2/28/11

Grocery Shopping and Questions


I made a big mistake today.  Because of the fast in January and a schedule that just didn't line up for the WHOLE month of February, we ran out of food!  We got to the store as often as we needed and picked up basics, but I was never able to stock up.

Well, today was the day!  We needed the basics and we had depleted the pantry!  I had a nice morning and got ready for grocery shopping.  My husband made a wonderful late breakfast and off I went. 

Ok, it all sounds good but Monday is our day of rest.  Since we are in full-time ministry, Sundays are extremely tiring and I very much look forward to Mondays! 

I got some great deals!  Meijer was having a 10 for $10 and get the 11th item free. You should have seen my cart!  I had sections of 11 items partitioned off with boxes of spaghetti.  Yeah, I'm a little weird.  ;)  So, I went to 3 grocery stores and stocked up!

All that stockin up made me tired.  I actually took a nap at 6 PM.  Boy, that threw off my whole day... but now we have food!  Food is very important to growing boys.  For some reason, my family insists that there be food in the house!

What day do you grocery shop?
How many stores do you normally go to?
Do you stock up your pantry with sale items every trip?

2/25/11

The Meanest Mother in the Whole World ~ That's me!!!!


So funny, I had a mean mom just like this!
Did you?

Mean Mom
I had the meanest mother in the whole world. While other kids ate
candy for breakfast, I had to have cereal, eggs or toast. When others had cokes and candy for lunch, I had to eat a sandwich. As you can guess, my supper was different than the other kids' also.
But at least, I wasn't alone in my sufferings. My sister and two
brothers had the same mean mother as I did.

My mother insisted upon knowing where we were at all times. You'd think we were on a chain gang. She had to know who our friends were and where we were going. She insisted if we said we'd be gone an hour, that we be gone one hour or less--not one hour and one minute. I am nearly ashamed to admit it, but she actually struck us. Not once, but each time we had a mind of our own and did as we pleased. That poor belt was used more on our seats than it was to hold up Daddy's pants. Can you imagine someone actually hitting a child just because he disobeyed? Now you can begin to see how mean she really was.

We had to wear clean clothes and take a bath. The other kids always wore their clothes for days. We reached the height of insults because she made our clothes herself, just to save money. Why, oh why, did we have to have a mother who made us feel different from our friends?

The worst is yet to come. We had to be in bed by nine each night
and up at eight the next morning. We couldn't sleep till noon like our friends. So while they slept-my mother actually had the nerve to break the child-labor law. She made us work. We had to wash dishes, make beds, learn to cook and all sorts of cruel things. I believe she laid awake at night thinking up mean things to do to us.
She always insisted upon us telling the truth, the whole truth and
nothing but the truth, even if it killed us- and it nearly did.

By the time we were teen-agers, she was much wiser, and our life became even more unbearable. None of this tooting the horn of a car for us to come running. She embarrassed us to no end by making our dates and friends come to the door to get us. If I spent the night with a girlfriend, can you imagine she checked on me to see if I were really there. I never had the chance to elope to Mexico. That is if I'd had a boyfriend to elope with. I forgot to mention, while my friends were dating at the mature age of 12 and 13, my old fashioned mother refused to let me date until the age of 15 and 16. Fifteen, that is, if you dated only to go to a school function. And that was maybe twice a year.

Through the years, things didn't improve a bit. We could not lie
in bed, "sick" like our friends did, and miss school. If our friends
had a toe ache, a hang nail or serious ailment, they could stay home from school. Our marks in school had to be up to par. Our friends' report cards had beautiful colors on them, black for passing, red for failing. My mother being as different as she was, would settle for nothing less than ugly black marks.

As the years rolled by, first one and then the other of us was put
to shame. We were graduated from high school. With our mother behind us, talking, hitting and demanding respect, none of us was allowed the pleasure of being a drop-out.

My mother was a complete failure as a mother. Out of four
children, a couple of us attained some higher education. None of us have ever been arrested, divorced or beaten his mate. Each of my brothers served his time in the service of this country. And whom do we have to blame for the terrible way we turned out? You're right, our mean mother. Look at the things we missed. We never got to march in a protest parade, nor to take part in a riot, burn draft cards, and a million and one other things that our friends did.

