What's up for the New Year?

HI Everyone!

Well it's that time again. You know those "New Years Resolutions" that we swear we will keep this year. Or maybe you have convinced your self that you just won't make any that way you won't break them.

Well, whether they are goals, plans, or resolutions, God is the God of increase and He wants us to grow.

So here are some of my "Plans" and "Goals" that I am purposing to do in 2009.

* I have been eating better and have lost 7 pounds, I am going to keep going and reach my goal weight. I am going to fit exercise into my schedule more regularly.
* I am on learning Hebrew (and maybe Greek) to better understand God's word and will continue.
* I have committed to read through the Chronological Bible along with over 700 women (and men) with Wendy Pope from P31 Ministries. (Go to Wordly Wise tab on top of home page)
* I have signed up to do scripture memorizing withthe Siestas on the LPM Blog .

But over all I want to commit to being diligent in all that I do, to finish what I start. Grow closer to God and my family.

How about you? Have you thought of how you want to grow this year. How you want God to use you? What's up for you?

Blessings,
Lynn

Merry Christmas Eve!

Hi I finally got the tree decorated and want to wish every one a Very Merry Christmas.

May you be Healthy, Happy, Warm and Safe in your fathers arms. God Bless you all!

Lynn

Dreaming of a White Christmas?

Well I grew up in Southern Oregon where we always had a white Christmas. So it was hard to perceive someone not. When I moved to northern Oregon several years ago and they closed school for 2" of snow it really bewildered me. However after seeing how people drive in it, it wasn't a mystery any more.

A lot of the city is closed down. To tell you how bad it is - McDonald's and Taco Bell were closed. A lot of the smaller stores were closed, which was expected but when the chain stores closed. :(.

When you are not accustomed to it you don't know how to handle it. Well for the city that doesn't often get snow, here a a few shots from my window. (I don't have boots anymore - may have to get some) So didn't venture out in it very far.

And after these photos were taken we got approx 1-2 more inches and now this morning it is snowing some more.

So whether or not I was dreaming of a White Christmas - I got one. It really is beautiful!

For all my blogg'n friends that haven't experienced snow, you might have to come visit someday.

Merry CHRISTmas everyone.

Lynn

Got Ten Minutes

Got Ten Minutes? What can anyone do with ten minutes, it takes longer than that to get your favorite latte at Starbucks. (Depending on the line of course) Here in the northwest, at least in my area, it is funny because every time someone will ask how long will it take to get there, oh about 20 mins. Order take out it will be ready in 20 mins.

Well today I got a bonus day, we have snow and my company closed for the day. Yahoo another day off to get the things done I didn't get to over the weekend. But I have those other projects too, and hey I better get those Christmas cards out. About that time when I'm trying to figure it out for myself, my Honey says hey - since you have the day off can you, would you and you should. Hey I was overwhelming myself just fine, I didn't need any help. :)

Well the first thing is just start with the have to's and hopefully there is some time for the want to's. So as I am baking the cookies for a memorial tonight (more on that later... it's sad) I set the timer for 10mins. I go to the bathroom and realize I forgot the scrub this toilet so I grab the soft scrub and do some swishing. Well I better get the sink while I am at it.

Oh how much time to I have. Oh still have some time I'll clean up the counter and get ready for the cookies to come out and I better get the next batch ready. Whew just in time. One batch out and next batch in. Okay set the timer again and get the next pan ready to go.

So maybe I should wash a few of these big pots and pans that won't fit in the next load for the dishwasher. Baking dish, two pots, colander, Mixing bowl, measuring cups, cereal bowl. Wow that went pretty easy. Oh there's the timer again. Take out the last batch divide up for luncheon, the memorial and some for home. Wash the cookie sheets, make some journal notes. Post a random blog on "Ten Minutes" and I am ready for the want to's. Now which want to do I want? Finish baby gift, (a quilt), finish doll clothes for grand-niece, work on my Hebrew. Not sure I'll let you know later.
Have a wonderful day! The sun is shinning and 25 degrees, with snow on the ground. But remember - no matter what you always have the Son shinning on you. :)

Blessings,
Lynn

Christmas Giveaway

Hi Everyone Edie at Rich Gifts is having a Give away! But hurry there is only a couple of days left.

She is giving away a "Blog Make Over" and after looking at some of the blogs out there and your creativity I better be winning this or getting on the ball. :)

Anyway click the link on Edie's name or the button here or on my side bar by Friday and check it out.

Be Blessed,
Lynn

Siesta Ornament Exchange '08

This is the ornament that my Siesta Gave to me. We're going to do Mr. Linky today at some point with the rest of the Siesta's and the ornaments they received so I will update my post then.

As you can see, she spoiled me and sent more than the ornament. The Chocolate is wonderful. :)

I'll be back later with more details.

Blessings Lynn

Want to know who Won?

Well it is a day early - but I have not had any responses for quite a while on the drawing. So I am thinking it would be okay to share the winners early.

Okay are you ready.... EVERYONE WON!

Will you please all e-mail your address to me at ljgolf823 @ comcast dot net.

Debrah and you have a choice between one of the babies or a surprise gift. In your e-mail include 3 of your hobbies and 3 colors you like, I'll pick something from that.

I won't always make everyone a winner for future giveaways, but I have plenty of these to give away and there was so little response, with great answers I want to bless you all.

So hurry with the addresses and I'll get these out as soon as I can. I have some flexibility with hair color or bag color so if you have a preference let me know and I will do what I can to match them up.

Dorthy - Just for the fun after I decided everyone would win I chose names to see who would come out - All three times your came up. God does provide, now go sign up. :)

Thank you ladies for following my blog. For my new friendship with you all. Now hurry up with the addresses.

Blessings,

Lynn

Joyful Gratifude Sharing - The attitude of your Life!

Hi and Happy Thanksgiving!

Have you ever played that game while you traveled somewhere? The one where you take the name of a city and change the words with similar meaning words. Example a city named Gladstone would be come Happy Rock. Well for what ever reason it is a game that was embedded in me. So when I was meditating on what Thanksgiving means and what it is really all about that popped out. To be happy is to be joyful. To be thankful is to be grateful or show gratitude and giving is sharing. Joyful Gratitude Sharing!

You see it is my wish that we don't get caught up in the rituals of gotta do this and gotta do that and should this and have to do that, to the point we loose focus. It is important to show our gratitude to God everyday, but if we set aside this day to give extra special reflection for our Thanks to the blessings that God has bestowed on us, then let us Joyfully Share our Gratitude.

I am immeasurably thankful for God's love, mercy, grace and wisdom. Without those gifts, none of the other requests or blessings could be possible. I am so thankful for my Husband, my Children and Grandchildren, my family, my home, my job, my friends (face 2 face & blog land). But without God's mercy and love, I would not be worthy of any of these blessings that He has given me. Now I can stand shameless for any transgressions I've ever done, and bask in the glory and shinning light of His mercy. I can stand tall and say I am the righteous of the Lord. I can laugh and joke with my loved ones today and make memories and build relationships, all because when God offered His son, & I received Him as Lord of my life. If you have never received Jesus as the Lord of your life here is a link that can answer questions you may have, and help you pray the sinners prayer.
How to Become a Christian.

