Happy New Year!

Happy 2018!!

I'm mostly going to take it as it comes. I do plan on reading the Bible through this year. I've started a few times before, but never read the whole thing. I've read most of it though. Those begats can really slow you down. lol Some books in the Bible I've read multiple times. It's mostly the minor prophets I haven't read all of and most of Isaiah and Jeremiah. My church is doing a read-through together, so I've joined in.

It'd be nice to get our house sold and buy a new (to us) house. I say that most years and we've yet to put our house back on the market. Maybe someday. We still want a bigger place in the country. It's just the hassle of trying to sell (and keep the house looking nice for house hunters) that we dread. Charlie's been doing some repairs lately. If he keeps that up and we get everything done that needs to be done, then maybe we can put the house on the market by spring or summer. We're really bad about procrastinating though. :-/

As for what we did on New Year's Eve, Sean and I went to church at our regular Sunday service time (11:00 AM). Mom was there, too. Kelly wasn't feeling well and Charlie stayed home with her. Our church did communion (always makes me cry) and I brought a couple communion juice/cracker cups home for Charlie and Kelly.

I was on Facebook when it turned midnight. Missed the ball drop. :-/ But I kissed Charlie a couple minutes after midnight and told my family "Happy New Year" (including our pets lol) before telling my friends and family on Facebook.

Charlie's off work today and will hopefully get the hall bath done. He scraped the popcorn off the ceiling a few days ago (it was coming off in a couple small places) and has been doing some patching, sanding, and painting. He did our master bath several months ago. Our closet needs to be done next. A bad leak during a heavy rain storm caused a large area of the popcorn to peel away/fall off a few years ago and that hasn't been fixed yet. Mostly because it's going to be such a pain to take everything out of the closet. There's so much in it.

I reckon that's it for now. I'll do my annual books and movies of the year soon.

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~*~Nocturnal Queen~*~
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Strange Dream

I had a strange dream last night. I had just stepped into a fitting room when a woman (who I assume works at the store where I was shopping) asked me to step out so she could talk to me. I thought she was going to accuse me of something. We sat down and she warned me that a plague was about to sweep across the world and that whatever I was going to do, I needed to do it now.

I immediately left the store and on my way out, I saw my husband's family from Oklahoma and told them about the plague and that if they were going to go back to OK that they needed to do it now while it was still safe to fly.

I then went home, which happened to be in a huge field (wheat?) surrounded by trees. I got out my Bible to see what it said about the plague. (I don't know what kind of plague it was and apparently it hadn't made the news yet as it was yet to begin.) As I read my Bible aloud to my family (we were standing outside in the field), a vision of what I was reading appeared before us. I don't remember much about the vision. I remember immodestly dressed people in white and a strong wind sweeping across the field and blowing away the wheat. The people were afraid. Some were too scared to move; others ran.

Either what I read in the Bible (and I don't know yet what it really says) or a voice said that the plague would last either 6 months or a year and 6 months.


The dream probably doesn't mean anything, but as I typed this out I got a little choked up.

Marriage Quotes

One of my Facebook "friends" is a preacher up in Virginia. Apparently he's been teaching about marriage lately on Wednesday nights at the church he pastors. He's shared a few things on Facebook that I really liked. I copied and pasted them to my computer where I keep a very long list of favorite quotes. I actually have two long lists of favorite quotes.

"In every marriage more than a week old, there are grounds for divorce. The trick is to find, and continue to find, grounds for marriage." -- Robert Anderson

"Love your spouse so well that you make your friends and neighbors jealous."

"A negative attitude, a negative mouth, and negative behavior will net you a negative marriage."

"Your spouse is far more important than guests: So he/she should get better treatment than they do."

"Choose your spouse over all other human relationships." -- Ooh, I really like that one a lot!

"The Christian is supposed to love his neighbor, and since his wife is his nearest neighbor, she should be his deepest love." -- Martin Luther

A quote by another preacher I'm a "fan" of on Facebook had this non-marriage thing to say:

"You can choose your sin, but you can't choose your consequence." -- So true.

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And now for more from Proverbs.

21:2, 4, 6, 13
"2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the Lord pondereth [examines] the hearts. ... 4 An high [haughty; conceited] look, and a proud heart, and the plowing [lamp; evil actions] of the wicked, is sin. ... 6 The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity [fleeting; a waste of time] tossed to and fro of them that seek death. ... 13 Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard."

21:16, 21, 23
"16 The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead. ... 21 He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour. ... 23 Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles."

21: 28-29
"28 A false witness shall perish [will be cut off]: but the man that heareth [listens to the truth] speaketh constantly [will speak forever]. 29 A wicked man hardeneth his face [bluffs; puts on a bold face or front]: but as for the upright, he directeth his way [thinks before he acts; prepares his way]."

Pretty Dress, Giving Away Dessert, Awesome Church

Kelly and I went in search of either a new skirt for her for school or a new dress for church on Saturday. We didn't have any luck in the skirt department. (Why do people think it's okay for girls to wear mini skirts?) But we did find several dresses at Macy's that could possibly work. Kelly tried on about six dresses and we ended up choosing a very pretty black one (black velvet on top; silver on the bottom) for just under $18. The original price was $78! I love a sale.


We then went to the video store to rent a couple movies. We chose Salt and Nanny McPhee Returns. Salt was pretty good. Nanny McPhee Returns was a little too silly for my tastes, but Kelly liked it.

While Kelly and I were out on Saturday, I saw a woman who was asking for "anything you can give". She said she didn't have anything to eat or anywhere to go, that the urban ministry was full. I didn't want to give her money in case she wanted to use it to buy drugs or alcohol. Instead I gave her our dessert from Olive Garden (zeppoli) and the two breadsticks we had. She thanked me nicely and walked on.

