Celebrate!

So glad I went to church Saturday night!  Double Espresso turned into a decaf by Sunday morning, and I had to miss church to stay home with him. 

We sang a song called, Yahweh.  I LOVE to sing and or talk about Yahweh!

Yahweh is His name ~ not God!  In Exodus, He even gave His name to Moses and then listed His attributes (which are quite wonderful).

Exodus 34: 6-7—“Yahweh passed by in front of him and proclaimed, ‘Yahweh, Yahweh God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth; who keeps lovingkindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin; yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished, visiting the iniquity of fathers on the children and on the grandchildren to the third and fourth generations’.”

We sang this song Saturday night.  I just love it!  Not only did the band rock out (which is always fun) but I love singing about and to Yahweh!  Slow, fast, I don't care.

Here is a slow one

Are you taking meds?

Then you need this book!  "Drug Muggers"

I saw an interview with the author of this book and thought it might be a helpful tool for my readers who are on medications.

Medicines rob your body of certain minerals.  Over time, a person taking meds can start to feel worse than they did in the beginning.  This book tells you which medications rob you of which minerals.  That way, you can replace what you are missing and maybe you'll feel better!

For instance, a person who takes diabetes medicine may be robbed of Vit. B.  That may cause fatigue and when replaced, the person may feel more energetic. 

Be blessed!



This post is not meant to be medical advise. It is only a book suggestion.

Hookers for Jesus ~ Isn't this what it's all about?

I'd like to introduce to you two ministries that are rescuing women.

It is happening.
These girls are hurting no more.

They are feeling the true love for the first time ever!
Jesus is their healer!

There is hope for hookers and strippers!  There is hope for the abused women in the sex industry.





The second ministry is out of Atlanta. World Changers Church reaches out to "women who are involved in the adult entertainment and sex industry, including, but not limited to prostitutes and exotic dancers."

Praise the LORD for these non-judgmental people! There are many women who are hurting and want help! These ministries go out, into the night-life, and extent Jesus' hand.

Here is a quote from "Prestige" at World Changers.

" On a typical outreach night, designated teams will meet in the Administration Building of World Changers Church International (WCCI) for preparation and prayer. Following group prayer, teams travel in groups of three to four, by bus or car, to strip clubs throughout the Metro Atlanta area. Team members bring gifts, towels, snacks, and Prestige pamphlets in clubs and distribute them to the dancers. It is during these outreaches that relationships are built and trust is formed. Team members talk to and share with the ladies as they are led."

Amen and amen!

Do you remember this? 1975 ish

Ok, I JUST woke up from a dream. 

Here it is:
There were several African American woman, one man, and then my husband was sitting on a sofa somewhere. 

I was running around an open apartment type place where all of the doors were open so you could go from the stairwell into any other room. 

I was singing a song to these people and laughing.  I was trying to make them smile and cheer them up.  What was I singing, you say?

Love, love will keep us togetha !! 

So, I looked it up and found it on YouTube.
I hope it brings back memories for you like it did me!

White Knucles

Need a miracle?

 

The Word (Bible)

• Learn it
• Memorize it
• Meditate on it
• Eat it
• Breathe it
• Talk about it

Do it

 

That way, you can live and NOT NEED a miracle! 

*****Don't white knuckle it until you get to Heaven!***** 

Have life now! 

Life more abundantly!  (That's right!  I'm shoutin it to ya!)

Dinner Is Served!

What did you have for dinner today?

I froze all of our meat yesterday and did not plan ahead!  So, we had eggs, grits, biscuits, and turkey bacon! 

Inspiration

If you've got God, there is NOTHING that you are missing that can keep you from going forward in life!

It's Hard to Give When

It's hard to give when it means something.  Giving money is great, and I do that.  To be honest, I haven't been compelled to give away so much money that I wondered where my next meal would come from.

One time, I gave a curio cabinet away.  That one hurt.  Not only did I give away something that at one time was one of my prized possessions (a gift from hubs), but I gave it to someone who hated me.  This woman trash talked me (the pastor's wife) to some trouble makers in the church. These people wanted my husband GONE!  It caused so much trouble that we had to come home from a vacation 2 states away after only being there 24 hours.  After that, everything went on a downward spiral (which ultimately turned out to be our ticket to freedom). 

