Inconvienent Debt and Fashion Friday

As Al Gore is petitioning about global warming and the inconvienent truth, Glenn Beck is bringing to light what we should really be focusing on. The chart speeaks for itself, it is amazing to see what the country has managed to do with our money in just the year 2008. Pass this on if you are as concerned as me about the current spending(I mean stimulus) bill that is looming over on Capital Hill

On a completely unrelated note, if you love fashion and could use some fun tips, head on over here. Every Friday you will find something useful and entertaining. A couple of weeks back she did her first video for Fashion Friday, she showed four ways of tying a scarf, I learned two new ways. Melanie is a really neat gal that I have been following on her blog for a couple weeks now. Have fun!!!

Snow Storm Deja Vu

The above picture is my lovely neighbor and relative Rich using his snow blower to help me out today in the midst of the 8 inches of snow we got. My kids are happily playing in the snow doing their part. Where is my wonderful, strong and completely capable husband? He is in Dallas on business. This may seem not so interesting to you but it is kind of funny to me. Remember in March 2008 when we had the huge snow storm with like 16 inches of snow. Well my husband was in Dallas then too and my kids and I were shoveling and Rich came over to use his snow blower. I hope this is not going to be a trend that continues to repeat itself. I am however very grateful for such a wonderful extended family that I live across the street from. They are so very helpful, especially when Mike is out of town. Thank you Lord for placing my family where we are, we are truly blessed.

Judgement

The topic of judging others has been on my mind off and on lately. How do you as a Christian set yourself apart without judging others too harshly. How do you show the love of Christ to someone you see clearly walking outside God's will without being judgemental or coming across at "holier than thou". I often pray for discernment because that is what I need so often in these type of situations. How do I, a sinner at the core, gently restore another sinner. I was discussing this topic today at my BSF fellowship group and then recieved this email from my uncle about this very topic. I love how the devotion ends with these words in bold "Be slow to judge others and quick to judge yourself". Those words pretty much sum up my dilemma. I still need to seek council from God but it is great advice in those situations when I am just not sure. So as I seek to be all that God designed me to be, maybe a little more self judgement will prevent the harmful judgement that I am sometimes guilty of handing out. Thankyou Lord for sending your son to take my place. Though I deserve the judgement of death, you have thru your grace extended me life. Help me to extend that same grace to others.

Do Something!!

Well there seems to be alot of opinions today about who should be in President Obama's cabinet and his first executive orders in office. I listen to a couple of talk shows on the radio to try and get information on what's going on. I don't take what is said blindly, but it is a good starting point for my own research on the subject. It can be frustrating when you disagree with something and feel like your voice is not being heard.

Well today on the prompting of my mom's email I did something. I emailed my senator and asked him not to vote for Timothy Geithner as Treasury Secretary. It is not a simple oversite that he made on his taxes and it only took me 5 minutes on the internet to figure this out. So I encourage everyone to be active this year in contacting your representatives. God has shown us the moral code we should follow and when you feel that isn't being upheld it is okay to speak up. Be respectful, be tactful but don't be quiet. Do your own research, read books, articles, blogs, listen to tv/radio shows and then ask God to guide you in making the right decision. Then if you feel so lead, act on that decision. If you need to know who your representatives are for your state you can go to mikehuckabee.com or congress.org and you can find and contact yours.

I also want to be clear that we need to make sure we are not more bold with our opinions on the policies/issues of this world then we are with our knowledge of the truth of Jesus Christ. I want to be an informed and contributing citizen of the United States but I would be remiss if I wasn't living a life that said I am a citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven. So I am challenging myself to live a life bold for the cause of Christ first and then being a contributing, informed and involved US citizen will come naturally. I found this article while I was exploring the topic of dual citizenship more, it was helpful to me, especially facet#2. Also read Titus 3:1, Acts 5:29 and Romans 13:1. Good luck balancing our dual citizenship!!!