Kelly said she was really looking forward to eating the zeppoli and I said that I was too, but I felt like I should give it to the lady. I called Olive Garden and placed a new order for zeppoli, which Kelly and I went and picked up. We brought it home and enjoyed it while watching Nanny McPhee Returns.

Yesterday morning while I was getting ready for church, I thought about how I'd given away our dessert. I hadn't thought about what the Bible says about it at the time that it was happening. As I was getting ready for church, these scriptures came to mind:

Hebrews 13:2
"Be not forgetful to entertain [show hospitality, kindness or love to] strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares."

Matthew 25:34-40
"34Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
35 For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?
38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?
39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."

Wow. I know some don't believe in angels, but I do. I'm not saying that lady was an angel. But what if she was? Or she could've just been someone God put in my path on Saturday to see how I would react. You just never know. Whatever the case, it blessed me to bless her. I wasn't thinking about that at the time - how it might bless me or what it might do for me. It's only been since those scriptures came to mind yesterday morning that I've felt blessed by what I did.

Anyway, church yesterday was so good! More than good. It was awesome! An older lady (50s) who goes to my church put it this way on Facebook, "It was off the chain!". There were a lot of people there. The most I've seen in a while. We usually run about 220-230, but it looked like there were quite a bit more there yesterday. And not everyone who's normally there (or should be, such as Charlie and Sean!) was there. If everyone who normally is there or should be there had been there we probably would've needed extra seats.

We sang four great songs as a congregation (Blessed be Your Name, The More I Seek You, Running, and Freedom), our pastor's daughter and our keyboard player sang a song (He Wants it All) and then the choir sang a couple songs (Freedom Is, and Souled Out). The worship was beautiful and powerful. One of those services you wish could keep on going.

Our pastor preached about Waste Places (Isaiah 51:1-3, 11) and how that God can turn our wastelands into something beautiful. And how that He can help us not to dwell on our pasts, what others have done to us or the wrongs we've done, to not become bitter or depressed. But instead to see our past as something to learn from and to help others who may be going through what we've been through. It was a great message.

After church, Mom took us out to La Hacienda to eat. We hadn't been there in a while, since Mom last took us there. It was quite good.

No school today, so I'll be sleeping in a bit. Speaking of sleeping, I really need to get in the bed. It's nearly 3:00 AM. I didn't expect to stay up this late, considering how sleepy I am.

Have a great Monday!

Snow Days, Last Night, Proverbs

The kids didn't have school again on Thursday. Yesterday was a 2-hour delay. And now after having so many days off due to snow and ice, they have a three-day weekend. Monday is Martin Luther King, Jr. day. And then Friday is a teacher workday. I haven't heard anything about the school system using that as a make-up day. I think they should. Rather than sending the kids to school on a Saturday, as some systems are doing and I wouldn't put it past our school system to do it, I think they should send the kids to school on the teacher workday and let a Saturday be the teacher workday. That's my opinion on the subject anyway.

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Kelly and I are going grocery shopping today. I normally do it on Fridays, but it was just too cold yesterday. It's still going to be cold today, somewhere in the mid-40s, but not as cold as yesterday, which was in the 30s.

We're going to try to get Kelly a new skirt for school and/or a new dress for church if we can find them on sale for a really good price. (I'd prefer no more than $10 for a skirt and no more than $20 for a dress.) She badly needs more school skirts and church dresses, as well as church shoes. And Sean really needs a couple more school shirts, church clothes, a belt (school dress code) and church shoes. I'll get Sean a new belt next time and hopefully find a shirt for him for school also.

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My mom took Sean and Zach (my nephew; my brother's step-son) to the monster truck show last night. (Charlie's in Richmond working.) That's really not my thing, or Kelly's, at all. While they were gone, Kelly and I watched Pride and Prejudice on Blu-Ray and ate some chocolate chip cookies, warm from the oven. :-)

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I'm really sick of winter. I've never liked it. And it seems like the older I get the more I hate it. I know people say, "Just wait till summer. You'll be wanting colder temps." Not me. Even in the heat of summer, I don't look forward to winter at all. And as summer comes to an end and the temperatures begin cooling down, I absolutely dread winter. I'd much rather it be summer than winter. Though fall and spring are my favorite seasons.

Anyway, these cold temperatures have got me longing, not only for the end of winter, but also for a trip to a warmer place. Somewhere tropical maybe - Puerto Rico, the Bahamas, the Virgin Islands, Hawaii. *sigh* I know. Keep dreaming. :-/

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I haven't posted anything from Proverbs in a while. I'll pick up where I left off.

Proverbs 20:1, 7, 17, 20 "1 Wine is a mocker [scorner; makes people foolish], strong drink [beer; alcohol] is raging [leads to fights; makes people noisy]: and whosoever is deceived thereby [led astray by wine/alcohol; under their influence; delighted by them] is not wise. ... 7 The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him. ... 17 Bread of deceit [stolen bread; bread gained by fraud] is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel. ... 20 Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness."

20:24, 27, 29 "24 Man's goings are of the Lord; how can a man then understand his own way? ... 27 The spirit of man is the candle of the Lord, searching all the inward parts of the belly [innermost being; heart]. ... 29 The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the gray head."

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year everyone!

As it does every New Year's, this past year seems to have flown by. I have high hopes for 2011. After the emotional hell that was the majority of 2009, I entered 2010 also feeling hopeful. There were many downs in 2010 and many tears, but I also grew spiritually. Though things weren't made right last year as I hoped and expected them to be, God gave me peace and strength to endure. I've learned a lot through all of this. I'm expecting God to set some things in motion this year (if He hasn't already) and to finally bring about the end of this trial I've been going through by finally making things right and whole and good again.

