Two More...

...weeks until vacation time! Carnival Cruise here we come! Can't wait to spend a week relaxing with my hubby, my sister, and her hubby!

Better Late Than Never

It took me a long time to get my craft room cleaned and organized; so I guess it would only be
fitting that it takes me forever to get the pictures posted.

Before

The room has looked worse than this in the past but I couldn't find the pictures to prove it so you will just have to take my word for it My first step was to empty out the room...

...the entire room

After
All the bags/containers in this closet are empty and ready to be used or sold

I even hung up some pictures which was well overdue The 2 big plastic containers actually have garage sale items in them so they will be gone in a few months My working table... I hope to keep this somewhat clean at all times... we will see how I do

My nice clean and organized craft room makes me feel so good!

Project 365 ~ Week 17

I can't believe how fast this week flew by and I think next week will go even faster. Things are just busy, busy, busy.

Monday

Mike and I went to visit our friend Elaine who was in the hospital after emergency surgery.

Tuesday
Had fun watching my friend's little kiddos...they always amaze me with their imagination

Wednesday

Worked on Mother's Day, Anniversary and Birthday cards

Thursday

Betsy and I have enjoyed lots of walks this week.<> Friday

Always good to have birthday cards on hand... I was playing around with the Paint Prints stamp set but I never really made a card that I really liked. I tried different styles, colors, layouts but none of them were that great.

Saturday

It rained all day and Mike was on call so we spent most of the day watching NCIS Season 1 and for dinner we ordered Papa Johns delivery.

I am heading to Sara's blog to do some blog reading.

I've Got A Mansion

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

The Lord's Ballgame

Freddy and the Lord stood by to observe a baseball game. The Lord's team was playing Satan's team. The Lord's team was at bat, the score was tied zero to zero, and it was the bottom of the 9th inning with two outs.

They continued to watch as a batter named Love stepped up to the plate. Love swung at the first pitch and hit a single, because "Love never fails."

The next batter was named Faith, who also got a single because Faith works with Love.

The next batter up was named Godly Wisdom. Satan wound up and threw the first pitch. Godly Wisdom looked it over and let it pass: ball one. Three more pitches and Godly Wisdom walked because he never swings at what Satan throws.

The bases were now loaded. The Lord then turned to Freddy and told him He was now going to bring in His star player.

Up to the plate stepped Grace. Freddy said, "He sure doesn't look like much!"

Satan's whole team relaxed when they saw Grace. Thinking he had won the game, Satan wound up and fired his first pitch. To the shock of everyone, Grace hit the ball harder than anyone had ever seen! But Satan was not worried; his center fielder let very few get by. He went up for the ball, but it went right through his glove, hit him on the head and sent him crashing on the ground; the roaring crowds went wild as the ball continued over the fence for a home run!

The Lord's team won!

The Lord then asked Freddy if he knew why Love, Faith and Godly Wisdom could get on base but couldn't win the game. Freddy answered that he didn't know why.

The Lord explained, "If your love, faith and wisdom had won the game, you would think you had done it by yourself. Love, Faith and Wisdom will get you on base, but only My Grace can get you Home"

For by Grace are you saved, it is a gift of God; not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord will give grace and glory ; no good thin will He withhold from those who walk uprightly. Psalm 84:11

Project 365 ~ Week 16

This week flew by and was much better than last week was for me.

Monday

Finished up another stack of cards that I started 2 years ago but for some reason never finished them. Now they are all done and I am very happy about that! In the weeks to come, I hope to finish many other projects.

Tuesday

My girls day out for this week. We had a fabulous time.

Wednesday

Oops, I spent the day cleaning and organizing and totally forgot to take a picture.

Thursday

I spent most of my day cleaning Mike's office. I wanted to do a deep cleaning since he was away. Now I can keep it up and do another deep cleaning next spring.

Friday

If you don't know me very well, you may not know that I don't like to drive. Because Mike and I go everywhere together, Mike always drives. I haven't driven in over a year so this was a big deal for me to drive Mike's truck.

Saturday

After a long 2 weeks away, Mike is finally home. We spent the day running errands and just spending time together. Mike got new glasses while he was in Colorado. He found some nice Oakley frames.

Now I am heading on over to Sara's blog to read what everyone else accomplished this week.

Blessed Assurance

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

Frida Fill-Ins #172

1. I'd like _____________.
2. One of my most favorite romantic memories is _________.
3. Last night, I had __________ for dinner.
4. Sorry for the _____________.
5. Can we ______________ now?
6. One of my worst temptations is ________; ________ hard to resist!
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to _____, tomorrow my plans include _____ and Sunday, I want to _____!

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Mike comes home this afternoon. I can't wait. He has been gone for 2 weeks and it seems like forever!

1. I'd like to have my husband home.

2. One of my most favorite romantic memories is Mike planning a surprise trip to Niagara Falls for our 5 year anniversary.

3. Last night, I had rice for dinner.

4. Sorry for the lack of posting on my blog this week.

5. Can we just love each other now?

6. One of my worst temptations is eating bread; any kind of bread is hard to resist!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to seeing my husband, tomorrow my plans include spending time with my husband and Sunday, I want to go to church and then spend the rest of my day with my wonderful husband!