She forced us to grow up into God-fearing, educated, honest adults. Using this as a background, I am trying to raise my three
children. I stand a little taller and I am filled with pride when my
children call me mean.
Because, you see, I thank God,
He gave me the meanest mother in the whole world.

Written by Bobbie Pingaro (1967)

I found this wonderful writing on my friend, Channah's blog.
Thank you Channah!

2/24/11

Are you a new follower or a faithful friend?

Hello, and welcome to my blogger home!  If you are a new follower of mine, I'd love to know it.  That way, I can follow you back!

Here is something fun!  I am going to let you see what I see. I'd like to show you my imaginary furniture that you can come in and have a seat on while we get to know each other.

What does your imaginary blogger sofa look like?  I'd love to be invited in to have a chat!


I found this living room on google images and the funny thing is, I have or have had several items in the picture.  I made curtains like that and had them in my kitchen at one time.  I had a sofa similar to that one only different fabrics and I currently have a sitting chair like the one on the right which I am redoing as we "speak."

Welcome to my home away from home.  Let's get to know each other!

2/21/11

I need new rugs!

How often do you change your rugs in the kitchen?

I bought some great rugs from Kohl's about... 6 years ago!  After 3 moves and a bunch of washes, the backs have come off and they are faded.

So, my husband is taking me out to eat tonight.  We will be going to Apple Bees AND he is going to suffer joyfully take me to find some rugs.  His idea!  Really!  Ok, I slipped on my junk rugs and almost broke my neck.

I like these:




Chelsea HK711A Black / Ivory Contemporary Rug - HK711A

2/19/11

Saturday Blog Hops


Saturday blog hops are fun!

I am combining weekend blog hops with Five Question Friday!
Why? Because I'm just a little quirky!
(As you can see from my post about my purple hair!)



1. Have you worn the same outfit more than one day in a row?
Uhhhh... always!  I put on a stylin outfit, go somewhere and then come home and put on my jammies or sweats.  
I just CAN'T blog in nice clothes!  
It's uncomfortable.

2. If you had to choose any LARGE city to live in, which would it be?
Well, since we're near Chicago, I KNOW it wouldn't be Chicago!  
I think I like Indianapolis.  I love to visit the downtown area.  It's so clean
and classy!

3. Fly or drive with the kids on vacation?
Well, I don't fly anywhere!  I LOVE a road trip so we drive.  I suppose I'll have to fly someday, just not TOday!

4. What is your idea of "spring cleaning"?
...I dust?  LOL!
Since I really like to move furniture, that is usually how it starts.  
When you move furniture, you have to clean dusty areas, vacuum, and any piles that have accumulated. 

5. What is the best book you have ever read?
Well, of course I read the Bible everyday and LOVE it!  
As far as other types of books go, I'm gonna have to say
Blessed Beyond Measure by Gloria Copeland.  
That's my most recent and my bookshelves are in storage!








Changed My Hair AGAIN ~ Before and After Pics

I love to change my hair!  I love to cut my hair!  No, I'm not a beautician but I can't see spending $25 every few weeks to get a cut.  I can't stand having my hair out of shape, so I cut it about every 3 weeks by myself.

This winter, I did something a little radical for me.  Usually, I have my natural color (lighter brown) and then I highlight.  ($7.00 at Walmart)  A few weeks ago, I decided to color my hair a medium brown with a maple tint.  That has since wore out.

This time... I decided to go... dark brown with a burgundy tint.  I love it!  My hair now matches my leather jacket and my Bible!

Wondering what the red circle on my head is?


If you look real close, there is a little white line.  That would be a gray hair!  LOL!

For spring, I'm thinking about going totally bleached!  We'll see!

Maybe something similar to what Tiz Huch has:



Listen to Pastor Tiz Huch here!

2/17/11

I treated myself plus a tip for you

A lot of times, we moms tend to neglect ourselves put ourselves last.  We give to others, sacrifice for the family, and are good stewards of our resources.  That is good and honorable.

