Happy New Year!!!

Hope everyone had a great Christmas. I still dont have pictures up here for you to look at, but they are on my facebook account. Hope everyone is going to be having a face and Godly New Year. This whole "resolution" thing I am not so sure about. How many of us have actually ever kept a resolution? For the WHOLE year? I always believe that you should try to better yourself in many ways, but putting an actual label on it and only doing it one time a year feels very superficial to me. Thats no different than only being thankful for the blessing the Lord provides at Thanksgiving time.
There are certain things in my life that I am going to try to improve about myself. As a Christian, wife, and as a person in whole. I am going to try to not be angry at those who treat me bad, and I am going to try not to gossip about them if I DO get angry. I am going to be a better daughter to our Heavenly Father and trust in Him to supply my every need. To cry on His lap when I need to. To ask Him for a hug when I need one (thank you Katie). I am going to be the best wife I can to my husband and put my trust in him. And I am going to REALLY work on my health.
The fact that this is happening right at the beginning of the year doesnt really matter. These things have been heavy on my heart for quite some time now. Wednesday nights message was kind of the topper on the cake and I just decided to do what I know I should have been doing all along.
If you are into the whole New Years resolution thing, thats fine. Take that opportunity to examine yourself and see how you can better yourself for the Lord. In doing so, you will not just have a better spiritual life, but you will find that it will spill over into other aspects of your life, such as your marriage, your friendships, and even those pesky people that just seem to annoy you so...lol. Happy New Years everyone!!!! May God bless you and your family!

Sicky

I am pretty sick right now. Not sure what is going on with me but I am trying to get into see the doctor tomorrow. After I feel better, I will post pics from Christmas Eve and Day. Hope I feel better by Wednesday, it my birthday. With David being laid off we arent able to do anything, but it would just really stink if I was sick on my birthday! Talk to you all soon!

Merry CHRISTmas Everyone!!!

Merry Christmas everyone!!! Hope yall are enjoying your holiday season with the people you love. For us, the holidays are usually spent with some good Godly church family. One thing that I have learned recently is that the closer I get to the Lord, the farther away I get from certain friends and family. It was a REALLY tough time I was going through debating on what to do about it. David's family lives here in Pa, but there are only a couple of the family members that, as Christians, we would wish to be around them. And I have a very special friend that we usually spend the holidays with, but she wants the things of this world and I dont. It is AMAZING that when you REFUSE to choose, God chooses for you!!!! Not always what our choice would have been, but the right one.
As you grow closer to the Lord, you may lose a few friends, and maybe even family along the way, but remember, CHRIST IS THE BEST FRIEND YOU COULD EVER HAVE. And if you are in a good Bible believing church, you wont have a better family than the one you have there. I love my family very much and wish I could be with them during this holiday season, but I couldnt find any better people to spend it with than my church family. Lets remember to keep Christ not just in Christmas, but in our hearts and lives as well. No matter what the cost! Merry Christmas bloggers!!!!! May God bless you are yours this Christmas Day!!!!

Building a gingerbread house...kinda

Okay...so the whole block went out of power tonight. JUST our block too! So we went to Walmart and they had gingerbread houses on sale for 5 dollars. So I decided to get one. It was a nice Christmas project and always a good time. Well this one was possessed or something. It wouldnt stay together and it took over an hour to finally get it right. Then.....it happened.....I let Sabria touch it! NEVER EVER EVER LET SABRIA TOUCH IT!!!! First the roof came off, and eventually the whole thing collapsed...after my blood pressure went down, it was pretty funny. Then Joshi got into it and that was that. But my power is on now, so I am going home. But here are the pics from it...IN ORDER BOTTOM TO TOP OF HOW IT HAPPENED!!!!ROFL

Christmas Sunday

Well we had an absolutely WONDERFUL day at church today. Last night and early this morning we got over 6 inches of snow here in PA, and usually that would cause us NOT to have church because we are all snowed in. So of course I was praying, as I am sure were others, that people would be able to find their way in safely to get to church. The roads seemed ok this morning, but I wasnt expecting to see too many people out today. By 11am, God's house was full!!! It was a real blessing to see that many people out. Some of who we hadnt seen for awhile.

We sang a few congregational Christmas songs, and then Bro. Perette (not sure if it is spelled correctly, I dont have my bulletin...lol) read Luke 2:1-20. His wife sang a special and then Katie and I sang a special. The picture is a little dark but you can still see us. Pastor gave a sermon on celebrating His name. And THEN he read the kids the story of the candy cane. They enjoyed it sooo much. And even though they wont admit it, I think the "big kids" enjoyed it too!

Everyone did a good job on lunch. We all had a nice time fellow shipping with each other. A lot of us stayed for quite awhile. We started a yatchee game, but became so silly, an hour later we hadnt even gotten half way done with it! lol I am so glad that we have such a nice church family. Most everyone seems to care for each other so much. We couldnt have had a better day.