A Most Powerful Prayer

I am reading through The Power of Simple Prayer by Joyce Meyer and this past week I read something that really challenged me.

One of the most powerful prayers you can pray is a prayer for your enemies. If you want to see someone who is mighty in prayer, look for the person who will intercede for an enemy. I believe that God blesses us tremendously when we intercede for those who have offended or betrayed us.

Remember Job? He had to pray for his friends after they had really hurt and disappointed him. But immediately after he prayed, God began to restore his life. In fact, God gave him back twice as much as he had lost (see Job 42:10)! Praying for someone who has hurt us is so powerful because, when we do, we are walking in love toward that person and we are obeying the Word of God.

What does Jesus tell us to do in Matthew 5:44? He instructs us to pray for our enemies, saying, "Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you". When you think about the people who have used you, abused you, harassed you, and spoken evil of you, bless them; do not curse them. Pray for them. God knows that blessing your enemies is not easy and that you may not feel like doing it. But you don't do it because you feel like it - you do it as unto the Lord. Choosing to pray and bless instead of curse is so powerful in the spiritual realm, and God will do great things in your life as a result of it.

I needed this reminder! I need to pray for everyone, especially those who may hurt me or bother me.

Created to be His Help Meet ~ 12

Chapter 12 ~ By Divine Appointment

• But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the mead of Christ is God ~ I Corinthians 11:3
• For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body ~ Ephesians 5:23
• Don't worry about the quality of his leadership, for he is under the oversight of Jesus Christ. He must answer to God for how he leads his "troops." You must answer to God for how you obey the one he placed over you. It takes faith in God to trust him when all you seem to see is one carnal man leading you.
• Your husband is your knight in God's protective armor. Even if his armor appears a bit rusty and dull, it is still the armor of God, your safe covering in everything.

Time to Consider

• Traits of a Good Help Meet: She fears God. She believes God's Word as it is written. She considers her position as a help meet a privileged command.
• Write three new things that you will add to your life that will cause you to become more precious to your husband.
• List three things that you can do that will be a help to him.
• Write down three things you can do that will be an encouragement to him.
• Jot down three things about your appearance that you can change which he is sure to like.
• List three things that you can do to your house that will please him.
• White three things you can do (for example, intimate time together) that will make him feel like he is THE MAN.
• Plan three ways you can respond to hm in front of others that will show a heart of respect and honor toward him.

Melting Pot Experience

Rebecca and I had another girls day out today and what a great day it was! We started by getting manicures and pedicures. It was so relaxing and wonderful! After lunch we did some clothes shopping. Rebecca found some fabulous outfits. Then we headed to the Melting Pot.

This was Rebecca's first experience at the Melting Pot

(can you see the steam going up from the pot)

The cheddar cheese fondue is my favorite. I could go to the Melting pot just for this. One day I am going to try and make this cheddar cheese fondue at home.
The surf and turf was delicious... my favorite was the curry and teriyaki sauce mixed together

And then it was time for dessert...

My fav was strawberries dipped in chocolate... yummy!

Thanks so much Rebecca for a wonderful day and delicious and special dinner! The rest of my week is going to fly by and Mike will be home! I can't wait!

Project 365 ~ Week 15

This has been such a different week for me. I am not use to Mike not being home. One more week and he will be home. I can't wait!

Monday

Mike left at noon and I got to work. My goal for the day was to clean out my craft room. I moved everything out of the room so I could start from scratch. More before and after pictures will be shared later this week when my task is complete.

Tuesday

Had some girls from church over to do a card class. They had a great time and I am already planning the next one.

Wednesday

While cleaning out my craft room I found a stack of unfinished cards. I took the time to sit down and finish them up. It makes me feel good when I accomplish something even if it was something I should have finished in the first place the first time around. Now I am thinking of putting these cards in a flower shop to sell. If you walked into a flower shop and saw this card, how much would you be willing to pay for it? I always have a hard time figuring a price out.

Thursday

These purple flowers came up out of no where this year. I don't remember them last year so I am not sure where they came from but I do like them. They are beautiful!

Friday

My friend Rebecca came to the rescue for me. I had been in the house all week and I was going a little crazy. I had a rough day because I got some news that upset me and I didn't have anyone to talk to since Mike is out of town on training. Rebecca came over, took me out to eat and even made arrangements to spend the night so we could hang out together on Saturday.Of course we had to go to our favorite restaurant - Red Robin. I tried a new burger (which is Rebecca's favorite) and I think I found a new favorite - the guacamole bacon cheeseburger...yummy!

Saturday

Oh what a great day we had... a much needed girls day... we ran an errand, did some shopping and went and got our hair cut. To style my hair for the evening they straightened it, but I will never take the time to straighten my hair at home. So my hair will look quite different than this once I take a shower.

Thanks Rebecca for a wonderful day!

Now I am heading on over to Sara's blog to read how everyone else's week went.

Friends

I spent the day with a true friend today and when I got home and realized I hadn't posted anything for TSMSS the first song I thought of was Friends are Friends Forever. That is my prayer - that I may build a life long friendship with my dear sister in the Lord!

