Tuesday, May 28, 2013

There's A Miracle...

Whatsoever you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.  
- Matthew 21:22

What an odd item to be tagged with Matthew 21:22.  I posted this picture on FB right after I bought it but felt like I should tell it's little story. 

I commented to Mr. Z a couple weeks ago that it would be awesome to have a Keurig. Seems like these machines get all the good coffee flavors and the old fashioned Mr. Coffee gets left on the back burner so to speak :) So the next time I was cruising through W-Marts I stopped to peruse the Keurig hoping they had gotten cheaper :P They hadn't.  While I was thinking I might as well forget that notion and get it out of my silly head I felt checked by the voice saying "why don't you ask me?". So I did! And why not? He's the one 'who owns the cattle on a thousand hills'.

When I saw this beauty sitting on a table at a garage sale I wanted to question whether or not I should spend even $40.00 on it. I was hoping Mr. Z would make that decision so I could be off the hook :P Then I remembered the little conversation with my Heavenly Father and immediately I knew that coffee maker was mine, free and clear. haha 

I'm adding this picture into this post to remind myself that the same God who cares about my "silly" wants is certainly NOT absent in the big/serious needs. When you feel like your agent is lying through their teeth and seemly not doing their job but your stuck with a 1 yr. contract.
 I told God this morning "it's time to do your stuff". This was His response:
There's a miracle in the making
One for you the Father is working even now.
Your prayers have been heard and the answer’s on the way
There's a miracle in the making for you today 

Trusting and believing Him today!!!


Saturday, May 25, 2013

Worship

Exalt the Lord our God! Bow low before his feet, for he is holy! 
Psalm 99:5 NLT


If you are a Christian, gathering together with people of like faith should be high on your priority list when your chosen day of Sabbath comes around each week. Whether you attend a church that is traditional in it's worship style or a church with a modern style the whole purpose is to worship God right?! Have you thought about it lately as to who you really are worshiping? (This is not for people who worship other gods
Let me remind us of just who He is:

In Genesis, He's the breathe of life
In Exodus, the Passover lamb
In Leviticus, He's our High Priests
In Numbers, The fire by night
In Deuteronomy, He's Moses voice
In Joshua, He is salvation's choice
In Judges, The lawgiver
In Ruth, the kinsmen redeemer 
In I & II Samuel, our trusted prophet
In Kings & Chronicles, He is sovereign 
In Ezra, a true and faithful scribe
In Nehemiah, He's the rebuilder of broken walls and lives
In Esther, He is Mordecai's courage
In Job, the timeless redeemer
In Psalms, He is our morning song
In Proverbs, the wisdom's cry
In Ecclesiastes, the time and season
In Song of Solomon, He is the lover's dream
In Isaiah, He's the Prince of Peace
In Jeremiah, the weeping prophet
In Lamentations, the cry for Israel
In Ezekiel, He's the call from sin
In Daniel, the stranger in the fire
In Hosea, He is forever faithful
In Joel, He is the Spirit's power
In Amos, the arms that carry us
In Obadiah, He's the Lord our Savior
In Jonah, He's the great missionary
In Micah, the promise of peace
In Nahum, He is our strength and our shield
In Habakkuk and Zephaniah, He's pleading for revival
In Haggai, He restores a lost heritage
In Zachariah, our fountain
In Malachi, He is the son of righteousness with healing in His wings
In Matthew, Mark, Luke, & John, He is God, Man, Messiah
In Acts, He is fire from heaven
In Romans, He's the grace of God
In Corinthians, the power of love
In Galatians, He is freedom from the curse of sin
In Ephesians, our glorious treasure
In Philippians, the servants heart
In Colossians, He's the Godhead Trinity
In Thessalonians, our coming King
In Timothy, Titus, & Philemon, He's our mediator and our faithful Pastor
In Hebrews, our everlasting covenant
In James, the one who heals the sick
In I & II Peter, he is our Shepherd
In John & in Jude, He is the lover coming for His bride
In Revelation, He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords
He is the prince of peace
The Son of man
The Lamb of God
The great I Am
He's the alpha & omega
Our God & our Savior
He is Jesus Christ the Lord

HE IS!!!
Words by Jeoffrey Benward & Jeff Silvey
The next time you "worship" leave the cell phone in the vehicle, stop chewing that gum, put the week aside from your thoughts because He Is and He is worthy of our praise. 


