Project 365 ~ Week 5

Monday

Here is the latest and greatest on my card making. I thought these could be used for Valentine's Day, Anniversary, Wedding or just because.

Tuesday

I spent the day at my friend's house helping her out with making lunch and getting coupons cut out and organized to go shopping. We did a Publix run and did amazingly well. She spent $109 and saved over $233. Once we got home and the kids put all the groceries away, she took me into her room and gave me a ton of clothes. Most of them brand new that she had been holding onto. I came home with two huge garbage bags of clothes. I was so excited. Here is a very small sampling of what I brought home. Thank you... Thank you... Thank you!

Wednesday

The last Wednesday of each month we go to a local nursing home to have a church service. After the service we spend time talking with the the residents. Grace is the checker's champion and she asked me to play. I very rarely play checkers so I am not a threat to her but it was fun!

Thursday
Betsy spent a few days with Audrey as a trial run to see if she would be willing/able to take care of Betsy for 2 weeks while we go on our cruise.

Friday

We were invited over to a church families home for dinner. We had a fabulous time. They made the most delicious food...spelt spaghetti with meatballs, asparagus, Greek salad and garlic bread....for dessert we ate this chocolaty rich mousse. I was totally stuffed, so to work it off we played some games. We laughed and laughed and laughed some more.

Saturday

We were suppose to get snow, ice and sleet so we decided to pick up a pizza in the morning and stay in the rest of the day. Mike found this new pizza of the month at Walmart. It was extra cheesy and yummy!

Going to check out Sara's blog and see how everyone else's week went.

No wonder...

I struggle with the English language.

I received this in an email from my Dad. Hope you enjoy!

1. The bandage was wound around the wound.
2. The farm was used to produce produce.
3. The dump was so full that it had to refuse more refuse.
4. We must polish the Polish furniture.
5. He could lead if he would get the lead out.
6. The soldier decided to desert his dessert in the desert.
7. Since there is no time like the present, he thought it was time to present the present.
8. A bass was painted on the head of the bass drum.
9. When shot at, the dove dove into the bushes.
10. I did not object to the object.
11. The insurance was invalid for the invalid.
12. There was a row among the oarsmen about how to row.
13. They were too close to the door to close it.
14. The buck does funny things when the does are present.
15. A seamstress and a sewer fell down into a sewer line.
16. To help with planting, the farmer taught his sow to sow.
17. The wind was too strong to wind the sail.
18. Upon seeing the tear in the painting I shed a tear.
19. I had to subject the subject to a series of tests.
20. How can I intimate this to my most intimate friend?

English sure is a complicated language!

Zizzie Cards

Thanks to my two very talented brothers, the Zizziecards website has a new look.

Check it out and let me know what you think. I am always looking for feedback, so be sure to share some with me.

My goal is to spend more time on creating new cards this year and possibly networking my site more.

Thank you Philip and Michael for all your hard work!

And thanks to my readers for looking and for all your feedback! I greatly appreciate it!

Random Dozen #4

Linda from 2nd Cup of Coffee suggests you watch the video first and then read my answers.

1. How good are you at delaying gratification? I think it just depends on my mood...sometimes I can keep my eye on the prize and not have a problem delaying my gratification... and other times I feel like I just have to have it now!

2. Maybe a marshmallow wouldn't be too difficult a temptation for you. What food (or anything else) would be most tempting? lately it's been ice cream... especially after eating a salty meal, I am tempted to eat ice cream....

3. On a scale of 1-10 (10 being saintly) how patient are you? 4 ... I hate to answer this question because I will probably be tested on my patience now :-)

4. Have you ever waited for something in life only to be disappointed upon realization of the goal/object/etc.? not that I can think of... if anything, I have been disappointed when I have given into something and then later realize that if I have delayed it, I would have probably realized it wasn't worth it and saved myself the disappointment

5. Are you a person who takes shortcuts? depends if the shortcut is a good thing or not... in my work, I try to do my best... shortcuts would be less than my best... but a shortcut when driving... to get me from here to there faster (without hurting anything/anything/ or the end result) than I am totally for it.