When the going gets tough...

When something goes wrong, what is the first thing that you run to?

Some people run to the bottle, some people run to the phone, some people run to the mall, some people run into a state of depression, and some people run to _________.

Some people fret or worry.  I know people who actually make up crazy scenarios and then worry over them for days!  They fret all day and worry all night to the point of not having a restful sleep.  Their bodies are full of pain that is a result of the poisons created from worry.  It's a vicious cycle.

I've got good news!  Strongholds can be broken! 

Fill-Ins are Fun!

Friday Fill Ins

1. I love to go to antique shops because it helps me relax.  I guess one reason I can relax is I'm usually by myself!  LOL!  That's one place I don't take the boys.

2.  When it comes to reading the Bible, it’s the quality!  I don't read it for quantity.  If I chew on a verse for a while... that's ok.  If I struggle with a section for a couple of days... that's ok.  I don't do the "read the Bible in 90 days" schedule.  I've read most of the Bible but it has taken me years.  I think it's better for me to go deeper than wider.

3. The last thing I had to eat was Olive Garden.  Mmmmm..... it was so good.  Went out on a date with my Super Man last night.  I like the all you can eat soup and salad.  

4. For me, a head band is no longer essential.  I have sported short hair most of my life and now it is the shortest I've ever had it.  It only takes me a few minutes to make it look good.  To be honest, I wasted waaaaayy too much time in the mirror in my younger years.  :(

5. Please take a moment to leave me a comment.  I LOVE making new bloggie friends!  

6.  Whether good or bad, life and circumstances have brought you this far.  It's time to let someone else take the wheel!  Jesus is the best driver!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to doing something F U N, tomorrow my plans include shopping for our NEW CHURCH building and Sunday, I want to celebrate God like there is NO tomorrow!


Wanna Hop?
Read more for Hop Links:

Proverbs 31 Ministries ~ She Speaks Conference

My Version of the Pressure Cooker

Have you ever used a pressure cooker?  I once saw my mother in law put a roast in one and before I knew it, that thing was cooked, falling apart, and absolutely delicious.

I work best under pressure.  It seems as though I turn out the best stuff when I have just a few days or even hours to get it done!  Sometimes it is my own fault for waiting (because I like it) but other times it's because something has been plopped into my lap (top)... like tonight!

Wonderful Women of God

I've got some very exciting news!  We are moving our church to another town. Ok, so, it's exciting for all of us here!  (I'll tell more about that in a different post.)

I sent this letter out to the women at our church and I thought you all may benefit from reading it!  ;)

Greetings ~ Wonderful women of __________  Church!


I just want to encourage you all today. You are all doing a wonderful job welcoming new women into the church. As we make the move to ________ and grow, more and more women will be looking for love and acceptance at _________ Church. The more we get to know each other, the more we realize that NOBODY is perfect. None of us have lived a "perfect" life. Because we are so open and loving, we are able to reach out to other women.

Benefits

Are you believing it?

Psalm 103:1-5

Praise the Lord, O my soul;

all my inmost being, praise his holy name.

Praise the Lord, O my soul,

and forget not all his benefits—

who forgives all your sins

and heals all your diseases,

who redeems your life from the pit

and crowns you with love and compassion,

who satisfies your desires with good things

so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

The Badge of Honor

Does this sound familiar?

Scenario:  At the store, Susie and Jen run into each other.
Susie: Hi Jen! 
Jen: Oh hello Susie! How have you been?
Susie: Good!  Busy, but good.  Good and busy! (Susie smiles.)

This is a scene that repeats itself often in my life.  I take a quick trip into Walgreens and it never fails; I run into someone that I know.  (Sometimes that's a good thing.... Sometimes not so good!)  The conversation will usually go something like the one above. 

How did being busy become so popular?  How is being so busy that you "don't have time for anything" a good thing?  When did this creep into the Christian life? 

Something Amazing ~ A Normal Day

I had a normal day. What's normal?