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Kelly and I went to the church last night to pray in the new year. (Sean is in Raleigh again. :-/ ) There weren't as many people there as I expected there to be, but it was a great time of prayer.

Looking forward to church tomorrow. Between sickness and snow, we missed several services in December. I'm ready to get back into making it to church every service again. I've missed it. We may go see Tangled after church.

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And now for more of Proverbs:

19:5, 9, 11, 14 "5 A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape. ... 9 A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish. ... 11 The discretion of a man deferreth his anger [a man's wisdom gives him patience]; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression [and it is to his glory to overlook an offense; he earns respect by overlooking wrongs]. ... 14 House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent [discreet; virtuous; understanding] wife is from the Lord."

19:16, 20, 22 " 16 He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul [keep the commandments and keep your life]; but he that despiseth his ways shall die [despising the commandments leads to death]. ... 20 Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end. ... 22 The desire of a man is his kindness [what a man desires is unfailing love and loyalty]: and a poor man is better than a liar."

19:26-28 " 26 He that wasteth [robs; mistreats; assaults] his father, and chaseth away his mother, is a son that causeth shame, and bringeth reproach. 27 Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge. 28 An ungodly [corrupt; worthless; untruthful] witness scorneth judgment [mocks justice]: and the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity [gulps down evil; seizes evil eagerly]."

May you all have a blessed, successful, wonderful, glorious, stupendous, love-filled, joyful 2011!

Gifts, Quotes, Proverbs

I got a new camera for Christmas! Woohoo! Now I just have to figure out how to use it. lol This is the kind I got:


I can't wait to go to the park with it and try it out there. Whenever the weather gets nice enough. Of course, in the meantime, I'll be taking pictures of my kids and pets. I'd also like to get a picture of my kids in front of the tree with their presents all laid out.

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My mom gave me some money for Christmas. I plan on using it to get myself a very much needed personal item. There should be enough left after that to buy one of the movies I've been wanting on Blu-Ray. Either Leap Year, Sherlock Holmes, Star Trek (the new one), Beauty and the Beast or Prince of Persia. I'm leaning towards Leap Year.

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"To get what you've never gotten, you must do what you've never done."

"If drugs, alcohol, and the lust of the flesh were the answers to life, this world would be a utopia."

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Proverbs 18:5, 8, 10 "It is not good to accept the person of the wicked [to be partial to the wicked; to acquit the guilty; to respect the evil-doer], to overthrow the righteous in judgment [to deprive the innocent of justice; to give a wrong decision against the upright]. ... 8 The words of a talebearer [gossip; slanderer] are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly [heart]. ... 10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe."

18:13-14, 16 "He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him. 14 The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity [can endure a sick body]; but a wounded spirit [broken spirit; crushed spirit] who can bear? ... 16 A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men."

18:21-22, 24 "Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof [will reap the consequences]. 22 Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the Lord. ... 24 A man that hath friends must show himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother."

Our Wednesday Evening

I really enjoyed church last night. We sang a few songs as a congregation. The third one is a song that came out a few years ago.



"And I, I'm desperate for You.
And I, I'm lost without You."

We could feel God so strongly as we ended that song. People were literally on their faces praying and crying. I had my hands lifted, praying with tears in my eyes. It was beautiful.

Afterwards, the ladies went to a different room and had a little birthday party for our pastor's wife. The room was quite full. We weren't expecting so many to be there this close to Christmas. We had a lovely time. The food was good (cakes, crackers, cheese ball, vegetables and dip, chicken, biscuits, brownies, fruit) and we enjoyed one another's company.

I talked with a friend (my best friend) after the party about what I feel like God's been telling me and she was excited and happy to hear it. We're believing together for victory.

When Kelly and I got home (Sean was with Mom), we nibbled on a few things and watched some TV.

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More from Proverbs:

17:3-4, 9-10, 12
"The refining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the Lord trieth the hearts.
"4 A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips [listens to false lips; listens to gossip; obeyeth an unjust tongue]; and a liar giveth ear [listens] to a naughty [malicious; slanderous; lying; destructive] tongue. ...
"9 He that covereth a trangression [covers a fault or offense; forgives] seeketh love [seeks love; promotes love; causes love to prosper]; but he that repeateth a matter [repeats the offense; dwells on it; keeps bringing it up] separateth very friends [separates close friends].
"10 A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool. ...
"12 Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly."

17:13, 15, 17, 19-20, 22
"Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house. ...
"15 He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the Lord. ...
"17 A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity [is born to help in time of need]. ...
"19 He loveth transgression that loveth strife [he who loves a quarrel/fighting, discord or disobedience loves sin]: and he that exalteth his gate [makes a high gate or door] seeketh destruction [invites destruction or ruin].
"20 He that hath a froward [perverse; crooked; twisted; wayward; fraudulent] heart findeth no good: and he that hath a perverse [lying; deceitful; devious] tongue falleth into mischief. ...
"22 A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken [crushed; sorrowful] spirit drieth the bones [saps/drains a person's strength]."

A Fitting Quote and Proverbs

I feel like whatever I have might be getting worse. When I woke up yesterday I could barely speak. My voice gradually improved, but still isn't normal. I have that husky voice that Charlie once told me sounded sexy. :-/ In addition to the voice problems, I also just feel like I'm getting sick. I hope I'm not.

Unfortunately, we're going to miss church today because I don't feel well. I really hate to miss church.

I finally finished decorating the tree and the living room last night. I don't think I've ever taken this long to get the decorating done.