P.S. Remember I am still trying to get the hang of this blogging thing....i couldnt get the pics to go where I want so they are kinda just....well...everywhere...lol

Day 12 - To My Daddy

Today is my daddy's birthday. He passed away back in 2001. There are always certain days and times that I think about him. There is certain things that remind me of him. A certain smell, sound, or even something as simple as a certain food. My daddy might not have been the best man at times, but when I think about him being gone from this world, and the things in my life that he has missed, it saddens me. My graduating high school, my wedding, and even the things to come such as his grandchildren. But then I try to remember that he is in the best place a person could be, and that is with our Heavenly Father.
Its humorous when you think about it, when i was a little girl, I thought that my daddy knew EVERYTHING. He was my Super Man! I use to brag to people at school that my dad could eat and drive at the same time! lol But then when I grew older and he tried to show me the ways of the world, I was convinced that he knew NOTHING! I think that's the philosophy of alot of kids, and if i knew then what I know now, I would have embraced that part of my life and got everything I could of out of it.
The Lord knew that I needed a father, that I couldnt do without one. So he sent me one. Michael Moyer. No one could ever replace my daddy, he will always be my daddy, but I couldnt ask for a better father than the one I have now.
I dont know how many people will be thinking of Keith Hicks today, but if you are reading this, please know that he once was a great man and the best father he KNEW HOW to be...a today is his birthday......Happy Birthday Daddy, I love you

OOOPS!!!

Oh, dear.....I messed up. I did not type anything for my blog challenge yesterday. Well I was at church all day and then when I got home a pretty serious situation occurred and distracted me. So I forgot all about it. I am still going to try to write in my blog as often as possible, but maybe next month I can try the challenge again.
I have to say I am disappointed. Not necessarily in myself because I think the problems we were having yesterday trumps my blog, but still disappointed.
We had a nice day at church yesterday. Poor Katie was sick do she couldnt be in Sunday School with me. A bunch of us went out for lunch, which is always nice fellowshipping with your loved ones. And then being the first of the month, we had our prayer meeting. Pastor always says that it is the most important service that we have and I agree with him. It seems like our prayer list keeps growing and growing. BUT, I have noticed that the section for answered prayer has been growing as well. PRAISE THE LORD!!!! Our Christmas service is going to be in 2 weeks and I cant wait to see how the Lord will bring our church family together at such a special time of the year.
Oh, and I did take some pics of the FIRST SNOW FALL IN PA, but I left the camera in the van so maybe it will be on here tomorrow.

Day 5 - Prayer needed

It has come to my attention that there is a big struggle going on around me. Usually I am so caught up in my own dilemmas that I probably wouldnt notice it, but alot is going on. I have several friends, each with a different problem, whom really needs prayer right now. For privacy matters, I will not name them, but God knows who we are praying for. One friend is really having some marriage problems. Its hard to live for the Lord when your spouse doesnt want to. Pray for them. Others are having some health problems, others out of the will of God. Then another, well, I dont quite know what is going on with them. But I do know that they have a heavy heart and feel like there is no solution to a problem.
When the people you love get into situations like this, you want to help them soooo bad. And sometimes the only way to do that is to pray for them. So I ask everyone to join me in prayer for some really good people in a really bad situation. Thank you...:)

Day 4 - Yummy!!!!!

Well I am sure there are a few of you that are going through this same thing this week. David was told that he was going to receive holiday pay for thanksgiving and black Friday and only got regular pay for only thanksgiving. So his check was quite short this week. And being short, we are now short on everything else. So I had to be "creative" in our meals for the up coming week. The meal I made tonight was my own concoction, and I wasnt sure if it was going to be good or not, but it was absolutely delicious!!! So I am sharing it with you!
Now there are only a few of these ingredients that you absolutely HAVE TO have. The rest of them are changeable with other things. For instance, I had onions in mine, but not everyone like onions, so add something different.

Cindy's Poor Week Breakfast Casserole (For Dinner)

6 pieces of wheat bread, cubed 1/8 c. diced onion
5 eggs, beaten 1/2 c. diced potatoes
1 Tbs. mustard 1/2 tsp. minced garlic
1 c. milk 1 c. shredded cheese
1/2 can of spam, diced salt and pepper to taste

I didnt put things in a certain order, I just dumped everything in a bowl and mixed. Heat oven to 375....pop it is a casserole dish, and bake for 25 minutes. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving. My husband loved it and so did I. The only things you HAVE TO have is the bread, eggs, and milk. Everything else you can replace with what you have or what you like. I thought it would be good with bacon, onions, and mozzarella cheese. Maybe next week!

Day 3 - Happy Birthday Rebbekah!