Husband wakes me up
I lay there a while singing the song that is instantly in my mind
Sometimes I pray before my feet even hit the floor
Get up, have coffee, and wake up watching Creflo Dollar, Joyce Meyer, or the 700 Club
After a while I get up, do any dishes from the night before, and make breakfast
Then, get the boys going on their chores and then school work

During the day today, I watched a video. I liked it so much that I posted it on my blog. ~ (Just Ask)  In the video, Victorya says to just ask God for someone to talk to about Him. 

Something to think about

If we serve God with the same diligence that we served sin, the result will be holiness, not to mention abundant blessing! 

At one time in my life, I was serving sin to the max. 
I'm not saying that I don't sin now, but the difference is,
I'm not living for the sin.  I'm not living for that lifestyle.
I'm living for God.  I want to serve Him. 

Picture this man in your head: 
This man is a womanizer.
On the weekends, he goes from bar to bar
just looking for the woman that is willing ~
The needy woman who falls for his... lines.
During the week, he flirts with all of the women
in the office.  Just hoping one... just one will be willing.
A lot of energy goes into what he is doing.
He lives for sex.  He lives for one-nighters.

Now, that man decides to live for God.
Imagine the possibilities.
Imagine him putting all of that energy
and attention on God's Kingdom!
Imagine this man being filled with the Spirit
and using his gifts to their full potential.

What happens when someone gives themselves fully to God?

Are you feelin it?

The love

A love so deep

A love so passionate

It's so intense

The flood

It washes over me

Yahweh God, the Maker of the Universe, the One who formed every cell in my body, the One who all things exist for... loves me!

Talk about being "star struck!" It makes my heart swell!

Are you feelin it?
This song is where it's at for me tonight (Saturday).

The Song: How He Loves


The story behind the song

You Never Know Who He Will Be

You just never know who that kid is going to grow up to be. 

That son
That nephew
That neighbor
That foster kid next door

You never know what abuse that little boy has experienced. You never know who you can help to save.

You never know...

The Privilege of the Struggle

Do your children ever have the privilege of struggling? 

Do they ever know of your struggles and watch you persevere, or is life served to them on a silver platter?


Struggle ~ an element that is often needed to build great character and integrity.

Definitions ~
1. to contend with an adversary or opposing force. (AMEN and AMEN!)
2. to contend resolutely with a task, problem, etc.; strive: to struggle for existence.


How are you using your struggles and situations to teach your children to persevere?

HIGHLY Recommended ~ Help for Marriage

I HIGHLY recommend this article.  You may want to print it out and let your husband read it OR print it and give it to another couple. 

The Irresistible Man

Here are tons of articles for the wife:  Family Life Today  (and there are plenty for him too)

• What Husbands Wish Their Wives Knew About Men
• A wife can help her husband be what God wants him to be by understanding his needs.

• 15 Ways to Please Your Husband
• These cue cards will help you enhance your husband's self-worth by discovering—and doing—what pleases him.

• Encouraging Romance From Your Husband
• Three steps to provide your husband the safety and encouragement he needs to set foot upon the path of a more romantic marriage.

• Common Questions About a Husband’s Sexual Addiction
• A recovering sexual addict answers questions common to the wives of men who struggle with the same sin.

• Ten Romantic Films Your Husband Won't Hate
• These movies have plenty of romance, but they aren't chick flicks.

Five Question Friday

I love Friday memes!  Do you link up to any?

1. Do you know what your REAL hair color is? 
Why yes I do!  It's not that great which is why I color it... darkish brown with purple!  Although, I'm thinking about going bleach blond for summer!  What do you think?  Here are my photos:  Janet


2. Do you plan ahead for summer, or fly by the seat of your pants?  We take it day by day, enjoying each one!  I do plan our vacation ahead of time.  I like my kids to be kids while they can.

3. What is your favorite meal to cook?  Soup!  I like to cook soup and that is about all.  I am a blessed woman and my husband shares the kitchen with me.

4. Do you get offended by not receiving thank yous?  Oh my goodness, no.  I appreciate a verbal thank you, though.  I think notes are a thing of the past!