I don't know what it's like in your family, but my husband encourages me to treat myself on a regular basis.  I don't usually take him up on it because, "I'm MOM!  I gotta sacrifice!"  Ok, so really, I'm cheap frugal.

Well, yesterday, I did it!  I actually spent some money on myself.  You caught me.  I used coupons and shopped at the Good Will, but I got what I needed and wanted.  And you know what?  It feels good!

I used a coupon ($10 off of $10) for JC Penney and got some new... personals!  I went to the Good Will Store and got a new pair of stylin boots for $4.50 to replace the ones that I wore out, and I used a coupon for 20% off of one item at Ulta and got some spray wax for my hair.

Here's the tip:
Ulta is having a sale of sorts.  When you spend $17.50 on Ulta makeup, you get all of this for free (see pic)!  It's worth $88!  No kidding.  There are 3 color choices and I got the pink one that is in the picture.  It is really nice!  The eye shadow is great and stays on and it comes with a full size mascara.  I even like the lip gloss. (Usually, I'm VERY picky about my gloss.)

I am extremely pleased with my purchases!  Let me know if you go to Ulta and take advantage of them treat yourself!


2/14/11

What If?


What if you showed up at church and...

...everything was different?
Everything that they normally do, was done a different way.
All of the traditions that you expect during the service were totally changed.
The order of the service wasn't even the same.
The songs were totally different.
Nothing was normal.

The only thing that was familiar was the message of Jesus.  Salvation was still preached, but all the rest was something that you weren't used to.  Nothing was unbiblical, just totally different.

What would you do?

Would you be upset or relieved?

Would you run out the door looking for the familiar or would you join in with the unfamiliar?

2/11/11

Truth Has Been Spoken


Been under attack
It lasted a few days
The enemy was challenging me
Putting doubt into my mind
It wasn't just one thing
Several things added up together
Lies

Truth was spoken to my spirit
Biblical truth
Bible verses
And now, the enemy has been defeated
The seeds of doubt that he planted did NOT take root
The seeds were NOT watered
Truth took root a long time ago
Truth was watered and had to prevail


I AM AN OVERCOMER in Jesus name!
And I will share it with the world... or... people who read my blog!  LOL!

Singing this song today:

2/10/11

Prophetic Words


I have a question for you.  Have you ever had a prophetic word spoken over you?  How about a dream that meant something and you knew what it was?

Here is a book that I read recently.  This book really spoke to me!  LOL!  Have you read it?

A Challenge


Luke 6:38
"Give, and it will be given to you. 
They will pour into your lap a good measure-- pressed down,
 shaken together, and running over. 
For by your standard of measure 
it will be measured to you in return."

That is a promise from God's Word!


Have you ever given something and then experienced blessings poured out into your lap?

2/9/11

Are you hurting? Don't think so?

Broken Heart

When I was presented with this teaching, I wasn't actually in the right place spiritually OR emotionally to benefit from it.  Not only that, but the person who presented it to me did it in a very unloving, unsupportive way.  I wasn't past the hurt; I was right smack dab in the middle of it!  It was kind of like, taking a bleeding wound and having a surgeon open it up more without anesthesia!

My husband and I both read the book "The Bait of Satan" by John Bevere.  Then one day, we went to church (the one that we visit) and the guest speaker was John Bevere!  We were so excited when we got to hear him speak about the topic of offence since we just read the book.

As we sat there, the Holy Spirit got to work.  A pastor friend of my husband's had offended him; he did something really terrible and my husband ended the friendship.  As a result of John's teaching, my husband was able to go to the person, present him with a fine gift, and let him know that he (hubs) isn't going to hold on to unforgiveness and bitterness.  They were able to talk about the issue, hug and part ways.  Their friendship isn't the same, but the offering and release was freeing for both parties!

I wanted to share these videos with you.  Maybe just maybe, there are some people out there that can benefit from these lessons.  I recommend that you read the book AND watch the videos.  Open your mind and let the Holy Spirit do His job!

You can purchase the book by clicking on the amazon link above.










The Bait of Satan ~ Part 3

The Bait of Satan ~ Part 4

If you need MORE info on this topic click here:

Unforgiveness: Spiritual Poison



2/8/11

How to save money ~ A strange way

Update 2/7/2013: I made two very small containers of the coconut oil, baking soda, and corn starch deodorant last year.  It is almost gone but has lasted me almost a whole year!

