I really need to do a regular blog post one of these days I do have a few things to catch up on.
I started reading the book "Crazy Love: Overwhelmed By A Relentless God" by Francis Chan to participate with the Bloom Book Club and since I started late I've been trying to catch up (which isn't too hard since they are only covering a chapter a week and I started 2 weeks late).
But this last week I did Chapter 2 and the title of it is "You Might Not Finish This Chapter" and the author is speaking about we don't know when it is our time to go. I may not finish reading the chapter before I pass on or he may not finish writing the chapter before he passes on. To quote a few sentences it states:
"...it's easy to think about today as just another day. An average day where you go about life concerned with your to-do-list, preoccupied by appointments, focused on family, thinking about your desires and needs. On the average day, we live caught up on ourselves. On the average day, we don't consider God very much. On the average day, we forget that our life truly is a vapor."
James 4:14 "How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog-it's here a little while, then it's gone."
I know the Lord is really working on me and my priorities lately and making me realize the absence of time I spend with Him. I know that this whole lay off/absence of a job at this time, was in His plan for a reason...I'm starting to see one of those reasons.
The book club blog talked about this song and I thought so fitting for this weeks song. I want to leave a legacy.
Legacy
Nichole Nordeman
I don't mind if you've got something nice to say about me
And I enjoy an accolade like the rest
You could take my picture and hang it in a gallery
Of all who's who and so-n-so's that used to be the best
At such'n'such ... it wouldn't matter much
I won't lie, it feels alright to see your name in lights
We all need an 'Atta boy' or 'Atta girl'
But in the end I'd like to hang my hat on more besides
The temporary trappings of this world
I want to leave a legacy
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love? Did I point to You enough
To make a mark on things?
I want to leave an offering
A child of mercy and grace who
blessed your name unapologetically
And leave that kind of legacy
I don't have to look too far or too long awhile
To make a lengthly list of all that I enjoy
It's an accumulating trinket and a treasure pile
Where moth and rust, thieves and such will soon enough destroy
Not well traveled, not well read, not well-to-do or well bred
just want to hear instead, "Well Done" good and faithful one...
If you think you may be interested in reading this book, I highly recommend it and I've heard that the first 5 chapters can be read online at barnesandnoble.com.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Linking to some good stuff - Volume 2
I've been collecting some good links and they have just piled up on me and I need to get them shared. I hope you enjoy them as much as I have.
Here is an enlightening post on being happy in our ordinary lives. I know I wouldn’t trade mine for the limelight.
This one made me breathe deep…I have claustrophobia and a weird thing with heights…the glass walls make it look like you could slide right off the edge
The best diet secret ever….I need to rely on this
Here is a really cute Staples commercial (which I’ve never seen on TV)
This is a pretty good video…the enthusiasm this crowd has is addictive.
I wonder how many households where this actually happens A LOT.
I like this post and I even can relate to it on #4 and Gaps being gifts.
This is a really cool video….great song too.
This short post and this little longer one had me laughing.
Here is an enlightening post on being happy in our ordinary lives. I know I wouldn’t trade mine for the limelight.
This one made me breathe deep…I have claustrophobia and a weird thing with heights…the glass walls make it look like you could slide right off the edge
The best diet secret ever….I need to rely on this
Here is a really cute Staples commercial (which I’ve never seen on TV)
This is a pretty good video…the enthusiasm this crowd has is addictive.
I wonder how many households where this actually happens A LOT.
I like this post and I even can relate to it on #4 and Gaps being gifts.
This is a really cool video….great song too.
This short post and this little longer one had me laughing.
Why You Don't Take Your Husband Shopping
I got this e-mail the other day and had to share it on here because it is so funny.
After I retired, my wife insisted that I accompany her on her trips to Target. Unfortunately, like most men, I found shopping boring and preferred to get in and get out. Equally unfortunate, my wife is like most women - she loves to browse.
Yesterday my dear wife received the following letter from the local Target.