I am thankful today in so many ways. Rachel Olson posted the other day about keeping a thankful journal. I haven't officially got one yet, but mentally everyday I make a mental list of what I'm thankful for.
Today is a special day. Take time to enjoy it. Take time to notice things to be thankful for. Then purpose in your heart to make the attitude of today, be your attitude for your life.

God Bless you all.
Lynn

Baby in the Bag - Giveway

I have a few of these handmade "Babies in a Bag" that I would like to give away. The dolls are about 5 inches long and each comes with a pillow, blanket, one or more extra outfits, and it's own bag to travel in. These were made by my Mom, I would help her and she would sell them at bazaars. I want to give 3 of these away.

Okay so here is the scoop. Leave a comment on why you would like to win one of these, then spread the news on your blog linking back here so others can stop by for the contest. You can enter until November 30th and I will post 3 winners on December 1st. That way if you want it for a Christmas gift, I should be able to get it to you in time.

Blessings,

Lynn

Regardless of the Election

I got this in an e-mail as predictions of what would happen during the election.


1. The Bible will still have all the answers.
2. Prayer will still work.
3. The Holy Spirit will still move.
4. God will still inhabit the praises of His people.
5. There will still be God-anointed preaching.
6. There will still be singing of praise to God.
7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.
8. There will still be room at the Cross.
9. Jesus will still love you.
10. Jesus will still save the lost when they come to Him.
And . . . God approves this message!
ISN'T IT GREAT TO KNOW WHO IS REALLY IN CHARGE
AMEN!

Pretty much says it all. Remember to still pray for our leaders, whether or not they were your choice, maybe especially if they weren't. Pray for them!

Be Blessed,
Lynn

She's Crying Inside - and We Don't Know!

She curls up drawing her knees to her chest. The room is slowly growing dark. She shivers, her senses at their limit. Her mind is racing, what did she do, what did she say. Tears streaming down her face, she gasps in pain as she wipes her hair from her face.
Last time she said too much, this time she didn't speak up soon enough. How would she ever be able to get it right. If only she wasn't so dumb. If only she could get it right.
She'll work harder, no she can't tell anybody they don't understand, he just has had a hard life, he needs special love. It's her fault he got upset. He loves her so much she just needs to be better.

Wow, how did she get here. She never thought she'd be the one to let someone treat her this way. She doesn't feel worthy of anything any more. She gave up her friends long ago to prove her love. Her family members have heard too many "wolf cries" only to have her go back again. There is no where to turn even if she wanted to. He'd just find her anyway. Oh the baby should make us a happy family. He'll be so happy to have a son.

Oh no the baby is crying I've got to get to him first. No I didn't let the baby cry on purpose. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. It's okay sweetheart Mommy is here, mommy won't let anything happen to you. Not ever!

4 Million women a year are assaulted by their partners. In 1 of 4 cases women will also experience sexual abuse. Every 9 seconds in the United States a woman is assaulted and beaten.

No little girl decides they want to grow up to be abused. It is a process that happens little by little. First it is trying to prove that they love the other, then it is excusing a blow up that results in yelling. Then the yelling turns in to name calling and belittling. Then one day it's a shove, a push, a slap a fist. Most cases are not reported, they are ashamed or scared. Some cases are reported only when it is too late for fatal. And don't discount verbal abuse as not being as bad as physical - words can hurt.

God created the universe with His words. We can tear down our world, or others with our words. Please pray for the abused women (and Men) and children among us. They are all around us and are often unnoticed. They put on their best game face and we never know.

Jesus came to heal the broken hearted. Pray the hurting don't hurt others. Pray they get the help they need to break the cycle of abuse. Pray they come to Jesus and feel his Love.

Be Blessed!
Lynn

As the Crow Flies

Do you ever look back on a day a year or your life and realize there might have been a much easier route to take?
Well I do all the time. I think about the how silly walking through the desert for 40 years for an eleven day journey sounds and then God says "How old are you Lynn"?
God gave us His Son, His, Word and the Holy Spirit, and somehow we still have trouble finding our way at times. It's like being the mouse in a maze. Trial and error to the right door.
As the crow flies, implies a straight line to a destination. If you look at a maze from above it makes it much more clear on which way we should go.
That is partly why God wants us to lift ourselves above the storms of this world, so we can see more clearly the path that He would have us take.

Isaiah 40:31 But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.

If we could always remember to take Gods path it would be even better than how the crow flies. :)

Blessings,
Lynn

Friendship

HI Everyone my friend Alice gave me these awards yesterday (on my Birthday). If you haven't visited her blog you should she has such a gift of encouragement through songs, and and cards and little inspirations that she posts. Thank you Alice. xoxo. It's hard to pick just a few that you want to pass these things on to but I have to say the very first person that came to mind was Debrah. She is doing the "Study with Me" Study on my other Blog and is always dropping by just to say Hi. So Debrah these are for you. The runners up in no order are Plant Lady, Sharon, Paula aka Sweet Pea, Katrina. Thanks for all the blogging, I really enjoy your friendship and encouragement.

Have a super Blessed Day.

Lynn

Exercise your Liver

Well I am back and trying to catch up and visit all my friends blogs. In the meantime I will give you a little tid bit of my Sisters visit. Well we had been talking and laughing a lot and I told her a little funny that a friend of mine had shared. My friend is a nurse and I think she was yanking my chain, but told me that the only way to exercise your liver was to laugh.

Well of course through the rest of the visit as we laughed we would say - "We are exercising our Livers."

We had visited a Quilt shop and were on our way home when the gas light came on-opps! We are searching all over for an exit off the freeway that has gas. Well of course this spurs little digs about what we'd do if we did run out of gas and of course - We exercised our Livers. When I got to the gas station we were laughing so hard the attendant was looking at us with a smirk, I think he thought we were up to something. Oh well just high on life and two Sisters bonding and loving each other.

May you exercise your Liver - Often.

Blessings,
Lynn

No Wammy's for me

I know there is a game show called Whammy, however that's not what I'm talking about. As promised I am giving you a morsel from the Joyce Meyer conference.

Joyce has several stories from her life that she tells, and some are signatures of hers. There is a story that she tells about, waking up one day and trying to figure out how she could get her husband and children to take care of the house so she could do what she wanted to do. The Lord spoke to her and said "you know what you remind me of?" of course she asks what. Well he said a robot that goes around saying "what about me? - what about me? what about me?"

So at the conference this year she actually had a robot built and she wound the key on that back and it went across the podium saying "What about me? What about me? What about me? So she spoke a little more on how we need to be selfless. Being selfish creates pity parties and depression. When we get our eyes off of ourselves we can focus on God and our joy can be renewed. God told her she could be pitiful or powerful but not both.

The robots name was W.A.M. For What About Me?
I have decided that I don't want to get caught up in selfishness, Pity Parties or What About Me's?

So no Wammy's for me.

