! He has faith in me that I can, through Him, overcome and win those battles!!

To know that He is there with me through everything and that He has the authority to allow or ordain what's going on in my life......absolutely priceless!!

Worship Him

"I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from Him. He alone is my Rock and Salvation, my Fortress where I will never be shaken."
Psalm 62:1-2, NLT

I realize that I shared this verse only a little while back, but while I was having my quiet time this past Friday, God gave me this verse at a moment when I was crying out to Him for some assurance. How faithful is our God!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

Studying...Created to be His Help Meet

We are studying the book by Debi Pearl, Created to be His Help Meet. Through our study of this book, we are going to learn what it means to be a help meet and actually living the role that God created us as women to fill. I've read this book once before and applied many of the things that Mrs. Pearl spoke of, and it has transformed an already good marriage into nothing short of awesome!! I encourage you to purchase this book and follow along or at the very least, check out the Pearl's website at http://www.nogreaterjoy.org/

Any text taken directly from Mrs. Pearl's book will be highlighted in blue.

I realize that in studying Created to be His Help Meet at the rate of one chapter per week, we will be doing this study for approximately 24 weeks. We could go at this at a much faster rate, but I believe that if we truly want to change and fill our God given rolls as help meet to our husbands, then we need to take things slower and put into practice what we are learning. I hope you agree and stay the course with me as we become better help meets together.

Part 2: Titus 2

Chapter 20: Keepers at Home

This could be a controversial chapter except for the fact of God's Word. We can sit and debate all day long whether or not a wife should work outside the home or not, but I'm not willing to debate. God's Word is not debatable. It is fact.

Apart from Titus 2:4, we are also given 1 Timothy 5:14 "I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully." KJV, emphasis mine

According to this verse, it is God's will for a young woman to guide her home. She can't do that job completely if her time is divided between the house and working a job away from home.

I found it interesting that Mrs. Pearl points out there is a difference in being a stay at home wife/mom and a keeper of the home. Anyone can stay at home, but a keeper of the home has a heart for the home. She will guard it and protect it and those who live inside it. Her body and mind will be about keeping the home.

As a keeper at home, we have to be so careful to make sure that we don't fall prey to those awful time stealers: telephone, television, computer (ouch!!), reading books...anything that will take our valuable time and make it idle time.

I am aware that some men insist that their wife work outside the home. What to do when God is willing you to be a keeper of your home, but He has also commanded you to be obedient to your husband.

Mrs. Pearl suggests these things:

* Keep a right attitude. If you have a true heart to be obedient to God and to your husband, God knows this and will make a way to resolve this conflict

* Express your concern to your husband and show him Scripture that shows God's will for your life

* Ask your husband is there a way for you to stay at home and earn some income

* Show your husband that you are serious about living on only his paycheck. Do this by shopping at yard sales and thrift stores. Don't buy new..shop around for good used whatever it is, big or small. Don't complain about wanting this or wishing for that. Show your husband that your heart is sincere about keeping your home.

I have to believe that if our husbands saw our sincerity in staying home through how hard we work to stretch their paychecks and finding a purpose for almost everything instead of throwing it out, they would be more encouraged that their wife truly is their help meet.

Next week: Good

Random Dozen

Time to share a bit about myself by linking up with Linda over at 2nd Cup of Coffee for Random Dozen. I really love participating in this meme. The questions are fun (although sometimes the answers can be tough) and it's great to read how others think about the same things.

Click here to join us!!

1. If you could compete in one Olympic event (not necessarily winter sports) what would it be?

I've never been big into doing sports, so I'm not too sure what I'd participate in.....is there volleyball in the Olympics??

2. Do remember a specific Olympic moment from the past?

I love watching the Olympics, especially ice skating, and nothing beat Scott Hamilton!!

3. Have you ever known anyone who competed in the Olympics?

Nope.

4. If everyday activities were Olympic-worthy, which activity would you have a gold medal in?

Doing laundry. I practice so much, I'm bound to be gold medal worthy!!

5. Do you know anything about your ethnic heritage?

I know that my great, great grandmother was Cherokee...that's about it.

6. Do you enjoy sleeping late?

I love sleeping late!...the older I'm getting though, my bones have a different opinion!!