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There are a couple ministers I've heard preach before who I'm "friends" with on Facebook. One of them likes to post good quotes. I've taken some to add to my enormous list of favorite quotes and I've added a few here. This is the newest one that the preacher posted at Facebook:

"There are 3 stages in every great work of God: first, it is impossible, then it is difficult, then it is done."

Wow. I really like that! Very fitting for what I've been going through. I'll be glad when it gets to the "It is done" phase.

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Proverbs 16:2, 6-7, 18, 24 "All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the Lord weigheth [examines] the spirits [motives]. ... 6 By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the Lord men depart from evil. 7 When a man's ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him. ... 18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. ... 24 Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones."

16:25, 27-28, 32 "There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. ... 27 An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire. 28 A froward [disobedient; contrary] man [a troublemaker] soweth strife: and a whisperer [gossip; slanderer; tale-bearer] separateth chief friends. ... 32 He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city."

Our Evening and a Couple Songs

Kelly and I did the usual grocery shopping yesterday, as we do every Friday. Sean was with Mom and is spending the night with her. After bringing the groceries home, we picked up some food from Chick-fil-A (it had been a month or so since we last had it) and ate while watching TV. We watched a musical Christmas special and then What Not to Wear.

I told her about it being mine and Daddy's wedding anniversary and then I tried to sing my favorite song ("Endless Love" by Mariah Carey and Luther Vandross) to her from our wedding day. I say I tried because my throat is a little sore and my voice was cracking a lot while I tried to sing. Kelly thought it was funny.



After What Not to Wear, we watched some new show on TLC similar to Clean House. I fell asleep with about 5 minutes left in the show and didn't see the end results. :-/

There's a chance for snow or a snow/rain mixture today. I'm glad I don't have anywhere I need to go.

The kids just have two more days of school before Christmas break. Why does it seem like Christmas is coming faster this year?

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Proverbs 15:1, 3-4, 6 "A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. ... 3 The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good. 4 A wholesome [gentle; soothing] tongue is a tree of life [brings healing]: but perverseness [a deceitful tongue] therein is a breach in the spirit [crushes the spirit]. ... 6 In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble."

15:10, 12-13, 17 "Correction [stern discipline; chastisement] is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof [correction; teaching] shall die. ... 12 A scorner [scoffer; mocker; corrupt man] loveth not one that reproveth [corrects; teaches; warns] him: neither will he go unto the wise. 13 A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. ... 17 Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith."

15:21, 25, 32-33 "Folly [foolishness] is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom [lacks judgment; has no sense; unwise; fool]: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly. ... 25 The Lord will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow. ... 32 He that refuseth instruction [rejects or ignores discipline/instruction] despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding. 33 The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom [teaches wisdom]; and before honour is humility [humility precedes honour]."

4-Day Wknd, A Recipe and An Ornament from Kelly

We got almost nothing in the way of snow today. Barely a dusting. (They were expecting 1-2 inches.) But we got enough ice to close schools for the day. We just found out a few minutes ago that schools are also closed tomorrow. My kids were very excited about that, running and dancing around. I reminded them that this means they're going to have to make it up later. Today's snow/ice day will be made up on January 3rd.

Mom spun out on her way to work this morning. (She was still in her neighborhood.) It scared her more than anything, but she said she's sore all over from tensing up. She managed to get herself back home and called someone to come get her. She's off tomorrow through Sunday. She usually has Sean with her when she's off, so she might be coming to get him sometime tomorrow.

Hopefully I won't have any trouble getting out of our neighborhood tomorrow. I have to get groceries. Our refrigerator is so empty. It shows more after cleaning it this afternoon. I scrubbed it and threw out the few things that were expired.

Eggs, butter, milk, Hershey Kisses, two Lunchables for Sean, tangerines, a bottle of water and some apples that need to be thrown out.

Butter, strawberry jam, parmesan, ketchup, pizza sauce, A-1 sauce, beef broth and Pepto Bismol.

I got some more work done around the house today in addition to cleaning the refrigerator. Cleaned out the litter boxes, swept, did dishes, cleaned the kitchen, did the laundry, folded and put away sheets and quilts. Sean wanted pancakes for supper, which I make from scratch, so that's what we had.

I still need to finish decorating the tree and the house for Christmas. I never take this long. I might do that tonight.

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I was just uploading pictures from my camera to my computer when I saw the picture Kelly had taken of the chicken parmesan I made a few nights ago and it reminded me that I wanted to share the recipe here and post a picture.

When I made the chicken parmesan, I didn't want to go through the breading/flouring and frying process of it. So I poured enough chicken broth in the bottom of a baking pan to cover the bottom and keep the chicken from sticking. I seasoned one side of the chicken breasts (boneless, skinless) with salt, pepper (freshly ground), and garlic powder and placed the breasts in the pan seasoned side down. Then I seasoned the other side with salt, pepper, garlic powder and some dried basil flakes (don't overdo it). I put the pan in the oven at 350° and baked it for 15-20 minutes, until the juices were clear.

While the chicken was baking, I boiled the spaghetti noodles and drained them, and heated up some spaghetti sauce. You can use marinara if your prefer.

When the chicken breasts were done, I covered them with mozzarella cheese and put them back in the oven until the cheese was melted and removed it from the oven. After placing a chicken breast on each of our plates, I spooned some sauce over the chicken, put some noodles next to it and spooned sauce over that. Then I sprinkled parmesan over the top of the chicken and the spaghetti.

It was so delicious! Kelly and I couldn't stop raving about it. I think it might be the basil that really gives it that extra something. I don't even miss making chicken parmesan the old way. I'm going to make it this other way from now on.