Be Blessed!
Lynn

Snowmen in September

Hello,

Well I leave tomorrow for St Louis for the Joyce Meyers Womens Conference, can't tell I'm excited can you? But I wanted to share a project that I worked on for a friends Birthday. Now I'm only a beginner, but I have a great friend that gives me all sorts of tips on quilting do's and don'ts.

It's a table runner and I had so much fun making it. I have ideas for more, but I need to finish the quilt for my Granddaughter I started way too long ago. :>)

Have a great rest of your week and weekend. I'll have my computer but not much time.

Be Blessed,

Lynn

I'm so Blessed - Home for now!

Hi

Well we made it home last night from our beautiful and fun filled vacation to Nevada and Arizona. I'm borrowing a picture from our Daughter because they took a couple of days out on their own and went to the Grand Canyon. Yes this is the real thing not a back drop. It's beautiful isn't it. We had lots of sunshine and family time and it was great. Wonderful memories are built each time we go. This was our Son-in-law and these two grandchildren's first time of meeting this side of the family and everyone hit it off wonderfully. The Babies would squeal every time they saw the uncles. Hubby and I had some great time together, which we can't get enough of. It makes it easier when your spouse is your best friend. I have friends that are not that close to their spouse and can't understand why we want to do everything together. Because we enjoy each other, isn't that the way it should be? So it was great to have that time.

Well I'm 3/4 way unpacked, making the grocery list (the fridge it bare), and actually thinking about the fact that Thursday morning I will be flying out again. To St Louis, MO, for Joyce Meyers Woman's Conference. Yahoo.

Then I will be back a week from that and then have another week off with my only sibling my Sister. She went with us on our AZ vacation last year and was missed a lot this year. My husbands family like to joke and tease and make up "fish tale" stories and so she was the subject of some from last year. We called her and shared some while we were there.

I really have to shake my head in amazement on how blessed I am. I am getting these wonderful times of refreshing and building of relationships with God and Family and Friends. And if all of that isn't enough, I have all of you - my Blog friends to share my treasures of the heart with. Thank you all for your insight and friendship.

Be Blessed

Lynn

Cation and Arrowpwane

Hi everyone,
Hubby and I are going on our annual vacation to Arizona to visit his Awesome Mom and we will meet up with his Brothers. It is such a wonderful time of teasing, laughing and bonding.

This year our youngest daughter, her husband and two children are also going. Our Daughter hasn't gone since she was 15 or 16 and Mom hasn't seen the great grands yet. Baby J now 4 1/2 is so excited about going on "Cation" and she's going to fa-why on an "Arrowpwane".
A lot of times when it is just Hubby and I we will drive so that we can stop here and there and spend time together along the way. However this year with the kids and Grand kids coming we felt 2 days of driving each way might be hard on Mom and Dad. You know the "Are we there yet?" question.

During the days the Boys golf and I or in this years case the girls, just have fun. I read, walk, shop, get massages what ever I or we want to do. I will have the computer with me I do most of my Bible studying and reading on-line and God is definitely going on vacation with us.
We don't leave home without Him.

I will be posting a new chapter on my other blog later today and will post some while I'm on "Cation" so don't think you're getting off that easy. :)

Hugs to all and Be Blessed
Lynn

Is your Curiosity a downfall?

Have you heard the phrase "Curiosity killed the Cat"? Well it is actually a proverb used to warn against being too inquisitive lest one comes to harm.
I think a major part if not all our troubles and sins might start with a form of curiosity. Bear with me as I break this down and illustrate. Words that go together on this are curious, nosey, inquisitive, busy body..... wait busy body hmm what's that. Well a busy body is defined as "inquisitive or officious", but what is officious, well thank you for asking. :) Officious means "volunteering one's services where they are neither asked nor needed - meddlesome"

Our curiosity leads us to things and places we do not need to go. What caused Eve to eat the apple. Well it was the serpent. Yes the Serpent came to her and told her that God was holding out on her and Adam. She was curious about not having the wisdom and knowledge of good and evil.
What about envy, what makes us envy other people? We are curious about what they have. But God created us to be a certain way for a reason. Take a peak at companies and factories that have "Secret recipes". The company goes to great lengths to keep the recipe secret. Part of what they do is no one is allowed to put too many of the ingredients in. There will be several people that put one of several ingredients in to the pot and then the pot is sent on to the next destination. Now it is very important that I put my ingredient in or the recipe does not come out right. If I get envious of someone else and want to have what they have I will not be putting in the right ingredient to make the finished project. Also if I get too curious about what their ingredient is, I am putting myself in a place of harm because I'm only supposed to know my ingredient and I could loose my "position".

When we step out of our calling we step out of God's protection.

You are not an odd duck. You're supposed to stand out. God didn't gift you with everything He gifted him/her with. If you have a talent, something that flows, that's the special part God wants you to use. Quit spending your time wondering what everybody else has or does. Develop what you have.

There are a lot of things I wish I could do better than I can, but they are not a natural talent for me. I have areas that I am good at and I work with them. It doesn't mean I can't ever play sports because I'm not good, it just means I need to keep it in balance. Our desires and curiosities to be like someone else often leads us to places we should not go. We have sports figures taking drugs because they are curious if it really will make them better.

If God calls you to it - He will bring you through it. Keep your Curiosity in Balance.

Have a Blessed Day!
Lynn

Cover to Cover 9/1-9/7/08

Here are my random thoughts and questions that I noted while doing my Cover to Cover chronological reading of the Bible this week.