6. Which line is hardest to wait in? cruise line...when you are so ready to go on vacation... get on that boat... eat lots of food.... get some rest.... the anticipation... oh I am already so excited for our cruise in May

7. Did you wait to discover the gender of your unborn child until its birth? no children yet and I am not sure if I would wait or not...I guess I need to talk to Mike about that one

8. Are you more patient with children or the elderly? never really thought about it...I think it is a different kind of patience for each...

9. Did you ever sneak a peek at a present? not that I can remember... I like being surprised

10. What is the longest you've ever waited for anything? 7 years.... so far... and still waiting... for children that is... My husband and I have been married for 7 years and still no children... but God is faithful and I know His timing is perfect

11. Who has more patience, you or your significant other? depends... sometimes he is... and sometimes I am...

12. Which of the following songs about waiting is your pick for the best? (OK, you may substitute another, if you like.) honestly... I am only familiar with C) Right Here Waiting for You by Richard Marx

A) Anticipation by Carly Simon
B) The Waiting by Tom Petty
C) Right Here Waiting for You by Richard Marx
D) Wait for Me by Rebecca St. James

Spicy Brussels Sprouts with Fried Capers

In trying to eat healthier I have introduced Brussels sprouts to our diet and I must say I really like them - to me they taste like little cabbages. Try this recipe out and let me know what you think.
Spicy Brussels Sprouts with Fried Capers
2 lbs Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
1/2 cup drained brined capers
1/3 cup EVOO (I used much less because I used my non stick pan)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 to 3/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1/2 lemon

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add Brussels sprouts and cook just until tender and bright green, about 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Meanwhile, blot capers on a paper towel. Heat oil in a large frying pan over high heat. Add capers and cook, stirring carefully (mixture will splatter), until capers start to open and are brown and crisp, about 5 minutes. With a slotted spoon, transfer capers to a paper towel to drain.
3. Add garlic to pan and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add Brussels sprouts and red pepper flakes and stir to coat with oil. Cook, stirring occasionally, until starting to brown, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a serving plate and sprinkle with capers and a squeeze of lemon.

Beans...Beans...Beans

Several years ago, in an attempt to live more frugally, we bought lots and lots of beans. I have used beans but not at the rate I thought I would. I recently found this bucket, brand new, never opened, sitting in the basement. I decided I better open it and cook some up.

Well the first batch I wasn't paying much attention to and I didn't even think about it, I cooked it for a few hours and then drained the water, added chicken broth and other seasonings and made a soup. I have no idea what I was thinking. I would normally check the beans to see if they were soft but for some reason that day I didn't. So the beans in that soup weren't real hard but they weren't nice and soft like we like them.

So I tried it again. This time making sure to pay close attention to the softness of the beans. Do you believe that it took ALL DAY to get them nice and soft. Is this normal? I never noticed beans taking me that long before. Could these beans just be too old? Can beans ever get so old that you can't cook them enough to make them soft?

Anyone out there know? I would appreciate any advice. Thanks!

Project 365 ~ Week 4

Sunday
This sweet family at our church put some new decorations up around the church for all to enjoy. I was so impressed with the work they did. Gorgeous art pieces and accessories. Here is one of the many beautiful arrangements recently added.

Monday
After finishing the cash envelopes I had some left over paper scraps that I needed to use. Here is one card I made. I love the yellow and chocolate color together. The little onesie stamp is so cute, I just love it!

Tuesday
This is one of those many unfinished projects that I was talking about in my Goals for 2010. I have had this project for years. To be honest, I don't even remember when I started it. I did pull it out and looked it over to see how much work I still had left to do. I think I am going to put this project in the truck to work on while we drive around town. Eventually I will get it done... I promise! Wednesday
Here are some more cards I completed this week. Another one of my Goals for 2010 is to use a new stamp set each month until I have used all the stamps I own. So this stamp set called A Little Love from Stampin Up is for January. I thought this little dog stamp was adorable and I love the saying with it... ruff day? Thursday
Audrey is my dear friend who takes me to Bible study on Thursdays. You may be asking yourself why she is posing like this for her picture... and I have a very good explanation... really I do! Basically, her friends always tease her that she only wears black shirts and shoes so she wanted the picture as proof that she does wear more than just black. BTW - We had another awesome day at Bible study. Friday
Mike had off work so I thought it would be nice to go check out the local crisis pregnancy center. See, we support the center in Cumming but since we live in Dahlonega, I thought it would be nice to support our local center. I am also praying about volunteering. I need to get some transportation worked out but I know if this is God's will for me right now, it will all work out.
Saturday
Thanks to all of you who prayed for my roll top desk to sell. Praise the Lord it's sold. I posted about 6 other items on Craigslist. My goal is to sell things from around the house that Mike and I can raise enough money to go on a cruise with my sister and her hubby. The cruise which they already have scheduled is actually the week of our anniversary. Wouldn't it be nice to celebrate our 8 year anniversary on a cruise? Please pray that my antique phone sells this week, and that we are able to sell it as a good price. This phone is from the 1900's and in very good condition but it has been sitting in our closet for over 2 years and I decided it was time to let it go. Anyone local interested?