Wednesday, May 22, 2013

The Past Still Speaks

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Matthew 6:26

I heard one time that if you are in ministry you should treat everyone you encounter as though they are hurting because invariably they are. My roots have struggled with that notion. I was raised to 'get over it'. The older I get the more I come to realize there is a balance to both AND that balance can be quite wobbly. Life is ever learning isn't it.

June 10, 2000 is a day that will be forever etched in my memory. It was a hot, Spring day that brought into my life's journey the biggest speed bump I had ever encountered up to that point. It was a day that would start the painful process of learning real hurt. It was the day I stood in paralyzed fear at the foot of an ER bed grabbing the foot of my youngest brother I begged him to speak to me.  He never did for his lips had been forever silenced by the hand of death. I learned that day what it feels like to walk through a dark tunnel without the hope of ever reaching the other side. I learned that day the reality of death and that it is an awful mystery that leaves one feeling helpless and insignificant.

Since then I've learned that just as the ant (above) needs to pollinate the peony so that it can blossom into something beautiful. To become something that brings beauty and happiness to the rest of creation. The heartaches of yesteryear/day pollinates us so that we likewise can become something beautiful. I am still ever learning, and I love the fact that God has shown patience with me as I learn to get out of myself so that He can shine through me and reflect His love.

One of the greatest lessons I learned from June 10, 2000 was that even though life naturally brings deep sadness and pain God becomes (if we let Him) our dearest friend. When you live with someone you know their true side causing a Heavenly landing to seem far fetch. For a solid month the flames of hell seemed to leap at me, my feet could almost feel the burn, and I lived in near suffocation as I struggled to grasp what was probably reality. Then one night I dreamed that I was sitting on the steps of my parent's front porch talking to a little boy who sat next to me, yet strangely I could not touch him. The sound of his voice came not from beside me but from above. "Todd are you really in Heaven?" I asked. A voice that was filled with happy laughter replied "Yes"! I asked him to tell me what he was doing up there but no more answers came. God in His love gave me a tiny glimpse of Heaven that night and hell has haunted me no more.

With a God like that how can you not help but love Him and want to serve Him. Life is life and sooner or later it bring will you down to it's lowest levels. BUT:
Consider the lilies, they don't toil nor spin
But there's not a king with more splendor than them
Consider the sparrows, they don't plant nor sow
But they're fed by the Master
Who watches them grow

We have a heavenly Father above
With eyes full of mercy
And a heart full of love
He really cares when your head is bowed low
Consider the lilies and then you will know

May I introduce you
To this Friend of mine
Who hangs out the stars
And tells the sun when to shine
And kisses the flowers 
Each morning with dew
But He's not too busy to care about you!

We have a heavenly Father above
With eyes full of mercy
And a heart full of love
He really cares when your head is bowed low
Consider the lilies and then you will know
--author unknown





Monday, May 20, 2013

Yard sale Jackpot & A Little R&R

Since Mr. Z., likes to wander part of the country for his job which causes him to be gone Mon-Thurs., the weekend is spent enjoying time as a family.  A couple years ago he stumbled upon this place while hunting. It's become one of my favorite places to go to - away from people, away from vehicle noise; only us and nature.  

The walk there is incredible. Through deep forest and mud holes we wander :) accompanied by the smell of honeysuckle. 

Little pops of color are everywhere.

Take a moment and sit with me here.
Close your eyes to the sun warming your face and listen to the music of nature - birds, frogs, running water, the occasional slap at a mosquito :).  Strain your ears - nothing. Only the sound of nature. That's what it is like at this bench tucked away from every day life. This place now holds bitter sweetness for me. Mr. Z. knows how much I love it here and this is where he brought me the day my second brother died. Away from distractions, just me and him, to sit and quietly think in the comfort of each other's company. 

Late Saturday morning while Mr. Z. went off to decrease the Wall-eye population in Lake Erie I went off to decrease the wares of yard sellers. This was my first find. A brand new chair for $10.00. All that was wrong with it was a bolt missing in the one arm and a little chip in the front. I've already fixed the arm and a little stain on the chipped area will have this beauty all fixed.  The lady had never used it, some of it's plastic wrap was still on it.
An up-close look of the beautiful scrolling at the top. I didn't notice until I had it sitting in the dining room, it matches my hutch perfectly. Now that really makes me smile. 
(old picture)

I got this nice, strong paper towel holder for $1.00. 