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Another thing I forgot to mention was that Kelly bought me a Christmas ornament from her school last week.


She's always drawing me pictures (Christmas ones lately) and writing me little notes that say things like "Merry Christmas Mother", "I love you so much", "You are very special to me", etc. :-)

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Proverbs 14:1, 5, 12, 14 "Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands. ... 5 A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies. .. 12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. .. 14 The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways [will be fully repaid for his ways]: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself [and a good man rewarded for his]."

14:21, 25, 27 "He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he. ... 25 A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies. ... 27 The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death."

This and That

I'll be so glad when it starts feeling like this is North Carolina and not somewhere in the frozen north. This cold weather is most unwelcome. Normal highs for this time of year are in the low 50s, but it's been in the low to mid 30s. I'm not sure if it even made it out of the 20s yesterday. Insane. We might get some snow, sleet and freezing rain starting tonight and into tomorrow. Hopefully that means school will be cancelled or delayed. I hate driving in winter weather and on streets that could be dangerous.

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I got the car inspected on Monday and then Kelly and I went to the license plate agency yesterday to get the registration/tags/sticker things taken care of for the car and Charlie's car hauler. More from my to-do list is done. Just a few more things to do, including buying more stocking stuffers, wrapping presents and getting things for Christmas dinner. I may also make chocolate chip cookies for our neighbors Anthony and Felicia, the ones who like my kids so much, and put them in a pretty Christmas tin to give them.

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There's a website/blog I like called Marriage Moment, which I've added the link to in my margin above the Blogroll. I've also "liked" them at Facebook, so any updates they post show up there. Today's was about how God hates divorce. Something I already know. A scripture they quoted is one I'm familiar with, but it was quoted from a version of the Bible I haven't read before. I like how this version put it:

Malachi 2:13-16 says:

This is another thing you do. You drown the LORD's altar with tears, weeping and wailing because he no longer accepts the offerings you bring him. You ask why he no longer accepts them. It is because he knows you have broken your promise to the wife you married when you were young. She was your partner, and you have broken your promise to her, although you promised before God that you would be faithful to her. Didn't God make you one body and spirit with her? What was his purpose in this? It was that you should have children who are truly God's people. So make sure that none of you breaks his promise to his wife. "I hate divorce," says the LORD God of Israel. "I hate it when one of you does such a cruel thing to his wife. Make sure that you do not break your promise to be faithful to your wife.” (GNB)

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And now for something I've been thinking about: Unhappiness.

It always boggles my mind when someone quits doing what's right, quits serving God and going to church, turns their back on their morals and beliefs, and starts doing things they used to be morally and Biblically opposed to and things that are obviously wrong to anyone with a brain. They then find themselves unhappy and instead of placing the blame where it should be, they blame someone else.

I just have to shake my head.

Say there's a man who is allergic to a particular kind of food. He knows that if he eats it he will have a severe reaction to it. He knows it's bad for him. He avoids that food for many years. Then one day he feels like he just has to have it. He's craving it. He not only doesn't care that it could make him very sick and possibly kill him, he actually forgets that it could. So he eats it. And then he becomes very sick. But instead of blaming himself, he blames someone else. "It's your fault I became sick!" "Uh, no. You chose to eat something you knew was bad for you. What made you think it would end well?"

I really don't get people like that. People who start doing drugs or cheat on their spouse (whether it be through pornography or lusting after another woman, because Jesus calls this adultery, or actual sex or "just" having a non-sexual relationship with another woman or man or falling in love with someone else) or live a life of disobedience to God and His Word or become alcoholics or any other thing that's obviously wrong and a sin. These types of behavior then lead to what they only can lead to - unhappiness.

Don't blame someone else if the choices you make lead to your unhappiness. It's all on you, my friend. It's not your spouse's fault or another family member or a friend or a co-worker if you find yourself unhappy after you stop serving God or cheat on your spouse or become a drug addict or whatever. The fault is yours and yours alone.

These things seem fun at first. "The pleasures of sin for a season." But that's how sin always is. It always looks attractive and pleasurable and desirable in the beginning. You enjoy it for a while. Then the fun ends and you find yourself broken, alone and unhappy because of the wrong choices you made. You made. If you're going to point fingers at anyone, point them at yourself. What's that old saying about when you point your finger at someone else there are four more pointing back at you?

Take responsibility for your actions and your choices. Don't blame someone else.


My current Facebook status:

"Tolerance can lead to acceptance. Acceptance can lead to participation."

Be careful what you "tolerate". Too many have turned their backs on their morals and beliefs and God's Word because of it. I'm a witness to it. I've seen people who had good, high morals get involved in things they should not be involved in - drugs, porn, strip clubs, alcohol, etc. This in turn affected their attitude and personality and changed them into something they weren't before - cold, uncaring, selfish, inconsiderate, self-centered. Then they find themselves unhappy (surprise, surprise) and rather than take responsibility for their choices, they blame someone else for their unhappiness. I can't help but shake my head. It boggles the mind.

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I'm not feeling well today (headache, sore throat, general blahness) and dropped Sean off at Karate. They're having their Christmas party this evening after class. I'll pick him up when it's over.

Church on my Blog ;-)

This entry is focused completely on God. If that's not your "thing" or you don't like it, I make no apologies. I'm sure you know how to use your back button. ;-) But I hope you will stick around to read this and listen to the songs or that you will return. I write more in my blog about God, the Bible and church than I did last year or in years past, but that's because I have more of God in my life now than I did then. So naturally my blog reflects that. But, as those of you who are regulars here know, I write about other things as well. :-)

Kelly is still running a fever, which means we're not going to church this morning. So I listened to a couple great worship songs and watched a preaching video online. It's not the same as going to church, but it's certainly better than nothing. I felt God and was encouraged.

