What Weekend????

Busy, busy weekend ~ I can't believe Monday is here already!  

It's funny how a weekend can be so busy, yet so uneventful.  Well, not really funny...  Here's what happened:  

Rob came home Friday night at 6:00 p.m. with the wonderful news that he would have to go back and work from midnight to noon Saturday.  (note the sarcasm)  Then for the next three hours, he was on the phone trying to take care of some issues/problems for work.  So, around 9:00 p.m., he was ours!  For half an hour!  Then, off to bed for Levi.  It took a while for Levi to get to sleep; Rob stayed in his room with him and they talked for a while, I guess.  Then they both fell asleep.  I woke him up around 10:30 p.m., and he showered, got dressed, and ran back off to work.

Saturday morning, I dropped off Levi at my parents' house for a couple hours so I could get my grocery shopping done.  Then, I picked him up and we took daddy lunch at work.  We had a picnic on the floor of the digital room where he was working.  That was pretty exciting for Levi; me, not so much...  After lunch, Levi and I went home, supposedly Rob would be home in an hour or so.  He finally arrived home at 4:00 p.m. (so much for noon).  He had been awake since 6:45 a.m. Friday morning, so he was wiped out!  He sat down on the chair just for a minute and he was out.  So, I decided to run down the street to the store with Levi so Rob could get a little rest.  (Of course, I was thinking that he would go to bed.  That way, when we got back home, I could keep Levi distracted while Rob was locked in the bedroom.)  When we got back, Rob hadn't quite made it to the bed; he had only made it about four steps from the chair to the couch.  IMPOSSIBLE to keep Levi off of daddy...  So, for the next three hours, he slept off and on, while Levi took turns laying on top of him, climbing on top of him, and telling him to "moof foot" so he could sit and watch his tractor video.  I did manage to fix dinner, and I even woke Rob up to see if he wanted to eat.  He sat up and said NO quite firmly several times.  It really was quite funny!  So, I let him sleep.  Levi and I ate dinner and I put Rob's dinner in the fridge.  About 7:30 p.m., Rob woke up from his coma and asked when we were going to eat.  Obviously he didn't remember me waking him up...  He ate dinner and played with Levi a little, then he went back to bed right after Levi got in bed.  

Church was wonderful on Sunday!  We had our 5th Sunday services.  Many churches have special 5th Sunday services, but ours is as follows:  morning services as usual, pitch-in lunch, then an afternoon service immediately following lunch.  The afternoon service consists of special requests for favorite hymns, a lot of special music, and all of the young preacher boys preaching for about 10 to 15 minutes each.  (This time, there were only three preachers.  Rob was so tired and hadn't had much time to prepare, so he passed on this one, and Jordan was out of town preaching at Rob's dad's church in Tennessee this weekend.)  This makes for a seemingly long day, but our family thoroughly enjoys this set-up.  We kind of wish we would do this every Sunday...  We even had choir practice for a little while afterwards, working on our Christmas cantata.

Well, after church, before cantata practice, would you believe that Rob got a phone call from work?  AHHHH!  So, when we got home and got everything carried in the house, Rob changed into his work clothes and off he went...  He worked from about 4:45 p.m. to 10:45 p.m.  He got home just in time to go to bed.  Then, up at 6:15 a.m. this morning and off to work again.  He literally got NO WEEKEND!!  No break.  No rest for Rob.  So, if you think about him, say a prayer for him...  He is really frustrated, as are we all!  Next Monday is a much-needed holiday, and hopefully a day off for him.  So, like I said, a busy, busy, busy weekend...

On a lighter note, Levi is learning new songs and loves to sing them.  We sing them a lot, but right now it seems we sing them the most while he is sitting on the potty.  HAHAHA

The songs he is singing are "Jesus Loves Me", "The B-I-B-L-E", "Ho-Ho-Ho-Hosanna", "Rejoice in the Lord Alway", and "The Hallelujah Chorus".  (We have been practicing our choir's Christmas cantata and it has this song in it.  Levi can say hallelujah pretty well, actually.)