Monday {Ezekiel 47-48:35; Ezekiel 29:17-30:19}
God divides the land. If you haven’t been there before follow this link to Bible Maps and you can see where all this takes place. It is very interesting.
Tuesday {Daniel 4:1-37; 2 Kings 25:27-30; Jeremiah 52:31-34; Daniel 7:1-28}
Daniel 4
King Neb had the dream analyzed. He being the tree that would be cut down and bound with iron for 7 seasons until he turned and repented for his pride. Pride comes before a fall.
Again God in his loving kindness gives King Neb 12 months to repent and turn from Sin, yet he did not take heed to the dream he had the instruction that Daniel gave him.
2Kings 25 - In the thirty-seventh year of the exile of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the year Evil-Merodach became king of Babylon, he released Jehoiachin king of Judah and freed him from prison
Daniel 7:13 "In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. 14 He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed
My 1st thought - Was this Jesus he was seeing?
Wednesday
Daniel 5
King Belshazzar following in his fathers footsteps didn’t humble himself and repent, even knowing what had happened to his father.
2300 evenings…. But no one knows the day or the time.
I thought it interesting that Mene Mene Tekel Parsin. Mene is repeated. I notice God often will repeat something in the same scripture like He is really trying to drive a point home.
Tekel - You have been weighed on the scales and found wanting
In reading another translation I realized that, what was meant here is that the King did not measure up to what he should of. But what 1st came to me when I read this was - With all he had gained during his reign, (You have been weighed on the scales) that he was still lacking and not satisfied because he was not humbling himself before the Lord and looking to Him for his happiness. (and found wanting)
Thursday {Ezra 1:1-4; Daniel 6:1-28; Ezra 1:5-2:20; Nehemiah 7:4-25 }
Daniel 6 In the den of Lions
26 "I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel. "For he is the living God and he endures forever; his kingdom will not be destroyed, his dominion will never end. 27 He rescues and he saves; he performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth. He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions." This scripture is one of those that sums is up. One that if you would just believe it in full always, you would have great success. “For he is the living God”
Ezra and Nehemiah -
The list of the exiles that returned to Jerusalem and Judah.
Friday {Ezra 2:21-70; Nehemiah 7:26-73}
Ezra 2 It was amazing to me that there were so many people. I don’t know why I think of biblical times not having 50,000 people. I also noticed that for the approx 50,000 people they only had approximately 8,200 camels, mules, & donkeys, most I am sure were to carry goods and supplies not the people.
Saturday {Ezra 3:1-13; Psalm 92:1-15; Psalm 126:1-6; Daniel 10-11:35 }
Ezra: Rebuilding the Altar and Temple
Psalm 92 … The righteous will flourish.
Psalm 126 :2 Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Isn’t this the way the Lord would like us to be everyday. Isn’t this what He wants for us, Peace and Joy. And how He loves our Praises.
Sunday {Daniel 11:36-12:13; Psalm 93:1-5; Psalm 94:1-23; Psalm 95:1-11; Psalm 96:1-13}
Daniel 11, 12 - The Scroll sealed. Did it tell the future? Daniel will rest and then gain his inheritance. Daniel didn’t have what we have. We have the blood of Jesus and we have the Holy Spirit in us. We are to have the Rest and Peace now here on Earth.
Psalm 94:16 Who will rise up for me against the wicked? Who will take a stand for me against evildoers? Am I standing the way I should? Do I need to stand more?
Psalm 96:4 For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods. Do we fear Him with the respect we should, or have we become complacent with our God?
Psalm 96:9 Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness; tremble before him, all the earth.
Psalm 96:11 Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it;
Psalm 96:12 let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them. Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy;
So when the wind blows through the trees in the forest and makes that whistling sound, are they singing to God? Maybe!

Be Blessed,
Lynn

This is what the Lord Says....

What is God telling you? Are you listening? Are you obeying? I have had that statement going over and over and over in my head all week long. This is what the Lord Says..... I don't know what all God is saying - so I will be still and listen.

I Hope all of you are safe from the storms, my prayers go out to you all. Have a great weekend. Our church has Saturday and Sunday services and we greet and usher and help on Saturdays so I am going now to hear what the Lord is saying.

Be Blessed,
Lynn

Celebrating 91 years

Mary Francis Duncan Born 8/19/1917

Well this last week my Grandma celebrated her 91st Birthday. I didn't get to spend it with her this year but last year my sister and I put on a party for her. She lives in a small town where she has for most of her life. So we invited the town, along with some relatives from out of town. I had a slide show made from some of the pictures we gathered, and I put together a collage of pictures from her life. Below are a few of the pictures that celebrate her life.

Her Parents Mother Clare, and not sure on her Fathers Name.Grandma in the early years!






Grandma and Grandpa! Grandpa and I had lots of fun in the garden together. He was a rock hound and made jewelry. I had fun watching. - Grandpa is in heaven now.
Grandma being Baptised in 1981.

5 Generations. Grandma, Dad, Me, My Daughter and her Daughter "Baby J". Baby J is now 41/2. Grandma with her two children, my Dad and Aunt, at her 90th Birthday Party.

She has just sold her home and moved in with her Step-Daughter who is helping her out. Grandma is remarkable especially for her age. She's an awesome woman who has lived through and seen a great deal in her life. She's quiet, doesn't say a lot and really doesn't speak evil of anyone. She's given little tid-bits of advise in life, that has stuck with me all my life.
Love ya Grandma,
Lynn

More Tagging Fun

I've been tagged by my very good friend "Plant Lady"
So here is a little good clean fun....

Four things I like about my husband . . . . .
1. I like his love for God
2. I like that he always encourages me to be my on person and to grow
3. I like that he appreciates me.
4. I like that he is nice to everyone and finds the good in them.

Four movies I have watched more than once . . . . .
1. Sarah Plain and Tall
2. Remember the Titans
3. Man from Snowy River
4. Pretty Woman

Four TV shows I watch . . . . .
1. Cops
2. Deadliest Catch
3. Ice Road Truckers
4. Lock up

Four places I have been . . . . .
1. Laughlin NV
2. Bullhead City AZ
3. Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
4. Weiser ID

Four people who email me regularly . . . . .
1. My Sister Randi
2. My Sister in Law Romy
3. My bloggy friend, Plant Lady
4. My friend Faye


Four favorite foods . . . . .
1. Anything Mexican except Menudo
2. Salad
3. Baked Chicken, Rice w/ Gravy and Corn
4. Pasta, or Corn Bread


Four places I would like to visit . . . . .
1. North Carolina ( I have a new friend there somewhere) :)
2. Norway
3. Texas
4. Australia

Four things I am looking forward to in the coming year (2009) . . . . .
1. Spending another year with my WONDERFUL husband (I agree)
2. Growing in the Word (I agree)
3. God's many blessings (I agree)
4. Many great times of fellowship with friends and family (I agree great answers)

Four friends I tag . . . . .
1. Paula
2. La Tonya
3. Alice
4. Sharon

I tried to pick ones that have not been picked. Enjoy and have fun and let see what you have to say.

Be Blessed,
Lynn

What's the Siesta Cookbook?

Siesta Fiesta Cookbook was put together and designed by christian women that wanted to make a difference. We submitted recipes, sent in family sayings and submitted pictures for the cover contest. Holly donated more of her time than I think we really know putting it together editing and getting it set up for printing. Then she has to distribute.... Thank you Holly.

Becky won the cover contest isn't the cover great. The rest of the pictures that were submitted are included in the book.

But Wait .... That's not the best part. ALL the proceeds of this cookbook go to Life Outreach International to dig wells for Clean Water.

So go to the link above and check it out. You can also follow other links about it on the "Siesta Fiesta Blog" and if you would like to get one click the picture on my side bar and it gives you an order form.

I have some on order. I Love to cook, and after all when you first publish your recipes you have to get a couple copies don't you? :)

Be Blessed!

Lynn

Cover 2 Cover 8/4-8/10/08

Hello we're doing a chronological reading of the Bible hosted by our Bev please check out her site and join us. We read and then post what lingers on Monday mornings.