Chicken Tenders

Well tonight I made my own breaded chicken tenders and am pretty proud of myself. I don't mind cooking but can think of a million other things I would rather do at 5pm each day then prepare a homemade meal. Tonight I decided to make chicken fajitas. I knew the kids did not really enjoy the seasoning for fajitas nor the peppers so I was torn what to do. I wanted us to sit together and eat as a family, I want them to learn to eat what we eat, but I am also realistic that sometimes kids just don't care for things. I decided that using the same chicken I use for fajitas I would bread and pan fry my own chicken tenders. To many this is a no brainer, no big feat, but my kids eat nuggets from McDonalds, Wendy's or Banquet frozen nuggets. So I coated the chicken in egg, flour and cornflakes and pan fried them with a little olive oil in the skillet. Meanwhile cooking the chicken/peppers/seasoning for the fajitas in another skillet. So I felt that this was a good compromise, we all had chicken, just seasoned a little different. This may seem like a silly post but sometimes it is the simplest things that make us happy. I am grateful that God allows us these simple pleasures. I didn't save a life today, I didn't do anything extra ordinary but I did try something out of my comfort zone and that's always a good thing. God's preparing me in little ways to step out of my comfort zone and do his kingdom work. I am excited to see what homemade chicken tenders leads too.

Goodbye President Bush

Well as I sit here on the eve of the inauguration of Barack Obama I can't help but think about the man whose office he will take. I can honestly say that I truly respect President Bush and wish him nothing but the best as he and his wife begin a new, hopefully more relaxing, chapter in their life. I know that there are policies I don't agree with, decisions made or not made that sometimes have frustrated me. However he has kept me and my family safe. After Sept. 11th 2001 it was the first time I actually feared what kind of life my future children would grow up in. Then five months later I found out I was pregnant and that fear still persisted in the back of my mind. I don't think anyone here on earth will ever truly know the daily burden he bore in trying to keep us safe. I am sure he agonized over the command he gave to send our troops into war and I know for a fact he did not take that decision lightly. As I pray for President Bush as he exits this office I will also pray for our future president. He will have some tough issues to lead this country through as well as raise two little girls. I feel fortunate to know that even though I will always respect and support our President, I need live for only one King, my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Thank you that your term as King never expires, that you always know the right decision and that you care for me and my family. We are safe at the feet of your Holy throne.

I Love Snow?

Well Daddy did snow duty today in our household. Dad pulls the sled a little faster and his turns a little sharper then Mommy's. This can have several different outcomes. For our daughter the fact that they did a major wipeout was giggle producing. For our son Will, a picture explains a thousand words. Abby ate the snow that ended up all over her, Will cried his little heart out. Oh the memories that were created. Wonder who Will is going to want to the pull the sled next time.

Need another miracle

Please pray for Kelly and her newborn daughter Harper. I only just recently heard of Kelly through the blogging world but have been following her story at her blog. She gave birth tonight to Harper and things are not going well. Please pray for complete healing for Harper. Please click on the praying for Harper button to learn more about her story. Thanks

HE's Here!!

Well as I try to reflect on the "Miracle on the Hudson" I am in awe but not surprised. Not surprised that God would show up in such a way to let us know that HE is still here, he has always been here with us and always will be. I didn't come at this thought at first. My first thoughts were, that is amazing, what a miracle and I hope that God gets the glory for it. Then as I was listening to Glenn Beck this morning he talked about how this story of the plane and another story he had heard made him realize that the bigger meaning is that God is simply saying " I'm Here". In this world of uncertain financial times, media that bombards you with as much negative news as possible and a war against terrorism I think we can feel abandoned. Even those who might not be worried about the former may feel abandoned because they did not get their miracle, their answer, their prayer from God. However, I feel encouraged that while I have always known and believed that God is ever present in my life and this world, it sure is nice to get an honest to goodness clear sign that God showed up. So thanks to the pilot, crew and people on the plane that did their part in this amazing miracle but lets not forget that God showed up big!!!

Empty Me

Well since I have American Idol on the brain I got to thinking about the song "Empty Me" by Chris Sligh. I forgot that he was on american idol until I was looking up some song titles on 1049theriver.com and his picture popped up for this song. What a great opportunity this provided for him to launch his career and release such a powerful song. I am looking forward to getting on itunes and getting to know more of his music. Meanwhile enjoy the song on my playlist here or visit chrissligh.com for more info.

