White Christmas!

This is my favorite Christmas movie as well as what we're about to experience! Everyone is talking/facebook updating about how much snow we'll get this time and how the snow will likely affect their travel plans. Kyle is enjoying the weather however.....he's out ice-fishing today :) Maybe he'll bring me home some dinner..... :)

We've both been working and preparing for Christmas these last few weeks. We went out and finished the last bit of shopping last evening and I'll be wrapping it all up today :) Kyle and I are planning to spend Christmas Eve morning together with a big breakfast, bible reading, and gift opening.....then I work that evening. Christmas day..... Kyle is going to join me to volunteer at DDH and we're going to fix a pancake breakfast if all goes well :) ....then we'll drive back to WI to spend the day and weekend with the Schlossers :) 

We spent this past weekend in Nebraska....early Christmas celebration with my family :) It always feels a little wierd to exchange gifts,etc without all the other Christmas festivities.....but was really nice to get home and see everyone. We had a shrimp boil and all saw a movie together on Fri night. We had munchies and invited aunts and uncles over on Saturday afternoon.  Sat night we exchanged gifts and watched 'Elf" together (sadly, the only Christmas'y movie we could all agree on) :) ---ps... I made the scarf above for Mom :)  Other than that we just hung around together. Mom helped me in a fierce battle against a knotted up skein of yarn.....in the end she rolled it into a beautiful ball for me :) I continued my reign as Wii skiing expert :) Kyle's work was still roaring so he worked a lot from the couch this weekend. I also got to see another of Alex's soccer games & see how they've improved over the last month....was also fun to go with just Dad and sit and chat with him :)

Well, have a wonderful Christmas friends!!!

"For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us....And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.... " Isaiah 9:6

Deck the halls......

Well, the halls are decked! The gifts are bought! The cards are almost ready to go out! A few cookies are made! One christmas movie watched! Travel plans in order! Schedule is crazy!

Yes, I love all of this! But, I have to be careful not to push aside from my thoughts the One we are CELEBRATING! Come, let us adore Him........Christ Jesus! God sent him through this humble birth to live among us and die for our sins. His story is a miracle..........

Luke 2: 1-20

¹In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. ²(This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) ³And everyone went to his own town to register.

 ⁴So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. ⁵He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. ⁶While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, ⁷and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

 ⁸And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. ⁹An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. ¹⁰But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. ¹¹Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ^{a]" style="line-height: 0.5em; ">[a]} the Lord. ¹²This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

 ¹³Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 
 ¹⁴"Glory to God in the highest, 
      and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

 ¹⁵When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."

 ¹⁶So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. ¹⁷When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, ¹⁸and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. ¹⁹But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. ²⁰The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. 

I missed my calling.............being in a Rock Band!

We drove home late Wednesday evening (all the while wondering why we keep doing that....we get SO tired!) for Thanksgiving. As usual, we found my dad, his friend, and cousin (aka the Noble order) sitting out in the back garage throwing a few back and shooting the breeze. Always a humorous event! My favorite comment of the night was made by my Dad's cousin who just loves his oldest son.....he was telling us how he was such a good boy and then added, "he's even a fiscal conservative".  Umm, yes, he's 12 :)

Thanksgiving was nice with most of the family assembled and a yummy spread of food :) Kyle has made quite a reputation for himself as a lover of dessert and the first to suggest that the dessert be served :) Now when we come home my mom starts pulling pies and cakes out of the freezer for her son-in-law :) We gain 5 pounds but sure do eat good when we're home :)

The rest of the weekend we watched a lot of football and boy tv (huting, cool tools, ice road truckers,etc), got to watch one of Alex's indoor soccer games (where she made the final goal!), went shopping at Cabela's together, watched a movie together ('Funny People'-- not funny & highly inappropriate language-- new rule: I only watch PG movies!), and played RockBand on the Wii with Alex (I repeatedly kicked her out of my band for saying how bad I was :) )........overall a great time!!!!

Godstop: I'm so thankful this year.....for an amazing Savior, for a healthy body, for my truly wonderful husband and marriage, for an always loving family, for our church and godly pastors, for a heart for my work, for our home and all of our provisions, for those that are out spreading the Gospel around the world, for my friends who are always there through the craziness of life......Thank you Lord for the many beautiful and undeserved blessings!! 