5. How did you meet your best friend?  Well, my husband is my best friend and we met in high school.  In choir as a matter of fact.  My husband can't sing but... he liked me.  ;)  As far as girlfriends go, I really don't have very many.  I do have a few but we hardly see each other.  :(

How about you?

Favorite Things

These are a few of my favorite things!

Espresso's Contageous Joy

Letting the Love and Power of God wash over me tonight

That's a lot of power and a lot of love!

2 Timothy 1:7
For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.

He has already given us His power and His love. It's up to us to receive it and walk in it.

Is there a person who you are having a hard time loving? The love is there; you just have to tap into it.

Is there something that you have to do that is going to be difficult? The power is already in you. You just have to tap into it.

Just Ask!

Found this video today.  Victorya gives some great advise but the end of this video is the best.  There is a wonderful story about a young, wayward girl in a bar. 

There is power in your story.  There is power in your testimony.  Share it!

Promises Promises

Believing the Word ~ What are you believing today? 

Here are some verses that I believe and receive.  I thank God for His Word.  It is always true. 

I will say of the Lord. He is my refuge and my fortress: In Him will I trust."
- Psalm 91:2

Be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead!"

- I Peter 1:6

If you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you will say to your mountain, "MOVE!" and it WILL move... and NOTHING will be impossible for YOU!
- Matthew 17:20

Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord and has made the Lord his hope and confidence.
- Jeremiah 17:7

Stand still and consider the wondrous works of God.

- Job 37:14
Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
- III John 2

With men it is impossible; but to God all things are possible.

- Matthew 19:26

Things We Like To Do

Remember when I posted that I was going to do a review for CSN Stores?  I said that I was going to "review something that will add some fun to our quality time!"

My husband and I have coffee together every day.  That is the time that we catch up on our day.  If we go out on a date, we like to go to Starbucks for a special treat.  Well, Starbucks just doesn't compare anymore! 

I chose an espresso machine / coffee maker.  This is quite a machine.  I can make espresso and coffee at the same time!  Not only that, but it has a built in frother.  I can add froth to my espresso to make a tasty cappuccino or to hot chocolate for the boys!  (Check out the video below.)

That would add quality to any coffee date, even if the "date" is at the kitchen table!

At first, I was a little intimidated by the espresso machine and frother.  My husband started making coffee right away, but I waited for 3 whole days to attempt espresso!  I had no idea that it was so easy.  I had perfect espresso and the creamiest froth the first time I tried it.  The instructions are quite simple and very easy to follow.

Delonghi - BCO120T - Espresso/Coffee Maker

Price:  $99.89 with FREE shipping

This machine is such a great addition to our kitchen; I am thinking about buying another one for our church coffee shop.  It would make a delightful gift for anyone who likes coffee!

 I can't wait to have friends over for coffee and share my very special treat!    I wish I could share a nice cup of cappuccino with all of my friends in the blog-o-sphere! 

Not a paid review ~ All opinions are my very own! I was given a gift card in exchange for an honest review on the CSNstore website.

If you look closely

You can see my youngest son on the far left and a girl from our church on the far right!  My oldest son (14) took photos and edited them into a High School Musical photo.

Cool huh?

Is Everything a Bargain at Dollar Stores?

This video caught my eye today. I usually do my grocery shopping at Meijer and PayLow with an occasional stop at WalMart.  I often wonder if it is worth my time to make an extra stop at the Dollar General or the Dollar Tree.  After all, time is money they say! 

If I go by any dollar store, I usually get batteries.  That is one of the things that they say isn't worth getting!  I guess they are talking about buying the generic.  I wonder if it is ok to get the brand name batteries from Dollar General? 
Check it out for yourself:

Photo by my son (14)

Psalm 65:8

They who dwell in the ends of the earth stand in awe of Your signs;

You make the dawn and the sunset shout for joy.

Question For You ~ Just For Fun

Just curious!

So?  What would you do?

Suffering from depression?

Depression

I've been there.

I know what it feels like to feel hopeless.

Helpless.