Well that about sums up my week so join me as I head on over to Sara's blog to check out how the week went for the other participants of Project 365.

Wings As Eagles

Thanks to Amy @ Signs, Miracles, Wonders for hosting Then Sings My Soul Saturdays. Now go check out her blog and all the other participants.

Ranch-Style Eggs

1 oz butter
1 small onion, thinly sliced
14 oz canned tomatoes, drained and mashed
1 fresh green chili, seeded and cut into thin strips
2 Tbsp tomato paste
4 eggs
freshly ground pepper
4 oz tasty cheese (mature cheddar), grated
2 Tbsp chopped fresh coriander

Melt butter in a heavy-based frying pan over a medium heat, add onion and cook, stirring, for about 3-4 minutes or until soft, but not brown. Stir in tomatoes, chili and tomato paste, bring to a simmering and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes.

Using the back of a large spoon, make 4 hollows in the tomato mixture. Break an egg into a cup, then carefully slide into one of the hollows. Repeat with remaining eggs. Cover pan and cook for 5 minutes or until egg whites are just set.

Season eggs with black pepper and sprinkle with cheese. Re-cover pan and cook for 2 minutes longer or until cheese melts and eggs are cooked to your liking. Sprinkle with coriander and serve immediately.

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This is the egg recipe I made this week. I planned on making more egg meals but Mike was in training 3 days this week and things were just off our normal routine.

The above is the original recipe... I changed mine slightly but I wanted to share the original.

Happy 101 Award!

The other day my Aunt Rita gave me the Happy 101 Award. Now it's my turn to follow the rules and share some great blogs with you.

Here are the rules:

1. Copy the award image into a post.
2. List 10 things that make you happy.
3. Tag 10 bloggers who brighten your day.
4. Put in a link to their blogs.
5. Notify the award receivers.
6. Recipients should link back to the sender’s blog.

List 10 Things That Make Me Happy:

1. Mike - He is the most amazing man in the world. Did you know that his goal every day is to make me laugh? He loves me, takes care of me, supports me, listens to me....he is just amazing!
2. Family - We have always been close and I am so thankful God gave me a close knit family. If Mike and I ever need anything, from advice to a place to live, I can confidently say they would be there for us... no matter what.
3. Friends - I have been blessed with such wonderful friends... God knows exactly who I need in my life to challenge me and move me toward a closer relationship with Him.
4. Cooking - I love cooking... there is just something about making and enjoying a delicious meal.
5. Stamping - such a fun way to use my hands...making little card creations with my rubber stamps, ink and paper... I so enjoy making cards but my problem is I am not good as selling them... Note to self: I need to work on selling my cards more!
6. Scrapbooks - I haven't done scrapbooking in a while but I really want to get back into it. I want to capture those memories... organize those pictures... and enjoy looking back at the completed books.
7. Organizing - there is nothing that feels better than completing an organization project... big or small... the happy feeling of a job well done... having everything in its place, easy to find, easy to get to, easy to put away. I can't say I have achieved organizational success in all areas of my house (because believe me my craft room is a mess) but I am working on little project at a time as I compete these little projects my heart overflows with joy.
8. Pictures - I am not at all a professional... but I enjoy taking pictures... capturing those special moments...maybe one day I will take a class on photography to help me achieve a more professional style.
9. Garage Sales - finding good garage sales that have a wide selection of items and is well priced for a garage sale makes me happy, happy, happy.
10. Singing - Nothing sooths the soul better than singing. I love to sing... it just makes me happy... whether I am doing the dishes, cleaning the house, or working on my crafts.... I just love to sing!

