In a word.......

Outside my window...The sun is shining and it is a beautiful Monday. God is so good!!
I am thinking...I have so much to do today but might as well just slow down and do what HAS to be done and forget the rest! It will be there tomorrow :o)
I am thankful for...My children's health. Many others around us have been sick. So far each of my children are healthy! I am praying it stays that way!
I am wearing...My Pj's still! ITS 11:13am.......been too busy this morning to get dressed....lol
I am going...to do all I can to be a witness this week! I realize that their probably are not many more left in this old world and want to bring others to Him before it is too late.
I am reading...Just my Bible at the moment
I am hoping...for souls to be saved before it is too late!
I am hearing...my kids playing on the floor near me! I love that sound

Around the house...
One of my favorite things...is spending time with my family! God gave them to me and it is my hope to give them back. If I do not fail at that then my life will be well lived!

A few plans for the rest of the week: Football games as our season comes to an end! Cleaning, laundry Everyday!! Church, and most important of all being a witness no matter where I am or what I am doing!


I hope each and every one of you have a blessed week!!
Karen

Our First day of school.........

WOW what a blessing!! Our first day of school went VERY well :o)We got up, dressed and ate a wholesome breakfast of Oatmeal, toast and juice. Then on to our Welcome speech, devotions and prayer. Our devotion for the day was appropriately on Obedience...I did not plan that....lol Each of us prayed and our day began. Thomas did VERY well in his testing. He started off doing Math, the one subject he hates but is good at....lol After Math testing we took a break for lunch which Thomas got to pic.....Mac n Cheese and apple juice....icky!!! After lunch we resumed testing in Word Building and English. Then on to Social Studies and Science. He scored above average in all subjects except Math and he was right on grade level. I am very proud of him. This year we will be doing Math, English, Social Studies, Science, Word Building and Literature and Creative writing all ACE. I am excited! Thomas is also excited about the many things we have planned this year. I hope to keep you all up to date on what we are doing. Cant wait till tomorrow :o)

Karen

P.S. Will download pics soon for some reason my camera is acting up.

A cute email I thought I would share.......

Saying Grace In A Restaurant



Last week, I took my children to a restaurant.

My six-year-old son asked if he could say grace.

As we bowed our heads he said, 'God is good, God is great. Thank you for the food , and I would even thank you more if Mom gets us ice cream for dessert. And Liberty and justice for all! Amen!'

Along with the laughter from the other customers nearby, I heard a woman remark, 'That's what's wrong with this country. Kids today don't even know how to pray. Asking God for ice cream! Why, I never!'

Hearing this, my son burst into tears and asked me, 'Did I do it wrong? Is God mad at me?'
As I held him and assured him that he had done a terrific job, and God was certainly not mad at him, an elderly gentleman approached the table. He winked at my son and said, 'I happen to know that God thought that was a great prayer.'

'Really?' my son asked.

'Cross my heart,' the man replied.

Then, in a theatrical whisper, he added (indicating the woman whose remark had started this whole thing), 'Too bad she never asks God for ice cream. A little ice cream is good for the soul sometimes.'

Naturally, I bought my kids ice cream at the end of the meal. My son stared at his for a moment, and then did something I will remember the rest of my life.

He picked up his sundae and, without a word, walked over and placed it in front of the woman. With a big smile he told her, 'Here, this is for you. Ice cream is good for the soul sometimes; and my soul is good already.'

The End

I love this story!
Please keep it moving.
Sometimes, we all need some ice cream.

I hope God sends you some Ice Cream today!

Our week

Well it has been a long and tiring week. I am exhausted to say the least. I have not been sleeping well AT all. I am a worry wart ;o)! I cry, I laugh, I fret. I have finally realized though that all of what I am feeling is in Gods plan. He knows!! I have realized (once again) to FULLY TRUST IN GOD!! So therefore I am claiming I am a Frog!!!!



Did you think I was bonkers.......hahaha ;o)

Where has time gone?

It seems just yesterday Amber (my oldest) was born and now today she is grown! Her boyfriend proposed to her on Valentines day and she accepted. I have many mixed emotions. Is that normal? She is only 18 he is almost 19. They want to get married July 11th. I am just fearful because things will be hard on them. He has a good job and plans to continue his career in the medical field. She plans to go to beauty school and work part time. They both have good heads on their shoulders and are good Christian Kids (although Chris just got saved he thought he was before and just was unsure because he got saved at a young age and wanted to be sure). I just dont want them to struggle. I love them so. Amber is so excited! I am trying to be. I dont want to NOT be excited but kids sometimes dont look at the big picture. I know I have to let her go sometime I just did not think it would be so soon. So I guess I have a wedding to plan. Much to do!!!