I'll never go back!


Are you a frugal mom?

What a great way to cut costs and stay debt FREE!
Make homemade deodorant!

Let me know if you try this!

There are several ways to do this so I posted a few.





This one is long but has good ideas.

2/7/11


Pitch your tent in the 
land of HOPE!

Don't go for the desert.
Don't go for the wilderness.
Don't wander around that mountain 
for 40 years.
Go for the promised land!

There's only one way to get there...

Supernatural Multiplication

DO YOU?

Over the past few weeks, as I've been studying, worshiping, serving and listening to God, the terms "supernatural multiplication" keep coming up in my spirit.  I've read recorded stories in the Bible and have found  the same theme there.

God is supernaturally multiplying things in our (my family) lives.  Favor, blessings, increase, opportunities...

God is supernaturally multiplying in our ministry.  Yesterday, both my husband and I had the privilege of escorting two different people to God's throne as they chose to give their lives to Him.  (One man and one teen girl!  Woo hoo!)

God is on the move.  He is supernaturally multiplying!

Here is a small PDF giving a word about supernatural multiplication.

What has God been speaking to you?  What is He saying to you during your time of study, worship, prayer, and serving?  I seriously want to know!  Have you received a word from Him?




Check out: Monday's Life In Him with my friend Danielle.

2/6/11

I would like to introduce...



...our dog!

Meet Moose!  He's not really a moose.  He's a slimy, farty, funny, sleepy Boxer!  Yes, he is every bit a boxer.  He does all of the typical things a boxer does.  Boxers make wonderful family pets.  When the boys were babies, they would hang off of his ears or his jawls (hogs are the only ones with jawls)  and he didn't mind.  He would just walk away.


2/5/11

Things we like to do ~ Upcoming Review

My husband and I have special things that we like to do together.  I have the pleasure of blogging for CSNstores and am going to review something that will add some fun to our quality time!

One thing we like to do is watch sermons on the tele that we were recently blessed with.  We could review an LCD TV stand.  That might enhance our quality time together.  Or maybe we could review a new massage chair!  That could add some quality to our time together!  Who doesn't love a good massage?

Stay tuned!  I will reveal the item that I chose, and I will tell you how it enhanced our quality time!


2/4/11

Stepping Out In Faith ~ Starbucks here I come!



Today, I saw a woman in Starbucks with Rosacea.  I KNEW I had to talk to her about it but it was very scary.  How do you approach a complete stranger to talk about and point out a disease that they obviously have?

Well, I did it and she was receptive.  When I got out to my car, my insides were shaking, I was all worked up about to cry, and my PITS were soaked.  (That's what happens to me when the Holy Spirit comes on me strong.)  I then realized how that was a huge test from the LORD among other things.

I stepped out in faith and He was there.  Duhh!  I told the woman about how God has healed me from Rosacea and how awesome it is.  I told her about the Daniel Fast and explained what that meant in the Bible.

He is soooo awesome! ...even when He sends a test!

I'd like to show you some pictures of what my Rosacea looked like.  Often times, my face would drip puss or blood. When I didn't have makeup on, you could see tons of welt like bumps and it looked like someone took a hot iron to me cheeks.  My face was swelling and starting to change shape.  I was even starting to get bumps on the edge of my eye lids.

I am well because God has healed me!  "Your faith has made you well."


I am going to tell the world!

Look if you dare!  (these aren't me.  i looked for some photos that were similar)






rosacea skin condition on face
photo credit


photo credit



Now you may understand why it would be hard to walk up to a stranger and talk to them about this very sensitive topic.  If God enters the conversation, it makes it all worth while!

2/3/11

My Bloggy Friend ~ Danielle ~ HOPE


Oh my goodness!!!!!!!  I am soooooo happy for a bloggy friend of mine!  If ANYONE can identify it's ME!

Meet my friend Danielle.  She too is a blogger and wife to a pastor/evangelist.  Danielle blogs at We Don't Have It All Together but Together We Have It All and Life In Him.