The message I listened to was about being mighty in the Lord and doing whatever it takes to make it and to get the victory. (II Samuel 23:20) It comes when you can fight your hardest battle in the worst circumstances you've ever been in against the toughest enemy you've ever had to face and not back down. You keep the faith, you stand firm on the Word of God. You keep praying, keep worshipping, keep believing, keep going to church, keep living right. You refuse to give up.

It was as if the preacher was talking about me. The battle/situation I've been in for over a year now is the hardest and the worst of my life. I'm fighting the toughest enemy I've ever had to fight. I nearly gave up in the beginning in every way a person can give up, but I held on. I grew closer to God and He gave me peace and strength. And though the battle isn't over, I know that victory is going to come as well. I refuse to give up.

The preacher told the story of a woman in his church (he didn't name her) who is faithful to the Lord and to church. Her husband doesn't serve God and gives her a very hard time. One night after she got home from church, he was cussing, saying he hates God and hates the church. He kicked her out because she went to church. The next church service, she was there in church worshipping God.

Those in hard financial situations, single mothers, men and women whose spouses don't go to church with them, those who are sick and need a healing. Don't give up, don't back down, don't walk away from God. Keep serving God. He will make a way.





This song brings me to tears. I can't help but worship God when I hear it.

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More from Proverbs:

13:5, 7, 10 "A righteous man hateth lying: but a wicked man is loathsome, and cometh to shame. ... 7 There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches. ... 10 Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom."

13:12-13 "Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life. 13 Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded."

13:15, 20-21 "Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors [false; unfaithful] is hard. ... 20 He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed [broken]. 21 Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repaid."


Y'all have a blessed Sunday!

Kelly Update and a Few Other Things

Well, Kelly is fevered now and won't be going to school. It's just a low fever for now. (100.3-100.6°) Hopefully it won't get worse. I read some more of Anne Frank's Diary to her before she went to bed. This is something we started months ago and then stopped when the school year started. I'm going to try to stay on track with it again. Kelly enjoys it. We're only a little halfway through it, so I'm not sure when we'll finish it.

We'll be getting groceries today while Sean's at school. I hate to take her out when she's sick, but I don't have a choice. The refrigerator is practically empty and Kelly needs medicine and juice. Mom will be working, so she can't watch her for me. And there's no way I'm waiting till Mom gets home at 7:30 PM. I hope Kelly isn't any worse when we go to the store. I know how it feels to have to do things and go places when you're sick - it's miserable.

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I got some more lights put on the tree. Mom had a few extra sets that she's letting me use. I really need to finish the tree, but my head has been hurting all day and all I managed to do was get one more string of lights on the tree. I need to put one more set on and then do the glass balls and other ornaments.

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"For those who have turned their backs on the one who has always been beside you, you will soon find that you're beside yourself."

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More from Proverbs:

11:2-3, 16-17 "When pride cometh, then cometh shame [disgrace; dishonor]: but with the lowly [humble] is wisdom. 3 The integrity [honesty; righteousness] of the upright [good; decent; just] shall guide them: but the perverseness [dishonesty] of transgressors [unfaithful; wicked; false] shall destroy them. ... 16 A gracious [kindhearted] woman retaineth [gains] honour [respect]: and strong men retain riches. 17 The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh."

11:20, 22, 28-29 "They that are of a froward [disobedient; contrary; naughty] heart are abomination to the Lord: but such as are upright in their way are his delight. ... 22 As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout [pigs were considered unclean], so is a fair [beautiful] woman which is without discretion [tact; grace; modesty; virtue; honor; faithfulness to her husband]. ... 28 He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch. 29 He that troubleth his own house [family; wife; children] shall inherit wind [emptiness]: and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart."

Gill's Exposition, a Bible commentary, defines or explains "troubleth his own family" as being bitter towards his wife and/or children, provoking to wrath, giving out menacing words, not providing for his wife and/or children, having a worldly (ungodly) spirit, withholding meat, drink or clothing from his wife and/or children.

According to Gill's Exposition, a man who does these things will inherit emptiness. He shall come to nothing, get nothing, and shall not keep what he has.

12:1, 4, 10 "Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof [rebuke; correction; teaching] is brutish [stupid; a dumb animal]. ... 4 A virtuous [noble; worthy; honorable; steadfast; faithful; loyal] woman is a crown [joy] to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed [a disgraceful woman; a dishonest woman; is lewd, mean, cruel, lustful, unruly, inhumane; unfaithful; flirtatious w/other men] is as rottenness [cancer; disease] in his bones. ... 10 A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast [cares for the needs of his animal(s)]: but the tender mercies [mercy; kindest acts] of the wicked are cruel."

12:15, 22 "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise. ... 22 Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are his delight."

Cold, Elizabeth Edwards, Proverbs

I'm not sure how I went to bed in North Carolina and woke up in North Dakota. It's so cold outside! The low this morning was in the teens with the wind chills even lower than that. The high yesterday was 32°. Brrr. Today it's supposed to be in the 30s as well. By Friday it will "warm up" into the 40s. :-/

I got the tree up yesterday and was hoping to have it done by last night, but two strings of lights aren't working. I have to buy more before I can finish. *sigh* Hopefully I can do that today. Though I really don't want to go out in this cold.

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I was sad to hear of the passing of Elizabeth Edwards yesterday. I didn't know a lot about her, but for her to pass away so soon after finding out that she was stopping treatment for her cancer because the doctors said it wouldn't help anymore was unexpected. She had more than her share of hard times in life. The death of her teenage son in 1996, fighting cancer for several years and her husband cheating on her and fathering a child with the other "woman"*.

I can't help but wonder if the stress of what that worthless scumbag did to her had an effect on her health. Stress is rough on the human body even when you're healthy. How much worse is it for someone dealing with a medical condition, especially cancer? I'm sure her children and others who truly loved her gave her strength, but it couldn't have come overnight after having her heart broken by her husband. It had to be devastating.

Anyway, John doesn't deserve peace or strength at the news of Elizabeth's passing, but I pray God gives peace to her friends and family in this time of grief.


* I use the word "woman" loosely. A real woman, a lady, wouldn't have an affair (with or without sex) with another woman's husband.

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As I wrote in an earlier entry, I'm reading from Proverbs now. (Oh, and I finished Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict last night.) Highlights for me:

7:2-3, 5 "Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye. 3 Bind them upon thy fingers, write them upon the table of thine heart. ... 5 That they may keep thee from the strange woman [whore], from the stranger which flattereth with her words."

7:16-18, 21-23, 25-27 "I [the whore] have decked my bed with coverings of tapestry, with carved works, with fine linen of Egypt. 17 I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. 18 Come, let us take our fill of love until the morning: let us solace ourselves with loves. ... 21 With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him. 22 He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks; 23 Till a dart strike through his liver; as a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it is for his life. ... 25 Let not thine heart decline to her ways, go not astray in her paths. 26 For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong men have been slain by her. 27 Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death."


8:11, 13, 17 "For wisdom is better than rubies: and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it. ... 13 The fear of the Lord is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward [disobedient; contrary; naughty] mouth, do I hate. ... 17 I [wisdom] love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me."


9: 6 "Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding."

10:2, 8, 12, 17, 29 "Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death. ... 8 The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating [babbling] fool shall fall. ... 12 Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins. ... 17 He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof [criticism; rebuke; reprimand] erreth [strays; stumbles]. ... 29 The way of the Lord is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity."

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Y'all have a great Wednesday! Church tonight. Can't wait. Our pastor's teaching a series on relationships. Last week was about our relationship with God and the church. Tonight is about marriage.

First Snow of the Season

Hard to believe it's already December. Christmas will be here soon and then 2011. Where does the time go?

We're getting snow today. A very uncommon occurrence this time of year in North Carolina.



I've spent the day cleaning, doing laundry and watching the snow fall. We may not be going to church in the morning.

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This is my favorite version of What Child is This? Especially after the 5 minute mark when he starts singing "Hallelujah". Scroll down his playlist a little to find it.

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"Sometimes the hardest things are the most rewarding."

"That's the thing about decisions. You don't seem to have to talk yourself into the right ones."

"All you've got is your word. You lose that, you've got nothing. You lose that, you are nothing."

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I've been reading Proverbs (as well as trying to finish Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict), though not every night like I'd like to. Here are some I've liked most so far:

Proverbs 1:7 "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction."

3:7 "Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil."

3:27 "Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it."

4:14-15 "Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. 15 Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away."

5:3-5, 8, 15, 18-23 "For the lips of a strange woman [whore] drop as an honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than oil: 4 But her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a twoedged sword. 5 Her feet go down to death; her steps take hold on hell... 8 Remove thy way far from her, and come not nigh the door of her house.

" 15 Drink waters out of thine own cistern, and running waters out of thine own well. [Referring to the man's wife.] ... 18 Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth. 19 Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe: let her breasts satisfy thee at all times: and be thou ravished always with her love.

" 20 And why wilt thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman, and embrace the bosom of a stranger? 21 For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and he pondereth all his goings. 22 His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins. 23 He shall die without instruction; and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray."

6:16-19 "These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: 17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, 18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, 19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren."

6:24-29, 32-33 "To keep thee from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman [whore; not your wife]. 25 Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids. 26 For by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread: and the adulteress will hunt for the precious life.

" 27 Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned? 28 Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned? 29 So he that goeth in to his neighbour's wife; whosoever toucheth her shall not be innocent. ... 32 But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul. 33 A wound and dishonour shall he get; and his reproach shall not be wiped away."

This and That

I noticed these two signs on Kelly's door last night. I thought they were so cute and funny that I had to get pictures of them. She's always changing the signs on her door.

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I lost my internet this morning. So annoying. I called the cable company and when we couldn't get it fixed on my end or theirs, they sent someone to repair it. He got the (broadband/high speed) modem working, but said the connection seemed to be weak. So he did some things to the wiring and cables on the back of the house and in the green box out front, then he came back in and switched modems. I've got a snazzy sleek one now. And things seem to be moving a little faster too.

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I finished reading Psalms last night. I've always loved that book of the Bible.

126:5 "They that sow in tears shall reap in joy."

139:20 "...thine enemies take thy name in vain."

141:2 "Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice."

142:6 "Attend unto my cry; for I am brought very low: deliver me from my persecutors; for they are stronger than I."

144:15 "...happy is that people, whose God is the Lord."

147:6 "The Lord lifteth up the meek:..."

148:13 "...his name alone is excellent; ..."

150:6 "Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord."

This and That

Sean said to me the other night, "You're always beautiful". Aww. I don't agree with him, but it was nice to hear. He's also been saying, "I love you, Mama" a lot lately. :-)

An older lady (50-something) at church always calls me beautiful. "Hello, beautiful." I don't see beauty when I look in the mirror. In fact I see the opposite. But it still makes me feel good when she or anyone else compliments me.