Beulah

We were home this last weekend for the funeral of Kyle's grandmother. Beulah was blessed with 94 years to live on this earth. It is neat for me to see the legacy of her and her husband that has been  passed down through the generations. From what I've observed and heard from the Schlosser family over the last few years, Beulah was a woman:  that taught her family to fear the Lord;  that was a good example of how to live a Christian life;  that raised 9 children and had time for them all;  that loved to write, paint, dance, and travel; that always had a jelly bean jar and cookie drawer waiting for the grandkids; that authored the many recipes in our family cookbook; that will be missed by her family.......

http://www.leadertelegram.com/obits/obit/article_0c735f45-b180-5d0b-a868-163f0fa30ac0.html

It's been a few weeks since I've 'blogged'. As always, just working and spending time around home. As I told everyone this weekend: 'nothing too exciting, and that's okay'  :)  I hosted a craft night last week-- a few of my girlfriends came over to work on projects and eat some yummy food. I also joined a 'Frugal Club' with a few of my girlfriends-- last week we made laundry detergent--always on the lookout for ways to make stuff and save money :) Kyle's been working a ton and working the in basement for relaxation :)  We had a lot of fun with all of Kyle's siblings home this weekend....doesn't happen too often !   I'm hoping to hit the stores and finish my Christmas shopping tomorrow....wish me luck :) We're heading to NE for Thanksgiving and looking forward to seeing the fam!!

Godstop: 

Another experience with death leaves me again thankful to Jesus for dying for my sins and for the assurance of heaven. Also feeling  encouraged  to live a life to bless the Lord. How sweet it must be to sit at the throne of grace and hear "job well done, good and faithful servant". 

The Boring Post

Well, we've both been working a lot since last weekend. I know this to be true because the evidence is overwhelming this morning........a messy house :) So.....I'll be housecleaning, cooking, and possibly taking a walk outside if it's nice again :) I got a very large box of a few oils and many many lotion bottles, so I will need to find a place for all of that (maybe on top of the other junk I already have piled in our spare room) :) I guess everyone knows what they're getting for Christmas now....moisturized skin is a gift that keeps on giving if you ask me :)

I worked on Halloween so no festivities for us. Kyle and I did manage to eat almost the entire bag of Reeses Pieces we had to give out 'just in case' so it wasn't a total loss :) A few coworkers brought their kids up to work and that pretty much made my year. One cute little caterpillar and a little bo peep and her younger sister the sheep :)

Godstop: I didn't do much reading this weekend but last week did some reading about the attributes of God. Always a wonderful reminder of who we're living for and in who's eyes we're living in :)

Mal 3:6 and James 1:17: He does not change. 

Jer 23:24, I Ki 8:27: He is everywhere. 

Heb 13: He will never leave us or forsake us. 

Phil 4:5-6: He's there!

Exod 4: He offers support. 

1 Cor 10:13: God is faithful

Key point: "...living the Christian life is simply this, ordering my life as if it is done in the presece of God knowing it is.......we shouldn't do anything that we wouldn't do in the presence of God in the very throne of heaven. "-- John MacArthur. 

Have a blessed week friends!!! 

Congrats Mr. & Mrs. Sass!!!

So one of my oldest friends (our friendship not her age :) ) got married this weekend! It's such a blessing to see two people joined in the Lord! Stacy and I were not the kind of girls that always talked and dreamed of our wedding days. Stacy did not date indiscriminately so  we  always figured that one day she would just meet the right guy and that would be it....guess we were right ! :) We drove down to Dedham, IA for the event on Saturday. A small town Catholic church filled to the brim with people that love Stacy and Justin...... a legion hall decorated very prettily.....a great meal which included dorito taco salad, mmmm......old friends, good dance music.....happily ever after :) 

Fun memories with Stacy: meeting at the freshman 24 hour retreat at Creighton, being the friend that "lived off campus", spending the night at Kiewit, McGloin, and then the apartment she shared with Jenny , that "one great summer" when we were practically inseparable.....spending 2 hours a day at the gym and the rest of the time outside work hanging out, our joint obsession for Harry Potter, angel food cake, & corn muffins, spending plenty of time with each others families inculding learning how to ski and many camping trips to Okoboji with the Irlbeck clan, travels to Iowa to hang out with her friends, rollerblading (once in February :) ), Stacy taking care of me and being someone to look up to when I did something stupid....again, staying friends even as we lived so far apart, living together for a summer while she did her internship at Mayo, being crazy excited that she was moving to Rochester,  studying purpose driven life together, looking at and making offers on houses with her, being crazy excited that she was engaged!, being crazy excited for her wedding to start Saturday............