Yesterday, with our busy Sunday schedule, Levi didn't take a nap at church, or in the car on the way home, or when we got home.  I had given up on the hope of him taking a nap.  I fixed him something for dinner and put him in the high chair to eat.  He was watching his choo-choo video.  I was eating, also, but was on the computer checking mail, FB, and blogs.  I kept looking over at him and he was eating really well.  (He never eats very much at our church pitch-ins.  Too many distractions, I guess.)  After a few minutes, I looked over at him and he had fallen asleep!  Yay ~ Naptime!!  So, I tried to clean off his hands and face without waking him up, and I managed to carry him to his bed and lay him down.  He slept for an hour.  Did I say Yay already?  I was able to finish cleaning up the kitchen and got to sit down and rest before he woke up again.  I really cherish those times of peace and quiet!  They don't happen often.

Well, this week, we don't have very much planned, so hopefully we can catch up on our family time and rest...  

Hope you all are having a good Monday (Is that possible???)  and have a blessed week!

Count your blessings...

(Next post, I hope to have video of Levi's newest accomplishment.  Not the potty, something else...)

Who can find a virtuous woman? - part one

The Proverbs 31 woman is at the forefront of my mind today.  Am I that woman?  I am disappointed to say that I'm sure I have failed in many aspects.  That is why I am meditating on this passage, to learn what the Lord would have me be, to my husband, my family, and those around me.  Am I up to the challenge?  I certainly hope so...  (Lord, I need Your help desperately!)

"Who can find a virtuous woman?  for her price is far above rubies."  This woman is strong, dignified, multi-talented, caring, loving, educated, business-minded, compassionate, organized, efficient, trustworthy, etc.; that is why she is so precious, her price far above rubies.  Wow!  Am I still up to the challenge?  

How does she do all of this?  God's will is her primary goal in life.  She looks to Him for guidance in every task, in every job, in every responsibility.

"The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil."

I want my husband to safely trust in me, knowing that I will always do what's best for him and my son, knowing that I am trustworthy, knowing that I love him with all my heart.  I believe that it is as much my responsibility to take care of him as it is his to take care of me.  May God be able to use me in my home to take care of my husband, child, and my various responsibilities.

"She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life."  Praying that I will have that steadiness in character to do my husband good 'till death do us part'.  Why is it that, some days, it is just sooooo much easier to do evil?  I think that is a very important tool in Satan's toolbox, and a well-used one at that!  If he can sneak in a home, even a Christian home, and turn husband and wife against each other, or children against parents or vice versa, then he can distract us from serving the Lord as a family.  Is it a surprise then, that the US has a 50% divorce rate?  Our "Christian nation" has a much higher divorce rate than most other countries around the world.  Our Pastor was preaching on this last week and mentioned the statistics.  Our country is at 50%, while Japan and India, what we might call "heathen nations" hover around 1 to 2%.  Stark differences there are in these numbers.  Maybe it's because we have left our first love...  Dear God, help our nation!  May the Christians turn back to You with their whole hearts.  May we see revival in our homes, in our churches, and in our land once again.  Revival must first start in our hearts which will bring a change in our homes.  Then our churches will be different, serving God instead of being served.  And God could use us to turn our country around!  Think of what a difference we can make!  If not for us, then for our children...

Well, that's all the time I have for today.  (I guess I chased that rabbit far enough...)  I will continue reading and meditating on Proverbs 31.  Maybe tomorrow I will continue this post with my challenge.  

I hope and pray that this finds everyone well and having a good day.  Even if you are not having a good day, ponder the many blessings that you do have in your life.  God never said it would be easy, but He does promise that he will be with us no matter what the circumstance!

Love you!