Tag 10 Bloggers Who Brighten Your Day:

1. Kathy the Vegas Girl - this is my sister's blog... I love reading her blog because she lives so far away from me right now that this makes me feel a little closer. I love you Kathy and sure do miss you!
2. The Estarellas Family - this is my SIL's blog... she takes some awesome pictures and I love reading about what they are up to.
3. The Homespun Heart - I don't even remember how I started reading this blog but I have been following it for about a year or so... Monica challenges me to make my home a haven...she makes some amazing crafts and has also shared some delicious recipes... I have never met Monica but she seems like such a sweet, gentle, caring, Christian lady.
4. Six Olive Plants - Marcy use to come to our church until the moved south. I enjoy the stories she shares... it seems there is never a dull moment in that house!
5. Pecan Pastures - This is Marcy's oldest daughter...she has such a heart for the Lord... she is turning into such a Godly young lady... it's just amazing to see!
6. Make Music From Your Heart To The Lord - I was introduced to Sara's blog last year when I started Project 365... I have enjoyed getting to know her better... and I enjoyed Project 365 so much last year that I joined again this year. If you have a blog, I highly recommend jumping in on this project.
7. Pieces of Me - I actually found Allison's blog through a stamp site called Split Coast Stampers. Then I realized she actually lived pretty close to me (at least GA standards for close) I am looking forward to meeting her one day.
8. Divine Calling - Christie is amazing... Mom to 4 beautiful children... her posts are very thought provoking... and her pictures are priceless...We gotta get together sometime... I miss you!
9. Heavenly Homemakers - Not sure how I found this blog but I am so glad I did. Laura has some wonderful recipes but even more than just recipes, she does a great job keeping things real.
10. A Sacred Foundation - Maggie (from church) has such adorable children. She does a fantastic job in getting lots of pictures of them.

Thanks again Aunt Rita for selecting my blog!

Random Dozen #3

Another week has gone by and it's that time again ~ thanks again Linda for hosting Random Dozen.

1. If you physically lock in one age for yourself, which would you choose and why? actually right now is a good age

2. What is the best dish that you cook or bake (your piece de resistance?) I asked the hubby and this is what he said ~ PW's Marlboro Man's Favorite Sandwich

3. When you feel blue, what is one strategy you use to help yourself back to normal? sing... it is amazing how singing just lifts me right up...

4. When was the last time you danced in public? dance? are you kidding me...

5. Do you consider yourself a realist or dreamer? I think I would have to say I am a wanna be dreamer... I dream up alot of different things I would love to start or get involved in, however the realist in me reminds me of all the obstacles that I don't even know where to begin and so the realist wins again.

6. As a parent, what is one thing that you have done well? not a parent yet but Lord willing one day I will be

7. Which is your favorite character on the Andy Griffith show? I know what the Andy Griffith show is but I haven't watched it much to really know the characters. Sorry!

8. On a scale of 1-10, how much do you know about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.? I guess I would say a 2... I sure remember February being dedicated to studying him in school but I really don't remember much.

9. What is your #1 driving pet peeve? I can't even remember the last time I drove. I hate driving so my wonderful husband takes me everywhere.

10. Which color best represents your mood today? Care to elaborate? gray... it looks like it's going to rain outside so the day as been overcast.

11. If your spouse were an animal, which would he/she be? monkey... and I mean this in the nicest way.... he is always making me laugh because he is such a kid at heart.

12. What activity takes up the bulk of your time on an average day? honestly... the computer... unless I am dedicated and need to get other things done.

Working From Home

I am so grateful that Mike has a job that allows him to work from home. To not have to rush out the door in the morning and be stuck in traffic on the way home is such a huge blessing. But the thing I love most about Mike working from home is all the time I get to spend with him. Sure he is working at his desk but that doesn't stop me from walking in and giving him a kiss and telling him that I love him. And it is always such a joy to be able to sit and enjoy lunch with him.

Thank you Lord for this job you have blessed Mike with!

Thanks to Laura @ Heavenly Homemaker for hosting Gratituesday.

My Testimony

This past week was revival at our church and God has been convicting me about many areas of my life that I need to work on.