Any tips or advice for the scared mommy would be greatly appreciated.....prayers too for the couple and their life journey!!

Karen

My frugalness for the day........

Well my old,old oven was sick (heating element went out). Dh was going to get a new element because that was WAY cheaper than a new Stove. My stove is very old, it has 2 drawers on the side for storage and one on the bottom. Anyway it was in GREAT need of cleaning. It of course is not self cleaning. So what better time to do it?!!! I was out of oven cleaner (which I hate to use because of my asthma). So I went to the net and googled (I love google...lol) homemade oven cleaner. I was directed to grandmas page...lol (dont know the exact link) This lady had several oven cleaning recipes. Since mine was so bad (seriously I had not cleaned it in months) I went for the one that was for tough stains. Well guess what I discovered it worked REALLY well!! I was shocked that such simple things really cleaned it well. I am talking baked on ick!!! Here is a few of the recipes I found. The first one is the one I used....ENJOY!!!

5 Tsp. baking soda
3 drops of dish liquid (I had Palmolive)
4 Tsp White vinegar

I made several batches because I had a big surface to cover. I poured it in the bottom and rubbed it on the sides and top. I let it set for a few minutes and then wiped it clean!!! I loved this because I could breath and it was cheep, easy and worked!!!

Here is another one (I have not tried)
1 Tsp Dish liquid
1 Tsp lemon juice
1 1/2 Tsp Bleach
1 qt warm water

It said this is for tough jobs but like I said I tried the other one first and it worked. I did not want to try this one first due to the bleach but thought I would share it. Enjoy Frugal ladies!!!

Karen

I just had to share my reward for the day........

I realized again what a blessing it is today to have the ability, and freedom to home school!! My son has rewarded me many MANY times over. Most mothers miss their kids first words, steps first every things but not us home school mommas!!! We can be here for EVERY first!! What a joy it is to teach your children and see them learn and the look on their face when they finally get *it*!!

Our day started rough. Thomas was struggling with his math, after many explanations it finally clicked and he got it!!! He was so excited, and I was so blessed. It's moments like these that makes all we do SO worth it.

I am so thankful that I am the one teaching my child to read, write, and most of all I can also teach him about the Lord! I don't have to worry about him being influenced by the world. I can teach him Godly character, how to be a man of God, how to Love the Lord with all his heart, mind, soul and strength. I get to witness EVERY first in his life.

Sometimes when you feel like giving up think about what a blessing our children are from the Lord. Think of what a blessing it is to be able to not only be their parents but their *Teachers*! "Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."

Blessings in Christ, Karen

Here is a picture of my little man with his daddy......

Chruch Funnies!!!!!

I have been so busy with school and cleaning that I have not had time to post anything. My cousin sent me these chruch funnies by email and I thought I would share them, they are cute. So enjoy!!


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It was Palm Sunday, and because of a sore throat, five year old Billy
stayed home from Church with a sitter. When his family returned
home they were carrying several Palm Branches. Billy asked what
they were for? His parents replied "People held them over Jesus'
head as He walked by." "Wouldn't you know it," Billy fumed, "The
one Sunday I don't go to Church, HE showed up!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

One Easter Sunday as the Minister was preaching the Children's
Sermon, he reached into his bag of props and pulled out an egg.
He pointed at the egg and asked the children, "What's in here?"
I know a little boy exclaimed, "Pantyhose!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Little Johnny asked his Grandma how old she was. Grandma
answered, "39 and holding." Johnny thought for a moment, and
then said, "And how old would you be if you let go?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A little boy was in a relatives wedding. As he was going down the
aisle, he would take two steps, stop, and turn to the crowd. While
facing the crowd, he would put his hands up like claws and roar.
So it went, step ROAR step, ROAR, step,, ROAR, all the way down
the aisle. As you can imagine, the crowd was near tears from
laughing so hard by the time he reached the pulpit.