~Denise

Welcome to our Team's Homepage

Welcome to our Team's Homepage

This year, we are participating in "Light the Night".  "Light The Night Walk is The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's evening walk and fundraising event. It is the nation's night to pay tribute and bring hope to thousands of people battling blood cancers and to commemorate loved ones lost."

Our team is called "Amber's Angels" in honor of Amber Williams, a survivor of leukemia, praise the Lord!  I lost my grandfather to lymphoma.  So, this has had a direct impact on our lives as it has many others.  

If you would like to see what this is all about, please go to the link posted above.  Also, if you would like to donate to this cause, you can do this through me personally, or through the website.  There is a place to donate on the right side of the page.  Thank you for your help.

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"Boom, Boom, Boom"

Yesterday, I went to Kohl's with my mom and Levi.  She needed to buy picture frames for all of the free pictures we've been getting from Walgreens this last week.  I needed a couple, too, but didn't find any affordable enough.  (Walmart, here I come!)  I didn't walk out of the store empty-handed, though.  She wanted to walk through the toy department.  Well, I found a water gun on clearance for $1.20, so I got it for Levi.  He held it the rest of the shopping trip and wanted to "buy it".  So, when we got to the register, I let him give it to the lady, and I let him pay for it, too.  He carried it out to the car and asked MawMaw to get it out of the package.  She then proceeded to pour some water in it from her water bottle.  Well, needless to say, he practically soaked the inside of her car.  Glad we were driving hers and not mine!  I think she learned her lesson from that one...  Anyway, he loves playing with it.  He runs around the backyard saying, "Boom, boom, boom"  when he is spraying it!  So cute!  Of course, sometimes he chases me and I can get quite wet.  He's not a bad shot!!  Fun, Fun, Fun!

What a beautiful day!  Did anyone else notice that August is almost over?!?!?!?!?

That means winter is almost here...  Here we go again!  (Sorry to those who live in more frigid time zones ~ like Nayoro, Japan.  Didn't your snow pile, I mean, mountain,  just melt?)

Enjoy the rest of your day and your church services tonight!

God bless!  Love you!

Wisdom

Just remembering Senior Bible class ~ Proverbs with Mr. Thomas

What wisdom was in that class about wisdom!  (No pun intended...)

Proverbs 4 (select verses):

5~Get wisdom, get understanding:  forget it not;

6~Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee:  love her, and she shall keep thee.

13~Take fast hold of instruction;  let her not go:  keep her;  for she is thy life.

14-15~Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men.  Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.

20~My son, attend to my words;  incline thine ear unto my sayings.

21~Let them not depart from thine eyes;  keep them in the midst of thine heart.

STAY IN THE WORD!!

22~For they are LIFE unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.

23~Keep thy HEART with all DILIGENCE;  for out of it are the issues of life.

GUARD MY HEART, LORD!!

24~Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee.

GUARD MY MOUTH, LORD!!

25~Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee.

HELP ME KEEP MY EYES ON THEE!!

Thank you, Lord, for my salvation, for my family, for my Godly friends, for my possessions, for my health, for my needs, for my church, for my freedom in Christ to serve Thee, for my country, for my freedom...

"Happiness is to know the Saviour, living a life within His favour.

Real Joy is mine, no matter if the teardrops fall!"

Walgreens Photo Deal

Another freebie!  I love these!  Tomorrow, you can order an 8x10 collage photo from Walgreens for free with the coupon code FUNDAY.  I ordered mine today and it worked even though it says tomorrow only.  And if you pick it up at the store, it truly is free, no shipping costs.  Can't beat that!  Hope you are able to take advantage of these great offers...

They're GRRREAT!

Had to post this!  It made me laugh soooo hard tonight. 