Yesterday God challenged me that I need to be more bold to share my testimony. Today I am taking the first step and sharing my testimony with y'all.

I was born into a Christian family, actually at the time, my parents were missionaries in Argentina. Because of this, I was at church every time the doors were open. My parents read the Bible to me and prayed with me often. Overall I was a good person, however, I was a sinner by nature and a sinner by choice. Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.

One night (I don't remember exactly how old I was ~ maybe 7) I was watching the movie A Thief in the Night and I remember being so scared. God opened my eyes that night to the realisation that I was a sinner and the price for my sins was death. I was going to be separated from God for eternity. Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

I started talking to my sister about the fact that I was a sinner, lost and heading to hell. Kathy helped me understand that Jesus Christ died for my sins. Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. He was willing to take my place on the cross so that I could go free. John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

All I needed to do was believe, repent of my sins and turn my life over to Jesus. Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. That night I prayed for Jesus to forgive me of my sins and to be Lord of my life. Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Romans 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. By spending time in the Bible and praying, my relationship with the Lord has grown deeper but the more I learn, the more I realize how much I still need to learn.

I rejoice in this precious promise from God, Romans 8:38-39 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

If Christ returns today, do you know where you will spend eternity?

Don't wait until it's too late to make a decision.

2 Peter 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

Mark 13:32-37 But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. For the Son of Man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cock crowing, or in the morning: Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.

Project 365 ~ Week 3

This has been a very spiritually convicting week for me. The Lord started working in my heart last Sunday challenging me to be in His Word and on my knees more. By Tuesday I was deep into the Stepping Up workbook getting my homework done. The Lord showed me that I have been saved for 23 years or so and have not focused much of my time for doing God's work here on earth. My priorities have been way off.

Sunday

I am really trying to focus on making Sunday a true day of rest for me. So I spent the afternoon playing on my laptop by the end of that time I thought it would be nice to organize my desktop. I am one of those people who saves everything to her desktop, so it was a mess. This is the end result and I am very happy with it. It makes me feel so good to be organized.

Monday
I cleaned up the house some and then took the rest of the afternoon to be in God's word.

Tuesday
After Mike got off work, we decided to clean out his roll top desk and put it on Craigslist. Please pray with me that this desk sells this week. It is a wonderful desk, in excellent condition but we are trying to change some things around and it just doesn't really fit in the office any more. Wednesday
Time for more meditating in God's word.
Thursday
Audrey and I attended the Stepping Up Bible study at this HUGE church in Buford. The ladies in the group were very welcoming. What an awesome study so far! Friday
I collected 19 eggs which is the highest we have ever had. As the weather gets warmer we should start getting at least 2 dozen a day. Because of the abundance of eggs, I decided to pull out this recipe book that my SIL Maureen gave me when she visited us this past July. There are some really yummy recipes in this book and I look forward to trying them this coming week. I will be sure to take some pictures and pass along the "do again" recipes.

Saturday
I was cleaning out a cabinet and I found these index cards. These are from when I was in 5th grade. Each week we had a new verse to learn. First we would write them on a recycled index card, then Mrs. Leppert would review it for spelling first and finally we would recite it to her. She is my favorite teacher, not because I did well in her class (because believe me I didn't... I was an average student, struggling through spelling, reading and English) but God has blessed her with a gift for teaching, loving and caring for others.

Bonus Picture / Giveaway
I have eight $5 off coupons for Roadhouse Grill to give away. The question: who has a Roadhouse Grill near them. These coupons have no expiration date. We use to have 2 locations within 30 minutes of us but they have both closed...maybe all Roadhouse Restaurants have closed, I don't know. If you have one of these near you, leave a comment and I will randomly select from those names. Thanks to all of you for visiting. I would love to hear from you so please leave a comment. Now go over to Sara's blog and spread some more cheer!

I will joyfully sing

I was just recently introduced to the Steve Pettit Evangelistic Team music and I love it. I decided to go to YouTube and see what else I can find from them. This song stuck out to me because I love to sing and it makes me joyful. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.Thanks to Amy @ Signs, Miracles, Wonders for hosting Then Sings My Soul Saturdays. Now go check out her blog and all the other participants.

Heartline Ministries

Yesterday I posted a link to Sara's blog regarding Urgent Prayer for Haiti, today I want to give you more information.

