Hard to believe, but Lydia is 11 months old already!! This was her first official 'Trick or Treat', and before we start any debates over the 'right' or 'wrong' of this, let me just say that this was done all in fun....no evilness intended....whatsoever!!
Friday, October 29, 2010
Just Ramblin' On
Hard to believe, but Lydia is 11 months old already!! This was her first official 'Trick or Treat', and before we start any debates over the 'right' or 'wrong' of this, let me just say that this was done all in fun....no evilness intended....whatsoever!!
Thursday, October 28, 2010
God Is Working Behind The Scenes!
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Book Review
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Freshly Fallen Snow
How can an innocent word spoken by another trigger reactions and thoughts that will run through my mind--around and around they go--until I feel consumed by the negative and not the positive?
I have had many things occur in my life (from childhood to the present) which have been hurtful, harmful, damaging to me--and my children. I've come to realize that the only person I can change is me. As much as I may pray and wish my children would come to the same realization, they need to do this for themselves.
I've been on a journey these past few months--a forgiveness journey. I've taken several steps forward, a few steps back......
And then last night my Home Group met. We are doing a series called "Life's Healing Choices" by John Baker. The study itself is taught by Rick Warren of Saddleback Church in Southern California.
I had reviewed the DVD by Pastor Rick twice before the meeting. But, as I watched this with the members of the group last night, I realized that I had somehow missed an important point.
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect....Romans 12:2 (NASB)
Renew my mind!! Take out the garbage that is filling my mind and replace it with God's Word.
I know that I have "tried" Scripture memorization before, and I have failed. But, I want my mind renewed, and more importantly, God wants my mind renewed. He does not want my mind cluttered with events and memories of the past which He has already forgiven. I am the one who is allowing these thoughts to pervade my mind and my life.
How? By giving satan the access to my thought patterns way too easily!!
Again I am going to start memorizing Scripture--filling my mind with God's Word--promises from God--replacing the words from the past with the Word of the present and future.
An excellent idea Pastor Rick had was to write a verse--a promise from God directly to me (and you)--on a 3 x 5 card. On the back of the card, write how this verse applies to my life--a mind transforming process. Reading this every morning, afternoon and bedtime (and whenever needed) will place this into my mind.
Then when those thoughts start assaulting me, they will be replaced by God's Word and love for me. Transformed by the renewing of my mind.....
I do not have the index cards, so a stop will be made on my way home from work today to begin this mind renewal process
My verse for this week:
"No matter how deep the stain of your sins, I can take it out and make you as clean as freshly fallen snow.".....Isaiah 1:18 (LB)
If you'd like to join in memorizing Scripture, just let me know. We can be an encouragement to one another as we renew our minds.
Beth
Monday, October 25, 2010
On My Way....
Monday, October 11, 2010
Still Counting......
Saturday, October 9, 2010
You're Beautiful
(Please pause the music at the bottom of the page so this won't disturb your listening to the song)
Don't be concerned about the outward beauty that depends on fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry or beautiful clothes. You should be known for the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God....1 Peter 3:3-4 (NLT)
But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.".....1 Samuel 16:7 (NIV)
Yes, this will be my song for those days when I am being attacked by the "just not rights".....
Beth
Friday, October 8, 2010
Tiny Stitches In My Mind
This is what the finished stocking will look like:
Picture from 1-2-3 Stitch
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Road Trip
I am on a week's 'stacation' this week. I have to say that I am thoroughly enjoying this....some people are not happy that I am on 'stacation'. But, I have worked, earned this time off, and I suppose it is something they will have to live with...
We were actually going to the outlets in Hershey to look for a winter coat for Lydia. The antique auto show was going on at Hersheypark, and we passed this on our way to the outlets. Yes, there is a piece of a front end of a car in the back of this truck. This looked very funny when driving behind this vehicle....another picture opportunity that Cara had to take advantage of.
Very tired after a long day for her....
This morning I finished the bear I was working on to send to children who have been taken from their homes for their own safety. This one is very special because he plays the piano!!
What am I going to do today? I suppose I'll find something to do......whatever it is, it will be filled with the love of God!!
Beth
Monday, October 4, 2010
On My Way to One Thousand Gifts
#18 the soft touch of a baby's skin while she is sleeping
#19 time for relaxation and just being me.....finding joy and hope in myself that I didn't
know was there
#20 meeting new children
#21 a friend who loves and cares for me--sometimes in spite of myself--a friend to laugh, cry
and share with
#22 the Holy Spirit's guidance and counsel in my life
#23 healing prayers
#24 raspberry colored clouds in the sky
#25 the knowledge in my heart that God loves and cares for me--I matter to Him,
and even when I think otherwise, His plans are the best because He knows the
outcome and I don't
Beth
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Putting Out Some Feelers......
Regardless of the reason, my heart always leans in this direction. I have done charity knitting/crocheting for various organizations, and I have always felt that 'this is good'. But, I have also felt that this was not 'it'.
The beginning of the week, I was visiting hakucho just because she designed one of my very favorite dishcloth patterns. I wanted to see what she was up to recently.
She had a photo of some squares. I thought to myself, "I wonder what she is going to do with these squares?" (knowing that she has a very inventive mind). So, I read further.
She is going to a Knit-A-Thon that benefits the homeless!!
I then went to visit the website for the Knit-A-Thon. I was totally blown out of the water!! This is it!! This is it!! My heart was telling me full blast that this was it!!
I sent an email to the organizer of this event, and she responded that very morning. We have since talked on the phone twice, and she is very excited about expanding her Knit-A-Thon (which is in Boston) to other areas. If you browse around her site, you will see that they have made many blankets and raised a substantial amount of money doing this as an outreach to their community.
I am willing and able to organize this (with some help from my friends!). Basically, you knit or crochet 9 x 9 inch squares. You will need to have sponsors--say 50 cents or perhaps a dollar/square.
Then, at a later date, the knitters/crocheters will meet en masse--assemble the blankets (35 squares to each blanket), and the blankets and the monies will be donated to a local homeless shelter.
I'm just in the stages of putting out feelers now. I've sent emails to every knitting group and local yarn shop that is close to our area, contacted my church regarding this, and now I'm appealing to you.
Do you want to help with this effort? You could either be part of the square making, the assembling, or both. Do you know someone who knits or crochets who may be interested in this? If so, please pass the word!!
I want to get an idea of who is willing to do what before I contact the shelter. Nothing worse than presenting them with an idea and nothing to follow up with--right??
If you have any questions or suggestions, please drop me a line!!
Beth