Thanks Rebecca for your friendship. Thanks for spending the day with me, I really needed it.

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

Friday Fill-Ins

1. In 1992, I was _____________.
2. _________ laughter and smiles.
3. Do what you __________, with what you __________, where you __________.
4. _____________ is where I'd like to be.
5. The trees and flowers are telling me ______________.
6. ________ that just keeps going on.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to _____, tomorrow my plans include _____ and Sunday, I want to _____!

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I have been busy cleaning my craft room but I wanted to take a little break to do some blogging. Have a blessed weekend everyone!

1. In 1992, I was starting high school.

2. Children are full of laughter and smiles.

3. Do what you are led to do by God, with what you have been blessed with, where you are right now in life.

4. With my wonderful husband is where I'd like to be.

5. The trees and flowers are telling me it's springtime.

6. I am tired of some stuff that just keeps going on.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to finishing my craft room project, tomorrow my plans include getting together with a friend (Lord willing) and Sunday, I want to worship the Lord!

First Random Dozen in April

I have missed the last few Random Dozen and I am really not sure why... I guess things have just been busy. Today I made sure I got this done early so another week wouldn't go by.

1. Define a great relationship.

One that you can be yourself and still be accepted

2. What was the last food/drink you purchased at a drive-through?

Sonic Route 44 Strawberry Limeade... yum

3. What is your favorite breed of dog?

Labrador Retriever

4. If you had to move to a state besides the one you currently live in, where would you move?

I guess I would say South Carolina because that is where most of my family lives right now

5. If you could change anything about the way you were raised, what would it be?

Nothing

6. Who's the funniest person you know?

Mike... he always says his goal is to make me laugh every day

7. Did you get enough sleep last night?

No... with Mike being gone it just isn't the same

8. What's the first thing you thought about this morning?

Mike... he left Monday for 2 weeks of training so he has been on my mind alot

9. Grilled or Fried? --HONESTLY

If I am eating out I choose fried most of the time... but if I am cooking at home I prefer grilled because I don't like how the house smells after frying something

10. Are you afraid of the dark?

Yes and No... most of the time I am fine but with Mike gone I do get alittle paranoid and if Betsy starts barking it only makes things worse

11.When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A Mom

12. If you had one word to describe yourself, what would you choose?

Christian

Created to be His Help Meet ~ 11

Chapter 11 ~ The Nature of Man and Woman

• It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him ~ Genesis 2:18
• But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God ~ I Corinthians 11:3
• Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man ~ I Corinthians 11:9

Time to Consider

• God placed man in the position of HEAD of the family, not because he is wiser or more capable, but because it is part of God's eternal design.
• When people think of your family, do they see your husband as the principal player, or do they think of you as the main character?
• Thy desire shall be to thy husband and shall rule over thee ~ Genesis 3:16
• Is your desire toward your husband?
• You cannot change 100% of the marriage, but you can change 50% of it, and that may improve your marriage by 200%

Gratituesday ~ My Husband

Yesterday Mike left for 2 weeks of training in Colorado. As much as I would have loved to go with him, I had to stay home to take care of the chickens and Betsy.

As soon as he left yesterday I already missed him. It just isn't the same in the house without him but I know God will watch over and protect me.


Mike is an amazing husband and I am so thankful God has blessed me with him. I don't even know where to start in telling you what makes Mike so wonderful. In the past few years he has grown spiritually and it is so exciting to see how God is working in him.

I pray I never take for granted the blessing God has given me in Mike.

I love you Mike and pray these next two weeks go by quickly so we can be together again soon!

Thank you Lord for my husband!

Thanks to Laura @ Heavenly Homemaker for hosting Gratituesday.

Missions Monday ~ Sirmons

The Sirmons are a sweet, sweet couple who have made France their home because of the love they have for the lost people there.

Prayer Requests:

• More people to come into the bookstore
• Those who have been attending the church to continue to be faithful
• Growth in the Bible Institute
• Wisdom and strength for Greg and Judy as they minister

Project 365 ~ Week 14

To all of you wondering about the laundry soap from last week... I have only used it in one load so far but it worked great...clothes looked clean. I am really excited to start saving lots of money on laundry detergent.

Monday

This is the card of the week. It's ready to go with Mike on his 2 week trip to Colorado. I sure will miss him but I am planning on staying real busy with cleaning my craft room.

Tuesday

Beautiful Day = Park Time

Wednesday

My grandmother gave me some seeds at Thanksgiving and I have now planted them in cups inside the house... in a few weeks or so I will plant them outside but they are looking good so far.

Thursday

After mowing the lawn for the first time this season, Mike decided to shave his hair all off. He said it hadn't been that short since boot camp.

Friday

I am finally getting things completed from my list of things that I have always wanted to try to make... last week it was laundry soap and this week it was peanut butter...easy and yummy!

Saturday

Another beautiful day outside...Mike took a truck full of people to a park and played kick ball.

I hope all of you have had a fabulous Easter Sunday celebrating our risen Savior! Now I am heading on over to Sara's blog to read how everyone else's week went.