I paid .50 for this creamer pitcher. I think it would feel right at home in a "farmhouse" kitchen :)

Who can pass up a new-with Hobby Lobby tags for .75. Lots of uses and places come to mind with this cute basket.

I love shelves. Unique ones like this usually cost a pretty penny or should I say lots of dollars.  I got it for $5.00. It is very versatile with my decor. But I think I'll put it in the cowboy room. Or will I?? :P

This is one of my favorite finds. A genuine Daisy Kingdom dress. I checked on eBay and learned that it retails for $62.00. I paid $5.00.

The Scotty dog print. It's a size 4 so it will be a little while before Katie Rose can wear it. I'm pleased as pie to have found it for such a bargain.

Being very partial toward Arizona, I couldn't pass up this vintage looking plate .75.
What I didn't want and discovered in my bag after I'd gotten back home. WHAT!! Can anyone even tell me what the words are at the bottom. I think was suckered into some cigars and tobacco :P  I wonder if I paid for this ugly thing, or did they want to get rid of it so bad they waited till I was hollering at my kids to sneak it into the bag. Crazy people!! :) :)

Well that's it for this time. It was a good, productive weekend as far as resting and spending money goes :) Mr. Z. did have good success at Lake Erie and we enjoyed another Sunday lunch of fish. Can't go wrong there!!  The count down is on for the end of school - only 6 days left!!!  Hooray!!!  Have a good week y'all. 
















Thursday, May 16, 2013

The Tale of a True Story

Little side note: these are my pictures. I'm having to get them from my Facebook cause they are not on this particular computer.

Long long ago, in a land where milk and honey flows...
A girl sets off to places unknown and to people unheard of all because that's what she had to do. It was not because she had been a bad girl.  It was not because mom and dad wanted her out of their hair.  It was because a knock had come to the door of her heart and pointed her in that direction.  Some people thought she was crazy - WHY would you go there?? You don't know anyone!!  Isn't such-n-such a place good enough for you??  Well quite frankly it was not; that was not the direction she had been told to go.  So off she went to the land where milk and honey flows.

She soon learned it was a very good thing she had come as a result of a knock on her heart's door, because this place was scary.  People actually smiled at her and appeared to be really happy that she was there.  Especially when she handed over her life's savings to them.  "Boy!! I sure hope I'm doing the right thing, I cleaned a lot of houses and ran a lot of errands to give all I earned to these strange and smiling people".  With a stack of papers that could have reached the top of Mt. Everest :P clutched in both arms, she found herself blindly making her way down the hall hoping to find the escape door before things got much worse. As she rounded the corner, because that was where the light from the other end of the tunnel was coming from,  she found herself sucking in her breath and clutching Mt. Everest a little tighter because she had just passed the worse death trap she'd ever seen. Heart pounding clear up in her ears and in her legs all at the same time she dared a look back to make sure she had not been just seeing things. WOW!!!

With legs full of jelly, she ran at record speeds down the steep hill and crashed head long into the door that led to her new home - a room so small that even the spiders got claustrophobia.  Relieved to having smiling people and two-legged death traps between her and a closed door, she once again started to breathe.  "God, I sure hope you didn't tell me to come here just to kill me, I can think of a lot easier ways to die".

The first two weeks were rather hard.  Voices from the past kept talking to her "Why?? You don't know anyone!"  Eventually she learned that people smile because they are nice and friendly.  But there was still that one unnerving problem, her near-death experience in the hall way. It could have been forgotten over time, but it moved around and seemed to be everywhere she turned.  What made it even worse was it's rudeness - it seemed to snicker and mock everything she said and did.  "Okay God, so maybe you didn't bring me here to kill me. My lesson to learn here must be in humility." 

The land flowing with milk and honey was a beautiful place.  It was set on top of a mountain which was at the base of another mountain (if you can figure that one out).  It kinda made you think of the Anasazi Indians who built their adobe homes on the side of a cliff. There was 3 levels to this campus - the sleeping and eating were at level 1, parking was on level 2, and learning was on level 3.  They put learning at the top so as to have wide awake students at 7:10 a.m.  Believe it, a mile walk up hill, carry heavy loads of knowledge will have you awake and ready to learn by the time you reach your seat.  It also made it easier on the teachers to roll their sleeping students out the door and down the hill when class was over. Yes, the high you got climbing up the mountain caused you to crash at about 7:30 a.m.

In general life here was sweet.  Life long and not-so lifelong friendships were made.  Living in a dorm full of girls created it's own story. Or was it a nightmare! :)  The learning experience stretched the brain so far that pink elephants became a reality.  The spiritual atmosphere that produced spiritual growth was to become a time looked at with the fondest of memories. Tears, laughter, happiness, and serious annoyance was all a part of living in this beautiful place that she learned to call "home". 

The most annoyance coming from that one, rude person.  She struggled day and night over em, never quite sure if she wanted to really except em or kill em.  Every time she thought she'd cleared her head there they were smiling, laughing, teasing.  Which caused her insides to churn and her heart to do weird things. Instantly her head would turn to mush and her heart would develop heart murmur like symptoms. 

Long conversations with mom on the telephone took place discussing this problem.  Of which neither one ever knew what to do about it.  Mom would offer comforting words such as "Only time will straighten em out and bring em around to your way of thinking."  "Just let me get my hands on that knuckle-head."  Every now and then her younger brother would answer the phone and ask "so sis, how's so-n-so?" Her response was always "you don't want to know."

This trouble maker turned her into an aggressive sleuth.  Secretly, or so she thought, she would ask questions to her closest of allies.  Only to develop a stinking suspicion that they had been hired for the job as well by her opponent.  "That chiseler, I'll get em yet"!!!  But not without a lot of tears, sweat, and blood.  The DOS, of all people, was the one to jump into the battle and help catch em in their crime and to reel em in. 

He came kicking and screaming - WAIT WAIT!!  I got to make a phone call first.  "What in tarnation are you talking about?"  "You are guilty and you know it, no phone call is going to get you off this hook."  "Please" he demanded, "I've got a phone call I need to make."  Her heart had once again started having those heart murmur symptoms and she caved. "What's it going to hurt to let him have his way, I don't have the heart to say no."  

The phone call was made.  But she had to wait until the next day to hear the results.  History of Civ II class never seemed so long in coming.  She walked into the door her heart pounding once again in 2 different places.  She managed to make her way to an empty seat and proceeded to demand what the answer had been from his accomplice.  "The answer is no."  Her heart that had previously been in 2 locations dropped permanently in her feet.  Her best ally was nearby and proceeded to do the job she'd not been paid to do - the trouble maker suddenly had his own near-death experience.  Upon the completion of swallowing her tongue and finding her voice somewhere hidden behind a mysterious lump, she demanded the why.  "He said you were too old and I was too young".  Once again her ally did her job at which finally worked.  We quickly learned that Mr. Troublemaker was a good wanna-be comedian.  The torture was too much, and he succumbed to telling the truth.  The answer had never been no but rather a yes :)

(Sorry for the blur)
Thank you Mr. Troublemaker, aka Reuben Z. for coming over to my way of thinking :)  For me it was love at first sight. It was pure torture that you were a little slow :P  Being your girl for 13 years now has been a whirlwind experience. Just when I think my feet are going to touch ground another tornado comes and sweeps me back up.  I'm glad God took me away from the familiar to the land of unknowns so that I could find you :)  You are a dream come true!!!

I love you tootsipop!!!











Monday, May 13, 2013

Spoiled Rotten

My brothers used to cry the blues that I was spoiled, being the only girl, there may have been a measure of truth to their crying but I doubt it. haha  But I'm beginning to think that in my adult life its true now. :) I am married to an amazing guy who is setting a very good example to our children on how to treat their future spouse with love and respect.  Albeit, sometimes in an ornery way. Those of who know Mr. Z would expect nothing less. haha
Mr. Z ever so sweetly asked me Saturday if I had ever told him yet what I wanted for Mother's Day. And I ever so sweetly reminded him I did. :)  I came right out and told him like a big girl I wanted a certain book. There was none of this, I don't know (hoping he reads my mind). I knowing that it might be difficult for him to purchase it since it can't be found at Walmart :P went ahead and purchased the book. Making things "easy" for him ;)  Would you know he forgot all about that book. haha

I was perfectly okay with him not getting me anything cause I had bought the book for him and gave it to myself before Mother's Day got here. So I was NOT expecting anything.  You guessed it, his ornery self had gifts hid in his vehicle the whole time (gonna have to keep an eye on that place).  Sunday morning as I come out of the bedroom from getting ready for church he calls all kids present and presents me with the hottest looking gift bag ever ;)

Inside was neatly folded, 2 skirts - dressy black, and jean, a Kitchen-Aide pairing knife, and purple measuring cups.  I was shocked and proud of him all at the same time. He knows my love for pretty gift bags, not stuffed-into-Walmart bags. This was all so much better than a book :)

The roses were given Friday as a throw-off to the real deal :)

I sure do love that guy!!