Over the past six months, your husband has caused quite a commotion in our store. We cannot tolerate this behavior and have been forced to ban both of you from the store. Our complaints against your husband, Mr. Samsel , are listed below and are documented by our video surveillance cameras.
1. June 15: Took 24 boxes of condoms and randomly put them in other people's carts when they weren't looking.
2. July 2: Set all the alarm clocks in Housewares to go off at 5-minute intervals
3. July 7: He made a trail of tomato juice on the floor leading to the women's restroom.
4. July 19: Walked up to an employee and told her in an official voice, 'Code 3 in Housewares. Get on it right away! This caused the employee to leave her assigned station and receive a reprimand from her Supervisor that in turn resulted with a union grievance, causing management to lose time and costing the company money.
5. August 4: Went to the Service Desk and tried to put a bag of M&Ms on layaway.
6. August 14: Moved a 'CAUTION - WET FLOOR' sign to a carpeted area.
7. August 15: Set up a tent in the camping department and told the children shoppers he'd invite them in if they would bring pillows and blankets from the bedding department to which twenty children obliged.
8. August 23: When a clerk asked if they could help him he began crying and screamed, 'Why can't you people just leave me alone?' EMTs were called.
9. September 4: Looked right into the security camera and used it as a mirror while he picked his nose.
10. September 10: While handling guns in the hunting department , he asked the clerk where the antidepressants were.
11. October 3: Darted around the store suspiciously while loudly humming the 'Mission Impossible' theme.
12. October 6: In the auto department, he practiced his ' Madonna look' by using different sizes of 20 funnels.
13. October 18: Hid in a clothing rack and when people browsed through, yelled 'PICK ME! PICK ME!'
14. October 21: When an announcement came over the loud speaker, he assumed a fetal position and screamed 'OH NO! IT'S THOSE VOICES AGAIN!'
And last, but not least:
15. October 23: Went into a fitting room, shut the door, waited awhile, then yelled very loudly, 'Hey! There's no toilet paper in here.' One of the clerks passed out.
What a creative imagination...Target is one of my favorite places to shop and I'd have to laugh if I saw any of these things happen.
After I retired, my wife insisted that I accompany her on her trips to Target. Unfortunately, like most men, I found shopping boring and preferred to get in and get out. Equally unfortunate, my wife is like most women - she loves to browse.
Yesterday my dear wife received the following letter from the local Target.
Over the past six months, your husband has caused quite a commotion in our store. We cannot tolerate this behavior and have been forced to ban both of you from the store. Our complaints against your husband, Mr. Samsel , are listed below and are documented by our video surveillance cameras.
1. June 15: Took 24 boxes of condoms and randomly put them in other people's carts when they weren't looking.
2. July 2: Set all the alarm clocks in Housewares to go off at 5-minute intervals
3. July 7: He made a trail of tomato juice on the floor leading to the women's restroom.
4. July 19: Walked up to an employee and told her in an official voice, 'Code 3 in Housewares. Get on it right away! This caused the employee to leave her assigned station and receive a reprimand from her Supervisor that in turn resulted with a union grievance, causing management to lose time and costing the company money.
5. August 4: Went to the Service Desk and tried to put a bag of M&Ms on layaway.
6. August 14: Moved a 'CAUTION - WET FLOOR' sign to a carpeted area.
7. August 15: Set up a tent in the camping department and told the children shoppers he'd invite them in if they would bring pillows and blankets from the bedding department to which twenty children obliged.
8. August 23: When a clerk asked if they could help him he began crying and screamed, 'Why can't you people just leave me alone?' EMTs were called.