Today is my neice Rebbekah's birthday. She is now 7 years old. They are growing soooo fast! Her brother Matthew will be 5 this month as well. I was talking to them on the phone today and they are having a joined birthday party on Sunday. Matthew asked me if I would come to his birthday party and it just broke my heart to tell him no. He doesnt understand that Kansas and Pennsylvania are so far away from each other, but I wish I could be there with them. I have not seen Rebbekah since she was a baby, and I have NEVER gotten to meet Matthew. Hopefully soon one day David and I will get to go to Kansas so we can see my family. I miss them all soooo much!!!

Day 2 - Orange Cupcakes

Well, as you can see, I made orange cupcakes! They are really good too. Dont worry, I have only had 2 of them. One yesterday and one today. If you havent figured it out by now, orange is my favorite color. I think it is weird that orange is my favorite color, but besides the actual fruit, I hate the taste of orange. Huh, go figure!
It is day 2 of my blog and I am already having trouble thinking of things to put on here. I hope it isnt like this the ENTIRE month. There are some things I would like to get off of my chest, but I would like my blog to be positive, delightful, and full of fun and surprises. Nothing negative or depressing, or talking bad about others. Hopefully the more you get to know me, the more you will find out that I always want to have fun. Of course I know when the time to be responsible and serious is, but its not ALL the time.
Tonight I am making goulash with garlic bread. And for dessert, CUPCAKES, of course!!!! Since it is Wednesday, Katie will most likely be eating with us too. I spend most Wednesdays up at the church with Katie so I make supper for us when Bubbers gets here. I dont think I will get much done on the library today. Sunday starts our new quarter in Sunday school and we are busy with things to get that ready. Saturday I will post pictures of the new classroom. I dont remember if I have put pics of it up before, but we have a sky in our classroom and this quarter we are going to "make it snow"!!! Oh, I hope it turns out good. I cant wait to see how it comes out. Thats all for now. Tootles!!!

Blog Challenge - Day1

Well, we are starting a new month, and lately I have started trying to challenge myself at a bit more things. I challenged myself to name something I was thankful for everyday until Thanksgiving, and i did. After the new year, I am doing another thankful challenge. I think we should thank God for what he provides us with not just once a year, but year round. And my friend Katie just got through doing a month long blog challenge and I thought it was a good idea.
I have been wanting for a LONG time to start writing more in my blog. I have a little bit, but I thought maybe doing this challenge will help me get started. If i can do it for a whole month, then why stop there? So be patient with me. lol I am still new at this. Some days I will have absolutely NOTHING interesting to say, and other days I hope to be quite a blessing to you. Please feel free to leave comments, I have an open mind to opinions as long as it is moral and Godly. Even if I disagree with you, most likely I will still post them, thats just how I am. :)

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Well, it is now going on 230 am on Thanksgiving morning. I wasnt feeling too well, so I went to bed early. But then I was awaken by a busted pipe in the kitchen, so of course now I am wide awake. So I laid in bed thinking of all the things to be thankful for. There are just so many of them. Of course, I immediately thought of my family and friends. So I started listing them. I dont know about you, but sometimes when I list things, it will help me fall asleep.
One of the people that I started thinking about was Sis. Swope. She was my pastors' wife from Kansas. She passed away a couple of years ago, it may be a little bit longer, I dont remember exactly, but I started thinking about her. I truly believe that she is the most virtuous woman I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Her voice never went above a whisper, she thought of everyone BUT herself. I think anyone who knew her would agree with me.
She tried, and tried hard, to teach me how to be a virtuous woman that God would be proud of. Of course in that time of my life, I wanted to do whatever I wanted, and refused to listen. I may not of applied those things in my life, but I did listen. I would like to think the things I am applying now in my life to be a better Christian woman and a better wife came from not just my mother and sister, but from Sis. Swope. I am eternally thankful and grateful to the Lord for bringing such a wonderful and virtuous woman into my life such as her and only wish that I would have taken the time to get to know her more.
I could write a book talking about all of the people I am thankful for that the Lord has brought into my life, but He laid on my heart to share her with you. I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving with their family and friends. And dont forget that Thanksgiving isnt just to celebrate history, but to give thanks unto the Lord for all of the things that he gives us and provides for us.
THANK YOU LORD FOR ALL THAT YOU DO!!!!

Where has CHRISTmas gone?

When my husband came home from his night job tonight(Walmart), he informed me that they are no longer allowed to say, "Merry Christmas" to the customers, but they MUST say, "Happy Holidays". Now Ive known for some time now that every Christmas season this has been quite an issue for some people, but to actually FORCE them to not say it is absolutely appalling!
They say it is our "civic duty" to be "politically correct" so we dont offend anyone. But what about us God fearing Christians? Do they not think that it would not offend us to have to leave Christ out of a holiday that was made to celebrate his birth? Every year it seems like we get farther and farther away from the real meaning and purpose of Christmas. Dont get me wrong, as you can see from my blog I OBVIOUSLY enjoy the snowmen, music, etc. of the season. But I also make sure to include the REAL reason for the season.
It seems like so many are caught up in things like Black Friday and mall santas that they have no time for their families, friends, NOR Christ. If we would all concentrate more on being with our families and teaching our children WHY we celebrate this holiday, maybe saying, "Merry Christmas" wouldnt be such a major issue.
I challenge you this "shopping" season, to not let any store go untracked. Carry a stack of tracks with you where ever you go. Every shop, every store, give one to every person. Make sure that they know some people still know what this holiday actually means! And when you give out your gifts, especially to your kids, make sure that they dont just thank you, but thank the Lord for providing what they were given. Thanksgiving shouldnt be the only time of year that we are thankful.

Giveaway

I got this giveaway from reading Katie's blog...the blog she mentioned is new to me, but the lady is having a book giveaway...its easy to enter...here is the link for it: http://truelovewaits1010.blogspot.com/
check it out!!!

Pain Pain Go Away!

Well I have been down for the count since Saturday night. I ended up going to the ER on Monday morning. They had to do a small, but horribly painful procedure on me to relieve pressure and ended up having to pack it, which causes more pressure! I have to go back Wednesday night to the hospital to get it unpacked and see if they have to actually do something that I would have to go into the hospital for. God willing I will be home Wednesday night.
The pain from all of this is so horrible I cant do anything for myself. I am so blessed that we were able to move into town and become neighbors with my friend Katie. She is right there when I need something. And right there to yell at me for doing things I am not suppose to do right now...lol. Trust me, she gets on my case the same way I do her!!! She came and watched a movie with me, took my mind off of stuff for a little while. Even brought me cookies! Now what could be better than cookies!? lol
Dave works 2 jobs and we cant afford to take any time off so it really is a blessing to have the Mathenas so close to me now. Please continue to pray not just for this episode, but that I can continue to lose weight and be approved for the bypass. The doctor said that this will keep happening until the weight is gone. I guess the cookies dont really help the situation does it? lol

Picture Perfect Day

I had a real nice day today with Katie at the church. We worked on the library we are trying to get going. We got ALOT of books done today, but there is still alot more to do. But anyone who knows us, knows that when Katie and I get together it is NEVER all work...lol. She has been asking me for weeks now to take pictures of her and one thing or another always got in the way and it never got done. I think it would have been really pretty to take them outside or something with all of the beautiful leaves chaning colors, but we waited too long and now it is cold and windy. But they cam e out beautiful anyways.
Last night my power kept going out so I didnt get any sleep. I was afraid that the power would stay out and Dave wouldnt wake up for work so I stayed up for him. Even though I was horribly tired today, we had a very nice time and I even got y bedroom unpacked tonight!

A Quiz Thingy

Where is your cell phone? Packed in a box somewhere.


Your significant other? That would be Mr. Bubbers...He's at work



Your hair? is awesome!



Your favorite thing? My "Elf" DVD : )



Your dream last night? It was horrible and I can't remember what it was. But I knwo it was really bad...it was horrible!



Your favorite drink? Diet Dr. Pepper & Katie's "Tar"



Your dream/goal? To serve the Lord with all my heart and to have children. A boy, a girl, and then twin boys...in that order. If thats okay with God... ; )


What room are you in? At the church at the computer desk


Your hobby? Crocheting, card making, and singing



Where do you want to be in 6 Yrs? Fit and trim, with at least two kids already.


Where were you last night? At home watching Alias instead of unpacking my bedroom.


Something that you aren't? I'm not on my way to Hell. Praise God!



Muffins? Yes please!


Wish list item? To go see my Mom in KS.


Last thing you did? Eat Marshmellows Yummy!! =)



TV? I don't watch TV...but I rent from Netflix.



Your pets? They're all dead...


Friends? Katie, Sabria...Deanna's my friend, shes really cool. But Katie's my favortiest, bestest, kindred spirt.



Your life? Interesting to say the least....just read the quiz.



Your present mood? Well, I'm with Katie so very giggly.



Missing someone? Oh yes, my mommy, my dog bubbles, and all my dead cats. Oh, and Bubbers cuz he's at work.



Drinking? Used to, but I don't any more.



Smoking? Uh, I quit 6 years ago


Your car? Needs help


Something you're not wearing? Shoes


Your favorite store? Catherines



Your favorite color? Orange!


The last time you cried? yesterday



Where do you go to over and over? The bathroom...I take Water pills.


Favorite place to eat? Taco Bell

**If you are reading this quiz, please read it with a humorous heart. : )**

Makeover

As you can see I have been made-over...or at least my blog has. I LOVE snowflakes and snowmen. I might even keep this year round. Don't be surprised! In the next month or so I will be taking the 30 day blog challenge. I am in the middle of another one right now so i don't want to overload myself to the point where i mess up on one. So you will be hearing form me soon!

Toys on the Stairs

A woman from my church was telling me about something her daughter had said. The little girl said. " Mommy, make sure to watch out for the toys on the stairs." The woman couldnt figure out what she was talking about and then the little girl said, "The Lord said to watch out for toys on the stairs". Then she realized she meant toils and snares! For one, it had to be the cutest thing I had heard in a long time. But then I began to think about the pure innocence in that statement that she made. Even though it was not the exact words, she saw the danger in the warning we were given.
I think sometimes we, or atleast I, tend to overthink things. Sometimes the Lord's answer to a problem isnt as complex of an answer as we are looking for. Therefore it is overlooked and we think he doesnt answer us at all. I know personally I have done that many times, and then later on I see the answer he had given me and regret not listening. God wouldnt make something so complex for only a genius to figure out. He wants us to trust and love him. Look for the simplicity of the faith in the Lord...Oh, and watch out for the toys on the stairs!

Summer 2009

Alot of neat and not so neat stuff has been going on lately. First off, DAVE GOT A JOB!!!! Praise the Lord! We had just emptied our savings account the day before he got it. It seems to be going well. We just have to get use to the schedule change. And he is aching pretty bad because he hasnt worked in over 6 months, not full time atleast. So pray for him please.

The babies arent doing well at all. Champ decided he liked it better outside so thats where he is now and I havent seen him in a week. Smoke is having kidney failure and I dont think he is going to be around much longer. OH, and we are infested with fleas. YUCK! We have tried 3 times to get rid of them but are trying something different on Wednesday...suppose to do the trick.

God Will Provide Himself a Lamb

Today in my daily Bible reading I started at the birth of Isaac (Genesis 21). Then I went onto the offering of Isaac (22). In verse 7 it says that Isaac asked his father where the lamb for the burnt offering was and in verse 8 he answers him. Abraham told Isaac, "My son, God will provide himself a lamb".
Now I have heard this story and read this story many many times in my life. But it has never meant anything to me until now. Alot of times when I read the Bible it is a struggle for me to hear what the Lord is trying to tell me. And most times I do not hear it. But today as I sat there, I FINALLY heard the Lord speak through His Word!!! I am so excited about it!!! He told me, "Cindy, if you will just give it all to me, I will provide what you need". I have struggled with our tithing lately. We have always given, but given what I thought we could afford, not what God told me to give. I never asked His opinion about it. And ever since I have started giving what the Lord wanted me to, He has kept His promise and he has provided not what we WANT, but what we NEED.
And I have learned recently that when you have a giving heart, He will bless you. Not just toward Him, but others as well. Recently a family I know needed help and everyone was quick to do so. I am ashamed to say this, but the first thing that popped in my head was, "Why isn't anyone doing this for MY family?". And that was so wrong of me. But I am proud to say that I quickly turned that attitude around and even though we don't have much I gave what we could. And I prayed that whatever their need was that it would be met. And then I asked God to forgive me for ever thinking that and being so selfish that I would not think of others before myself.
I hope everyone can see my growth as a christian. I have been saved for awhile, but never applied anything to my life until the last 6 months or so. So I actually see myself as a new born babe in Christ. Be patient with me, Ill get there...:)

Hello to all!!!

Hellllllooooooo!!!!!! Did you ever think that I was coming back? lol I know that I have been away for some time now. Many different reasons for that. Schedule changes, illness, etc. But the main reason is just a plain old pity party. I thought that in order for me to write something in here, that I needed something wonderful and extraordinary to say. Many times I have had something that wonderful to say but was too busy feeling sorry for myself to realize it. Ok, admit it, you've been there, done that. Its ok to admit it, you'll feel better when you do. Go on, do it. Now then....isn't that better?
ANYWAYS...Pastor got me thinking today in church about the blessings that the Lord has given me and the purpose behind those blessings. There has been so many. Most of them I have been too blind to see. Sometimes a blessing comes in a horrible disguise and you don't recognize it. The one thing that I particularly thought of today was the very first time that I met Pastor Mathena. Now remember, we are in Pennsylvania and we have only lived here for 5 years.
Back in 2000, my senior year, some pretty horrible things happened in my life. My father was once again abusing me and we were doing nothing but fighting all the time which led to a suicide attempt by me. After I got out of the hospital, my pastor and parents sent me down to the Roloff Homes in Texas where I was NOT put in the Rebekah Homes for girls, but the Jubilee Home for women even though I was 17. At this time in my life there were so many "whys" in my life I didn't know what to do. So instead of going to the Lord with my problems I rebelled more against everyone that I thought was out to get me. (WHICH WAS EVERYONE BY THE WAY...LOL)
Well in that home was a woman from Pennsylvania. I was already there when she arrived and her pastor and his family had driven all the way to Texas to bring her there. At that time with the Mathenas it was a hi and bye situation. Then again in 6 months when they picked her up it was a hi and bye situation. This woman is not in the Will of God now, but at that time she had told me that she was praying that God would bring me to Pennsylvania, go to her church, and find a good Godly and loving husband. I thought she was off her rocker!!!!
In between now and then alot more stuff has happened...some good and some bad. But I am just now coming to realize the full picture of my life. If I would have had a loving father, no family problems, no attitude, drug, or alcohol problems, I would have never met my husband David, Pastor Mathena, his family, and my WONDERFUL church family that I have today. Whoever thought that I would end up who, what, and where I am today? Definitely not me!!!!
As much as I miss my family back in Kansas, I know that God's purpose for me is here. I'm not sure yet what that purpose is, but I know where it is.
Please continue to pray for me and my husband. I was denied for my disability again and my health is not getting any better. Dave needs to find a full time job that he will be able to keep. And pray for us as a couple. Anyone who is married knows the emotional struggle a couple has when they are financially down and the strain it can put on someone. Also, I have gotten away from my relationship with the Lord. Please pray that I can restore it to where it ought to be.
And please don't be afraid to let me know that you are praying for us. It gives me encouragement to hear so.
Now I have shared alot with everyone today that I didn't have to but wanted to. Please don't use or hold anything that I have said against me. Look at the person I am trying to become and not the person I use to be...:)

Modesty is Everything!!!

Today is finally sat down and decided to read the book, "Dressing for the Lord". I am still reading through it, but after only 40 pages of it, I have made the decision to quit wearing pants. I have never really had a problem with wearing things that cover up your body in the sense that the flesh was covered, but pants have been an issue.
I didn't wear pants until the sophomore year of high school. Going to a public school was hard because of that reason. My sister and I wore culottes to school. Then when my parents thought we were old enough to make the decision on our own, we both wanted to wear them. My sister only lasted 2 weeks before she was convicted about it. But I kept wearing them.
I have been telling myself that Ill quit wearing pants as soon as I get some more clothes. But that's no excuse. In the book, it says to ask 5 questions about what you are wearing.
1. IS IT WORN BY THE OPPOSITE SEX?
Well I have always said..." If we cant wear pants, we cant wear, a belt, or hats, or shoes because men also wear those". But those things have nothing to do with the sex of the person and the body of the person. And if someone saw me from far away, could they tell that I was a woman? Most likely no. They would have to look at other parts of my body to find out if I was a woman or not. So why would I want that?
2.WHAT DOES IT MAKE OTHERS THINK OF ME?
You can tell alot about a person by what they are wearing. You communicate through your clothes. Our pastor on a Sunday morning in his suit and tie looks like a pastor. But at home in his jeans and sweater, he looks like a dad. Same thing with women. People assume that if you are wearing a long skirt you are religious. But if you are wearing something that makes you look easy, then they think you are easy.
3.WHAT KIND OF PEOPLE DRESS THAT WAY?
4.MUST I USE THE ARGUMENTS OF THE WORLD TO JUSTIFY IT?
This is the one that really got me. I always had some excuse for why I could wear pants. They were form fitting, they were pink, guys wouldn't wear these,etc. But that's exactly what every other person would say. Right there I made my decision.
5. WOULD I CAUSE OTHER PEOPLE TO STUMBLE?
The fact that I might cause a good Godly man to lust after me all because of what I was wearing really bothers me. How would I feel if that was my husband? I wouldn't like it at all!
Well that's as far in the book as I have gotten. I cant wait to read the rest of it. I don't have very many clothes that are modest and that has been an excuse for a long time. But I know that God will be proud of me for making this decision and that he will provide the clothes for me because of it.:)

God is Good

Isnt God good?! Just when you think that there is no solution to a problem, he gives you one. Recently I have been in a little "tiff" with some friends of mine. Ya know, we have all been there. This person said this, and that person said that. But no one actually heard them say it...lol. Well I have been praying that it would be resolved and tonight I got a phone call that I think did resolve it!
The thing that we all need to remember is that we are friends. More importantly than friends, we are brothers and sisters in Christ. And when we treat eachother badly, we are treating a child of God badly. And he does not like that. I dont think God answers the prayers of, and/or takes care of people being mean to His children. Sometimes we have to stop and just THINK. I mean really THINK. Not about what the person has done to you or what the person might have said, but what we can do to fix the problem instead of creating another one.

Proverbs 16:28...17:9,17...18:24
If you are having problems with any of your friends, please read these verses, they may help.

Happy Easter!!!!!

We had a WONDERFUL day with our church family this Easter Sunday. At first, with as many people as there are sick right now, I didn't think that there were going to be too many people at church. But Sunday morning we were packed!!!! Lots of visitors came back and even some families in town were there.

But then in the afternoon, I am assuming that most people had family waiting for an Easter lunch because almost everyone disappeared. We had about 5 or 6 families stick around for lunch. I am so glad that the Lord is blessing our church with the growth that we have experienced lately, but sometimes it is also nice to get together with just a few people and have a nice fellowship. Everyone had a great time and there was just a really nice and sweet spirit in the air. We didn't get started on our second service right away because we were having a missionary coming in. The Hooper Family from Germany came and spent a couple of hours with us. They have 14 children..all ages!!!! It was really a blessing listening to his testimony. He shared everything with us. The part that really touched me was talking about their daughter Ruth who had leukemia. And something that REALLY encouraged me was the fact that they thought Mrs. Hooper could not have children and the first few years they were married they were not able to. And for God to allow a women told by doctors she was barren to have 14 children gives me alot of hope.

Well, the Blackman girls looked cute as always, and they decided that David, my husband, needed to have a little more decoration. So they took turns putting their hates on him. In the picture Courtney is putting hers on and at the same time, Hannah is yelling, " You look like a sissy!!!" ROFL...It was hilarious!!!! Then we ended the day making cards and taking a midnight run to Sonic with Jodi, Katie, and Kate. I'm so glad that I was able to come to church that day. In the morning I wasn't feeling well and God gave me the strength to go anyways. I am so blessed to have the most wonderful church family anyone could ask for. I couldn't have had a better holiday. Unless my mom was there of course!!!!lol

Why...oh...why?

There are alot of things in life that we can can say...Why, oh why?. And if you are like me, then you are usually asking this question to the Lord. But the thing that I have trouble remembering is that he will answer me in HIS time, not my own. Is His time tomorrow? Or is it next year? Or is it in 10 years? I do not know.
I get so discouraged sometimes when I cant get out of bed because all I want to be able to do is walk to the post office, or up the road. And I cant. I know alot of people think that I'm not actually sick and that I just don't want to work or come to church. And they think just because I don't have children and a full time job that I don't have anything to do all day. That is not the case. That's why I am in bed so much, because I try to do too much. With my husband working 2 jobs, he doesn't have time to help me with anything and I feel too guilty to ask for his help on his day off. But he does anyways. :)
I pray everyday that I would be approved for disability not only to help out with the bills, but so I could get insurance to have my surgery. Without this surgery I can not have children. I try not to be angry that I don't have children, but when I go to church and see everyone with their babies and people get together because they have things in common that I don't have in common with anyone, it hurts.
I am just tired of being sick and tired and having to explain myself. People are going to think exactly what they want to think. My husband tries to tell me this isn't so, but I know that people think that I am just fat and don't want to work. They don't know why I HAVE TO wear the same thing every week to church. They don't understand why I HAVE TO sit in the back and leave during almost every service. They don't understand because they don't want to understand and that's something that is on my mind everyday.
I am trying to rely on the Lord through all of this but it is hard. The flesh is trying to tell me that no one cares...including the Lord. But I know that is not true. There is a solution, I just have to listen better to Him. Thanks for listening anyone who took the time to read this....sorry if I discouraged anyone with my pity party

Slurpie Gone Wrong!!!!

Okay...as most of you know, I am NOT a morning person. I get up early only when the occasion calls for it. In this case, the occasion is Sunday mornings. Because Dave works on Sundays now, it is either bug someone for a ride, which I don't like to do, or have him drop me off at the church at about 7 to 730 am. Now for those people who don't know about our church we are there until at least 330 pm sometimes longer. So that's a pretty long day for everyone.
Well we have been doing this for awhile now so we have a pretty good routine down. I get everything ready on Saturday night that way all we have to do is get dressed and a few other things in the morning. Then we either grab something at McDonald's, or recently we have switched over to Dunkin Donuts, for breakfast. Then we go over the 7-11 to get my morning pick me up. For most people it would be coffee, but for me it is a Slurpee! Well everything was going according to plan and we arrived at the church. I got out and tried to carry too many things at once and the worst possible thing happened. My Slurpee slipped out of my arm and fell onto the ground!!! Usually it would be salvageable, but the cup itself had cracked into about 4 different pieces. Right then a black cloud formed over my head. (alright, go ahead and laugh if you aren't already)
I know it seems pretty silly to be in a bad mood over a spilt drink but that is our human nature. Of course later on I did realize how silly it did seem. Right when this happened, Pastor, Katie, Lisa, and other Katie arrived at church. And poor Katie Mathena tried to say hello to me....POOR KATIE. ROFL (which by the way sorry Katie) If looks could kill the poor girl probably would be in a coffin right now!!!! So I went inside and sat down and ate my sandwich and kept to myself while the other girls sat in the other room giggling and having fun.
Well eventually Katie came and got me and I did join them. Then Katie took us for a "joy" ride on and errand for Pastor. But I have to say...whoever came up with the term "joy ride" has obviously NEVER ridden with a beginner driver...ROFL. I am just kidding...for anyone who is wondering, Katie is a really good driver. Better than what I could say I was like when I got my DL. I failed the test 3 times and then got in my first accident 2 weeks in. There is a lesson from that sentence. STUDY FOR TESTS...AND USE...YOUR...MIRRORS!!!!
Anyways, back to the story...actually, the story is kind of done. The girls cheered me up and we went back to church and had a nice day. Guess that's what good friends are for!