Levi was sitting on the floor with his bowl of pretzel goldfish for snack.  I was at the sink washing dishes.  Rob was on the phone in the other room.  I turned around to check on Levi.  He was sitting there holding up his arm with his pointer finger straight up.  I looked at him and was trying to figure out why he was randomly holding his arm and finger up.  I finally asked him what he was doing.  He pointed to the top of the fridge where we keep our cereal boxes.  Guess what cereal box was there?  Frosted Flakes.  Apparently Levi wants to take Tony the Tiger's job...  It was so cute; I had to laugh!  Love these moments!  They're GRRREAT!!    :)

State Fair Fun

State Fair Fun

Guard My Heart, Dear Lord!

This weekend has been very busy!  But enjoyable.  Here is the run-down of the past couple of days:

Friday ~ Grocery, errands, laundry, Indians baseball game (It rained, so we didn't stay for the fireworks.)

Saturday ~ Rob had to work ALL DAY.  Booooo!  Ran some errands with my mom (She helped with Levi so I could get shopping done.)  After naptime, mom and dad took Levi to the Fair again.  This gave Rob and me some time in the evening to get some things done, like going to get me a new cell phone because mine decided to give up the ghost!  Bath for church, packing up stuff for a whole day at church.  BUSY!

Sunday ~ We stayed at church all day since we live about 35 minutes away and had nursing home ministry from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.  (Not enough time to go home)  Left the house at 8:15 a.m. and returned home at 9:45 p.m.  BUSY!

Monday ~ Levi and I attended Jonathan Byrd's funeral this morning.  It was a nice memorial service celebrating the fact that he is "Finally Home".  (I like that song; it just came to mind.)  Among the speakers were Dr. Dixon, Pastor Dixon, Dr. Lampe, and David Byrd.  Several hymns were sung, too.  I was able to see Jon and Ginny as we arrived and gave them each a hug, telling them that we were praying for them through this difficult time.  They looked very strong and comforted, a testament to the Lord for His mercy and strength in time of need.  What a blessing!  Just a reminder to me to be thankful for my family that I still have with me and for my Lord who is ever gracious and loving!

I was reading in Psalms this weekend and thought I would write a few thought down here.

Psalm 139

vs. 1 ~ O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me.

*There is NOTHING hidden from God!  Reassuring and yet sobering at the same time...

vs. 4 ~ For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether.

*Guard my lips today, Lord!

vs. 7 ~ Whither shall I go from thy spirit?

*You are with me ALWAYS!  Help me to follow Your lead in my life.

vs. 23 ~ Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

*Clean my heart, Lord.

Thank you, Lord, for your forgiveness!

Have a blessed day!

Walgreens Photo Deal

Today is the last freebie of the week.  You can get a 5 x 7 photo book up to 20 pages for 60% off.  You can't pick this up at the store, so you have to pay shipping.  Still a good deal for a photobook.

The coupon code is PHOTOBOOK.

Walgreens Photo Deal

Another Walgreens freebie today only!  A free 8x10 photo scrap book page when you use the coupon code SCRAPIT.  If you choose to pick it up in store, it is completely free.  Hope you have the opportunity to use this!  I've got mine ordered, my mom's, my mom-in-law's, and Rob's grandma's.  Can't wait to pick it up this afternoon.  I am finally getting use out of all the pictures I've taken recently...

"Precious in the sight of the LORD [is] the death of his saints." ~ Ps. 116:15

Just being reminded of those in my life that have gone on to be with the Lord.  Praise the Lord, I haven't experienced the loss of anyone in my immediate family (like a parent or sibling), yet.  So, I can't say that I know what someone is experiencing when that happens.  Even with the knowledge of them being in Heaven, I'm sure it is still very difficult!

Why has this subject come to mind?  A friend of mine just lost his daddy yesterday.  Yes, he was sick.  Yes, he was suffering.  But it's never easy to say goodbye.  Praise God, it isn't goodbye forever!  We will see him again!  No more suffering, no more pain.  Thank you, Lord, for your mercy, strength, and comfort that only You can give!

I am reminded of my other dear friends who have lost a dear close loved one.  All of whom were like family to me, also.