Love ya girl!!

Godstop: 

We had an great sermon at church last night. It was titled "Gaining Traction" and from Joshua. This pastor actually taught my sunday school for a time at my last church and I always remember how real, humble, and passionate he was/is! Here are the main points I took away: 

*Traction for transformation is not determined by our past failures, our present condition, or even our future outcome. (Joshua 1:2)

*Scripture memorization is key to traction in transformation (1:8). He used the parallel of an old couple that had been living together for many years and knew each other so well and could finish each others sentences.....how cool if we could be like that with God. 

*Deep belief in God and bold actions (like Rahab, Joshua Ch 2). 

*We're too often running ahead of God instead of behind. Follow HIM not visa versa. (3:3)

*Just as the Israelites kept stones from the river to remind themselves and teach their children of all that God had done..........keep track of how God has worked in your life (ex, prayer or blessings journal). 

*'When I sin, YOU suffer.'  (Ch 7)

I think there is a reason I've heard this sermon twice. If you think about it, pray for me that I might not let these lessons pass me by without faith action on them!! 

Love you friends, have a great week!!!!!

 

What About Bob?!

I'm watching this movie at 12:54 am as I write this after an evening shift. My parents used to lament the fact that I loved this movie so much. I have to reluctantly admit.....it's not QUITE as funny as I used to think :) How could you not like a movie that gives such sound advice for life : "Take a vacation from your problems. "

I was asked on more than one occasion today what was on  my Christmas list. If you have to actually sit and think of what you could possibly need....it's probably a good indicator that you have too much stuff and don't need a thing. That could be the boat I'm in. There's never a good way to reject all the crazy gift buying though unless you can get your family on board. You can simplify within your own home but then there's always parents and grandparents etc that will never go for it. Suggestions: make a 1 gift limit, draw names instead of buying for everyone, make a rule that all gifts must be handmade, donate your gift money to church or a cause you all care about, pool your gift money as a family and plan a small trip together to have some quality time. What do you think Mom??!!

My egg timer let me down!! I have this great gadget for perfectly hard boiling eggs. It's made of glass and you drop it in your boiling water as you drop the eggs in and when it turns purple you know your eggs are hard boiled. Well,  yesterday for the first time ever, my eggs were not perfect :( Do these things wear out??? I've always used it, my moms always used it, her moms always used it...........I mean, how can this happen?!

This past weekend we went up to the cabin with two other couples and had a great time!!! The guys fished for muskees and pan fish.......with no luck :( The girls talked, walked, crocheted/knitted, watched movies, and cooked for the boys :) The leaves were just BEAUTIFUL...all reds and yellows :) We had fun watching the Packer and Vikings games with fans of both! Tommy (14 mos) was all smiles and laughs and great entertainment :) We even fit in a lively game of spoons with a  game of chubby bunny to choose the winner!!!!!

Godstop: 

How GREAT is our GOD!!!! Beautiful sunrises, changing leaves, cool breezes, genuine smiles from people in pain, a hug after a disagreement, a friend that really cares, traditions, the wedding of two believers.........God is so faithful and if we ask to be filled with His Spirit, oh how we will experience Him; He leaves signs for us at every turn!

Back to real life......

It had to happen. We both knew it would. You never know what it feels like until it happens to you. People try to comfort you, but you know they don't really feel bad for you. You look at the pictures of good times gone by and shed a tear. You try to make yourself feel better by putting together a photo book and eating halloween candy.......

Um....so yeah, vacation is over and we're back to life and work :) We've spent this week getting back into the swing of things....work, laundry, cooking, football :) We went to a beautiful wedding on Friday night....Congrats Mel & David!!!! Lovely fall colors and the whole crew was back together so that was great fun :) Kyle's work has sucked him back in unfortunately.....he was funny after his first day back to work.... "yeah everyone is a little stressed out....it's almost like they haven't just had 3 weeks off work"  :)  While it's hard to go back after such a nice little break, we are just so thankful to both have jobs that we enjoy and are good at to provide for our little family. 