Our neighbors (Anthony & Felicia) two doors down have really grown close to my kids. They're always giving them things. Yesterday they gave them toboggans (that's knit caps for you non-Southerners) and gloves. Anthony is really into Hot Wheels and is always buying Sean new Hot Wheels cars. They (Sean & Anthony) race Hot Wheels cars at his house about once a week. They also go to the drag strip once in awhile to watch drag racing. Anthony and Felicia sometimes buy Kelly silly bands and said they'd like to get her a doll house for her Barbies if they ever see one at the flea market or whatever.


We're having a guest preacher at church this morning. I'm so excited to hear him preach! His father preached at our church many times before passing away last year. He would sometimes talk about his son and how he'd quit serving God and gotten involved in things he shouldn't have been involved in. He would sometimes call his son and ask him to come over so he could pray for him. His son, our guest preacher this morning, finally gave his life back to God and answered God's calling on his life to preach. I think he's going to give his testimony. I can't wait to hear it!


I'm missing Charlie terribly tonight. (It's still Saturday night, though it says "Sunday" at the top of this entry.) I wish so much that I could snuggle up to him in the bed tonight. :-(


I mentioned Sean saying, "I love you, Mama" a lot lately. He and Kelly have also been asking for more hugs than usual. I love that my children are so affectionate towards me. They also tell me sometimes that I'm "the best mom/mother ever."

Like all moms, I often feel like I'm not doing enough for my kids and I sometimes mess up. It's nice to know that it's not effecting my children in a negative way or causing them to think that I'm a bad mother. Hopefully they'll always feel that way, in spite of my being less than perfect.


It's gotten quite cold here for the past few days. Highs in the 50s and lows in the 30s. I think the low tonight (Saturday) and tomorrow night (Sunday) is supposed to be in the upper 20s. Brrr! It's supposed to get back into the 60s to near 70° this week. That's more like it.


Psalms

96:6 "...strength and beauty are in his sanctuary."

98:4 "...make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise."

101:7 "He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight."

105:8 "He hath remembered his covenant for ever,..."

105:15 "...Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm."

105:24 "And he increased his people greatly; and made them stronger than their enemies."

107:9 "For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness."

107:20 "He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions."

109:29 "Let mine adversaries be clothed with shame..."

110:10 "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever."

112:10 "...the desire of the wicked shall perish."

116:2 "Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live."

116:8 "For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling."

118:6 & 8 "The Lord is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me? 8 It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man."

119:11 "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee."

119:53 & 69 "Horror hath taken hold upon me because of the wicked that forsake thy law. 69 The proud have forged a lie against me: but I will keep thy precepts with my whole heart."

119:89 "For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven."

119:126 "It is time for thee, Lord, to work: ..."

119:163 "I hate and abhor lying: ..."

120:1 "In my distress I cried unto the Lord, and he heard me."


Y'all have a great Sunday!

Keeping Watch

I was looking forward to going to bed earlier tonight (Tuesday) than I did last night (Monday). Instead we have a tornado watch until 3:00 AM, so I'm staying up until then to keep an eye on the weather. There have been tornado warnings north and west of here for several hours now. I can't sleep knowing there's the possibility of a tornado. Gotta keep my kids safe. My mom lives in a mobile home about a mile from our house. If things get bad I'll call her and she'll come over.

At times like this I want my husband home more than ever. I feel safer when he's here.

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More from Psalms:

All of Psalm 91. I won't copy it here. It would make this entry very long. Read it sometime. :-)

92:13 "Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God."

94:3-4 "...how long shall the wicked triumph? 4 how long shall they utter and speak hard things? and all the workers of iniquity boast themselves?"

94:9-10 "He that planted the ear, shall he not hear? he that formed the eye, shall he not see? 10 He that chastiseth the heathen, shall not he correct? he that teacheth man knowledge, shall not he know?"

94:18 "When I said, My foot slippeth; thy mercy, O Lord, held me up."

94:21-22 "They gather themselves together against the soul of the righteous, and condemn the innocent blood. 22 But the Lord is my defence;..."

95:8 "Harden not your heart..."

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It's about 2:45 and the tornado watch will expire soon. It's a little windy out with some strong gusts, but nothing bad. My bed is calling my name and has been for a few hours now. I'm going to check the radar one more time, do some reading from Psalms and pray on my way to bed. Y'all have a great Wednesday!


Update: When I got up at 7:00, I found out that the tornado watch had been extended to 10:00. There's no way I could've or would've stayed up that long. Thank God there weren't any tornadoes here.

Tidbits

Kelly is fine now. She went to school yesterday without any problems.

Sean said he's starting to feel a little sick himself - headache and sore throat. Hopefully he'll be better by morning. I don't want him to miss school.

My throat's feeling a little sore too. :-/

We're planning on going to the mountains next week. My mom will be driving. We're all really looking forward to it. Hopefully none of us will be sick.

Feeling a little down at the moment. Won't go into why.

Still reading Psalms, though not getting to it every night unfortunately. Here's what stood out to me recently:

37:5 &7 "...trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. 7 Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him:..."

37:16 "A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked."

40:13 "...O Lord, make haste to help me."

44:21 "...he knoweth the secrets of the heart."

46:10 "Be still, and know that I am God..."

51:8 "Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice."

So tired. Going to bed soon, after I do some picking up around the house. The kids always leave things lying around before going to bed, even after I've told them to clean up their mess. They get some of it, sometimes most of it, but never all of it. I'll do my praying as I clean and will probably finish up my prayers in bed, as I sometimes do. May not get to do any reading tonight before falling asleep. I've been reading Safe Haven, Nicholas Sparks' newest book. It's set in Southport, which is the main reason why I'm reading it. My mom bought it, read it quickly and then lent it to me.

I hope everyone has a blessed Tuesday!