9. September 4: Looked right into the security camera and used it as a mirror while he picked his nose.
10. September 10: While handling guns in the hunting department , he asked the clerk where the antidepressants were.
11. October 3: Darted around the store suspiciously while loudly humming the 'Mission Impossible' theme.
12. October 6: In the auto department, he practiced his ' Madonna look' by using different sizes of 20 funnels.
13. October 18: Hid in a clothing rack and when people browsed through, yelled 'PICK ME! PICK ME!'
14. October 21: When an announcement came over the loud speaker, he assumed a fetal position and screamed 'OH NO! IT'S THOSE VOICES AGAIN!'
And last, but not least:
15. October 23: Went into a fitting room, shut the door, waited awhile, then yelled very loudly, 'Hey! There's no toilet paper in here.' One of the clerks passed out.
What a creative imagination...Target is one of my favorite places to shop and I'd have to laugh if I saw any of these things happen.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Saturday's Song - Jesus Calling
I can think of a few friends (including myself) who could probably use the reminder of this song in their lives right now. We may feel like there is always a storm going on in our lives but we just have to listen to God's still small voice saying, I'm right here with you, you're not alone.
Jesus Calling
33 Miles on the album One Life
What do you see when you look at your world today
Is it so full of clutter that you feel like you’re going insane
And you can’t fight back cause you’re just too afraid
and it seems like the clouds in your sky don’t wanna change
You see there’s always another story, another side to every coin,
And how you see your circumstance is all about a choice
CHORUS
When you see the rushing wind, feel the pouring rain
hear the thunder now as the clouds roll in
and you’re blinded by the lightning
do you also hear that still, small voice saying
It’s okay, you’re not alone, you may be scared to death,
But I won’t let you go
You may think the sky above is falling
But can you hear Jesus calling
What do you see when you look at your world today
Do you see a glimmer of hope, or has it all turned to gray
Well start by counting your blessings one by one
Oh and I’m sure right there, you’ll start to see the sun
You see there’s always another story, another side to every coin
And how you see your circumstance is all about a choice
CHORUS
When you see the rushing wind, feel the pouring rain
hear the thunder now as the clouds roll in
and you’re blinded by the lightning
do you also hear that still, small voice saying
It’s okay, you’re not alone, you may be scared to death,
But I won’t let you go
You may think the sky above is falling
But can you hear Jesus calling
Calling out to you
Because the darker the night, the brighter He can shine
CHORUS
When you see the rushing wind, feel the pouring rain
hear the thunder now as the clouds roll in
and you’re blinded by the lightning
do you also hear that still, small voice saying
It’s okay, you’re not alone, you may be scared to death,
But I won’t let you go
You may think the sky above is falling
But can you hear Jesus calling
Jesus Calling
33 Miles on the album One Life
What do you see when you look at your world today
Is it so full of clutter that you feel like you’re going insane
And you can’t fight back cause you’re just too afraid
and it seems like the clouds in your sky don’t wanna change
You see there’s always another story, another side to every coin,
And how you see your circumstance is all about a choice
CHORUS
When you see the rushing wind, feel the pouring rain
hear the thunder now as the clouds roll in
and you’re blinded by the lightning
do you also hear that still, small voice saying
It’s okay, you’re not alone, you may be scared to death,
But I won’t let you go
You may think the sky above is falling
But can you hear Jesus calling
What do you see when you look at your world today
Do you see a glimmer of hope, or has it all turned to gray
Well start by counting your blessings one by one
Oh and I’m sure right there, you’ll start to see the sun
You see there’s always another story, another side to every coin
And how you see your circumstance is all about a choice
CHORUS
When you see the rushing wind, feel the pouring rain
hear the thunder now as the clouds roll in
and you’re blinded by the lightning
do you also hear that still, small voice saying
It’s okay, you’re not alone, you may be scared to death,
But I won’t let you go
You may think the sky above is falling
But can you hear Jesus calling
Calling out to you
Because the darker the night, the brighter He can shine
CHORUS
When you see the rushing wind, feel the pouring rain
hear the thunder now as the clouds roll in
and you’re blinded by the lightning
do you also hear that still, small voice saying
It’s okay, you’re not alone, you may be scared to death,
But I won’t let you go
You may think the sky above is falling
But can you hear Jesus calling
Friday, September 18, 2009
Friday Faves - Shoes
It is Friday Faves again and this week is our favorite shoes we own and favorite shoes we wished we owned.
I think this will be a fun post as I am excited to see what some of the other gals (I have yet to see any guys participating in these posts) have for their favorite shoes. I am not a typical girl, in the shoe kinda way, they aren’t my weakness on a shopping trip. However, pass me by a handbag department and I can’t just walk by, I have to see if there is something I’d like to take home too. I have slowed down on purchasing handbags (it used to be I couldn’t go into a new month without getting a new one) though when I stepped it up to buying a Dooney & Bourke and I have carried it for 2 ½ years straight now….I’m really wanting something new. The amount of money I spent purchasing several handbags in a year exceeded my one purchase of the Dooney. I love it though it fits just right on my shoulder and is large enough to hold all my treasures. But hang on, I got off track, we’re discussing our favorite shoes, not handbags….they do kinda go hand in hand though.
I have a few favorites, depending upon the season, because you know in Idaho, we have our seasons and lately winter has over stepped its bounds into a few more months than what it should.
First up are my Ariat Fatbabies. I LOVE boots (I also have a pair of Durango’s, Laredo – lace up roper’s, and an Ariat ankle boot) and these are so comfortable. I’ve had these for 3 years now and they still look brand new, because I want to make sure they’ll last me a long, long time. Both of my step-daughters each have a pair (not the exact same) and my granddaughter even has pink ones.
Next are my comfy slippers. I have two pairs that I alternate between, Woolrich (purple ones) or Minnetonka (tan ones). My husband bought them both for me and I do wear these out to the grocery store. They both have hard soles on them so I can wear them out and about and they keep my feet warm. I love wearing them with a cute pair of jeans.
The last of my favorites are actually many in number but it is more of a type of shoes (if you can call them that).
Flip flops are my most frequented summer shoe. As you can see from the picture, I have MANY to choose from and I generally pick by the color I am wearing. I have a few that are really thin though and I don’t wear those if I’m going to be walking around a lot instead I opt for the Sketchers with the really thick good sole on them.
Most of my shoes I wear for comfort but they have to be cute too.
As for the favorite shoes we wished we owned, I’ve always wanted to try a pair of Ugg’s because, there again, they look so comfy. Although I’m afraid with the sheepskin on the inside my feet would sweat like crazy, since that is generally where I do all my sweating is through my feet. I think these are the ones I like the best the Ugg Classic Short – Boots.
I’ve also wanted a pair of these mule like tennies by Sketchers. I like the looks of them; however I have a pair that is similar that I bought at Payless Shoe Source that was a fraction of the cost of the Sketchers. So until they have completely worn out I’ll stick with them for now.
And, since I was out there in cyber world scanning for some new shoes I thought I’d see what the latest in the Ariat attire was and found these SUPER CUTE boots that I would definitely like to have. I love the colors and it would help to have a black pair too.
That’s it (should be I went over too many pairs as is) and if you would like to check out what everyone else’s favorites are, pop on over to Missy’s site to see, I know I’m excited to check them all out.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Saturday's Song - What If
There have been many times in the past where Satan has tried to impose doubt in my mind of my beliefs, because that is one of the strongest tools he uses against us (doubt and unbelief) but as this song states, what if they're wrong? I would hate to be the one left behind because I didn't believe and serve Him.
1 Thessalonians 5:2-6 (NLT)
2. for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.
3. While people are saying, "Peace and safety," destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.
4. But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief.
5. You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness.
6. So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled.
What If
Nichole Nordeman on her album Brave
What if you're right?
And he was just another nice guy
What if you're right?
What if it's true?
They say the cross will only make a fool of you
And what if it's true?
What if he takes his place in history
With all the prophets and the kings
Who taught us love and came in peace
But then the story ends
What then?
But what if you're wrong?