Like there's no light at the end of the tunnel.
Like death is an option.
Like running away could be a solution.

The voices you are hearing are not your own.
They tell you that you are fat.
They tell you that you are ugly.

They tell you that you are worthless.

They tell you that nobody would miss you if you died.

LIES.  All LIES!

The enemy hunts you down.

The enemy lies to you in your own voice.

You think those thoughts are yours but they're his (the evil one).

Believe GOD!

You must replace those thoughts.

As soon as they come in, you must kick them out.

Memorize the Word of God.

Know it.

Breathe it.

Eat it.

Speak it out loud.

Pray it.

Then, live it.

David (in the Bible) suffered from depression among other things. The following verses are from the Psalms.

 I have 2 versions for you.  The first is New American Standard and the second is New Living which is easier to read.

Psalm 116 (NASB various verses)

I love the LORD, because He hears

My voice and my supplications.

Because He has inclined His ear to me,

Therefore I shall call upon Him as long as I live.

The cords of death encompassed me

And the terrors of Sheol came upon me;

I found distress and sorrow.

Then I called upon the name of the LORD:

"O LORD, I beseech You, save my life!"

Gracious is the LORD, and righteous;

Yes, our God is compassionate.

The LORD preserves the simple;

I was brought low, and He saved me.

Return to your rest, O my soul,

For the LORD has dealt bountifully with you.

For You have rescued my soul from death,

My eyes from tears,

My feet from stumbling.

I shall walk before the LORD

In the land of the living.

Psalm 116 (NLT various verses)

I love the Lord because he hears my voice

and my prayer for mercy.

Because he bends down to listen,

I will pray as long as I have breath!

Death wrapped its ropes around me;

the terrors of the grave overtook me.

I saw only trouble and sorrow.

Then I called on the name of the Lord:

“Please, Lord, save me!”

How kind the Lord is! How good he is!

So merciful, this God of ours!

The Lord protects those of childlike faith;

I was facing death, and he saved me.

Let my soul be at rest again,

for the Lord has been good to me.

He has saved me from death,

my eyes from tears,

my feet from stumbling.

And so I walk in the Lord’s presence

as I live here on earth!

 
depression photos credit
joyful woman photo credit

The paper and Indians?

I LOVE cutting and using coupons.  Yes, it's a little time consuming but when I look at my receipt and see how much I saved, I get very excited!  At one point, I was getting $100 worth of groceries and only spending $50 - $60.  It's a process, and eventually you can get to where you are not spending even that much.

Sometime last October I ordered the Chicago Sun Times paper.  Around here, that's the paper with the most coupons.    Up until now, we have never had a paper subscription in the almost 16 years that we've been married.  Why would internet users need a paper other than for coupons?  Oh I know, for painting projects!

The next week, I got my first paper.  My only paper!  After that, I never got another paper!  Where's my paper?!!!  I am too busy on Sundays to remember to go to Walgreens and pick up a paper.  Besides, it's more expensive that way.

Finally, after giving the paper person several weeks to get our information and put us on their route, my husband decided to call.  That was interesting...

On the other end of the line was an Indian ~ as in someone from India.  There's only one problem with that.  My husband can't understand people with foreign accents!  Interpreting tongues is NOT his gift!  (That's a joke between us.)  Can you tell me why a person in India is answering the phone for the Chicago Tribune paper?

It seems as though the Indian woman got on it!  She did her job well as far as I can tell.  This morning, we woke up to having 2 coupon inserts in our paper box and 2 by our back door.  Praise the Lord!  He knows just what I need.  I didn't need 4 papers, just the inserts!  Ok so, they actually owe me 12 inserts but they are on the right track.

I wonder how they are going to make up for all of the lost papers?  Maybe next time I'll have to make the call to the Indian woman.  I'd be tempted to chat with her about anything other than the paper!  (I love Indians!)


Do you get the paper?  Have you called an American company and gotten an Indian on the other line?

I got goosebumps!

Miracles like this happen all around us.  When I watched this, I got goosebumps all over.  I love hearing miracle stories!

God is still in the miracle working business!

Bruce VanNatta: