My Rescuers!

As the boys were playing with their new toys, Joel told Jonathan that there was a fire.

"Where is it?" asked Jonathan

"In the bathroom," replied Joel

"Don't say that word, Joel. Say '38 miles away'."

Joel answered, "38 miles away."

And off they went. Jonathan with the fire engine, sirens sounding and Joel with two monster trucks. The bathroom 38 miles away is safe thanks to my two rescuers, Jonathan and Joel!

Christmas Day

This morning, my husband and I woke up to two small voices saying, "Santa did come!" (at 9:15 am) It was so awesome. This was the first year that our oldest really got "it".

Tree Ornaments

Jonathan brought these ornaments home from preschool. Aren't they cute?

These aren't just five snowman as anyone can see.
I made them with my hand which is a part of me.
Now each year when you trim the tree
You'll look back and recall Christmas of 2008
When my hand was just this small.

(I couldn't get a good picture of his whole hand)

He was quite proud of his snowflake.

Merry Christmas as we celebrate the birth of Jesus...

President-elect Obama has invited Rick Warren to give the invocation at his inauguration. I'll admit that I've been taken by surprise at those who are angry about that. So many want to be accepted no matter what they believe or what lifestyle they choose, but yet they just can't accept that someone who may not agree with them, like Warren, would agree to participate in Obama's inauguration. Some Obama supporters also can't seem to accept that he would ask someone who did not agree with him on all issues, like Warren, to participate in his inauguration.

Whatever Obama's motives are does not concern me. I am just glad that Rick Warren agreed to give the invocation. I know that he has a personal relationship with Jesus and that he converses with Him. Jesus hung out with those that did not agree with Him and that is exactly what Rick Warren is doing - showing the love of Jesus.

Thank You Lord

Have you ever had a day where you couldn't think of anything to be thankful for. I had one of those days recently. The Lord reminded me of a song that we've been singing in a church a lot lately - Thank You Lord by Don Moen.

The second verse says

For all You've given to me
For all of the blessings that I cannot see
Thank you Lord
Thank you Lord

When I ask God to show me those blessings he always does. I hope that this song will minister to you today.

Dinner Party

Just got home from a great dinner party hosted by Tonya. What a great time we had around the table laughing and talking. Best of all, the children played nicely and the adults were able to visit uninterrupted.

The food was great. Tonya prepared chicken enchiladas and tacos. And dessert with coffee. And we all left with a "goody bag". Or is the adult version a favor? :)

Since we live in another town, I do not get to see my friends as often as I like, but I cherish the times that we do have together.

Thank you Tonya for being an awesome hostess!

Oh, and thank you Casey for making me laugh so hard I cried with the "send an email telling everyone in your address book that your emails are being returned!"

Mary, I'll give The Office another chance.

Jenn, tell Vicky that my kids thinks she's great!

Love to you all - Murry

God DOES answer prayers. Are you ready for his answer?

Today, we had a Birthday Party for Jesus with the children's church. Normally, my two boys are regular attenders and Kylie attends when she is with her dad. Kylie's grandmother and I planned the party and invited another lady's granddaughter to come.

While I was fixing the plates of food, I saw some other children walking up and said to myself, "Oh no, we do not have goody bags for them." So I met the grandmother (Bea) at the door and told her what we were doing and explained that we didn't have gifts for everyone, but we'd figure it out. Well, she wasn't going to let her grand babies feel left out, so she started to take them out. I told her that they wouldn't be left out. The rest of the conversation does not need to be repeated, but we were both offended.

If you know me, you know that I am tenderhearted. I began to cry for many reasons, but deep down I did not want this precious lady to be hurt. I spoke to Kylie's grandmother and she got more goody bags for the three girls. There was enough food. All the children had a great time.

I went back to the service crying. Honestly, I was stewing and was having a hard time getting over it. I asked the Lord to help me forgive her. That's the right thing do to, am I correct? The lady ministering today was talking about walking in the love. Was I loving this lady who offended me?

At the end of the service, Denise called Bea up to be prayed for. Bea has been under a lot of pressure. She called Pastor Laural up to pray too. I stood up to help Bea with the baby, but Denise told me that she wanted me to lay hands on Bea and minister to her.

As I stood before Bea, I knew that I could not minister to her with unforgiveness in my heart. I started crying all over again. I hugged Bea and told her I was sorry and asked her forgiveness. She also apologized and asked for my forgiveness. Denise looked at me because she wasn't finished yet, but I explained that we had to take care of some business before I could pray for her.

I told the Lord I didn't know what I could say to encourage her with what transpired between us. But as we forgave each other, the Lord gave me the words that he used to encourage her. I willingly laid hands on Bea and prayed. God answered my prayer and helped me forgive.

It made me laugh to realize that God put me in a position to forgive before I could stew for long and let the matter get out of control. I really just wanted to deal with it privately, but God knew what was best for us today.

We have a good God.

Cutest Blog on the Block

I went out on a limb and looked at the Cutest Blog on the Block and discovered that it is very easy! What do you think of my new layout?

Want to spruce up your blog? Check out Cutest Blog on the Block.

Jealousy

Today when I read Genesis 37, I expected the devotional to be about how God used a bad situation caused by Joseph's brothers for His glory. Did not see a devotional about jealousy and envy coming.

Wikipedia - Jealousy typically refers to the negative thoughts and feelings of insecurity, fear, and anxiety that occur when a person believes a valued relationship is being threatened by a rival. Jealousy often contains a mixture of emotions such as anger, sadness, and disgust. While jealousy and envy are similar, they differ in that jealousy is about something one has and is afraid of losing, while envy is about something one does not have and either wants to acquire it or prevent another from getting it.

Joseph made a mistake by boastfully telling his brothers his dream that portrayed superiority. Jacob made a mistake by showing Joseph favoritism over this other sons. The brothers plotted to kill Joseph, but Rueben and Judah rescued him.

How do you handle jealousy? James 4:2 says "You want things, but you do not have them. So you are ready to kill and are jealous of other people, but still you cannot get what you want." Now, I know that I would not kill out of jealousy, but do I gossip about or glare at the one who has what I want?

Wow. This has given me pause.

Max Lucado's suggested application is this:

Take an inventory of what you don't have that is causing you jealousy or envy. Then ask yourself if that item is really a necessity or a luxury. Next, take an inventory of what you do have. Ask God to give you a heart of thanksgiving that will lead to contentment.

I admit there are things that I do not have that I want and I see that others do have "it". And I am not always content with my situation.

Dear Lord, you know my heart and my desires. I thank for you what I do have and want to be content. Please give me a heart of thanksgiving that will lead to contentment.

My favorite things that start with the letter T

Jenners played a little game on her blog recently, my cousin Christy did too, so I asked to play. All you have to do is make a list of ten of your favorite things. The catch is that everything on the list has to start with a specific letter of the alphabet, which is assigned by the blogger you are playing with. Jenners little One assigned me "T" so here goes... my favorite things that start with the letter T.

1. Tiramisu is my favorite dessert and I enjoyed it most on my first date with my husband.

2. Tami is my very best friend from college. We met the summer that we both stayed to work. It sure helped to have someone to pass the time with as we didn’t have TV and didn’t get off campus much.

3. True Friends love me despite my faults – Jenn, Melissa, Mary, Tonya, Tami .

4. Transcription, yes it can be one of my favorite things as it was my first job as a “work from home mom.”

5. Three Children – I have always wanted two boys and one girl. I have my two boys and one day I will have my girl.

6. Two Sisters – I have the best sisters in the world, Judy and Debby. (I have a great brother too, but nothing started with T to fit him). I was 13 when Judy was born and I was a little mother to her and I enjoyed helping my mom with her. I was 19 and a freshman in college when Debby was born and really didn’t get to know her until I moved back to Valdosta in 1996.

7. Twenty-eight years old is when I gave my life back to the Lord. What an awesome experience to know God on a personal level.

8. Two Thousand One (2001) is the year that I married the love of my life, Lee. I am so thankful that the Lord brought us together through a singles ministry at the church I was attending. Of course, I had no idea that he was interested in me at the time. And my friends tell it that it was soooooo obvious. J We’ve had seven good years and two beautiful boys.

9. Triangles are fun, especially when I get to tutor geometry! The Lord used this experience to show me my passion of teaching high school Math. Another goal to work toward.

10. Toes – I got my first pedicure when I was pregnant for the first time. Oh what luxury! I haven’t had many, but I always enjoy them.

God is a GREAT Father (Genesis 34-36)

In reading this scripture today, I noticed that Dinah's brothers overreacted to Schechem's sin against Dinah. Simeon and Levi also sinned. Consequently, God told Jacob to move to Bethal and Hebron. But in the midst of this life challenge, God reminded Jacob of his new name Israel revealing that Gos is faithful to his promises.

My understanding of my position in Christ and my knowing God as my Father is a daily journey. As I mediate on God's Word and let it get into my spirit, I trust God and his promises. The delight in being a great father to His children on earth is what motivates God!

I want to know you God as a true father who is my teacher and my provider. I do not want to cast an image on You that is not true. You are Abba Father to me and I trust You!

The Lord gave me the words to this song several months ago:

Father, you have given me an ornament of beauty
You have given me oil of joy
You have given me the garment of praise
And girded with gladness, I dance before you.

Chorus:
Because You are Lord
You are God
You are Most High
You are Almighty
You are Provider
You are Healer
You are Righteousness
You are Lord of Hosts
You are Conqueror
You are Peace
You are Present
You are Lord

Father, I have given you all of my brokenness
I have given you all of my heart
I have given you all of my passion
And girded with your Spirit, I choose life.

Chorus

My Daily Bible Reading comes from
The Devotional Bible
Experiencing the Heart of Jesus
Max Lucado, General Editor

On marriage....

My blogger friend Sue has another great posting on Two Shall Become One Tuesdays. Please jump over to praise and coffee and check it out. You can click through from this blog or on the link in my side bar.


I pray that we all have happy, godly marriages.

1. I am a child of the King! And I was created for His pleasure.

2. I am married to a godly man and have been blessed with two beautiful boys.

3. I am doing what I've always wanted to do - be a stay at home mom.

4. I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

5. I am able to share this blog with Meili, Tonya, Mary, Christy, Tami, Sue, Jen, Tara and C. Beth. I have enjoyed meeting new blogger friends.

HOW THIS WORKS:
1. Repost the picture on your blog and pls. acknowledge where it came from. Kindly leave a comment on this post so I would know you've posted it.
2. Write down 5 things you are grateful for, the 5th being the bloggers you are tagging
3. You may copy this or write your own quote regarding gratitude:
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. Psalm 118:1
I AM GRATEFUL BECAUSE this blog was passed on to me by: meili_lo

Quilting progress

I've decided to make a tree skirt using the Yellow Brick Road pattern. These are my fabrics.

My friend Melissa made a bed quilt with the same pattern and shared it with me. Isn't she talented?

I've made progress on my Blooming Nine Patch, but I am not ready to show it yet. But it will be a nice quilt.

I'm glad to be quilting again. It is a relaxing hobby for me and I love the exactness of it. I'm hoping to take a class on paper piecing after the first of the year.

I like hearing how others got started quilting. For me I saw a quilt and thought that I probably could do it too. And we had a quilt shop downtown that was teaching classes. It was a lot of fun. I mainly did wall hangings and baby quilts, but now I am branching out to do a bed quilt. We'll see how that turns out.

One of the ladies in my latest class said that she made a quilt doing it "her way" and decided to learn some basic techniques. She wasn't at all interested in the exactness of the art. But oh how that interests me.

Christmas 2008

The Christmas trees are up! My kids are happy about that. It took me about a week to "get ready" for this activity. I am really trying to stay stress free with the Lord's help, but when my kids want to help me I am not always patient. But this year, I just handed them the ornaments and let them end up where they may. Here are some pictures of their efforts.

Quilting Projects

I recently purchased some fabric for quilting projects. I have yet to decide what I want to do, but I thought I'd show what the groupings look like.

This first group of fat quarters I won as a door prize when I attended the Grand Opening of Boston Bobbin in Boston, Georgia. It is a quilt shop about 13 miles West of Quitman. I recently attending a quilting class on the Blooming Nine Patch.

I bought this next grouping thinking about making a bed quilt for my master bedroom. I have a pillow that I want to use as inspiration, but I'm not sure that these colors will match. And I need to find out if my husband likes the colors or not.

This last group I bought just because I liked the colors. I think I'm going to make a lap quilt for myself.

I'll post the patterns as soon as I decide what they will be. Decisions, Decisions.

I found some Christmas fabric in my stash and I want to make a tree skirt with it. Hopefully, I'll finish it before Christmas.

What do you think? Have any suggestions?

Thanksgiving Celebration

The week before Thanksgiving, Jonathan's class had a Thanksgiving Celebration. I woke up late that day, so I left without my camera. Thankfully, another mother sent me some pictures that she took of Jonathan. The kids were so proud of themselves. They learned a memory verse and two songs. I think the whole program lasted about 3 minutes, but they all did a good job. They each created and thankful tree and other than the obvious things that Jonathan was thankful for like mama, daddy, Joel and toys - he was thankful for his sandwiches. I love it!

We had a very relaxing Thanksgiving holiday. I am blessed with a wonderful family!

Blooming Nine Patch

Today I am taking a quilting class at Boston Bobbin called the Blooming Nine Patch. These are the fabrics I picked out.

If you would like to see what the finished product should look like, check this out.

I have not done any quilting since Jonathan was born so I am looking forward to this time for myself. I will keep you posted on my progress.

Here are some of my other projects -

I came home recently after grocery shopping complaining about the cost of pecans. I paid over $4 for a 1 1/2 cup bag of pecan halves. I wanted to make pecan pie muffins - see recipe below.

My husband replied by asking why didn't I pick up the pecans under our pecan tree. We have a tree on the lot next to our home. My answer was that I didn't want to shell them.

Today, my MIL, the boys and I picked up pecans from the ground. Honestly, it is not something I really enjoy doing. Bending over, moving wet leaves out of the way, just to find a pecan that is the same color of the wet leaves on the ground. But I will do it again......

My boys loved picking up pecans today. We had a great time in the sunshine. They are so proud of what they did.

Another moment where I enjoyed my life.

Pecan Pie Muffins

1 Cup packed brown sugar
1 Cup pecans, chopped
2/3 butter melted
1/2 Cup all purpose flour
2 eggs beaten
1 tsp vanilla

Combine sugar, flour and pecans mix well. Then add in butter, eggs and vanilla and mix well. Grease muffin tin.

Bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes.

For a lighter version use Splenda Brown Sugar (see conversion chart on pkg) and Smart Balance Butter 50/50 with Omega 3.

What People Do On Their Wedding Nights

My internet friend Christina posted the following story on facebook and gave me permission to share it with my friends......

A few weeks ago, Greg & I were trying to decide what to do for a date-night, when our youngest, "Belly", had an idea...

She said, "Why don't you recreate your honeymoon and do whatpeople do on their wedding nights."

As I dropped my mouth open and my fork hit the plate, my husband (just about) choked on his steamed veggies (if that's possible)!

I questioned, "And what would that be, Missy?"

She replied, "Sit under the moon and tell your honey you love him!"

Please pray today

My friend Tara had a baby boy on 10/23/08 and he is having surgery today at the Medical College of Georgia. Please pray for the surgeons, for the baby and for Tara and their family.

For more details check out her blog. The baby's name is Daniel. As a mom myself, I cannot image what she is going through, but she does have Jesus with her.

I love you Tara and we are praying.

My children are friends

I will admit that when I found out I was pregnant with Joel right after Jonathan turned one, I was somewhat overwhelmed. How would I handle two 20 months apart? When I discovered I was having another boy, I was relieved. I could do this!

Several well meaning people would tell me that I would be glad that my boys were so close together. That they would be great friends. I'd smile and nod my head all the while saying in my head "yeah right!"

Most times when I take a shower one or both of the boys end up crying about something. Today, when I came out of the bathroom, I found them sitting in one recliner together looking at a library book. I was sorry that my husband had the camera with him because it was a great photo op.

Yes, I am glad that my boys are 20 months apart! My children are great friends!

New Friends

2008 has been an amazing year for me to reconnect with old friends. I've found friends from college, from my previous church and have even connected with family on facebook. It has been so great to reconnect.

One unexpected benefit from blogging is the friends I'm made here in blogospere. I'm actually surprised at how many people find my blog and enjoy my writings.

With most of my friends we are connected by our faith in Jesus Christ. I thank God for the people in my life. I know that those that cross my path, either literally or figuratively, are not by coincidence, but by a divine appointment.

I'm reminded of a song that I learned in the Girl Scouts when I was in elementary school:

Make new friends,

but keep the old.

One is silver,

the other is gold.

A circle is round,
it has no end.
That's how long,
I will be your friend.

A fire burns bright,

it warms the heart.

We've been friends,

from the very start.

You have one hand,

I have the other.

Put them together,

We have each other.

Silver is precious,

Gold is too.

I am precious,

and so are you.

You help me,

and I'll help you

and together

we will see it through.

The sky is blue

The Earth is green

I can help

to keep it clean

Across the land

Across the sea

Friends forever

We will always be

A tribute to my grandmother

This lovely tribute was written by my Aunt Trina about her mother, Mable Perry, my grandmother. I know that all of my aunts and uncles feel the same, as well as her grandchildren. Today, she's been with Jesus 3 years. We all miss her, but I am so happy that she's with her Savior and I will see her one day. I have such a rich christian heritage and wanted to share some of it with you today.

O - Others.
This was her motto - from the keeping of babies of migrant workers to the caring of her aged mother.

U - Understanding.
You could always pour out your heart to Ma. She listened, she cared, and she always seemed to understand. Sometimes she gave advice, sometimes she didn't; but you always felt better after you talked to Ma.

R - Rare.
A price far above rubies. She was a 'joyful mother of children' - Proverbs 113:9. She worked 'willingly with her hands' - Proverbs 31:13. She 'looked well to the ways of her household' - Proverbs 31:27. The heart of her husband trusted in her - Proverbs 31:11. Like Sarah, she followed her husband when he went out and sojourned in a strange country - Hebrews 11:8,9.

M - Mommy, Ma.
She was a 'keeper at home' - Titus 2:5. She was home when we got up in the morning. She was home singing throughout the day. She was home when we came home from school. She was home to tuck us in at night. She was there - it was home.

O - Old.
She was old and gray-headed (although she never seemed to age) and she showed God's strength to our generation and the next - Psalm 71:8. Strength and honor were her clothing - Proverbs 31:25. She was content during the good times and the bad.She accepted God's will for her life. She knew her Lord, she loved Him, and she trusted Him.

T - Tender.
A tender heart - 'Out of the abundance of her heart, she spoke.' Tears flowed easily. Oh how she loved all the creatures great and small; all people rich or poor.

H - Humble.
Webster's Dictionary: 1.) Not proud or haughty: Not arrogant or assertive. This was our Mother.

E - Everybody's friend.
She was just as comfortable in Brenda's humble home eating corn bread and beans as in Mrs. Boyd's fine home eating chicken salad on fine china and drinking coffee from a silver pot.

R - Remember.
Our Mother, we love her, we miss her. May her rare beauty always remain vivid in our memory and may her children always rise up and call her blessed.

Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints. Psalm 116:15 November 6, 2005

Lunch Bunch

Today, I packed my first school lunch. At Jonathan's preschool, they have Lunch Bunch the first Wednesday of each month. This month I reserved his spot. I really wasn't sure how it would go today because Wednesday is Chapel day too. Some background here is that there is usually a puppet or two at Chapel and Jonathan does not like puppets. Needless to say, Wednesday mornings can be trying for mama. But we made it to school on time and the crying had stopped before we got there.

Lunch Bunch is a time for the kids to stay after school, eat lunch with their friends and then play until 1 pm. I packed the lunch with Jonathan's favorites:

Turkey and mayonnaise sandwich

Yellow chips (aka Lays)

Grapes

Cookies

Apple Juice

I didn't think he'd eat it though because he claims to not be hungry after school and his snack is "lunch" to him. I warned the teacher that he may not eat it and that would be okay.

When I picked him up today, I was informed that he had eaten all of this lunch. And that the kids were cute socializing while eating lunch. Jonathan was excited because he met some new friends today. So, my first school lunch was a success! And my baby is growing up!

My favorite brownie recipe

Anytime I was asked to bring something to an event, I would bring these brownies. They were a big hit with our singles group at church (that was a long time ago as most of us are married now!) When I was dating my husband I made them for him in the 9x9 pan without nuts. He prefers a thin brownie with lots of nuts. Hence, my adaptation. My kids love them too and I usually make them for their birthday parties since they prefer brownies to cake. If you try them, I'd love to hear how they turn out.

Ingredients:
3/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup butter
2 tablespoons water
12 oz bag of Toll House Chocolate Chips
(do NOT use a generic brand - just isn't the same)
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
3/4 cup self-rising flour

Combine sugar, butter and water in a saucepan and bring to just a boil. Remove from heat. Add 1/2 bag of chocolate chips and mix well until melted. Add one egg at a time, mixing well. Add vanilla. Mix in the flour. Finish by adding the rest of the chocolate chips and nuts (optional). The second half of the chocolate chips should remain whole.

Spoon mixture into greased 9x13 pan and bake at 325 degrees for 30 minutes or until a knife comes out clean.

My Aunt Sue gave me this recipe but her version is baked in a 9x9 pan which makes these brownies cake like. The 9x13 makes them thin and chewy.

Enjoy!

My experience today at Publix

Today, after I took Jonathan to school, I went grocery shopping at Publix. As I was in the produce department, I heard an announcement that someone had a flat tire. They didn't call my make of car so I didn't think any more about it. Even though the car they described was a blue mercury with Brooks County plates. They called it a Montage. I have a Montego. See where I'm headed?
Yes, when we went out to the car the associate pointed out that I had a flat tire. Ugh. I asked him to load my groceries in the car wherever he could put them because I would need to get the spare tire and jack out of the trunk. I thanked him, then loaded Joel in the car seat with some Goldfish. I took a deep breath and started unloading the trunk so that I could get to the spare tire and trunk. It would be embarrassing to mention all that I had to take out, but the items included bricks, floor tires and locks.

While I was unloading the trunk, David approached and asked if he could help me. I thanked him and we got to the piece in the trunk that can be taken out to reveal the spare and thankfully the jack too. And lo and behold there were instructions on how to change a tire which came in handy when we were trying to locate where to actually place the jack so that we could get the car up. And if you are familiar with Publix, the parking lot is on an incline. That doesn't really help while changing a tire.

As David was loosening the bolts on the flat tire, Travis came up and helped him get the tire changed. Then they loaded my trunk back up with the bricks, floor tiles, locks, etc. I thanked them both for their kindness and shook their hands.

Since I didn't have any other way to thank them (like give them $5 for their trouble), I went back into the store and asked to speak to the manager. I told her what these two boys did for me for two reasons. One, to let her know that they were helping me for the last 30 minutes and not bagging groceries; and two, to let her know what great guys they were. She told me that they have a program at Publix when a customer lets the managers know when an associate has been kind to help, then they give them coins (or tokens) to use to buy lunch on their breaks. She informed me that she would make sure that both David and Travis would get enough coins to buy their lunch today.

Now, if you know me well, you know that I'm an emotional person. I was so touched by the kindness of David and Travis I cried when I tried to tell the manager. But I want you to know how impressed I was with these two teenage/college boys that work at Publix. They were both gentlemen. They spoke to me while looking me in the eye. They called me Ma'am (now, I usually prefer not to be called ma'am as it makes me feel old, but this was an exception). And they were "experts" in changing tires. David said that he was glad it was not raining. Apparently he's changed a tire in the Publix parking lot in the rain before.

I prefer to shop at Publix when I can for various reasons. But the main one it that they have great people who work as associates. They are always polite and eager to help. One time when I was pregnant, the associate emptied my cart onto the checkout line for me. Yes, it made an impression on me at that time when I was tired and ready to go home. I haven't experienced these types of kindnesses at any other grocery store.

I thank the Lord for the help that I had today. David and Travis helped me change a tire. And I'll shop at Publix again.

Hungry, Hungry, Hippos

Jonathan got his wish today when Daddy bought "Hungry, Hungry, Hippos." One friend told me today that it was a very loud game. It is very loud, but that's okay. My boys have enjoyed playing it all afternoon.