What if there's more?
What if there's hope you never dreamed of hoping for?
What if you jump?
And just close your eyes?
What if the arms that catch you, catch you by surprise?
What if He's more than enough?
What if it's love?
What if you dig
Way down deeper than your simple-minded friends
What if you dig?
What if you find
A thousand more unanswered questions down inside
That's all you find?
What if you pick apart the logic
And begin to poke the holes
What if the crown of thorns is no more
Than folklore that must be told and retold?
You've been running as fast as you can
You've been looking for a place you can land for so long
But what if you’re wrong?
1 Thessalonians 5:2-6 (NLT)
2. for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.
3. While people are saying, "Peace and safety," destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.
4. But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief.
5. You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness.
6. So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled.
What If
Nichole Nordeman on her album Brave
What if you're right?
And he was just another nice guy
What if you're right?
What if it's true?
They say the cross will only make a fool of you
And what if it's true?
What if he takes his place in history
With all the prophets and the kings
Who taught us love and came in peace
But then the story ends
What then?
But what if you're wrong?
What if there's more?
What if there's hope you never dreamed of hoping for?
What if you jump?
And just close your eyes?
What if the arms that catch you, catch you by surprise?
What if He's more than enough?
What if it's love?
What if you dig
Way down deeper than your simple-minded friends
What if you dig?
What if you find
A thousand more unanswered questions down inside
That's all you find?
What if you pick apart the logic
And begin to poke the holes
What if the crown of thorns is no more
Than folklore that must be told and retold?
You've been running as fast as you can
You've been looking for a place you can land for so long
But what if you’re wrong?
Friday, September 11, 2009
Friday Faves - Favorite old hymn & modern praise song
It’s Friday Faves again with It's Almost Naptime and this week is about our favorite old hymn and favorite modern hymn or praise song.
I love music, as I’ve mentioned before, so just picking one of each is hard. There aren’t a whole lot of churches anymore that sing hymns in their worship services, which I find sad. There are some great hymns out there and these two stick out as always being favorites.
I Surrender All
1. All to Jesus I surrender; all to him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust him, in his presence daily live.
I surrender all, I surrender all, all to thee, my blessed Savior, I surrender all.
2. All to Jesus I surrender; humbly at his feet I bow,
worldly pleasures all forsaken; take me, Jesus, take me now.
(Refrain)
3. All to Jesus I surrender; make me, Savior, wholly thine;
fill me with thy love and power; truly know that thou art mine.
(Refrain)
4. All to Jesus I surrender; Lord, I give myself to thee;
fill me with thy love and power; let thy blessing fall on me.
(Refrain)
5. All to Jesus I surrender; now I feel the sacred flame.
O the joy of full salvation! Glory, glory, to his name!
(Refrain)
Here is a video of it performed by The Isaacs, they do a really good rendition of it.
The Old Rugged Cross
1. On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross, the emblem of suffering and shame;
and I love that old cross where the dearest and best for a world of lost sinners was slain.
Refrain:
So I'll cherish the old rugged cross, till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross, and exchange it some day for a crown.
2. O that old rugged cross, so despised by the world, has a wondrous attraction for me;
for the dear Lamb of God left his glory above to bear it to dark Calvary.
(Refrain)
3. In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine, a wondrous beauty I see,
for 'twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died, to pardon and sanctify me.
(Refrain)
4. To that old rugged cross I will ever be true, its shame and reproach gladly bear;
then he'll call me some day to my home far away, where his glory forever I'll share.
(Refrain)
Here is a video of it sung by John Berry:
There is a hymn that my dad doesn’t like with a funny story behind it. One time many years ago (before I was ever around) while singing “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” in church, he looked over and caught one of the usher’s (I think) picking his nose. So every time my dad hears that song, he has that memory in his mind and I guess I do too now.
Two of my favorite modern day worship songs which I’ve already featured in my Saturday’s Songs posts are “Revelation Song” back in July and “We Fall Down” back in May.