7. Have you ever performed CPR on anyone? Do you know how? (Yes, that's two, I know. Whatevs.)

No and no.

8. Name one country you'd like to visit and explain why.

I would love to go to Russia. I have a deep draw on my heart to do some mission work out there.

9. Have you ever fixed up a couple romantically?

Yes. Didn't work out. Didn't try again.

10. What is the last book you read?

Wow. It's been a while since I've read any book completely through. I read my Bible and I've been reading Hadassah.

11. Do you enjoy sleeping late? NO, YOU write the question! How's that for random??

(I would have ran that little line through the first question to "mark it out" but I don't know how to do that...anyone willing to share how???)

Question: Do you change out air fresheners to match the seasons?

Answer: Yes. We'll be doing cinnamon, apple and vanilla until the first day of spring!

12. What is your favorite meal at your favorite restaurant?

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the chicken taco fajitas at Cabo San Lucas...a Mexican restaurant in our town!!!

Bible Study--At the Well!!

I'm getting a bit of a late start today joining the ladies over At the Well for today's Bible study. I had to go get some lab work done because of a change in bp meds and I also needed to get my stitches out from my little.....escaped, last Monday! :o)

Anyway....

I really do hope that you are joining in on this study. It is truly a God-send and I can't wait to hear about the truly blessed results from it.

Please click here to hop over At the Well and join in on this wonderful time learning more about God and growing closer to Him.

This week's questions are:

1. What does it mean to you to know that you are precious in God's sight?

2. Can you think of a time in your life when you've experienced, firsthand, the LORD's faithfulness? Share your thoughts.

I grew up in an environment where I knew that my parents loved me, but they, especially my dad, didn't know how to show it. The situation was verbally abusive quite often and sometimes that could lead to some physical abuse, but deep down, I really believed that Momma did the best she could and Daddy loved me in spite of his temper and the way he handled things.

From that, I often found myself wondering if anyone could love me just as I was. I had convinced myself that if I was prettier, smarter, harder working...then Daddy wouldn't ever get upset with me or yell at me anymore. It just seemed as if I could never achieve that status though.

I met and married my DH who has spent our entire 26 years trying to undo the thoughts and emotions that took root inside of me for the first 19 years of my life.

So.....when I think about being precious to God, I find that it can sometimes be a second by second chant to myself that yes, I am precious to Him. Yes, He loves me just as I am, but too much to leave me that way (thankfully!!) And it is a constant battle against satan to keep those thoughts from my growing up years at bay.

I could never understand what was so great about me that God would willingly give up His own Son so that I could live with Him eternally....and now as a parent, I sometimes find that even harder to understand. I can't think of anyone I love enough to sacrifice one of my children...! However, being a parent, I do now understand unconditional love....

And this is where my faith has taken over. Not that there still isn't a battle going on in my mind, but by my faith in my Heavenly Father, I know that He loves me. Nothing I do, the mistakes I make, no matter how many stupid decisions I make or when I just blow Him off because I "have something I just have to do", He loves me. That's it. I can't earn it, I can't pretty myself up or get smarter or work harder because....He just loves me.

"See how very much our Father loves us, for He calls us His children, and that is what we are!"
1 John 3:1a, NLT

Worship Him

"The Lord is my Strength and my Song, He has given me victory. This is my God, and I will praise Him-my father's God, and I will exalt Him!"
Exodus 15:2, NLT

Would Love Your Thoughts on This..

I was on Facebook this morning and noticed a post from my friend Kristen over at Hands, House and Heart Full. She was sharing about a billboard that was going up in Northwest Arkansas. This billboard is a venture by PETA to make everyone aware of the need to spay and neuter their dogs by comparing the "multiplying Duggars" to the multiplying dogs.

Click on this link to view the billboard and read the article.

First let me tell you that you won't find a bigger animal lover than me...and yes, I do think it's important to spay, neuter and care for your pets.

Second, we only have two children by choice....however, as I've matured in the Lord, I'm not so sure that was the wisest or right choice, but since you don't get do-overs, then this becomes something between me and God.

Third, I admire anyone who has the faith to allow God to determine the size of their families. Be it by birth, adoption or taking in elderly parents or however God decides to grow your family.

To my knowledge, the Duggars are debt-free and self supporting. I'm pretty sure that no one, including our government is supporting them.

Now, finally, what do you think about this billboard??

Studying...Created to be His Help Meet

We are studying the book by Debi Pearl, Created to be His Help Meet. Through our study of this book, we are going to learn what it means to be a help meet and actually living the role that God created us as women to fill. I've read this book once before and applied many of the things that Mrs. Pearl spoke of, and it has transformed an already good marriage into nothing short of awesome!! I encourage you to purchase this book and follow along or at the very least, check out the Pearl's website at http://www.nogreaterjoy.org/ Any text taken directly from Mrs. Pearl's book will be highlighted in blue.

I realize that in studying Created to be His Help Meet at the rate of one chapter per week, we will be doing this study for approximately 24 weeks. We could go at this at a much faster rate, but I believe that if we truly want to change and fill our God given rolls as help meet to our husbands, then we need to take things slower and put into practice what we are learning. I hope you agree and stay the course with me as we become better help meets together.

Part 2: Titus 2

Chapter 19: Chaste

Chaste: To be pure in our thoughts, our words, our actions; to be modest and honorable in ALL things.

Just take a moment to look at what the word chaste means....does this describe me? Does this describe you?

I believe that many sins, many bad attitudes can be stopped at the thought process. Whatever we think, if dwelt upon, will come out of our mouth which results in actions...be it a smart attitude, anger, jealousy---and this is true in our everyday lives, not just our relationship with our husbands.

It's very important that our thoughts are pure, this means well spent time in the Word, this means discernment on what we read, listen to and watch on tv.

It's also important that we be modest in how we dress. I am shocked, amazed, disappointed, saddened, angered....by the way women today dress. There is hardly anything left for the imagination and it's no wonder that men feel the boldness to approach a woman in a very derogatory manner.

Men are visual creatures. It's the way God created them, so as women, we can't go around wagging our finger and our tongue accusing men of being filthy, low-down, dogs when everywhere they look they can see a female whose skirt is too short, whose blouse is cut to low, whose bathing suit covers less skin than underwear does!!

When anyone sees an image, a picture, it is forever burned into our memories and we can pull it up at will at any time. Why, why, why would we want to dress in such a way that would cause a Christian brother to stumble or a lost brother to lust??

My family and I have been a part of many churches and ministries over the years and sadly, immodest dress can even be found in our churches. I cannot count how many times we have walked into God's house only to be greeted by low cut shirts and high skirts from teenagers to older women. What kind of example are we setting for the world? More importantly, what kind of example are we setting for the young women in our homes that we are raising and training and praying will grow into godly help meets for their own husbands?

Let me encourage each of us to examine within ourselves, our thoughts, words and actions and let's especially take a look at how we dress. We don't have to look frumpy and we don't have to wear clothing that is 3 sizes too big for us, but let's make sure that we don't look like our clothing has been painted on or that we couldn't afford to buy the whole outfit. Let's leave sexy for the privacy we enjoy with our husbands!!

Next week: Keepers at Home

Random Dozen

Time to share a bit about myself by linking up with Linda over at 2nd Cup of Coffee for Random Dozen. I really love participating in this meme. The questions are fun (although sometimes the answers can be tough) and it's great to read how others think about the same things.

Click here to join us!!

1. Are you pleasant when you're ill, or are you a grumpy, fussy patient?

I'm a "just leave me alone please, if I need you, I'll let you know" kind of gal!

2. When you find out that school is canceled (due to inclement weather) what is your gut reaction?

We homeschool.....school is NEVER canceled!!!

3. What is one domestic skill you wish you could improve?

Sewing. I see a lot of things that ladies make (especially you guys in blogland!) and I find myself thinking, "How cute!! I wish I could do that!"

4. Do you decorate your home for Valentine's Day?

Nope.

5. What song is on your mind today?

"There is a River"---we sang it at church last Sunday

6. Do you prefer contemporary movies or classic?

Classics

7. How well do you "compartmentalize" your feelings? For example, how well can you put aside a really trying moment to deal with the immediate situation which is not related to the trying moment, e.g., putting aside a tiff with your spouse in order to finish wallpapering a room.

I do pretty well here, but it's come from years of practice, conviction of the Spirit and lots of prayer!!

8. What is the first thing that attracted you to your spouse? (Or if you're single, to your best friend.)

His persistence!!