Godstop: 

Kyle and I decided a bit ago that the next thing we would study together would be Isaiah. Finally this week we started reading chapters 1-4. I just keep thinking this week what it was like and will be like for those that God turns his hand against.....how SCARY!! How are people NOT afraid of God and hell??? Even if you don't believe.......doesn't some little tiny inkling inside you wonder if all the people you know aren't just crazy or weak or lying to themselves and just maybe there is a God and heaven and hell and the whole bit........I mean what if you're wrong and hell is where you go if you never put your faith in Jesus???? I mean what if you die and find out that all of your good deeds aren't really what mattered in life or you find out that you didn't just cease to exist.....and your standing before God to answer for yourself????  Don't take that chance. 

Now that I've thoroughly gotten creeped out just thinking about all that........... I'm ever so thankful that Jesus died for ALL of my sins, that all I had to do was ask him to forgive me and come into my life, and that I get to KNOW I'm going to heaven when I die!!!!  Praise for that!!!!

Few More Pics......

Week Three

Day 15: We had driven down to Perth at the end of the day before so this morning we only had an hour drive to Edinburgh. We dropped off the car - whew! It all actually felt natural after driving for 8 days. We had lunch at the Sir Walter Scott Tea Room (macaroni and cheese is not the same in Scotland :(  ). We took the Sightseeing Bus Tour this afternoon and saw Holyrood House, Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh Castle, and drove through Old Town and New Town. Dinner at Maxies ( a very unique little restaurant tucked in a back alley). 

Day 16: We had planned to climb Arthur's Seat today but again....it's raining and poor visibility....poor Kyle didn't get to climb anything  this trip :(  We instead went to Edinburgh Castle and found it very interesting. We walked from there to the Scottish History Museum.....very strange....it wasn't in any sort of coherent order so you didn't really learn a whole lot....I did learn that American's were referred to as 'the rebels' back in the day :)

Day 17: We flew down to London from Edinburgh last night so this morning we just slept in and got all packed up. We had a 2:25pm flight and it went MUCH better. Kyle's parents were nice enough to pick us up at the airport and we stayed with them that night as it was about 3am Uk time by the time we went to bed. 

So that's that!! A lovely trip that we'll always remember!! I learned that God is AMAZING, my husband is a blessing from above,  and always take a Tom-Tom :)

Week Two

Day 8: We drove a bit more through the Cotswolds. This was the most beautifully sunny day!!! And then onto southern Wales. We checked into our favorite B&B in Abergavenny. Very plush with wonderful breakfast :) The change in scenery between England and Wales is drastic and starts the instant you cross the border. Wales is dense with trees and mountains-- very beautiful.  This is the night we had the most uncomfortable dinner yet at the Angel Hotel.....let's just say it was obvious we weren't locals. 

Day 9 : We drove around Brecon Beacons National Park this day. Kyle was a little sick but we decided to take a hike down to some waterfalls anyways. The beloved Tom-Tom took us through some crazy country roads to get to the trail head but was a fun adventure. We saw a lot of sheep  :) Dinner at Indian place Shashi (Kyle joked that I picked this place just so I would get friendly service) :)

Day 10: Drove north about 3 hours to northern Wales. We went to Swallow Falls (you'll see that we like our waterfalls) and then to Conwy. Conwy is a town surrounded by a fortress wall with Conwy Castle overlooking-- pretty cool. Actually was a super cute town near a bay. Dinner that night at The Old Ship-- three thumbs up for character and great toffee pudding :)

Day 11: Drove about 3 hours to get to Lake Country (back in England). We stayed in Windermere. Took a long drive this afternoon to see Windermere, Grasmere, Thirlmere, and Derwentwater (all beautiful lakes). Found and Italian place for dinner (finally!). 

Day 12: Getting very tired of English breakfast (poached eggs, bacon thats more like ham, sausages, cooked mushrooms and tomatoes, and baked beans.......bleck!). We were planning to climb a mountain this day but it was cloudy and visibility was poor....pity :) :(  Drove up to Ullswater and did climb a very small mountain as it had cleared a bit. 