I read through Sara's post and she had 2 links that offered more information. I read through them and as I read, I prayed for the people in Haiti...the missionaries, the children, the people who were trapped under collapsed buildings.

If the Lord leads you to support an organization or cause, be sure you know where your money is going. For those that don't know, 100% of all funds that come in to Heartline Ministries are spent in Haiti.

If at this time you can't support financially, be sure you support in prayer. And if you can, share this information with others, post it on your blog. Let's spread the word!

Goals for 2010

Since it's already the middle of January I decided I better get this posted. I've been praying and meditating on what my goals should be for 2010.

For me the new year has always been a time to make a resolution to lose weight. Although I always started strong, it never lasted. This year I want to do things differently. I want to be sure I am in the Lord's will as I focus on my goals.

As the saying goes, "If you aim at nothing, you'll hit it every time." I don't want to waste a year of my life when I should be living for the Lord. I may not make all my goals, or I may change them along the way but I will be farther along than if I didn't set any goals at all.

So with all of this in mind, I am setting these goals to accomplish by next year.

Family Goals:

• Stay in closer contact with family and friends
• Create a photo prayer journal
• De-clutter the house...getting rid of things we don't use and organizing the things we do use

Homemaking Goals:

• Try one new recipe a week

Financial Goals:

• Save 3 to 6 months expenses in savings
• Pay at least $5,000 extra on our mortgage

Personal Goals:

• Comment more on others blogs
• Participate more on blog activities that promote networking

Spiritual Goals:

• A time of prayer each night before going to sleep
• Pray more frequently for our missionaries
• Go through the Bible on CD

Crafting Goals:

• Use one new stamp set per month to make cards
• Complete one card challenge per month
• Make 25 cards per month
• Post one item on Etsy per month
• Have 1 stamp class per Quarter

Books to Read:

• Bible
• Stepping Up by Beth Moore
• The Power of Simple Prayer by Joyce Meyer

As I look back on 2009 I realize there are many projects that I started and never finished. This year I want to focus more on completing what I begin and also going back and completing those projects from 2009.

I would appreciate your prayers as I strive to complete these goals. Through God's leading, guidance and strength, I will be successful!

2 Corinthians 5:10 ~ For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

Praise, Prayer & Memorize

Praise:
Just wanted to praise the Lord for a safe home delivery of Liberty Jane Burge on January 12 @ 11:13 AM. God has given the Burge family a healthy little girl weighing in at 8 lbs 1 ounce and 20 inches long. Thank you Lord!

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Prayer:
I receive emails from Bethany Christian services since Mike and I have gone to some of their meetings regarding adoption. This email that I received yesterday really touched me and I wanted to share this prayer request with you so we could all pray for these sweet girls.

Also be in prayer for all in Haiti as they work through the devastation after the earthquake.

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Memorize:

Today I am going to a Women's Bible Study, more on that later. I've spent the last couple days doing my homework in preparation for this class. One of the challenges Beth Moore gives is for us to memorize Psalm 121. It is only 8 verses so will you join me in memorizing God's word?

She has asked us to memorize the verses using the Holman Christian Standard Bible so we can all say it in unison in the class. Although this is not a normal translation I use, I will be memorizing the verses in that translation.

Psalm 121:1-8

1 I raise my eyes toward the mountains.
Where will my help come from?

2 My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.

3 He will not allow your foot to slip;
your Protector will not slumber.

4 Indeed, the Protector of Israel
does not slumber or sleep.

5 The LORD protects you:
the LORD is a shelter right by your side.

6 The sun will not strike you by day,
or the moon by night.

7 The LORD will protect you from all harm;
He will protect your life.

8 The LORD will protect your coming and going
both now and forever.

Random Dozen #2

1.When was the last time you craved a food--what was it, and did you cave? yesterday, a bagel and no I didn't cave...trying to do low carb right now and a bagel doesn't fit into that category

2. M & M's or Skittles? M&M's .... Peanut M&M's to be exact

3. Have you ever read the Bible completely through? yes...many failed attempts but I do think I made it through one time...this year I am listening to the Bible on cd

4. How long does it take you to really wake up in the morning? not long... once I am up out of bed I am awake

5. Have you ever been on a cruise? If not, would you like to? yes, I think I am up to about 5 cruises and I would love to do some more. I love cruises because I go with my family... we all get together and have a great week of making lots of memories