9. When was the last time your heart raced?

Monday!!! (Check out my post!!!)

10. What are your memories of Valentine's Day at school?

Making these huge paper heart containers and taping them to the side of our desk. Then on Valentines day, we could go by each other's desks and drop in our Valentines before school started.

11. If you were going to receive candy for Valentine's Day, which would you prefer?

I'd really rather not have candy (I love potato chips, remember??!!!!!)..but if I am going to get it, chocolate covered peanuts!!

12. Red or pink?

Red all the way!!!!!

My Exciting (?)....Adventure?????

As promised, here is what happened to me yesterday afternoon-----it's a bit gross and I've included two pictures that, while not totally gross, might not be good for the really squeamish...you have been warned........ :o)

It was a typical day of housecleaning. Nothing out of the ordinary, just catching up from the weekend. The tables in my livingroom are glass and so I had my handy bottle of glass cleaner and some paper towels and was busy cleaning those tabletops. When I turned from the coffee table, I noticed my front door (which is also glass) and decided, "Hey! I'll clean that while I'm at it." So I did.

When I finished with that, I noticed smudges on the outside of the door, so I decided, "Hey! I'll clean the outside of the door." Now, the door is a new door and the facing around the door hasn't been completed yet, so there is bare wood showing in places. Our house is older and so we are remodeling it a little at a time. I've cleaned the outside of this door more times than I can remember in the last several months with nooooo problems....until yesterday.

I'm wiping the glass and wiping the glass when all of a sudden I feel a slight pain in my right arm.
Ouch.

I look down to see a piece of wood sticking out of my arm!!! This piece of wood is deep, about 6 inches long and blood is gushing and spurting from my arm!!!!!




Let me take a moment here to say, I typically don't panic. I do really well in stressful situations and the sight of blood, even my own, doesn't really get to me, but.....

My knee-jerk reaction was, get this honkin' huge piece of wood out of my arm!!! So I snatched that puppy right out of my arm and then---have you watched those ER shows on TLC where blood is spurting out with every beat of the pulse??? Yep, that was happening to me and believe me, blood was going all over my front porch..everywhere!! My next thought was, "That could have been a bad idea..."

The only thing I had in to put over that spurting blood, was the paper towels I'd been cleaning with so I covered my arm with them and went in the house screaming at my son who was getting out of the shower, "ZACK!!! I NEED YOU NOW!!!!!" He comes flying out of the bathroom, cause he knows something is wrong...Mom doesn't normally talk like that.

By this time I'm in the kitchen and I'm telling DS to roll me off some more paper towel. He still doesn't know what the deal is until I remove the now saturated towels from my arm and blood is still doing the pumping thing out of my arm. A small panic from him and a call to his dad then finds me in the car being driven to the clinic about 6 miles from my house.

Oh, yes....I'm in a mess, but strangely no pain.

The result??

I had nicked an artery and after cleaning and accessing my wound, the stick went about an inch deep. I got a tetanus shot, antibiotics and three stitches.



Who says life is boring??????

At the Well

Happy Tuesday everyone!!!

You will never believe what happened to me yesterday afternoon!...It's kind of gross and yucky and I'll be back a little later today to let you know what it was, but for now you can hang out with me At the Well, where I'm sharing "Organizing at a Snail's Pace".

See you there!!!!

Gathering At the Well

Over At the Well, we are beginning a new Bible study on Mondays. It's titled, God...Who Are You & What Can You Do For Me?

Jennifer Jernigan from By His Grace Ministry is leading this study and I really can't wait to see what she's got in store!!!

This should be an exciting time for us, but also a time to reflect, learn and really find out Who God is to us.

Let me encourage you to click over, link up and join us in this wonderful time of learning who God really is to us.

The question for this week is....

Who is God to you?

Wow. Well, He is my life. The air I breathe. The Giver of everything good and holy. He is my Father, my Faithful One, my Hope. He is my Strength and my Place of Rest.
He is my Everything for without Him....I am and I have nothing......