Well this week I got behind, my notes were vague and if I spend too much time sorting them out I will be farther behind. So this weeks post will be a little on the lite side.
1 Chronicles 3:15 it's listing the sons of Josiah and I wondered why it was his second son that was his successor. Okay another question that I had was Josiah had a son named Zedekiah, and then a Grandson named Zedekiah(from Jeconiah ?) Who or which was the royal line of Exile. I may have to go back and study after all. :)
Now Daniel and the story of Shadrach, Meshach, & Abednego and the fiery furnace. I so love this story and I wish I could say that I have that strong of faith all the time. Not that I would bow down to a gold idol, but as I have learned there are things in our life that we give more attention to than we should. We could all learn to "Let Go and Let God" a little more I'm sure. To have so much faith that we could walk into a furnace and say vs. 17 "He will deliver us from your hand O King, BUT if not, let it be known to you O King, that we do not serve your gods."
Daniel 3:30 The King ended up promoting them, But really the promotion came from God. If we would trust God instead of chasing after things in our own flesh - God will see that we are promoted.
Jeremiah 14:7 The people say, “Our wickedness has caught up with us, Lord, but help us for the sake of your own reputation. We have turned away from you and sinned against you again and again
Now they want God's help. They wait until they are in dire need, Now they recognize that He is the only one that can help them.
14:10 So this is what the Lord says to his people: “You love to wander far from me and do not restrain yourselves. Therefore, I will no longer accept you as my people. Now I will remember all your wickedness and will punish you for your sins.”
God's Judgement comes!
14:20 Lord, we confess our wickedness and that of our ancestors, too. We all have sinned against you. 21 For the sake of your reputation, Lord, do not abandon us. Do not disgrace your own glorious throne. Please remember us, and do not break your covenant with us.
What? Isn't that just a little gutsy? Lord Ya me , well you know I built these pagan idols and bowed down to them. Ya I went over there where you told me not to, ya that was me who hurt your people, but hey that doesn't give you the right to be breaking the covenant with us. I don't know about anybody else but that just floored me, what size guts do you have to have, to say that to the Lord. Then I heard - oh about your size. Oops. How many times have I stepped out, mouthed off and then said God I know I did this but you'll still protect me won't you. It's easy to read what these people did and think "Well I Never.... Oh Yes you did! :) Thoughts to ponder.
Jeremiah 15 the Potter remolding the clay pot and I thought about how because Jesus paid the price for our sins, we are remolded into a different pot. Thanks to the sacrifice and blood of Jesus.

That's all for now. Thanks Bev for all you do to lead this.
Blessings,
Lynn

Missions in Brazil

Hi
Well it's God at work even though I don't know what He's up to. :) But it's not my position to question just be obedient. Years ago when my husband and I were dating our Friday night dates consisted of a Bible study at some friends house. During the time we were going there one of their daughters was going to Brazil to do some missions work. She had graduated from college with a degree in nutrition and it came in handy.
Over the next few years that particular Bible study moved to someone else's house and down the road we lost contact with the original host family. After getting married my husband and I attended a small church that our pastor and friend was starting but after a year or so found that it did not have a youth program which we felt our youngest daughter needed. So at the advice of our pastor friend we were advised to go back to the parent church where he and my husband had originally come from. Shortly after we did I saw a little notice on the bulletin board that Heidi that had gone to Brazil was getting married to someone she had met down in Brazil.
Fast forward a few more years and our current pastor at some point says that Heidi and her husband are part of the mission's that our church is supporting.
Fast forward even more years to a few weeks ago. My husband and I greet newcomers, it's just what we do. (Probably why we've been asked to do it at the front door now) Well there was a couple in front of us that I didn't recognize and so when the pastor said go greet someone of course I went to them. The lady said Hi I'm Heidi, and that is my husband his name is Hi son (or so I thought) ya we're here from Brazil, to which I replied great I'm so glad you are here. Well about that time we were asked to be seated so I did. All of the sudden it clicked. Oh Oh Oh, that's Heidi. I had never met her in person always just prayed for this person named Heidi in Brazil. So after service I went to her and asked if her parents were..... and then told her who we were and how we knew her parents. Well they left for a couple of weeks to visit other relatives and came back this last week to tell us a little more about there work in Brazil.
So this morning as I have been doing some of my Bible studies their card with their pictures and websites kept staring at me, so I went to one of them and felt urged to share.
Railson (pronounced "Hi Al Son") and Heidi and their two children have just been on my heart a lot so I pray for them and I'm sure it's okay if you want to too. Below is a link to one of their posts about the flooding in April. Not sure why I felt so strongly about sharing their work, but God does and that's all that matters. After all how many times does someone have to cross your path before it's not a coincidence?

Laranjal Under Water

Have a blessed Day!
Lynn

PS check out my other Blog I'm doing a study from "Battlefield of the Mind" by Joyce Meyers

Monday's Cover to Cover

Good Morning everyone!

Wow can you believe it is August already. I am doing a chronological reading of the Bible with a bunch of other women all over the nation/world hosted by Bev. Then below I will post some of the thoughts that lingered this week.

I had never read in full the book of Nahum so his book was interesting and some points that I think will linger for a long while. Nahum's name means "comforter". Although they are not sure when his reign was they think it had to be somewhere around 612bc. He makes reference to looking back to the destruction of Thebes in 663bc and looking forward to the fall of Niveveh 612bc. The fall of the Assyrian Empire Climaxed by the destruction of its capital city Niveveh and that is the subject of the prophesy of Nahum. The part of the book of Nahum that will stay with me hopefully all my life was stated in 2:13 and then repeated in 3:5 "Behold I am against you". These are words I never want to hear the Lord say to me.

Nahum goes to them pleading with them to turn from their evil ways. 1:2-8 He describes the goodness of God and what God's character is like. He is great in power, He will not equip the wicked, There is NO unpunished sin.

That's why we have it so good. Jesus died on the cross to pay the price for our sins. He took that punishment. God isn't going to send an army to wipe us out all we need to do is accept Jesus, repent for our sins and they are gone. Pretty sweet Daddy huh? (Get personal with him he's not just your "Father God" he's your Daddy) He knows the ones that trust in Him. God is the only one that can break the yoke that binds you.

When the Assyrians plundered all the other cities then applauded it was only fitting that when God brought them down the cities they had terrorized applauded their demise.

The Bible tells us over and over that we will reap what we sow. If we are hateful, judgemental, we will reap judgement. If we are merciful, we will reap mercy. God dealt with the Assyrians the way they had dealt with others.

Here 's a thought to ponder: If God were to deal with you the way you deal with others, would you like it?

Habakkuk is another one that I haven't read all of before, his name means "Embrace"

1:3 Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrong? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and conflict abounds.
One of the commentaries on this said it was God wanted him to see how it grieves Him when we are like that. So that it would make us not want to do these things against the Lord.

2:2 Then the LORD answered me and said: “ Write the vision And make it plain on tablets, That he may run who reads it. 3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not tarry. 4 “ Behold the proud, His soul is not upright in him; But the just shall live by his faith.

Without vision we perish, our visions are our dreams, our hope.
Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

In Jeremiah I noticed in chapter 11 and in 24 that he pleaded to God to protect him, it made me wonder if that's where we got the saying "Don't shoot the messenger" :)

Then we continue on to the book of Daniel and the story of Shaddrach, Meshach and Abednego.
Our reading this week stopped right as they got thrown in the furnace, so I'll have more on that next week.
Daniel 2:46 Then King Nebuchadnezzar fell on his face, prostrate before Daniel, and commanded that they should present an offering and incense to him. 47 The king answered Daniel, and said, “Truly your God is the God of gods, the Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, since you could reveal this secret.” 48 Then the king promoted Daniel and gave him many great gifts; and he made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon, and chief administrator over all the wise men of Babylon. 49 Also Daniel petitioned the king, and he set Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego over the affairs of the province of Babylon; but Daniel sat in the gate of the king.
Notice that because Daniel seeked God for the wisdom for the meaning of the dream, God promoted him, and because Shadddrach, Meshach and Adednego, hadn't bowed down they were also promoted.
What will God do for us when we don't bow down to this world and its ways?