And the 4 munchkins who came to live with us and make our family complete.

Lucas' teacher helped him make this tissue paper flower bouquet and the card to give to me. He was proud as can be when he gave it me.
Ryan's teacher helped him make this card and she took 2 pictures of each student to give to their moms. They are hanging on my frig for now. After we move one of them at least will get put into a frame.

My family has spoiled me rotten this weekend in showering me with their demonstrations of love in the form of gifts, grilled fish for Sunday lunch, cards, hugs, kisses, and lots of "Happy Mommies Day".  It's been a beautiful reminder that I am a very blessed girl. God has been good to me even though I don't deserve it.  I pray I can demonstrate back to my family genuine, agape love all year long.








Saturday, May 11, 2013

"More Precious Than Rubies"


 The word Mother, Moder, Muoter can cause a gamut of emotions every time it's heard, read, or spoken. Some of us are privileged to have our Mother still living and that brings joy and happiness. Others have experienced the sorrow of saying goodbye which still brings a lump to the throat and tears to the eyes. Many ladies are blessed to go to their grave having been Mother to children and then grandchildren and maybe even great grands. There are ladies who experienced being Mother for only a short while - the loss of their infant or young child burns a hole in their heart that never seems to find complete healing. And sadly, there are ladies who empathize with Hannah - crying out to God with sorrow so deep that words are unutterable.

Mother's Day is looked upon as a special day, celebrating that special person who gave us the gift of life - Mother.  Children try to outdo each other in their gifts, corsages are worn to church, Daddies cook lunch, kids wash the dishes - giving Mother a day "off".  Mother's phone has never been more busy then today - giving her their love and telling her she is the best. Mother feels like a queen and Proverbs 3:15 feels like it was finally attained. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.  

 Mother's Day is looked upon as a reminder of what is missing in ones life - a day of mourning. Whether it's because a phone call to Mother is no longer a reality or because arms are empty. Today can be looked upon with a sense of dread. Church has never seemed so lonely, flowers seem to mock us, and little kids bring tears.


It was never meant for a day that represents God's love to humanity to be such an emotion packed day. So to ladies everywhere whether you are Mother to many or Mother in heart I wish you Happy Mother's Day!!  May you reflect on the love of God toward you. No matter your "status" you are beautiful in His sight!

For I know the plans I have for you...
plans to prosper you and not to harm you
plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11
 
Who can be compared with the Lord our God,
    who is enthroned on high?
He stoops to look down
    on heaven and on earth.
He lifts the poor from the dust
    and the needy from the garbage dump.
He sets them among princes,
    even the princes of his own people!
He gives the childless woman a family,
    making her a happy mother.
Praise the Lord!   Psalm 113:5-9

Happy Mother's Day to one and all!!!
 

Friday, May 10, 2013

Big Decision Reveal!!

We are everything that big Government fears - God fearing, Bible believing, gun hunting family. LOL And because of that giving our kids a solid education in a Christian environment is very high on our priority list.  Our church has an awesome school that our school-aged children attend which requires me driving 72 miles a day to get them there and pick them back up.  I really don't want to spend the next 15 years doing that. Not to mention we love our church family so much we just want to move closer to them :)  We want to be able to have people over for a meal but can't expect people to drive so far out of their way.  It seems like God is opening the doors for us to move to the same town area that the school/church is located.  I thought I'd share this doll house with you that has served our family very well for 3 years.  We do have a potential buyer, but if you know of someone who is looking to buy in our area send them our way :)

I have simplified the kitchen for showings so as to make it more appealing to buyers. Mr. Z gave is a fresh coat of paint on both ceiling and walls. We left under the cabinets the "burnt gingerbread" just for a little character.
Living room

The Master bedroom

One of the bedrooms upstairs. Believe it or not this cozy cottage has 4 bedrooms.

What country bathroom is complete without outhouses :)

Mr. Z mulched!!  Its not black but it is mulch and man, what a difference!!

I was never a pink person until I had my little Katie Rose. I just had to buy this the other day at the Farm Market cause it made me think of my Rosebud as I sometimes call her :)

Flowering crab-apple is beautiful right now.


Hopefully we can sell soon so we can move to the big house in the big woods :)

Take care and have a wonderful weekend!!












Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...