When asked what he was doing, the child sniffed and said, "I was
being the Ring Bear."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

One Sunday in a Midwest City, a young child was "acting up" during
the morning worship hour. The parents did their best to maintain
some sense of order in the pew but were losing the battle. Finally,
the father picked the little fellow up and walked sternly up the aisle
on his way out.

Just before reaching the safety of the foyer, the little one called
loudly to the congregation, "Pray for me! Pray for me!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

One particular four-year old prayed, "And forgive us our trash
baskets as we forgive those who put trash in our baskets."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A little boy was overheard praying: "Lord, if you can' t make me a
better boy, don't worry about it. I'm having a real good time like I am."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A Sunday School teacher asked her little children, as they were on
the way to church service, "And why is it necessary to be quiet in
church?"

One bright little girl replied, "Because people are sleeping."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A little boy opened the big and old family Bible with fascination,
looking at the old pages as he turned them. Then something
fell out of the Bible. He picked it up and looked at it closely. It
was an old leaf from a tree that has been pressed in between
the pages."Mama, look what I found," the boy called out.
"What have you got there, dear?" his mother asked. With
astonishment in the young boy's voice, he answered, "It's
Adam's suit."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The preacher was wired for sound with a lapel mike, and as he
preached, he moved briskly about the platform, jerking the mike
cord as he went. Then he moved to one side, getting wound up in
the cord and nearly tripping before jerking it again. After several
circles and jerks, a little girl in the third pew leaned toward her
mother and whispered, "If he gets loose, will he hurt us?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Six-year old Angie, and her four-year old brother, Joel, were sitting
together in church. Joel giggled, sang and talked out loud.

Finally, his big sister had enough. "You're not supposed to talk out
loud in church."

"Why? Who's going to stop me?" Joel asked.

Angie pointed to the back of the church and said, "See those two
men standing by the door? They're hushers."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

My grandson was visiting one day when he asked, "Grandma, do
you know how you and God are alike?" I mentally polished my halo,
while I asked, "No, how are we alike?" "You're both old," he replied.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A ten-year old, under the tutelage of her grandmother, was
becoming quite knowledgeable about the Bible. Then, one day,
she floored her grandmother by asking, "Which Virgin was the
mother of Jesus? The virgin Mary or the King James Virgin?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A Sunday school class was studying the Ten Commandments.
They were ready to discuss the last one. The teacher asked if
anyone could tell her what it was.

Susie raised her hand, stood tall, and quoted, "Thou shall not
take the covers off the neighbor's wife.

The fourteen days of homeschool!!

I listened to this this morning and thought I would share! I hope it makes you laugh, I know I sure did!!

P.S. Sorry you will have to go down and stop my playlist, they do not sound good together ;o)!!

"ODE TO A HOMESCHOOL MOM"

As a wife, mother, and home educator You are the embodiment of life, love, and laughter. Even at times when you do not feel respected, You are adored by the children you’ve directed.

Your chosen career means there is much to do, For you are your children’s best teacher, too– Training them to walk, to talk and say “please,” Plus reading, writing, math, and social studies.

Gathering books from the library, you strive To read aloud and bring history alive. You take kids on field trips and nature hikes, Arrange play days and set up movie nights.

You are a modern “Renaissance woman,” Instructing every one of your children In all of the fine arts and sciences While you also pursue your own interests.

You are a housekeeper, nurse, cook, janitor, Counselor, cheerleader, and a whole lot more. You can give a lesson and bake a cake While tying a shoe and mending a break.

You teach your children for most of the day, And carefully listen to what they have to say. Rather than measuring by height, grade or year, You track their growth by the character they wear.

You routinely put your family first And do your best to fix every hurt. Your heart is full of compassion showing You are quite wise and always knowing.

Your life is not as glorious as some, With many days taken up by tedium. You rarely get what you truly deserve, As anyone else would surely observe.

But even amid the worst of all days, Happiness is found in a special way. God is your strength and Jesus is your mentor; As you honor Him, He blesses your endeavor.

May each of my homeschool moms be blessed this day and always!! For all you do!!

Karen

"Ode to a Homeschool Dad"

A homeschool dad is second to none When it comes to mixing learning and fun. After working hard the whole day long, His will to teach and play is still strong.

Whether it’s hide and seek, checkers or chess, Dad is the person who does them the best. He coaches the kids on how to catch and throw Plus so much more; there’s nothing he doesn’t know.

Many weekends he goes mountain biking, Sailing, four-wheeling, camping or hiking. Then for his vacation he always takes us On a trip to the beach and other places.

Dad can repair almost any doll or toy That might be broken by a little girl or boy, Using the quality tools at his disposal Which are neatly arranged on his workshop table.

Dad builds book shelves, bird houses, sand boxes, And his hand-tossed pizza tastes delicious! Yes, dad can cook and he doesn’t stop there– He even changes diapers with great care.

Homeschool dads are dedicated to their families, Instrumental in creating unforgettable memories, Forming a father-child bond that lasts a lifetime While supporting mom and being her lifeline.

Dad also lends that special masculine touch To a home full of children he loves so much As he stops fights, heals hurts, and educates them In good character, virtue, and discipline.

Dad is a provider, protector, counselor, Role model, hero, principal and tutor. Whether it’s science, math, or reading aloud, Dad’s instructional skills are of worth to be proud.

But most importantly he is our captain and leader, Spiritual head of the house and scripture reader, Following divine truths set forth by the God of all men, Through wisdom handed down from our Father in heaven.

May all you homeschool dads be blessed as well and Thank you for being our spiritual leaders and well just our leaders!! Also thank you for being there for us moms through our good days and especially our bad.

Karen

Happy Birthday Punkin Unkin!!

Today my beautiful Amber turned 18. I am so glad that the Lord chose me to be her mom (or mommy as she still calls me...lol). I will never forget the day she came into my life a beautiful 6lbs 14oz 21 1/2 inches of beautiful. I was scared to death and knew nothing about being a mom. She taught me a lot really!! Of course I had to put in many calls to my parents...lol I could not be any more proud of her. She has blossomed into a beautiful lady.

I will never forget the day she ask Jesus to save her. She was a tender four years old and looked at me and started to cry and said mommy I don't want to go to hell. This was totally out of the blue as her and I was watching her favorite show "Barney"!! I turned off the TV and talked with her to make sure she fully understood what she wanted. SHE DID! Her and I then knelt and she asked Jesus to come into her heart. What a thrill it is to lead your children to the Lord. I will cherish that day forever!!! Of course the first ones we called was papaw and mamaw. Then a few Sundays later papaw had the privilege to baptize her. Now on this day her birthday her boyfriend Chris ask Jesus to Save him!! What a great birthday present!! I am so happy!! She is as well.

It is my prayer for my daughter that she continues to put the Lord first above all and look to Him to guide her through this life. She will graduate this spring and plans to go to beauty school.

Amber my beautiful daughter I love you more than you will ever know. There is no way to express the love I have for you in my heart. The only way you will ever understand is when you become a mom yourself. My mom told me the same thing and I now know she was right.

I am so proud of you and the person you are. There is one thing I want you to always remember and that is not only do I love you but God loves you the most. Keep him close and he will take you through anything this life throws at you. Never take your eyes off of Him for one minute! There is nothing to big or too small for God. I hope that someday when you are a mom you will pass along Gods love and His Salvation to your children. Always know that no matter what you are always my daughter and I love you!!

I love you and Happy Birthday (again...hahaha), Mommy

Good Advice to Live By

This is something someone sent me and I thought I would share it today. The best advice however that "I" can give you is to live by God's Word (the instruction manual for life), and put all your faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and He shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:6

If you want your dreams to come true, don't oversleep.

The smallest good deed is better than the grandest intention.

Of all the things you wear, your expression is the most important.

The best vitamin for making friends....B1.

The 10 commandments are not multiple choice.

The happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts.

Minds are like parachutes.. .they function only when open.

Ideas won't work unless YOU do.

One thing you can't recycle is wasted time.

One who lacks the courage to start has already finished.

The heaviest thing to carry is a grudge.

Don't learn safety rules by accident.

We lie the loudest when we lie to ourselves.

Jumping to conclusions can be bad exercise.

A turtle makes progress when it sticks its head out.

One thing you can give and still keep...is your word.

A friend walks in when everyone else walks out.

AND FINALLY...
The pursuit of happiness is the chase of a lifetime!!!

Things..........
Outside my window... The cars are finally parked in our driveway!

I am thinking...We are blessed by the Lord everyday and have so much to be thankful for.

I am Thankful For......My family and the Lord keeping us safe and warm through the ice storm. Many were not as blessed.

From the kitchen...I smell coffee and may have to get a third cup!!