Day 13: Long day of driving up to Scotland. Stopped and had lunch at a pretentious little restaurant on Loch Lomond-- not great food but lovely view! BEAUTIFUL drive through the Scottish Highlands....breathtaking!! Stayed in Mallaig and dinner at Cornerstone restaurant. Had the BEST fish I've EVER tasted.....Haddock caught that morning and cooked in butter :)

Day 14: Early ferry to the Isle of Skye.....stunningly beautiful. Saw Armandale Castle, toured Talisker Distillery, walk out in the country near the water, otter haven with no otters. Ready to move to Scotland after these few days :)

Week One

Day 1: We arrived around 1215pm after a grueling, cramped 9 hour overnight flight.  We took the tube to our hotel and crashed for a few hours. Later that afternoon we walked around Hyde Park and the Oxford St Shops. We settled on the restaurant Suze, in Mayfair, and had a nice Australian dinner. 

Day 2: I battled like a million stairs in the tube station with my heavy suitcase....no escalator in this one! Our friends, Paul & Lizzy & new baby Joe, picked us up in Winchester and we spent the day walking around there. I was able to see where Kyle used to live and work and his favorite pub (The Black Boy). IBMers, the site in Winchester is MUCH nicer than the site here. Our camera broke about 10 minutes after we got here so no pictures from this weekend :(  . 

Day 3 : Had a nice breakfast of tea and crumpets :) Drove to see the New Forest (actually it has been around since before the Bronze Age). We hiked around a bit. There are many many wild horses that life in the New Forest and it was nice to just see them everywhere grazing and paying us no mind. This was the first night that I slept fairly normal-- Kyle still had to wait another day for this. 

Day 4 : We got back to London for a few days of sightseeing in the big city (reminded me why I don't like big cities)! We saw Trafalgar square and a nice Impressionist exhibit on at the British National Gallery. In the evening we went to church at the Metropolitan Tabernacle (where Kyle used to go)-- there was a nice message and we made it to dinner without being mugged or worse (very sketchy area of town after dark we found out). Late dinner at the Cork & Bottle Wine Bar. 

Day 5:  We bought a new camera!!! Ventured out and saw Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, London Tower, early dinner at Satsuma and saw STOMP :)

Day 6: Train to Bath. Walked a bit and then lunch at the infamous Pizza Express. Then to Jane Austen Centre--- I love Jane Austen and she used to live in Bath-- Kyle was a good sport. In the afternoon we saw the Roman Baths-- actual hot springs and surrounding buildings that the Romans believed were from the Gods and used for healing and relaxation. Moroccan for dinner this night and then homemade fudge in front of the TV later :)

Day 7: To get the car....dum dum dum dum! One small hitch....they didn't have an automatic like we had reserved. I was ready to cry but Kyle kept a good attitude and it worked out great. He was AMAZING with the driving.......stick shift, left side of the road, unknown territory, me as navigator!  That day we drove through the Cotswolds (an area filled with really OLD villages built with wool money from back in the day). Did some walking in the countryside and shopping in the little shops. We stayed in a lovely old B&B at an estate out in the countryside near Bibury. 

Our Trip!

So we are back. It's official- vacation is over. I know this because Kyle just left for work. A little sad to have it all behind us but also feeling amazingly blessed that we were able to share this experience. There is also something to be said for sleeping in your own bed- aaahhhh. 

So we had a 'brilliant' few weeks traveling around the UK!! We were able to visit some old friends (new friends for me) and see their new baby. They showed us hospitality of the highest order.  They introduced us to 'chassy' (aka stroller) and 'crumpets' (aka English Muffins) and taught me that you must never say 'pissed'-- it must always always be said 'pissed off' or it has an entirely different meaning. We were seeped in history as many things there date to far before there were  'the States'. We loved driving through the countryside of England, Wales, and then Scotland-- beautiful scenery throughout.  We experienced driving on the left side of the road, on roads through the mountains that clearly only had room for one car, switchbacks, around many sheep, and thankfully not into anyone else :) We had a laugh about the various signs to be seen along the road side: one warning against ANTISOCIAL BEHAVIOR, ones with pictures of windsocks literally posted 20 feet before the actual windsock, ones with pictures of deer, sheep, badgers, one warning to watch our for ELDERLY PEOPLE---- Kyle got caught taking a picture of this last one and was given some very wierd looks. We stayed in hotels and B&B's and only had one sketchy one. We marveled at the fact that pub food has little to no variation no matter where you are throughout 3 countries. Ahhhh.....but I could go on all day....here's a quick blurb about what we did everyday and a few pics. I don't have the energy to download them all onto here or facebook so you'll have to wait for the album when you see us in person :)

England baby!!!!!