What's her story?  Well, I'll give you a snip-it and then you can go to her blog to read the rest.  She was/is living in her mother-in-law's house.  Her MIL hasn't been living there but her stuff is there.  ?  MIL decided to move back into the house!  (Definitely a different circumstance... You can read all about it!)  Danielle has been living out of boxes for 2 years.  NO fun!

Possibly today, she might get to move out of her MIL's house!!  I am soooo excited for her!  I can't stand it!  She loves the new house and is so excited about having closets, cabinets, and a beautiful kitchen.

For 2 years, we lived in my in-law's basement.  I TOTALLY know all about living out of boxes and not having closets!  My In-laws were extremely gracious and we will be grateful forever.

Then, we moved into a beautiful home only to have landlords who were terrible.  (They took advantage of us for what little we had.)  We were forced to move out of there after only 8 months. :(  Now, we are in an old farmhouse.  Sounds good enough.  There are several rooms and places in this house that we can't use.  Why? The landlord's dead parent's stuff is STILL in there!  The last one died over 10 years ago!  Oh yeah, and there is a stove that isn't ours in our yard.... LOL!   (There are some good things about living here though!  Really!)

One time, God blessed us with various items ~ some of which we have outgrown and I could use to bless others.  (I do love to bless others.)  We can't really access them because they aren't with us.  We have to pay storage fees to store our blessings!!!!  That is NO fun!

Ok so, back to Danielle.  I couldn't be more excited for her - as if it were me moving!!  I can identify with her so much!  Her story gives me more hope.  Hope that some day, we will be able to function in our own place with our blessings!

Blessings to you, Danielle.  I prayed for you and your family this morning.

photo credit

2/2/11

...again I say

(Want one of these rocks?  click here)

Philippians 4:12 (bold print mine)
I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.

My experiences:
I know how to live in a big beautiful home with bathrooms as big as some kitchens.
And I know how to turn a laundry room into make-shift kitchen/bathroom while living in a basement.

I know what it's like to have a pantry and freezer full of food.
And I know what it's like to sell my blood to get money for food.

I know how to live on an income that most people dream of.
And I know how to live on $12,000 a year for a family of 4 with no food stamps or assistance.

I know what it's like to have a beautiful master suite with a whirlpool tub and walk-in closet.
And I know what it's like to use a bed-side potty for a toilet (I'll leave out the details).

I know how to cry real tears to God and beg Him to move in our behalf.
And I know how to speak in FAITH to God and watch Him move in our behalf.


Hebrews 11:6
And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.


Worship with me today!

Bless the LORD!  Draw near and worship Christ the Lord!
And bless His name ~ His Holy name ~ Declaring He is GOOD!

Rejoice in the LORD always!

2/1/11

Blizzard ~ Not the kind from DQ!


Ooooo the blizzard is on its way to Chicago!  We are as ready as we can be!  We have food, gas in the snow blower, 2 snow shovels, an oil lamp, and candles.  I am making homemade chicken pot pie and homemade doughnuts!

Are you preparing?






Here is the recipe for the pot pie from All Recipes dot com:

Ingredients

  • 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cubed
  • 1 cup sliced carrots
  • 1 cup frozen green peas
  • 1/2 cup sliced celery
  • 1/3 cup butter
  • 1/3 cup chopped onion
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon celery seed
  • 1 3/4 cups chicken broth
  • 2/3 cup milk
  •  
  • 2 (9 inch) unbaked pie crusts

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C.)
  2. In a saucepan, combine chicken, carrots, peas, and celery. Add water to cover and boil for 15 minutes. Remove from heat, drain and set aside.
  3. In the saucepan over medium heat, cook onions in butter until soft and translucent. Stir in flour, salt, pepper, and celery seed. Slowly stir in chicken broth and milk. Simmer over medium-low heat until thick. Remove from heat and set aside.
  4. Place the chicken mixture in bottom pie crust. Pour hot liquid mixture over. Cover with top crust, seal edges, and cut away excess dough. Make several small slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
  5. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until pastry is golden brown and filling is bubbly. Cool for 10 minutes before serving. 

I will tell you about the homemade doughnuts some other time!

photo credit
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