Do you have a favorite you’d like to share? Leave me a comment and let me know what it is.
If you’d like to check out the others who have participated this week in Friday Faves, click over to Missy’s site at It’s Almost Naptime.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
DipTacular - Bean Dip
I’m a little late in getting on board with my contribution to BooMama’s Diptacular she started last week but being gone for 4 days away from home and the computer has given me a lot to catch up on but I loved the relaxation of being in the mountains (a post on our weekend soon to come).I’ve slowly been going through all the others who have participated in giving their dip recipes (I haven’t gotten through them all yet) and I’ve found several (including variations) of my two favorites that are easy to do. The chili (with no beans) and block of cream cheese dip or the can of Rotel and block of Velveeta dip, so I didn’t want to do those. In looking at so many others, I’ve decided that on game days I am going to do a new dip recipe and maybe just soup for dinner. My husband and I love college football….especially if the BSU Broncos are playing or his favorite team the Washington State Cougars.
Here is a dip that I got from a friend of mine that is good and easy.
Bean Dip
2 cans Campbell’s Bean with Bacon Soup
2 cups sour cream
2 jars Bacon Cheese (or the canned stringy cheese you would put on crackers)
4 chopped green onions
Mix all together in a crock pot & heat. Serve with chunks of French bread.
If you would like to check out the other dips click on over to BooMama’s post, but it may take you some time to get through them all.
In the meantime, enjoy your favorite team play a good game of football….
GO BRONCS!!
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Saturday's Song - Turn Your Radio On
Since tomorrow is my grandma’s birthday I wanted to do a song that reminds me of her.
I can always remember singing this song with her and my grandpa in the truck on the way to logging camp. My grandpa was a logger and every summer they would pull their trailer up to the area he was logging and take one of us grandkids (8 in Idaho) at a time to stay for the week. While he was working we would spend time with grandma playing hundreds of games of Yahtzee, walking on the logging roads, picking up pinecones or rocks and just spend quality time together. There were times where we would pick huckleberries too and in my recent trip to pick huckleberries, the scent of them reminded me of such. I think bonding times like these are important for grandparents and I think that is one of the reasons I was so close to them.
I was raised on Southern Gospel quartet music and I can also remember hearing it played in their house many, many times there was many an occasion when their house was always filled with kids, grandkids, friends or other family where they'd put on the records and we'd all sing along. I can also remember grandma always having the radio on in the kitchen to KBGN and most of my memories I remember a sermon going on, but there were sometimes there would be music too.
My grandma always has had a sweet and loving spirit. I can’t ever remember her speaking bad about or to anyone. If we ever got into trouble with her, we had to put our nose in the corner or if mom and dad were around and we’d get in trouble with them she would hate that we were in trouble and try and get us out of it. In doing a Bible study just recently on our mind and thoughts, I was having to do a lot of reflecting and realized I have an easier time of forgiving and not letting any bitterness consume me. I let things go pretty easily and figured I have gained this wonderful personality trait from my grandma. She was a huge peacemaker and I want to be more like her in that respect.
My grandpa passed away 6 years ago and grandma is in a care facility with Alzheimer’s. I don’t make it home very often anymore to get to see her much and the last trip home (last January) it took her a few minutes to realize who I was. If you’re reading this and are unfamiliar with the Alzheimer’s disease it affects the short term memory. They may ask you the same question 5 times in the span of 10 minutes because they forgot they have already asked it or they can't remember what they ate at their last meal but they can remember events of what happened 50 years ago, like it only happened yesterday. In the last year, I’ve had a chance to talk to her a few times and she talks more about when she was a little girl than she ever did around me and I cherish hearing her stories. This is the 3rd grandparent I’ve had that had this terrible disease and each case has been different. I get teary eyed, even now, just thinking about and knowing that there may not be too many more years where she is around.