Anger Management

Have you ever been in a situation where you got so angry that something just came flying out of your mouth before you even realized it? I think we all have. This subject of anger is something that I have personally be struggling with for quite some time now and recently listened to a message by Bro. Anthony Fusco on anger. It talks about the source, the results, and dealing with anger.
Just like any other problem we have, whether it is drugs and alcohol, promiscuity, idolatry, etc., it is hard to admit the problem in the first place. This was not in his sermon but I really do believe that you can't solve a problem if you don't admit that there is one. Pride can be a horrible thing. It is actually one of the sources of anger and if we are not careful, it will eat us alive.
Ephesians 4:26
" Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath."

Now I know after I get angry, I feel like I am the worst person on Earth. And I ask my self what's wrong with me? Why do I keep doing this? Well the answer is something that you always need to remember. Anger is something that happens to everyone. It is absolutely normal to get angry. In fact, if you don't get angry, there is probably something wrong with you! LOL The key to it is CONTROLLING the anger. There are many sources that can be the start of anger:
1. Pride...we already talked a little bit about that
2. Contempt... someone disrespecting you
3. Abuse...there are many forms of abuse...in my opinion they are all just as bad...they all leave scars whether inside or out.
4. Frustration...this could mean finances or bills among other things
5. Feeling Hurt...it stats with being hurt and sad and can quickly turn into anger
6. Rejection... same as hurt...first you are hurt and sad...then angry

There are many examples of this in the Bible. I am not going to go over all of them, but I would suggest getting ahold of this cd from Bro. Fusco. If you do not know him, and you know me, I can let you borrow it. The results from anger can be horrible. No one likes an angry person. You rub people the wrong way and eventually you will lose your friends. They might put up with it for a short time because they love you and care about you, but eventually they will get tired of it and leave.
Proverbs 15:18
" A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife."
Ecclesiates 7:9
" Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry; for anger resteth in the bosom of fools."

If you are not careful, anger will settle into your heart and it will stay there. In the sermon, he says that the best thing to do is, that when you feel yourself about to get angry, do something to keep yourself from reacting. The more time in between the time something happened and the time you actually react, the less likely you are to be angry and say or do something that you shouldnt. Not only will we lose our friends, but anger will lead to other sins. We are already sinning by letting anger get the best of us, why add more to the pile?
The best way to deal with anger is to find a Biblical way around it. The WRONG attitude to have is that old horrible saying...." Dont get mad, get even". When you try to get even with someone, they eventually are going to try to get even with you. Then something that stated out as just a small little arguement, is now a huge giant thing that can really hurt someone. Since I have been studying this, I have tried to make Proverbs 15:1 a life verse for myself.
Proverbs 15:1
" A soft answer turneth away wrath; but grevious words stir up anger."
Ephesians 4: 26, 31-32
" Be ye angry and sin ot; let not the sun go down upon your wrath... Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice.... And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."

Anger is not something that we can let fester inside of us for too long. Don't wait to get it taken care of. Settle the matter right away! And be something through a great relationship with Christ. When you show kindness to others, the Lord will begin a great work in your heart and you will have not just a great relationship with your family and friends, but an even greater relationship with Christ.

LET IT GO AND FORGIVE!!!

All right...here I go!!!! I am not quite sure what I am doing or why I am doing it, but I thought I might try a blog out for awhile. Either it is going to quite boring and not only will no one read it, but I will stop writing in it; or it is going to cause trouble. Hopefully I am completely wrong and I will be able to write something inspiring that younger women can learn from. I think that is my goal here. I thought and thought and thought about not just why I should start a blog...but if I should. And I figured out that with all the things that I have been through in my life and all the things that I have learned, there has to be SOMEONE in the world going through the exact some problems and looking for an answer. Maybe I have the answer and maybe I dont. All I know is that God has not told me what His will is for my life yet. Sometimes I am very impatient about it and I know that is NOT the answer. The answer is to wait and listen. And in the mean time, I am just trying to serve the Lord in any way I can.

My health does limit me to some things that I can do, but I try to be as active in the church as possible. I am a helper in Sunday School with one of my best friends Katie as the teacher. I would'nt change classes for anything. I love all of the kids very much. But some of them will be going into the next class this coming school year and I will miss them very much. I try to keep the church clean but its hard alot of times to do. When I am not able to my husband David tries to take of it for me. Then anything else that I can help with I try to do my best with.

The thing that is real heavy on my heart right now is my mother. Tomorrow (April 3rd) she is having a very serious surgery. They will be cutting open the back of her neck and working on her spine. We are miles and miles apart from eachother and I fell helpless sometimes ...no...worthless because I am not there for her. You will hear me talk about her more than once, but the amount of pain and suffering I have put my mother through and she just stuck by my side the whole time. She has never once thought of herself...only me. I love her very much and miss her terribly. That is all for now...one my mom is through her surgery I will be able to think better and I hope that you enjoy what you read.