Shellee - Your dear, sweet, irreplaceable mamma!  Pam was like a second mom to me.  We spent so much time together growing up that our two families became like one.  I had the privilege of knowing your mom, even more than pretty much everyone else.  My life was touched by her in many ways.  I will never forget her sense of humor, her creativity, her love for life even in adversity and pain, and, most importantly, her love for her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

Ashley - Your sister!  Although she didn't live long and I didn't really know her, I know that her heart lives on through you and your family.  What a moment you will have when you get to see her again on the other side and be reunited in the presence of Jesus!

Bekah - Your wonderful and loving mom!  Your mom, Mrs. Pollard (Yes, I know her name was Fran, but I NEVER would have called her that.  She was "Mrs. Pollard" to me.),  was a very sweet and loving lady; what a tremendous example she was to us young ladies at church and school!  I always enjoyed spending time with you all.  She was very funny, kind, orderly, and loving.  It was nice to watch the video from senior trip at the reunion, seeing and hearing your mom again!  I remember what strength she had all the while she was suffering...  What a testimony!  What wonderful memories I have of her!

As I said earlier, I haven't lost any immediate family members.  I have lost both sets of grandparents, but I will see them when I enter Heaven's glory!  I look forward to seeing them and holding them all again!  Thank you, Lord!!

"What a day that will be when my Jesus I shall see!"

And to think that all of our saved loved ones who have passed on are already there experiencing His glory!

"But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.  For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.  For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive [and] remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.  For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:  Then we which are alive [and] remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.  Wherefore comfort one another with these words."

~ I Thes. 4:13 - 18

GOD MOVES IN MYSTERIOUS WAYS...

God moves in mysterious ways

His wonders to perform;

He plants His footsteps in the sea,

And rides upon the storm.

Deep in unfathomable mines

Of never-failing skill,

He treasures up His bright designs

And works His sovereign will.

Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take;

The clouds ye so much dread

Are bog with mercy, and shall break

In blessings on your head.

Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,

But trust Him for His grace;

Behind a frowning providence,

He hides a smiling face.

His purposes will ripen fast,

Unfolding every hour.

The bud may have a bitter taste,

But sweet will be the flower.

Blind belief is sure to err

And scan his work in vain;

God is His own interpreter,

And He will make it plain.

~ Author Unknown 

Walgreens Photo Deal

If anyone is interested, Walgreens Photo (online) has a deal TODAY ONLY.  20 Free 4x6 photos with the code 20FREE4ME.  I ordered mine this morning and picked them up already.  This is an opportunity to get some of those digital photos off your camera, onto your computer, and printed out, FINALLY!  Hey, I'm sure you all are just like me.  I take pictures and they stay on my camera for a loooooong time.  Get some printed out today ~ for FREE!  If you don't already have a Walgreens photo account, sign up!  It's soooo worth it!

"Oh, What a Beautiful Morning... "

Now that the rain and storms have ended, it is a beautiful day.  The wind is blowing, the sun in shining, so much to be thankful for...  I guess that even if it was still storming, I still have so much to be thankful for, that's for sure!  

It is just so easy to base our happiness and joy on our circumstances.  But that's not what the Bible teaches.  We are to be content in whatever state we are in, good or bad.  When the storms come into our life, be content.  When we have mountains to climb, be content.  When we are suffering, be content.  

Why?  Because He will deliver us, walk beside us, carry us through it.  Praise God for His unending love, His great mercy, His provision, His grace, His abundant blessings.  Need I say  more?  (By the way, I feel like I'm preaching to myself.  Boy, do I need this encouragement!  Hopefully, I can be an encouragement to you, also.)

On a more personal note (as if the previous paragraphs weren't personal enough), Levi is really starting to repeat things that he hears us or others say.  It's really cute when we say our prayers, either at eating time or bed time, he tries to repeat what we say.  It is so much fun to hear his little voice try to say some of the bigger words.  In fact, the other evening on the way home from church, we were listening to the Hallelujah Chorus in the car (Yes, I know, it's a little early for Christmas songs. ~ We have begun practicing for our choir's Christmas cantata.), and Mr. Levi started "singing" Hallelujah, Hallelujah...  So CUTE!  We had quite a laugh over that!  