I am wearing...my peach culottes and a white t shirt, or comfy clothes as I like to call them

I am reading...The Bible and I just finished The Series of The Heritage of Lancaster County by Beverly Lewis.

I am hoping...That we have a good day and Daddy is able to find some work this week.

I am hearing...The Today show!

Around the house...Kids are still sleeping. Mom had her devotions and is now blogging

One of my favorite things...The Forgiving of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ

A few plans for the rest of the week...This week hopefully is not as busy. Wednesday is Amber's 18th Birthday so we will celebrate it and Thursday is Dustin's birthday party at Gaditown. Friday Amber and Devin will be back for the weekend, they are going back either today or tomorrow to their dads :o( who now has power and water. I hate to seem them go. There is a great void when they are not here.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...

I am tuckerd out...lol

It has been a long day to say the least.

I went about most of our day as usual but no school work was done. Thomas finally got his snow day...lol We started our day off as usual with our devotions, breakfast and chores. Then my sister and her family came up. They live over an hour away and do not have water,or electric due to the ice/snow storm. They all took baths and were so grateful. Sis and I did her laundry. Then we all just hung out and played. They kids were so happy. Sis and I fixed a dinner of meatloaf, mashed taters, green beans, corn and carrots. Again everyone was happy!! Her hubby did not want to leave their house alone for long so they decided to go back. I begged them to leave the kids but they all went. I feel so bad for them. I had not taken out my laundry trash can on trash day. So I had some empty bottles we filled up for her to have water to wash, or flush ;o)! I sent extra candles and things like that. They also lost their car today (long story). However my hubby was gracious enough to take them back home. It is almost 11pm and he is still not back. I feel so bad for them. They are going through some trials but the Lord is with them. They have another car, but it is sickly. They were going to stop and buy a few things so hopefully Tommy will get it running tomorrow. Please keep them in your prayers. Although they are going through some trials the Lord is working it out for their good. We had a good day together and I wish they did not have to go back but I understand. I hope you all are safe and warm in your homes this cold wintry day. May the Lord bless you all and keep you.

Romans 5:3-4 And not only so,but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;

4)And patience, experience; and experience hope:

Karen

Wednesday January 28th 2009...Ice Storm!!!

Well last night just as I was about to sign out of blogger our power went out. The kids were in sissy Amber's room and when it went black boy did they scream!! I had to scurry in the dark to get to them. Once I did daddy and I went about looking for flashlights and candles (should have been prepared). We however will still have heat thanks to my hubby installing a vent less heater in our basement :0)!! Still when I tucked the little ones into sissy Amber's bed (her room keeps warmer than the others) I put extra blankets on them. Daddy and I sat and listened to the still quiet. It was strange but nice. We watched as some went in and out of their homes. Then we decided to retire for the night. Daddy could not sleep because of fear that the power lines would snap and cause a fire, so he was up most of the night keeping watch. So mommy did not sleep well either!! The kids on the other hand were fast asleep and slept through the night warm and snug. Well sometime early in the morning our electric returned. So mommy was able to get up and get breakfast for everyone and some much needed coffee for her and daddy!!! Our phone was out but is now back on. Although the phone man said temporary (whatever that means)!! The lines are getting lower and lower. I pray we keep our power and pray for others in all this mess. If anyone reading my blog in this area you are welcome to hang out with us if you can get here. I will even be able to cook due to the gas stove at the church if something were to happen!! God is good and takes care of his flock. My sister and her family are in the hard hit area of Danville so pray for them. She was able to get through to me a few minutes ago and said they will be without power for at least 5 days and they have no water either. The water company hopes to resolve that within 72 hours. Pray for them!! My older 2 are stranded at their dads in the same situation. They are warmed by Kerosene heaters but have very little water and no electric. Pray for them as well, also for their mommy that she will not worry!! Here are a few pics of the scene around my house. I did not go outside do to fear of something falling on my head....lol!! Plus it is cozy and warm inside :o)!!

One of our trees in the front yard, I usually park under it but hubby felt it would be better to move our cars to the church parking lot last night. He is so smart :o)!! The trees are crashing down all around us.........


The other tree in our yard, hubby parks under it.

Notice our neighbor did not move her car, she is mighty brave!!

The view out my back door.....That is the back of the church.

The trees that line the back of our yard and the church yard.