If you know my grandma, please leave a comment about a memory you have about her, I would really love to hear them. (This is from the last time I was home)
I can always remember singing this song with her and my grandpa in the truck on the way to logging camp. My grandpa was a logger and every summer they would pull their trailer up to the area he was logging and take one of us grandkids (8 in Idaho) at a time to stay for the week. While he was working we would spend time with grandma playing hundreds of games of Yahtzee, walking on the logging roads, picking up pinecones or rocks and just spend quality time together. There were times where we would pick huckleberries too and in my recent trip to pick huckleberries, the scent of them reminded me of such. I think bonding times like these are important for grandparents and I think that is one of the reasons I was so close to them.
I was raised on Southern Gospel quartet music and I can also remember hearing it played in their house many, many times there was many an occasion when their house was always filled with kids, grandkids, friends or other family where they'd put on the records and we'd all sing along. I can also remember grandma always having the radio on in the kitchen to KBGN and most of my memories I remember a sermon going on, but there were sometimes there would be music too.
My grandma always has had a sweet and loving spirit. I can’t ever remember her speaking bad about or to anyone. If we ever got into trouble with her, we had to put our nose in the corner or if mom and dad were around and we’d get in trouble with them she would hate that we were in trouble and try and get us out of it. In doing a Bible study just recently on our mind and thoughts, I was having to do a lot of reflecting and realized I have an easier time of forgiving and not letting any bitterness consume me. I let things go pretty easily and figured I have gained this wonderful personality trait from my grandma. She was a huge peacemaker and I want to be more like her in that respect.
My grandpa passed away 6 years ago and grandma is in a care facility with Alzheimer’s. I don’t make it home very often anymore to get to see her much and the last trip home (last January) it took her a few minutes to realize who I was. If you’re reading this and are unfamiliar with the Alzheimer’s disease it affects the short term memory. They may ask you the same question 5 times in the span of 10 minutes because they forgot they have already asked it or they can't remember what they ate at their last meal but they can remember events of what happened 50 years ago, like it only happened yesterday. In the last year, I’ve had a chance to talk to her a few times and she talks more about when she was a little girl than she ever did around me and I cherish hearing her stories. This is the 3rd grandparent I’ve had that had this terrible disease and each case has been different. I get teary eyed, even now, just thinking about and knowing that there may not be too many more years where she is around.
If you know my grandma, please leave a comment about a memory you have about her, I would really love to hear them. (This is from the last time I was home)
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Turn Your Radio Onas performed on one of the Gaither Homecoming videos
Come and listen in to a radio station
Where the mighty hosts of heaven sing
Turn your radio on turn your radio on
If you want to hear the songs of Zion coming
From the land of endless spring
Get in touch with God turn your radio on
Turn your radio on turn your radio on
And listen to the music in the air
Turn your radio on heaven's glo-ry share
Turn the lights down low and listen to the Master's radio
Get in touch with God turn your radio on
Don’t you know that everybody is a radio receiver
All you have to do is listen for the call
Turn your radio on turn your radio on
If you listen in you’ll be a believer
Believing on a truth that will never fall
Get in touch with God turn your radio on
I included this specific video because it has some comedic material to it…making it a little longer.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
The last couple of weekends...bringing us to an end to summer
Wow, I can't believe the summer is over. What happened? Where did it go? There are so many things this summer lacked. We only ate out on our patio half a dozen times, didn't even hang out back there much this summer, and the only fire we had in our pit was just last weekend. We planned on going camping a lot this summer, instead, only one big trip this coming weekend.
We have done a few things that were first's for us though. This last weekend we did a day trip over to Colville, Washington. I sold a BUNCH of stuff on Craigslist to a lady that has a horse ranch even further west than Colville and it was a good meeting place to exchange. I have never been any farther north in the eastern part of Washington than North Spokane, so I was looking forward to seeing some new country. What a beautiful drive and a really pretty area. It was like driving through a valley area with mountains all around.