Yes, yes the time has come....our long awaited and anticipated trip to the UK!! We'll be spending two and a half weeks travelling around England, Wales, and Scotland :) Pray that we don't catch swine flu, get forced to eat black pudding, get eaten by a hairy coo,  or drive on the wrong side of the road too often :) We're looking forward to a leisurely schedule, beautiful scenery, visiting friends, B&B's, and just time together :)

See you in a month friends :)

Are you a loser if you write a blog full well knowing your mom is the only one who reads it?????

Probably yes, but I figure 'loser' is code for 'really cool person' ! 

So we are T minus 8 days until our UK trip! Probably you can't see the smile on my face but I'm ecstatic!! We got a few things out to pack tonight and we have formulated a packing and to do list......yay! Kyle sunk my boat when he told me that my seat on our overnight-8 hr long flight will not in fact lie flat like I had envisioned :(  I was happy to hear that I will have my own tv screen with movies available to entertain me :) I also found out today that  traditional part of English breakfast is something called 'Black Pudding', also known as pudding with congealed blood in it......bleck....this trip is shaping up to be very much like fear factor-- there is one distinct difference-- I'm paying  a boatload of money instead of winning it :(  Despite all that I'm practically giddy to get through the next week and take off :)

We went up to the cabin for this Labor day weekend. Relaxing time sitting around on the deck and out fishing on the boat.  It has been such a blessing that Kyle's parents share their cabin with us so often-- it's so very relaxing to be able to get away on the weekends throughout the year :) Also- I saw a dog eat corn off of the cob perfectly--- funniest thing :)

Update on my projects: I'm waiting to test the soap with oatmeal in it this week (it will finally be done curing); I plan on trying baby soap and anti-bacterial soap after vacay ; the lotion and lip balm were great- more scents to come after our trip; the shampoo is runny but growing on me; the conditioner was ....well....not good; the home cleaners are working well.....hmmm........

I have a good stockpile of cards for now so no action there, I want to start a crochet project when we return; I'm thinking I'd like to learn knitting and sewing sometime over the winter :) Seems like I need a new hobby doesn't it ?!?

Godstop: 

Praise that Lisa and I finished our bible study-- I don't quite remember when we started but I think this has been about an 8 month commitment :) A quote from our last week: 

"Anything that waits...it is because God has something better for us."-- Beth Moore  

What a great reminder that God is SOVEREIGN. He is GOOD.  He is LOVING.  He does what is BEST for us. He promises to perfect our faith. God SEES us, He SEES our hearts, He SEES our trials, He SEES our future in HIS plans.  How blessed we are and how happy He must be when we finally learn to REST  in Him.  When we finally learn that He is SUFFICIENT!!!!

Home

It's been a few days since I 'blogged' :) We went to NE this last weekend to visit my family. Had a nice, relaxing visit. I'm always a little sappy the day I leave and the one after about living so far away.....sigh...Grandma always says on the phone, "We had dinner for such and such occasion, everyone was here.......except you"....heartbreaker. And Alex is getting older (almost 14) and no longer wants to hang out with me every second of my visit.....now I have to pester her to hang out :) What I love about visiting home:  just hanging around the house with everyone,  listening to my parent's tell the same stories (don't worry mom and dad- all parents do it :) ), bickering over who's paying the bill when we go out,  having to nearly wrestle my grandma to get her to come over for dinner (she feels like she's putting us out if she comes more than one night in a  row), giving Alex a hard time because she 'has it easy' with helping around the house, mom making a cake for Kyle whenever we come, Kyle laughing at the fact that the Sports page of the paper only covers college football :),  sitting on the back porch relaxing and talking, sitting around a campfire in the evening, Grandma having a little tear in her eye as she kisses me goodbye and puts an angel food cake in my arms, having to watch PG movies not because of Alex but because of me :).   All that being said..... I have a new home and I love Rochester,  my work, our home, our life..... God has certainly blessed me in abundance :)