Hopefully, we are going to the Fair again this evening if the weather holds out.  We still have 2 free tickets from the Indy Star that we would like to use.  Tomorrow night, we are planning to go to the Indians game and staying for fireworks after the game (more free tickets).  We really enjoy FREE entertainment!  Saturday, we might try to go back to the Fair again.  Crazy, I know, but my brother is giving us 2 more free tickets.  Hey, it only comes once a year.  Gotta get as much summer in as we can!  It is almost over, isn't it?

I will post more pictures when I take more.  Hope everyone enjoys today!  And remember to be CONTENT!

~God Bless!

Isaiah 26:3

Thou wilt keep [him] in perfect peace, [whose] mind [is] stayed [on thee]: because he trusteth in thee.

For those of you who are wondering where I came up with my Blog title, it is a verse that has become very special to me through the years.  Growing up under the piano teaching of Mrs. Shingleton, this verse was very important.  It was "our special verse".  I don't even remember when I first learned the verse, it just seems like I've always known it.  She taught us this verse for helping to calm our nerves for recitals.  But it sure has stayed with me!  Whenever I hear this verse, oh, the memories that come to mind!  In my hallway, I have the verse hanging up on the wall, the plague that Mrs. S. gave to "her girls".  

I love you, Mrs. Shingleton!  You have been a very Godly influence on my life!  Thank you for all that you have done for me.  

Another Trip to the Fair

I posted more photos of another trip to the Fair.  We got to pet some baby cows, got to feed the goats, and got to play in the play area in the FFA building.  Oh, and, of course, we had to go visit the tractors...  Can you tell that Levi has a tractor fetish?  Especially John Deere tractors!  Mr. Harold Thomas would be proud...  We had a lot of fun with Daddy last night.  

So, today, we are doing NOTHING!!  I need a day to recoup from yesterday.  

AHHHH.........

Okay, now back to work.  I do have a lot to do around the house.  Dishes, laundry, cleaning, playing with Levi, cooking dinner for tonight.  Wednesday evenings are always very rushed.  Rob gets home anywhere between 5:00 and 5:45, and we have to leave for church by 6:00.  Rush, rush, rush.  But, it definitely is worth it!  We enjoy the recharge that Wednesday evening gives us for the rest of the week!  Hope everyone is found faithful in their church this week!

State Fair Fun

It's the most wonderful time of the year...

No, it's not Christmas.  Although there are only 4 months until then... 

No, it's State Fair time!!  Love the Fair!  Enjoyed a trip last Thursday and this morning, and looking forward to another trip tonight and Thursday night.  Levi is having a wonderful time exploring (all the while wearing me out - Ugh), but I know he will have special memories of these little excursions.  We saw all kinds of animals, tractors, food.  Oh, and we saw a cow give birth!  Well, I was chasing Levi around at that exact moment, but I did get to see the calf just a couple minutes after birth.  Amazing!  It also brought back memories of when I gave birth.  Maybe it was because I felt like I was the size of a cow...

Anyway, we are just waiting for Rob to get home from work so we can head out again.  Admission today is only $2.00 and Levi is free, so very affordable.  Too bad all of those delicious fair treats aren't free.  My regular is a pork burger and a pineapple whip.  What is your favorite fair treat?  Anyone try the chocolate covered bacon or deep-fried Pepsi?  Doesn't sound too appetizing to me.  Just give me some pineapple whip and the trip is a success.  It doesn't matter how impossible Levi is.  :)

Well, since this is my first blog, I will work on my site this week hopefully to get it up and running.  Don't know how often I will be updating.  Those of you with a two-year-old know how hard it can be to find time to do anything!  But I will try to keep updates coming.

So, please come back!