We also went out to Carver Farms (our second trip out there since our first time was last October when we went to get our pumpkins) to pick zucchini and peppers. This is the first year we don't have a garden so we had to buy our zucchini instead of being able to give a bunch away. I spent the last two days making zucchini bread and blanching and freezing the rest to use all winter. Zucchini is one of my favorite vegetables and I even tried a piece after blanching it and it was good only slightly cooked...so then I ate several more slices.
The weekend before that we went Huckleberry picking. We've been meaning to do this for years and just never have. Last year, Scott accompanied our neighbor (who partially owns a satellite internet company and has a tower) up to the top of Rathdrum Mountain so he could do some maintenance work for them. On his little trip up there, he found LOTS of huckleberries and so many of them untouched because the land is primarily owned by Inland Paper and there is a locked gate you have to get past to get up there.
(The picture on the left has the tower at the top that we went up to / the one on the right is the locked gate we went through to get up there / the one below is of the road going up - very steep & rocky)
So we went up and found several bushes along the road that we may have gotten 30-40 berries off each bush but then Scott stopped in one area and walked back in and we found at least a dozen or more bushes that were laden with 4 times as many berries on each one. It was at the foot of this rocky area all around that he found them. 
You can see all the huckleberries we found on these plentiful bushes.
We've had a lot of fun the last couple of weekends and just trying to cram in a few fun activities before the snow starts to fly, because we are both not ready for that to happen.
Here is a little video that I did at the top of Rathdrum Mountain and all the areas that can been seen from it....beautiful.
We have done a few things that were first's for us though. This last weekend we did a day trip over to Colville, Washington. I sold a BUNCH of stuff on Craigslist to a lady that has a horse ranch even further west than Colville and it was a good meeting place to exchange. I have never been any farther north in the eastern part of Washington than North Spokane, so I was looking forward to seeing some new country. What a beautiful drive and a really pretty area. It was like driving through a valley area with mountains all around.
We also went out to Carver Farms (our second trip out there since our first time was last October when we went to get our pumpkins) to pick zucchini and peppers. This is the first year we don't have a garden so we had to buy our zucchini instead of being able to give a bunch away. I spent the last two days making zucchini bread and blanching and freezing the rest to use all winter. Zucchini is one of my favorite vegetables and I even tried a piece after blanching it and it was good only slightly cooked...so then I ate several more slices.
The weekend before that we went Huckleberry picking. We've been meaning to do this for years and just never have. Last year, Scott accompanied our neighbor (who partially owns a satellite internet company and has a tower) up to the top of Rathdrum Mountain so he could do some maintenance work for them. On his little trip up there, he found LOTS of huckleberries and so many of them untouched because the land is primarily owned by Inland Paper and there is a locked gate you have to get past to get up there.
(The picture on the left has the tower at the top that we went up to / the one on the right is the locked gate we went through to get up there / the one below is of the road going up - very steep & rocky)
So we went up and found several bushes along the road that we may have gotten 30-40 berries off each bush but then Scott stopped in one area and walked back in and we found at least a dozen or more bushes that were laden with 4 times as many berries on each one. It was at the foot of this rocky area all around that he found them. 
(The picture on the left is looking from the top down -so at the bottom of all the rocks is the picture on the right - where we found so many huckleberries)
We ended up getting almost 6 quarts and I'm hoping that is enough for all I have planned to do with those little berries.
We did purchase this handy dandy little "Huckleberry Rake" to help us with the picking and Scott was able to pick 3-4 times more than I was by hand. We only bought one because we wanted to make sure it wasn't a waste of money first and now that we know it works so well we'll get another next year so I can use one too.
You can see all the huckleberries we found on these plentiful bushes. We've had a lot of fun the last couple of weekends and just trying to cram in a few fun activities before the snow starts to fly, because we are both not ready for that to happen.
Here is a little video that I did at the top of Rathdrum Mountain and all the areas that can been seen from it....beautiful.
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