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