This week we're back to work and life as usual. The landscaping is coming along nicely and we've planted a few things. Kyle is on the hunt for a gopher that is in the wrong place at the wrong time :) My project for today is to make some homemade shampoo and conditioner...I'm convinced I can make some 'good for you' stuff without a long list of chemicals on the label :) The more and more cancer,etc that I see, the more and more I'm on a  tirade to detox our house/lives.  I found this great site for healthy living:  http://www.care2.com/greenliving/

Godstop: 

Nothing too profound here today. I am just feeling amazingly blessed to know that the Holy Spirit abides in me....that God is with me wherever I go. How empowering to know that he is with me as I go to work everyday, that he is with me as I volunteer in the community, that he is with me as I mourn for those who've passed, that he is with me as I hold a friend's new baby, that he is with me as I enjoy a quiet night with my husband, that he is with me as I make dinner and take care of the house, that he is with me as I offer prayer for those I love,  that he is with me...........

1 Cor 12:7, Rom 8: 22-28, Phil 4:13, John 15:5

 

Pictures for my parents....

Here's a few photos of the finished deck and the landscaping so far :)

Brett Favre is still the man OR Brett Favre is an overpaid drama queen????

That is the question for today. Everyone is weighing in....on the news, on facebook status updates, in their journals before bed. It would be a sad life to be famous I think....everyone paying so much attention to every little thing you do. Still I say..... "How could you? The Vikings...REALLY???". 

I got an EA (excused absence) today. This means there were too many nurses scheduled on our floor and no other floor needed help....from there we take turns with who gets them. Generally, these are a heaven-sent little treat...........no better feeling than being offered the day off when you are still desperately trying to drag yourself out of bed at 5:30 or 5:45 in the morning...........aaaahhhhh roll over and go back to sleep, all is well with the world! Of course, there is looming dark side to EA's....the fear that they will soon become mandatory with all of the current cut-back stuff. Then what was a nice unexpected day off will be "oh no, this is the 3rd one this pay period, i really needed to work today to pay my bills".  Time will tell.

Godstop: 

" For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose." - Phil 2:13.  How reassuring to remember that God is "at work/aiding/putting forth power" in us to guide our minds and actions. I want to remember this every time I have a chance to comfort or pray with a patient, every time I have a chance to speak truth at the DDH, every time a co-worker asks me about my faith.  A dear sister recently told me of a situation she was in (she was trying to speak truth into someones life and felt like she was in spiritual warfare)....she said what was amazing was that she had to rely on God- He was all the resource she had- she had to trust that He would guide her in the right words during that critical time.  Just an example of how He comes through for us because He is always with us!!

Praise His Name!

Today has been a lazy day. I got off work around 7:30 this morning (after working 12 hours overnight), stopped at the store, got home to chat with Kyle for a few minutes before he was off to work, and then napped from 9 until 11:30 with the county assessors rang the doorbell. I've been attempting to stay up since then and be somewhat productive but am just not finding the energy.....at least I'm fairly certain I'll be able to go to bed tonight :) 

Kyle came home and we watched our first Packer's game of the year (pre-season game tivo'd from Friday)-- woot woot! Um yeah....I'm a convert. While I still love my Huskers and don't know all the tiny little rules of football........ I have taken a liking to Sunday NFL football....lazy days on the couch, listening to the guys guffaw at the game, fall weather, chili suppers :)

Is summer just the BEST for fresh food! I LOVE it!! We've had fresh sweet corn, green beans, cucumbers, fresh caprese salads, peppers.....yumm! 

Planning a fun- filled trip back to O-town this coming weekend- excited to see my family! 

God stop: 

Lisa & I are starting our last week of this bibly study- it has been really encouraging and just what we needed! Thought I would share a section from today's: 

"The God to whom you commit yourself and everything that concerns you is huge. He is the omnipotent Maker of heaven and earth. He is the One who sees. He is the One who knows. He is the One who acts on behalf of his children. He is the Mighty Warrior. He is the compassionate Father. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He is the coming King. He is love. He is light. He is good. He is right. He is your soul's delight. He is....whatever you need. He alone is wise. In Him alone life makes sense, and apart from Him all is chaos. 