Have a blessed week. Remember to go check out Bev's blog and join us in our journey through the Bible chronologically.
Lynn

Cover to Cover

Here are some thoughts that lingered from my Chronological reading Hosted by Bev.

Isaiah 57:13 - "When you cry out let your collections of Idols deliver you" Because of doing the other Bible study "No other gods" and because we have been reading so much the last couple of weeks about the people having Idols, I have been really trying to examine how I am looking at things and people. I want to be right with God so I'm doing the "Lynn is that an Idol in your life? :) So this part of the scripture really hit. Then as you continue the scripture "But the wind will carry them away, a breath will take them". If your honest with yourself these things we look up to are temporal - God is the only one that is lasting . Then the scripture ends with "But he who puts his trust in Me shall possess the land, and shall inherit My holy mountain". .

We need to make sure we keep our focus in the right place.

Jeremiah 1:5 - Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you, I ordained you a __________ He was talking to Jeremiah and he ordained him to be a prophet to the nations. But what about you and I. What has God sanctified us for. What is our holy purpose are we walking in the full of what God had planned for us?

The rest that lingers is sort of general, the book of Zephaniah and 2 Chronicles 33 reminded me of me as a parent wanting so much for my children to do the right thing. How God loving his people so much wanted so much for the people to repent. I can remember saying "Please do the right thing Pleeeeese. :) God in His mercy did not want to bring judgement and gave warning after warning. In 2 Chronicles I noticed how Hezekiah's son Manasseh built up the idols and wooden images which his father had broken down. So after the Lord sent the army in to destroy them Manasseh got wise and repented and made things right with God. Then Manasseh's son Amon who took over after his death, did the same thing by worshiping the wooden images and Idols however he did not humble himself before the Lord as his father and grandfather had. Look what was was passed down. But Family curses can be broken, look at Amon's Son Josiah.

2 Chronicles 34:2-3

2 He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD and walked in the ways of his father David, not turning aside to the right or to the left.

3 In the eighth year of his reign, while he was still young, he began to seek the God of his father David. In his twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem of high places, Asherah poles, carved idols and cast images.

When things have been strongholds in your family for generations, these scriptures are encouraging. I unfortunately passed some of my insecurities down before I overcame them. But I am praying and encouraging my daughter to break the cycle before it is passed down again.

Be encouraged and Blessed this week.

Lynn

I've been tagged

Well, I've been tagged! AliceE and by Plant Lady have tagged me for a new game going on out here in "Bloggy Land." I am supposed to give you 6 tidbits of info about me.
Since I was double tagged so does that mean that I need to give 12 random things about me? :)


Here are the tag rules:
1. Link to the person who tagged you.
2. Post the rules on your blog.
3. Write six random things about yourself.
4. Tag six people at the end of your post and link to them.
5. Let each person know they've been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.
6. Let the tagger know when your entry is up.


Okay now to the juicy stuff.
1. I had a job pumping gas at a service station when I was in high school. I even learned how to change tires, do oil changes and tune-ups. (don't tell my honey though he takes care of that for me now)

2. My Mother and I flew on a Navy Jet from Portland to Ashland to attend the dedication of the VFW hall in honor of my Great Grandfather who had been awarded the Congressional Medal of honor. And while we were waiting for the jet to be ready to fly us back to Portland there was a 2 hour wait. So a General and a Commander escorted us through Lythia Park. They were in their full Military dress and of Course we had dressed up for the occasion so it was kind of fun watching people watch us. I had fun imagining who they thought we must be to have Military escorts. :) There is also a statue at the Oregon State capitol in Salem with a plaque describing him and his honors. Here's a link to a post about him what they did. "Frank C. High".

3. I raised a Seeing Eye Dog when I was 11 and got to present her to her Blind Owner. (See my previous posts labeled Hula)

4. I played Flute in a marching band. I was in a parade two years in a row. "The Spud Festival"
Now remember I grew up in a small farming community. I also was in a marching band here in the Portland area and we did half time at a football game at our High School.

5. I was held hostage at gun point by our neighbor when I was 17. (That story would probably make a good post for praising God)

6. I was a Cheerleader and FFA Queen but never got to perform any duties because we moved 3 weeks into the school year.


Now I get to tag someone else. Now this is hard because two of the people I would tag tagged me. I may tag them anyway... We'll see.


1. I tag Sharon. She has a sweet loving spirit. I would think she's the type to stand in the background waiting to see who needs something done. She'll have to let me know if I am right.

2. I tag Paula She has been growing so much by going through her own personal trials. She has been breaking down the word right and left.

3. I tag Debrah I'm just getting to know her and she is going to do my Bible Study with me. I'm eager to get to know her better.

4. I tag Karen. She doesn't have her blog completely set up but we have been e-mailing and maybe I can get her to finish it. She is so sweet and full of life. She also likes to quilt.

5. I tag LaTonya She's so thoughtful and caring. Good to give an encouraging word.

6. I tag Sallye. I met her through the "I am" Study, and she is also going to to do my Study. I am also eager to get to know her better.

Well I think I did it. Hope you enjoy my "Random Tid Bits"

Be Blessed,
Lynn

Monday's Cover to Cover

I'm posting early this week. :) I usually can't post until I get home from work and my 5-6pm on the west coast is late for the others Hope that's okay! Plus I had the time now.

Okay I am going to refer back to last week for a little bit so I can add to it. Last week King Hezekiah tore his clothes (a sign of humbling himself) then went and prayed to God. He wanted God to be offended by what was being said about Him from King Sennacherib through Rabshakeh (which stands for army leader). God told Hezekiah that He did hear him and that He would take care of Sennacherib and Assyria. So one morning the people wake up and 185,000 have died in the night. (the death angel had come). Well Sennacherib tucked his tail between his legs and ran back home to Neneveh, but he obviously wasn't scared enough because he was worshiping in the temple of Nisroch- (his god). Well God took care of that too, Sennacherib was killed by two of his sons, and then yet another of his sons ended up reigning in his place.
See God told Hezekiah He would take care of him and he did. Time and time again God's word tells us that He will take care of us but we still have trouble releasing our cares to God.

Isaiah 40:2 When it says Double for all her sins, I wasn't sure was meant but looking in to commentary it means, double coverage. Not just covering the sin like the law, but taking it away like we have now in the New Testament with the blood of Jesus.

Isaiah 40:3-5 Prepare the Highway - Meaning God's work in our heart
vs 4 Every valley shall be exalted and every mountain and hill brought low. The crooked places shall be made straight.
God knows what each of us need to make our hearts right for Him - then in the beginning of vs 5 "The glory of the Lord shall be revealed." Once our hearts are right Gods glory can shine through.