Worship Him

"And they sang in a mighty chorus:
'Worthy is the Lamb who was slaughtered—
to receive power and riches
and wisdom and strength
and honor and glory and blessing.'
And then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea. They sang:
'Blessing and honor and glory and power
belong to the one sitting on the throne
and to the Lamb forever and ever.' "
Revelation 5:12-13, NLT

Studying...Created to be His Help Meet

We are studying the book by Debi Pearl, Created to be His Help Meet. Through our study of this book, we are going to learn what it means to be a help meet and actually living the role that God created us as women to fill. I've read this book once before and applied many of the things that Mrs. Pearl spoke of, and it has transformed an already good marriage into nothing short of awesome!! I encourage you to purchase this book and follow along or at the very least, check out the Pearl's website at http://www.nogreaterjoy.org/ Any text taken directly from Mrs. Pearl's book will be highlighted in blue.

I realize that in studying Created to be His Help Meet at the rate of one chapter per week, we will be doing this study for approximately 24 weeks. We could go at this at a much faster rate, but I believe that if we truly want to change and fill our God given rolls as help meet to our husbands, then we need to take things slower and put into practice what we are learning. I hope you agree and stay the course with me as we become better help meets together.

Part 2: Titus 2

Chapter 16: To Be Discreet

We often think of being discreet as the ability to do avoid saying or doing something that may offend someone else. Mrs. Pearl did a little digging though and found that the word "discreet" actually means...."Prudent; wise in avoiding error and in selecting the best means to accomplish a purpose; circumspect; courteous, polite, honest dealings."

In reading this definition, I find that I'm pretty sure I'm missing it some areas, so let's see what we can do to change those things.

1) Seek to be Courteous

It is always important to make sure that we consider the other person's feelings. We should always make sure that we are treating others as we want to be treated.

While reading this I was taken back to a time in my life when telemarketers would call our house and I would either A. Answer with a really bad attitude, cut them short and then hang up while they were still talking or B. I would answer the phone and then hang it back up without saying a word.

Now, after conviction and prayer, I realize that the person on the other end of that line is just trying to make a living. They are just trying to pay their bills and provide for their families. They are just doing their job. So now, I do one of two things..A. I just don't answer the phone (caller ID) or B. I answer with a pleasant voice, wait for a lull in the spiel and politely tell them I'm not interested. Yes, sometimes I have to repeat myself a couple of times, but at least I'm not being rude.

2) Seek to be Honest

This may seem pretty self-explanatory, but it goes beyond don't tell a lie. It means don't manipulate a situation so that it will benefit you. Don't take home extra ketchup and salt from the bins at the fast food restaurant. Don't keep that extra change the cashier gave you and go back in and pay for that item you overlooked in your buggy and managed to get out of the store with without the alarm going off......yes, a couple of weeks ago I "stole" a video for about 12 seconds. Yes, I ran back in with my red face and confessed my sin and paid for the video. Yes, the cashier looked at me like I'd lost my mind for coming back in and being honest....isn't that so sad.........

3) Seek to be Gracious

Whenever your man does something to bless you, be pleased, be happy, enjoy the blessing. If he does something that is normally "your chore", just bask in the fact he loved you enough to do it. Don't point out the lump in the bed, the corner of dirt he missed or that the folded the towels backward.

He did what he did to bless you because he loves you..let that soak in.

Our challenge for this week is to take the list of the words below and mark an X by each one you feel you are lacking in. Then write out beside each word what you are going to start doing that will bring you closer to becoming what God desires of you.

*Chaste *Quiet Spirit *Prudent
*Sober *In subjection *Good
*Modest *Obedient *Discreet
*Shamefacedness *Kind *Keeper at Home
*Meek *Virtuous *Gracious

Next week: Chaste

Random Dozen

Time to share a bit about myself by linking up with Linda over at 2nd Cup of Coffee for Random Dozen. I really love participating in this meme. The questions are fun (although sometimes the answers can be tough) and it's great to read how others think about the same things.

Click here to join us!!

1. Do you use the labels various charities send you as “free gifts?”

Usually. Most of the time though they only come in my name, so I end up whiting out my name and just writing in our last name on them.

2. What is your favorite time of day (or night) for skywatching?

I love those times at sunrise and sunset when the skies are fire orange and red and it's all swirled together...God paints the most AWESOME pictures!!!

3. What is the most adventurous you've ever been with trying a new food? (Keep it G-rated please)

I don't get too adventurous with food----does trying sardines count????