The God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Joshua, Gideon, Samson, David, John the Baptist, Mary of Magdala, Mary of Bethany, Peter, James, John, and Paul is your God. The same yesterday, today, and forever. A God so holy, powerful, and present that when He revealed himself to Ezekiel in the Old Testament and John in the New, both dropped like dead men. He is the magnificent One, full of splendor, beautiful beyond comprehension. The I Am throughout every generation. Whoever He was, He is. Who He was to them, He is to you. Start taking Him up on His goodness. When you have no idea what to believe Him for in a  given situation, just believe Him to be huge.   "  --- Beth Moore. 

Amen sister! 

Questions:   Do you know Him friends? Do you want that faith in God that you see others with? Have you felt there is something missing in your life? Do you think you've done too many bad things- that it's too late for you? What if it's all true (God, heaven, hell, forgiveness)??

Answer: You can. Just ask. There is- having faith in God is what makes us whole. It's never too late- if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and make us righteous in his eyes. IT IS ALL TRUE; God is real whether you believe or not-- I pray you would! 

I may have gotten a little carried away and of course never mean to be pushy. I just want to put it out there that if  you ever have questions about God, Jesus, becoming a Christian  or just need prayer....please know you can talk to Kyle or I. Open invitation!!!! If you'd like more info and don't want to talk to us now or ever  :) check out this site....  http://www.jesus2020.com

The joys of a wonderful hubby....

We slept in until 10 today....aaahhhhh (Saturday morning with no alarm clock and no agenda)! I've been lounging around, drinking my coffee, and working on bible study since then. I work nights this weekend and obviously feel as if I am not obligated to do anything else productive since I am being put out in this manner :) 

My wonderful husband however has been a productive machine these last months. He's out there even as I type working away on the new landscaping. Our deck was recently finished in record time. I know what you're all thinking.....it's because I'm so big a nag that he'd rather work on it than listen to me........NOT SO! He's done all of this of his own volition :) What a man! He also cooks, cleans up after parties, gives back and foot rubs, takes out the trash, and is just generally delightful :) What you all think........blah, blah, blah...newlywed head still......i know :)

I went to garage sales yesterday......can I just say how it warms my heart to come home with a car full of cute stuff having only spent $20 in 2 days. See the pic of our cute new coffee cart :) It was one dollar -- I love old people sales :)

Godstop: 

Can I just say what an amazing blessing it is to have friends who will intercede for you. Friends who are involved in your life and listen to your heart and pray for you from their heart to Gods. Thank you LORD for that!

"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a  righteous man is powerful and effective." - James 5:16

"Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."-- Matt 18:19-20

Everyone else is doing it.....

Blogging, I mean. I thought it was high time that I too began rambling on about my thoughts for all to see. Therapeutic perhaps? Or perhaps just yet another way to waste time?  Time will tell. 

It must be wedding season....I received one save the date, one reception invite, and two invitations this week. Many congrats and blessings to Rachel & Chris, Mel & David, Matt & Alyssa, and Angie & Jake! Marriage is such a blessing & I'm deeply happy for each of you :) Some advice from me to you..... TRY each day, think of the other first, forgive as you have been forgiven,  look at the big picture, and don't lose your rose colored glasses :)

The project for this afternoon is experimenting with adding ground oatmeal to my soap for an exfoliating bar. If only I could take a picture of myself in my goggles, mask, and purple nitrile gloves......I'm sure it would give you a laugh for the day :) I'm waiting on a few shipments.... I bought some new oils/supplies so that hopefully I can make some lotion and lip balm soon :) Guinea pigs welcome !! 

I'm working through a bible study with Lisa right now and at the end of every day's study there is a journal section titled 'Godstop' (a time to stop and reflect on how you saw God at work that day). I thought that would be a good ending point for each of my notes.........

Godstop: 

In my bible study this morning, I was reading about the use of the word 'chosen' and this is what I found....

chosen; Transliteration: eklegomai; Phonetic Pronunciation: ek-leg-om-ahee; Part of speech: v; 1) to pick out, choose, to pick or choose out for oneself  1a) choosing one out of many  1b)choosing one for an office   1c)of God choosing whom he judged fit to receive his favours and separated from the rest of mankind to be peculiarly his own and to be attended continually by his gracious oversight. 

Wow, right?! What a joy to be chosen!!