I have also fallen in love with the song "How Many Kings" by Downhere. The words are so thought provoking. Please listen to it on my playlist(track#2) and use it as a time to give Jesus the honor and praise he deserves. No one else has done what Jesus Christ has done for me, he gave up so much for me, a broken and sinful child. This is going to be my stop having a pity party for myself song. When I am feeling frustrated, misunderstood or under appreciated this song really puts it all in perspective. Imagine how Jesus must feel loving us who will always disappoint him, who will always underestimate him, who will always defy him and most definitely under appreciate him. What a blessing to be considered part of your family, to be included with THE KING because you love me enough to cover my sins. Thank you that you extend this love to everyone who acknowledges you as their Lord and Savior. Praying for those who do not know or haven't yet accepted this truth tonight.

American Idol 2009

Well American Idol came back on tonight, and I would have to say that I was pleasantly surprised. I have watched this show since it started and have gone through all the different spectrums of interest. I felt like lately they have dragged it out too much and that there was more drama then actual singing. I really thought there was a nice balance of actual talent vs pure entertainment. The best part about this season was I got my husband to sit and watch it with me( I'm not sure he would be pleased with me admitting that). Hoping that the rest of the season will not disappoint. Also looking forward to the part where they narrow it down to top 12 or so and my daughter can watch it with me. Also looking forward to picking my favorites and cheering them(dialing them) to the finale. Let the madness begin!!!

What are you Chasing?

Our pastor has focused his first two sermons on the topics of what we are chasing this year and what we need to change this year. As I think about the new year's resolutions we set, wished we set or already broke, I wonder what we are all chasing after. Is it tangible, is it short term, does it help others? I hope that I will use these sermons to reflect on not so much what I am chasing but whom. At our service our pastor had a friend play "The Chasing Song" by Andrew Peterson. I had the pleasure of hearing Andrew in concert a couple of months ago but this song is one of his older ones. As you listen to it I hope you find that their is only one person to chase after and that is our Lord Jesus Christ. Happy Chasing in 2009!!

The Cross Walk

http://www.dontlosefaith.com/the_cross_walk.html
I recieved this email from my uncle this week and found it very encouraging. It is self explanatory so take the time to check it out, you will be encouraged. For those of you in the midst of battle, know that you are being refined by the master craftsman. For those of you coming out of a battle or not yet there, know that our Lord and Savior has fully equipped you to handle what lies ahead as long as you trust in him and his ways. God Bless.

Zarbee's children's cough syrup

Well it is that time of year again. The runny noses, fevers, strep throat(for my kids) and coughing. With all the scares people have had with cough medicines and the FDA banning it for certain ages it leaves us moms in a bit of a pickle. My kids do not get coughs too often but when they do that is all they pretty much have. No fevers, no runny noses, etc, so what do you do. Do you send them to school and everyone else is wondering what kind of mom sends a sick kid to school, I know this happens because I have thought this myself of others.
Well along comes a new type of cough syrup, one that is all natural and immune boosting and most importantly safe for children over 1. It is called Zarbees(www.zarbees.com) and I heard about it through the blogging world. It is pretty much only available online unless you live by the two stores it lists on their website(we do not have them in ohio to my knowledge). I ordered one for myself and another for my friend to try. It is nice to have the peace of mind that if my kids are bothered by an annoying cough but otherwise perfectly healthy, I can give them something safe. My kids are still getting used to the taste as my daughter is paranoid at the mention of cough syrup from her previous experiences. Also my kids are so spoiled with the strawberry tylenol that anything else does not compare. The important thing is that it is safe, it works and it doesn't make my kids gag. You should give it a try, it is affordably priced and developed by a pediatrician. Hoping this year is a happy and healthy one for everyone. We already started the year off with strep throat so I am hoping we are good for a while.

Zoo Lights

Well we finally got to the zoo lights, it was fun to have a special event to still do after the holidays. Abby took the picture of Mike and I on the bench, it seems so rare to see a picture of just us, but she did a great job.




It was colder than we thought but well worth it and the pictures turned out cute. Seems like all our good pictures lately have involved wearing hats, but at least I don't have to worry about a bad hairday!! We are looking forward to 2009, as some fun trips are planned(Florida in March, Disney World in the Fall) but I am particulary excited about how God might use my family this year to further his kingdom here on earth. Thanks for the opportunity to be part of your bigger plan God.