4. Have you ever heard a rock sing? (Trust me, there's a reason for this one!)

If you could see the look on my face, I'm clueless.......................

5. If you could learn a language you don't presently speak, what would it be?

I would speak Russian because I desire to do some mission trips to Russia someday.

6. Al Capone's tombstone read, “My Jesus, Mercy.” If you could write your own epitaph, what would it say?

"How have you spent your dash?"

7. If you were a famous musician who was known by one name, like “Cher,” “Sting,” or “Jewel,” what would it be? It doesn’t have to be your first name, but it can be, if you’d like.

Okay, I've thought and thought and I'm still thinking..................

8. Have you ever been inordinately “into” a television show?

Oh yes...Many times. The latest was Kyle XY. I was soooo irritated when they just up and ended the show and left all of these loose ends!!!!!!!!!

9. When you sneeze, do you go big, or do you do that weird “heenh!” sound that makes people think you’re going to blow your brains out? Any other variation we should know about?

If I'm in church or a restaurant, I make that funky weird sound that in turn makes my eyes water and my head almost explode and, by the way, still draws and incredible amount of attention to myself. Anywhere else though, look out!!!....I bury my face into the bend of my arm and let go!!!!!!!

10. Do you still read an actual newspaper that you hold in your hands, or do you get your news elsewhere?

I still read the actual paper. I spend to much time on this 'puter as it is.

11. Are you a good speller?

Very good, actually.....as long as my brain doesn't run faster than my fingers can type.

12. At what time each day do you start thinking about lunch?

Lunch? Do people eat lunch? Hmmmm...need to check that out some time.....

How Am I Doing??

As many of you already know, and for those of you who don't, I am one of the writers over At the Well. This opportunity has blessed me with a sisterhood of Christian women like none I've ever known. These women are strong, encouraging and faithful and I've come to love each one in their own way.

In January I did a post for At the Well (click here to link to that post) and the idea was to tell what was our goal, resolutions, directions that God was sending us for the new year.

I decided that month by month I would do a recap--a catch up of sorts--to share how I'm doing. Am I doing this to brag?? Uh...no. I'm actually doing this to keep me accountable an, as I've mentioned here and in that post, to make myself real to so many people who may read our blogs and think we've got it all together and there are no problems or struggles going on in our lives. I know that sometimes I read other's blogs and find myself thinking, "If only I......."

One thing I believe I've clearly heard from God was that this blog must be real.

So, here goes...

**I made a decision to be real with God. I'd like to tell you that I was faultless in January in my time spent with God. While I have done better, I have not been consistent with my daily quiet time. It has been hit and miss at best. Now, I could lay out every excuse in the book, but I'm not going there. Being real is being real, right?

So I press along, putting my fingers in my ears and telling satan to buzz off each and every time he tries to convince me that God doesn't love me as much as He does His other children because I don't spend enough time with Him.

**I also made a decision to get on the same page with DH concerning my spending and I'm pleased to say that I did really good last month. Making the decision to spend strictly cash was a very good step for me. Watching that actual cash dwindle away really puts spending in perspective!!!

**I committed, as well, to weed my time on this computer and even though I've added Facebook to my list of things to occupy my computer time, I have done a bit better at walking by and resisting the urge to see what's going on in cyber-land. I still thing I'm spending too much time on here and I still believe that I'm not spending the time I am on here wisely, but hey, progress is progress, right??

Well, there you have it. One month into the new year and I've made a couple steps forward and I'm still standing stagnant in others, but I am working with God now instead of against Him so I'm excited to see what He's got in store for me in February!!

And by the way--that 50 pounds I need to lose????--Only 2 this month. Haven't really tried, cuz you see, there was that leftover Christmas candy, and the trip to Gatlinburg and the fudge shops there and the...... :o)

Celebrating Over At the Well!!!

As so many other women, I am so blessed to be a part of the group of writers over At the Well. I have made so many friends by being a part of this group, but more than that, sisters in Christ.

Together we have prayed for, cried and rejoiced with each other over so many things that have led us down the paths of our lives.

At the Well is a year old and a wonderful year it has been, but what is even more wonderful is the way that God has grown this ministry!!!

I truly encourage you to hop over there and read today's post and try and take in all of the wonderful changes that God is making in this ministry and in the lives of the women who write and the ones who read.