Isaiah 40:31 A favorite of mine:
But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.

Do you know why God references Eagles - they fly above the storms, we should too. God should be our everything, Is He?

Isaiah 43:1 "Fear Not" I've heard that it says fear not or do not fear 365 times in the Bible, once for each day. Then the verse goes on to say "I have called you by name" God named us in the womb, what was your name? Love, peace, strength, warrior, teacher, joyous, - when God looks at us do we live up to the name that He gave us in the womb?

Isaiah 43:18-19
“ Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old. 19 Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the Wilderness And rivers in the desert.
vs 25
I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; And I will not remember your sins.
How many of us are still living in the past? What are we holding onto good or bad that is hindering the path of our future? How can God give us increase if we can't step forward to receive it?

What lingers this week is that we need to cast our cares, we need to trust God more to do the things He has so many times promised that He will do. And as much as God forgets our transgressions to Him and His children that we do, we need to let go of those done to us. We need to walk upright so that He can do a work in us that shines for other to see. Be the salt and light that bring others to God.

Have a Blessed Week!
Lynn

Award from the Heart

I was given this award by Sharon. I was so surprised when she left me a comment that said I have something for you but you need to come to my blog to see it. So of course I went there to see this "The Award from the Heart" because I have inspired her in some way.

Well the deal is now I need to pick 5 people that I like their blog and they have inspired me in some way either by content or design, and since I know some of who have already received the award I will try to pick others.

1. Plant Lady - She and I have some amazing things in common and I feel very close to her in a special way. I have never met her however with her stories I feel like we've known each other for years.

2. Mary - We don't correspond a lot, but she has such a sweet spirit. She is a wealth of life and experience. So much tragedy in her life, and she always remembers to seek God.

3. Lisa - aka The Preachers Wife - She's is so open and honest and real. she tells you what's going on day by day. It's refreshing to know others deal with the day to day. She's funny, She's sweet, and she has a heart for God. She also has written a Bible Study called "I Am so you don't have to be" If you have time do it, its great.

4. Bev - She's the one that hosts the "Cover to Cover" that I do. I don't really know her that well, but she has such insight when we do the reading that it inspires me to learn more. In just the few weeks that I have been doing the reading I am already learning so much more about God.

5. On this one I want to use it as honorable mention for so many that have inspired me in one way or another. Sharon (thanks for the award), Paula, Alice, Donna, Katrina, Michelle V., Holly, and God's Ladie all of which you can link to on my side bar. There are more I'm sure .....

Now you need to pick 5 people and their blogs that inspire you and pass the award on. Make sure you link to their blog.

Be Blessed,

Lynn

Frog in a Pan

Do you know about the Frog in the Pan? I first heard of this about 12 years ago at a church I was going to at the time.

If you put a frog in a pan of cold water he can be content and stay there, then you gradually turn the heat up just a little. Then you wait a while and turn the heat on a little more. And after waiting you turn the heat on even a little more. After doing this for a long time you will eventually get the water to boil and the frog will not jump out because you have done this so slowly that at each stage it has had time to adjust to the difference.

Now I use this term a lot in my life for various reasons however the point that the Pastor was trying to get across that night was that is how complacency comes and overtakes us. We don't always start out making these radical changes and accepting them. But in time we become desensitised. Little by little we are changing to accept things that maybe we wouldn't have thought we would.

Our eyes, ears and mouth are portholes to our heart. Our heart is where treasure is laid up.

What are we allowing our eyes to see? What do we allow our ears to hear. Lets not talk about the mouth. :) Subjecting ourselves to worldly ways and trying to stay pure for God is like being in a pool that someone urinated in. It eventually gets on you.

So now I do my balance speech again. We have to have balance, we need to go into the world to affect others lives, but we need to spend time fellow shipping with other like minded Christians.

Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking or neglecting to assemble together [as believers], as is the habit of some people, but admonishing (warning, urging, and encouraging) one another, and all the more faithfully as you see the day approaching.

I knew someone that was working on their reading. As they read they were being corrected, to which their comment was "I read fine when I read to myself, I just can't read aloud" They read fine to themselves because they had no one to check their work. They obviously thought they were fine. I heard another story that a man had eaten spaghetti and gotten it on his shirt but didn't has a mirror to look in. So he went around for a long while thinking he was all that until someone came over and saw his shirt to let him know that he had the spot.

Ladies we are good at deceiving ourselves and justifying what we do and see and say. In areas that I may struggle, I am thankful that my husband and friends around me gently remind me to get back on track. (I have a post-it note on my desk that says "KMS" - (keep mouth shut))

Don't let complacency overtake you. Don't let the worlds ways influence the decisions you make. We can't stay in the 1920's but that doesn't mean we have to compromise our integrity, just to stay up with the times.

Don't be the Frog in the pan! :)

Be Blessed,

Lynn

PS Check out my other Blog and as always please leave a comment so I know you stopped by.

Lynn

A Little About Me

Well Plant Lady got this from Christi so I'm playing along.

1.What is in the back of your car? Golf Clubs
2.What color is your toothbrush? White with Lime Green
3.Name one person who made you smile today. My Husband
4.What were you doing at 8:00 AM? Having my yogurt on Break at work (I start at 6am)
5.What were you doing 45 minutes ago? Reading my e-mails
6. What is your favorite candy? Licorice or Butterfingers or anything with peanuts and choc.
7. What is the last thing your said aloud? What is that? Oh I see!
8. What is the best ice cream flavor? Choc Peanut butter/Black Walnut/Tillamook Strawberry
9. What is the last thing you had to drink? Coke
10. What are you wearing right now? It's not pretty. Navy shorts and turquoise tank top it's hot here.
11. What is the last thing you ate? Soft Tostada, and Taquitos (Yum Yum)
12. Have you bought any new clothes this week? no
13. When was the last time you ran? In my Saturday exercise class 2 weeks ago.
14. What was the last sporting event you watched? Golf ( and yes I like it... Football too!)
15. Ever go camping? Yes Love it - going in August want to come, I'll cook. :)
16. Do you have a tan? Not much very white by nature usually tan before Vac so I don't burn.
17. Do you take vitamins daily? Yes – when I remember
18. Do you go to church? Yes – Life Christian Center - Milwaukie OR Yahoo Our Pastor is the greatest.
19. Do you like Chinese food more than pizza? No Mexican, then Pizza, then everything else.
20. Do you drink your soda with a straw? Yes all the time.
21. Are you someones best friend? Yes my Husbands, I'm sooooooo blessed. He's mine too.
22. What are you doing tomorrow? Working at the job God blessed me with. Get to have meetings with the CPA ... Big Fun. :)
23. Where is your dad? At home - Ophir OR
24. Can you say the alphabet backwards? If I try hard ...
25. Do you have a maid service clean your home? No - however my oldest daughter has been helping out to earn extra money. She is between jobs so I am so happy to have the help.
26. Do you have a favorite pair of shoes you wear all the time? Yeah pretty much...
27. What color is your car? Black
28. How do you like your popcorn? Little bit of butter and salt
29. How did you get your worst scar? Hysterectomy!
30. Look to your left. What do you see? The wall that has a collage of family pictures. :)
31. What color is your watch? Black and gold
32. What do you think of when you think of Australia? Man from Snowy River and Return to Snowy River
33. Do you use chap stick? Yes but not a lot
34. Do you have a dog? Not anymore.
35. Last person you talked to on the phone? My Husband
36. Have you met anyone famous? Tanya Harding (the skater incident) Lisa Bevere
37. Any plans today? We're almost ready for bed... 3:00 am is real early.
38. How many states have you lived in? Just One for now... Oregon
39. Do you dye your hair? I have should do it again.... those mature blonds are poking thru :)
40. Do you like cats? Used to not so sure anymore.. the neighbors 15 have burnt me out I think.