6. Who is your favorite actress? don't really have one

7. ______ is something that I will just never understand. Poker

8. How much of a technology junkie are you? Lets see... I have a cell phone but it's not new so it doesn't do much of anything but make and receive calls (which is fine with me) ... I have Facebook but not Tweeter... I have a digital camera and I actually got my Canon Rebel as soon as it went digital.... I love pictures and the money I have saved by having a digital camera instead of my Canon 35mm is amazing... so all in all I would say I am average

9. Do you enjoy selecting greeting cards for people, or is it more of a cultural "have to" for you? I enjoy making greeting cards...way better to receive a handmade card than a store bought one...don't you think?

10. When was the last time you got a new style/haircut? probably about 5 years ago my sister took me to have my hair professionally cut with a completely new look but then it grew out and since I don't like to pay for hair cuts I just have my same old look.

11. What do you enjoy shopping for most? others... I would shop for someone else any day before I would go and spend money on myself.

12. What's the last thing you think of before you leave the house? did I lock the door

Thanks Linda @ 2nd cup of coffee for hosting Randon Dozen.

Sisters

Today I want to share how grateful I am for sisters. Some of you who know me very well may be thinking she only has one sister and I would have to agree that I only have one earthly sister (who may I add is the best sister in the world!) but my spiritual family is filled with many sisters.

Throughout my life I have had many different sisters who have touched my heart.

This week I want to focus on one in particular ~ Audrey.

Audrey invited me to go to a Bible study later this week. She came over yesterday to show me the book, talk to me about how the intro week went and get me up to speed so I would be ready for this week's meeting.

Her enthusiasm got me moving. Mike and I went to the Family Christian book store last night and bought the workbook, Stepping Up by Beth Moore, so I could do my homework before the Bible study on Thursday.

As I started reading through the pages I was just filled with the realization that this is exactly what I need in my life right now. In some ways 2009 was a really tough year for me and I look forward to 2010 as God molds me and uses me to His glory.

I must say that if it weren't for Audrey thinking of me and inviting me to join her in this Bible study my outlook today would have been a much different one.

Thank you Lord for sisters in Christ!

Thanks to Laura @ Heavenly Homemaker for hosting Gratituesday. Now go over to her blog because today she has a $100 Visa gift card giveaway. Check it out, you wont want to miss it!

My Cash Envelopes

Here is the finished product. I ended up making 2 booklets of envelopes. Instead of inserting it into my wallet, I used some extra checkbook covers we had. Mike even loves how they turned out and I am really excited about using them. We are going to leave one in the truck which will hold our grocery and gas money. The second one we will leave at home to hold the cash for other categories.

The flower in the corner is where we will write down category

Project 365 ~ Week 2

Monday

look at all these eggs we came home to...we actually had about a dozen more that froze and cracked.

After cleaning the chicken house, going through the HUGE stack of mail, unpacking, it was time to put away the Christmas decorations... look how bare the house looks

Tuesday

We are trying to eat healthier...you know what that means?

We eat healthier, the chickens eat healthier...here they are eating celery...they get to eat the leafy part while we enjoy the main celery stalk...they also enjoyed the pecking at the skin of my spaghetti squash...they cleaned it all up

Wednesday

We had a chance to go to Walmart and check out what Christmas items are left. I got these really nice Wilton cookie cutters for 75 cents each. These cutters normally sell for around $5. I am really excited.

Thursday

Oh baby it's cold outside

Thursday we got snow...Mike couldn't wait to get outside and make a little snowman.

Friday

I woke up to this white winter wonderland

Saturday

Although it was icy out, Mike wanted to get out of the house. So off we went heading south as we drove, did some grocery shopping and went to watch a movie. While driving we saw this cute round bale straw family.Does anyone know what kind of bird this is? We saw it sitting on a bench and I walked closer and closer to it but it wasn't budging. I'm surprised it stayed so still but then again it was really enjoying the sunshine during this very cold day.

I am going to close my week on Saturday so I can post this earlier on Sundays. Next week you will see my picture for today. Thanks to all who visit and comment on my blog. I greatly appreciate it. Now go over to Sara's blog and spread some more cheer!