I pray that all of you stay safe and warm. Count your blessings!! There will be peace at the end of the storm......Karen

What a Day!!

Wow what a day!! Snow, ice, snow, ice. (Psalm 118:24) Needless to say I started out this morning to clean Linda's house and did not accomplish it! I turned around when a SUV turned 3 circles in front of me. It was not worth risking smashing my van up or my life. So I went a few blocks up North Broadway and turned around and came home. My mother is stranded at the hospital, my father home alone. My sisters family has no water due to power outages in Danville. She still has electric. Amber and Devin are at their dads without power but warmed by a Kerosene heater. So now I have that to worry about. I Can not get in touch with my brother. All others are safe thus far. So this is my prayer. I pray that all my family and friends are safe and warm. I pray the Lord keeps each of you.

Blessings, Karen
Psalm 118:24 This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Things..........

Outside my window... I see a blanket of snow and am grateful I do not have to go out in it.

I am thinking...We could have had a snow day but why, we are home safe and warm so the day goes on as usual....but it would be nice....lol

I am Thankful For......The blessings of homeschool! Although there are days it gets tough, I keep plugging away and am thankful for the MANY first I get to witness in my children's lives.

From the kitchen...Oatmeal and toast for breakfast with OJ or milk, soup and grilled cheese for lunch milk, lemonade or tea, homemade beef stew and cornbread and milk, tea, or lemonade

I am wearing...my comfy black slouchy pants and my red Lincoln county football shirt! I would not be caught dead out in public in it though...lol!! Well take that back the shirt I would but not the pants....lol

I am reading...The shunning by Beverly Lewis....I am almost finished with it and will start The Confession

I am hoping...That the weather does not get to bad so I can clean for Linda tomorrow! I know she is looking forward to her sisters visit and wants everything spic and span....So pray with me!!!

I am hearing...The wonder Pets!! YEAH ME!!!

Around the house...There are things that need done. I will get to it soon enough!

One of my favorite things...My quiet time in the morning with just me and God. I can talk to him about EVERYTHING!! I am so glad he is my Saviour

A few plans for the rest of the week...Tomorrow Lord willing cleaning for Linda, Wednesday I will have Kennedy and school work then church, Thursday just school and hopefully some deep cleaning of my own house, Friday school, and out with mom, sisters, cousins and aunts for our monthly birthday get together. Saturday to a housewarming shower for my sister and her husband. Sunday Church then go to visit with Granny at the nursing home and to mom and dads to watch what else but the super bowl game......GO STEELERS!!!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...My darling granny!!

She is our pride and joy and I have always been blessed by having her in my life. She will be 83 in September!

Busy past couple of days in the Wilson household!

Today we have already accomplished much work. I find it such a blessing to be able to be my little mans teacher. He is going through his work so fast that I do not know if I will have enough for him the rest of the year. He usually fulfills his goals (ACE) and then some. I am thinking of changing to Abecka next year but am not too sure on the DVD thing. I go through this every few months and think of switching curriculum. Thomas is so smart and I feel sometimes he is not challenged enough with the ACE. I like the Abecka but have issue with DVDs and I also like Rod and Staff. I want to stick to a Bible based curriculum for sure. I have even toyed with the idea of putting him into a christian school but the tuition is way more than we could afford on one income. So any input from my fellow homeschoolers will be appreciated ;o). He will be 2nd grade next year.

We finished school early today and are headed to Lincoln county to get big sissy and bubby Devin. We will have a busy weekend! Hubby and I were blessed with a new bedroom suit so we will rearrange furniture this weekend....yeah! Sissy Amber gets our old bedroom set. She is excited to get a queen bed instead of a single!! Devin will get sissy Amber's set. So he wont have to bunk with Thomas!! He too is excited!! What a blessing! Now how we will fit all this in 3 tiny bedrooms......to be continued....lol!!!!

The Lord is good and continues to pour his blessings on our family!!

Trusting in HIM!!!

My thoughts for this day a day after our newly elected president (I know you will get sick of me talking about that). I searched the scripture this morning and came to realize this.

Proverbs 3:5-6
5) Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

6) In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

As I said yesterday we now have a new leader for our nation. I have spent time in prayer, praying for this man. A man who will lead our country but NOT our paths.