Well hope you have fun reading! I have a few of these maybe I'll dig one out and pass it around too.

Be Blessed,
Lynn

My Girls Day

Hi Everyone

As I was looking for something yesterday I came across some letters that I had written to my "girls". A couple of years ago I took my daughter by marriage SL, her daughter CC, my daughter CT, and our daughter in law MF to lunch and a theatrical play "Peter Pan". It was Princess Day. I made them little goodie bags and put special hand written cards inside to each of them. I'm not sure why but I feel compelled to share them with you I guess as I write God will lead where I need to go with this.

My Dearest SL
Full of caring kindness. Always wanting to do more for everyone she loves. I've seen you step out of your comfort zones and you're becoming a bolder person. I see you with your children, the love and compassion that you have for them. The kind of love that God has for his children. Delight yourself in Him - He will give you the desires of your heart.
You are beautiful inside and out. Thanks for your friendship, I love you with all my heart.
Lynnie

My Sweet CC
What a pleasure it has been for me to watch you grow into a beautiful young lady. Don't be in too big of a hurry to finish growing up, it will come soon enough. But today will never come again, enjoy each day, there is something good in each of them. Always seek to see yourself through Gods eyes. He sees you much differently than your natural eyes see you. Seek Him first in all that you do and His blessings will overtake you. Thank you for spending your day with me, I love you with all my heart, Grandma

My Peaceful CT
Full of mercy and grace. Always seeking the good in everyone. Quick to forgive and excuse - Blessed are the peacemakers. I know you best as you know yourself. But I see you the way that God sees you. Beautiful, Kind, Sweet and Loving. None of us are where we need to be, but thanks to Jesus we're not where we used to be. Cherish yourself and your family. You have blossomed with motherhood. Thanks for all you are, I love you with all my heart, Mom

My Wonderful MF
Always eager to please. Our best daughter in law. She cooks, She cleans, She's all that and a bag of chips. God knew you in your Mothers womb - and what was your name? Joyful, Faithful, Patient, Overcomer... God has placed you where you are at such a time for a reason. All your struggles in life can make you stronger if you let them. A diligent man prospers. Hold fast to your confessions and don't grow weary. Thanks for all you are, I love you with all my heart. Mom #3

My other girl CT's daughter was only 2 at the time so she did not come with us. But Baby J's letter would have talked of her beauty and inquisitiveness. Full of energy and life, and encouraging her to funnel it towards Jesus.

Each one of my girls, have their own uniqueness that crafted what I said to them. We all have our things in life that we have to overcome, that's why God called us over comers. Some are shy, some battle health, some addictions, some insecurity, some depression. I have been fortunate that I have not had to deal with a lot of depression in my life. However I do have some friends that have had bouts that have caused them to be bed ridden for days. My first advice to them was they needed more Jesus, but secondly and I've heard several speakers and Pastors state, if you are busy helping others you don't have time to think about yourself and whatever you think you are missing.
I gained so much joy that day watching my "girls" bask in the encouragement I gave them. To see themselves through Gods eyes. And the lunch and the play were just a bonus.

Wow it's been too long, sounds like I better whip up another girls day and this time we'll include Baby J.

Be encouraged and Be an encourager.
Blessings,
Lynn

Just wondering

Do you ever have those times when you are really struggling in an area that you still meditate on it daily but quit actually praying about it? And then because God knows it is so important to you He gives you the answer.

I have this one person that I really struggle with my love walk with. I have been praying and talking with God and my Husband and my Pastor for years.... about wanting to be obedient to God and walk in Love but it wasn't working. (At least that I can see) I would try to walk in love and then it was like this person would slap me in the face & run over me in a mack truck. This person deals with insecurity (I think) because they boss everyone around and treat them subservient. They talk to you like you are 4yrs old. eerrrrgggg!!! Can you tell that pushes my buttons.

71/2 years of refining fires later I think I got the message. Wow sometimes it just takes that 2 X 4 up side the head to get it through.

I don't have to have warm fuzzy's about this person, or FEEL the love - I just need to keep holding them up in prayer and SHUT UP. Now I have heard this 100 times but finally it rang a bell and I got it. No slow reflexes here. :) Love is not a feeling it is a choice.

Then you know it's real hard for me to listen to someone talk about this person and say what they do and have done - which is true - and keep my mouth shut. I even had a post-it note on my computer KMS (Keep Mouth Shut) :)
You know there's something about the tongue being like the rudder on a ship and guiding your whole body... whoops! :) (James 3:3-5)

See in the natural this person xxxxx xxxxx xxxx and xxxxxxx then claims to be a Christian. But hey... That is between God and that person. See I'm getting better. :)

Well I'm doing better with it I have seen the person a couple times in the last couple of days, prayed for them, helped them carry a box. It's looking up. So I guess this whole blog is about wondering ... do you struggle?
Do you quit praying but still meditate?
And does God always come through? That one better be a yes! :)

Have a blessed night!
Lynn


PS - Another Just wondering? Should I keep this blog for my regular posts and just use the other one "Growing in His Love" for my Bible Study Posts (or vice versus) or should I randomly keep posting on both blogs? Let me know what you think!
Loves,
Lynn

Fun Weekend

Hello All,
Just a quick post to let you know I had a wonderful weekend. My Husband and I went to the southern Oregon coast to be with my Dad and his wife. (She's a wonderful lady great cook and takes good care of my Dad, so she's not a step Mom she's a Mom by marriage.)
We got there on Friday just in time to hook up with them and see some awesome fireworks.
So M-Mom made us an awesome brunch bake (kind of like a quiche) and fresh fruit. Then we hung out all day Saturday did some sight seeing of local attractions. My Dad is retired and volunteers at a Indian Fish Hatchery so we got to feed the baby fish and take a tour and get a little education on how they grow the fish from Egg to release. Then we had dinner (We ate too much all day)then visited the rest of the evening.
Next morning we hooked up again... you guessed it to eat breakfast. Do you see a pattern here?:) Then said good bye.

It was a great time good fellowship. Nice to relax and refuel and continue to build those family ties.

Hope all of your weekends were fun too. ( I know Plant Lady's she had homemade Ice Cream. :) )

Be Blessed,
Lynn

Lynn