As I thought about my own life, I thought about how I *thought* that *I* had all the answers, that I needed, to get through life on my own without help from anyone else. I wanted to be independent and self reliant ( I have always been stubborn). I kept telling myself that the only person I could really depend upon was me. I put all of my trust in myself and in my own decisions. Yes I would pray but I was not fully trusting the Lord and sometimes did not like what he was telling me. So I would brush it off and do what *I* thought was right. I had so much sorrow, guilt and pain in my life. I was always seeking ways to hide from the feelings that I had and from the bad decisions that I had made. It seemed I could never get away from those feelings no matter how hard I tried. Thankfully though I realized I could not!! I had to Fully TRUST IN THE LORD! I cant do anything without him. What kind of wife and mother could I be without Christ and his love? Without him directing me I would be a disaster, not the loving, godly, caring wife and mother I strive to be. I realized that no longer could I ignore what God was leading me and telling me to do. I had to Trust Him and know that it would work out for the good.

This verse also goes along with Proverbs.

Jeremiah 17:7-8
7)"Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is."

8)"For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit."

Oh how I want to put all my hope and trust in the Lord. I want to be a blessing to others and shine for him. I want to be that tree bearing Fruit for Him. I want to be the godly wife and mother that He wants me to be. Not relying on me, and trusting in me but in HIM!!

Thoughts for this day......

As I sit here today and watch the swearing in of a new president for our nation I cant help but feel a feeling of sadness and in a way fear. I was crying but not tears of joy, but of fear for our nation.

I could not help but think of these words from one of my most favorite songs......The Blood that Jesus shed for me way back on Calvary, the blood that gives me strength from day to day. It will never loose its power.
It sooths my doubts and calms my fears and it dries all my tears. The blood that gives me strength from day to day it will never loose its power.

I feel a feeling of fear much like I felt on 9-11-2001 I told my husband. I can remember sitting at work, putting together a patients chart when a man I had never met told me and a co-worker to come see the TV. I was pregnant with my third child. As we watched the TV the second plane hit the towers then minutes later we all watched it crumble. I can remember standing there clutching my stomach. Aching, watching, crying, fearful! PRAYING!!! Dr's, nurses, patients, and clerks all stood there in awe. All I wanted was to hold my children in my arms and pray for our nation. I wanted them to feel safe and secure in the arms of love. So that is what I did. I also reminded them that no matter what we are always safe and secure in the Love of Jesus. However, I would lie in bed and cry WHY because I was fearful. I remember how scared I felt for weeks even months after. I was not putting my trust in the Lord fully. That is exactly how I feel today. Although this time I am FULLY trusting the Lord! I know this is all part of his plan. So this is what I say to you..........

I’ve seen a poster that says: "No Fear". Now that poster can say different things to different people. The "No Fear" phrase usually means I’m not afraid of anything. Of course no matter who you are there is something that can cause fear to rise in your heart.

The Bible says over three hundred and sixty five times in one way or another to "Fear Not". That tells me that most of us are prone to be fearful about something. However, the Bible gives us an antidote to fear. To overcome fear a person needs to simply put their trust in the Lord God Almighty. Psalm 56:3

There isn’t anything that God can’t do. There isn’t anything that He doesn’t know about and there isn’t anything that can overcome or defeat God. Most people overcome fear every time they sit down by putting trust in the chair to hold them up.

God is much more faithful and reliable to hold us up no matter the circumstance or situation, than a chair we put our trust in to hold us. A chair can fail for a variety of reasons; one being you might be too heavy for it. But you can never be too heavy for God. God loves you and He desires that you put all your trust in Him not only for salvation but for ever circumstance in life.

I could not believe the vast of people in our nations capital today. Putting there trust in a man. I could not help but think if Jesus was coming there how many would you see? Would they trust HIM?

Then when I watched George W. Bush fly away I cried. He was a good man, a Godly man. A man that prayed for our nation and had the weight of the worlds problems on his shoulder but yet he was not ashamed to say he had prayed and ask the Lord to guide him. I was so sad to see him go. Not many people liked the fact that he was a Christian and stood out. Now I am fearful for our new president and pray the the Lord will lead and guide him. I pray he will become a born again Christian and will lead our nation for the Glory of the Lord and not for man kind. Please pray with me for not only our nation but for our newly elected president Barack Obama.

If your heart is heavy today as mine is remember that song and most of all remember what God says in ~ Psalm 56:3 ~ What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.
Also another good one is ~ 1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

I love you all my friends and family, Karen