Merry Christmas to you!!

Taking a short break from my usual Christmas Eve madness/rush in the kitchen to wish you all a wonderful Christmas and New Year.  Thanks for reading and praying ... thankful to reach the age of 45 tomorrow ... trying to make the most out of life.

Last week, my sister-n-law left this world leaving behind two children and a husband that loved her very much.  A two year battle with cancer (I think uterine? -- in there anyway)  We were battling at the same time, and sadly never got to know each other well - except in spirit.  We were fighting the same fight -- struggling here a bit with just "all of it" -- but God has been gracious enough to grant me more time ... to Him be the glory.

I will share a story next week that my husband shared me with about his brother and his love.   Get tissues ready!

Now without any small children in the house, Christmas is being established in a new way, having to share with in laws and such ... Stephen working Christmas Day this year -- if you know me I need a plan, still trying to figure out that one.  A new grandbaby next Christmas will lighten things up a bit!!  So excited!!

He even has a facebook page already (huge eyeroll) thanks to my son!  Silly.

Here he is!! 

Here's our menu plan -- super easy this year, not going with the traditional big dinner on Christmas any more.   Making things ahead that I only need to put in the oven / crockpot / or on the table!!

Christmas Eve

Chocolate Eclair Dessert (low fat - its easy with this, sugar free too!)

Ham and Swiss Rolls   (with changes of course)

Chips - Dip - Veggie Tray 

Christmas Day

Meatballs (crockpot)

Baked Ziti  (already made and in the fridge!)

Veggie / Antipasto Tray 

Bread Sticks

Chips / Cracker / Buffalo Chicken Dip / Cream Cheese with Raspberry Chipotle Sauce

Nana's Apple Salad

Cookies! 

Fruit 

Pop / Cider / Egg Nog / Hot Cocoa 

These are some of the ones we make EVERY Christmas ....wouldn't be the same with out them!

Chocolate Covered Cherry Cookies   (Sarai' and Roy LOVE these!)

Toffee Bars

Swedish Gingersnaps    Stephen loves

Sugar Cookie Bars

Cut Out Cookies  (can't find link??)

Jam Thumbprints    Lexi likes these

Josh doesn't really have a favorite, he probably likes the fruit or apple salad the best... lol

Much of these will be heading out the door with the kids when they go home too!  Too tempting!

Merry Christmas!!!  

March 3rd

Today is a pretty significant day for me ... and there are many ... but this is one of the BIG ones.

One year ago today, I went to KU Medical Center for a mammogram .... this day and those following changed my ENTIRE world.  

My thoughts, my cares, my health, my friendships, my relationships with people .... everything ... even some of my worst nightmares came to life after this date ...

I came to realize that the ONLY one you can depend on ever is the Lord.  

My relationship with Him changed after this ... but all for the good.   

I could NOT have made any steps forward without the strength He gave me. 

I realized I am a lot tougher than I ever thought I was.

I still wish people would think before talking to me about some things -- it still hurts, its not even been six months since surgery.

Headed back to the doctor today ...

And one thing that hasn't changed is, that I still covet your prayers and am very thankful for them.

While I didn't have a lot of tangible support ... I am very glad for the prayers.

Missing Taco today.   He's still close to my heart .... hasn't been 4 months yet ...

So much happened today ....

Its funny sometimes how the Lord works things out, you can't see it ahead of time and you think its the worst that can happen, but ultimately it never is.

I'll share a long story this weekend, my medical appointments started at 0730 in Overland Park this morning and I didn't get home until 530pm! LONG day. Quite a few amazing things happened ...

but the best one is when I walked in our church this evening and every lady had a hat on! How crazy they are! LOL! They wanted to show me they supported me -- I am deeply humbled by their kindness.

Sis Shannon took a photo, so I'll share that one soon. Even the little girls had hats on or scarves in the case of the Rogers' ladies! You are crazy girl -- thanks ladies, I LOVE YOU ALL.

My son comes home (or back to Kansas!) tomorrow. We've missed him and Lexi.

I texted him so they could pray for some things today, and he texted back ...

"God's got your back"

Amen, yes He does.

Isaiah 43:1-2

1 But now, this is what the LORD says—
he who created you, O Jacob,
he who formed you, O Israel:
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.

2 When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze

Sunday Evening Quote

Everyone wants to SEE a miracle, but no one wants to be a miracle. Bro. David Lee

Not me. I want to BE a miracle.

The Second Day ...

It looks like it will be a sunny day today!! Rain was supposed to be on the forecast daily for the next week. The dogs seriously need a bath. The boys will do that. They also have a Youth Service to go to at 1pm -- so should enjoy themselves a bit today.

It will be quiet here without them. I need to fill my day. The second day after the Taxol treatments proves challenging with needing that small room in your house frequently! =)

My nose burns and runs -- but its minor. I'm thankful for that. (and my healing!!)

We went to see Jeff Dunham last night. We've had tickets for months. He's a super ventriloquist. I'm not sure who I like the best. Probably Achmed -- he has some super goofy eyeballs.

And yes, I might have looked like an idiot -- but I wore a mask. Too many people and too many germs for this girl right now. The puppets were asking Jeff if he was sick and about wearing a mask (the whole swine flu thing is already in his act) -- boy did I get some strange looks. LOL!

Here's to a wonderful day in the Lord -- Be Blessed and thank you for your prayers!!

The CT Scan was broke yesterday so all my scans had to be rescheduled for Tuesday. I'll miss more work than I would have liked now... Port = Monday, Scans = Tuesday, Hard Chemo = Thursday. Friday == By the grace of God -- WELL!! In Jesus Name I pray!

Tuesdays ...

Tuesday mornings seem to be a meltdown day for me for whatever reason.

I'm doing better today. Starting to get a bit nervous about tomorrow's appointments and things to come.

Still believing God and feel a peace about the whole situation -- or really the end result. Its just the path through that scares me a bit ... OK. A lot.

I'm thankful for my husband more and more, who just holds me when I cry when I can't seem to understand the total plan for all this. But I know God does.

I read the following this morning and it spoke to my heart and soul ...

"Trials, just like this rain, come...often unexpectedly. And just like we had no choice but to walk through this rain to get home, we have to go through trials as well. But like Eliseo who cried out as the water fell and within moments found himself safe and warm in my arms, the Lord carries us through. We are weak, but He is strong and so loving...how He cares for us! Thank you Lord for carrying us through the rain."

Image Courtesy

Red Envelope Day [Make A Statement for Life]

I am passing it along because I feel this is definitely worth doing. James Dobson shared about this in his Citizen Link website earlier this month.You can read more about the red envelope project here.

Get a red envelope. You can buy them at Kinkos, or at party supply stores.

On the front, address it to:

President Barack Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Washington D.C. 20500

On the back, write the following message:

This envelope represents one child who died because of an abortion.
It is empty because the life that was taken is now unable to be a part of our world.

Mail the envelope out March 31st, 2009.

I wish we could send millions of red envelopes, one for every child who died before having a chance to live.

Courtesy of Homemaker's Cottage Blog
"It may seem that those who believe abortion is wrong are in a minority. It may seem like we have no voice and it's shameful to even bring it up. Let us show our President and the world that the voices of those of us who believe abortion is wrong, are not silent and must be heard.

Barack Obama spoke at a Planned Parenthood Action Fund event, uttering the now infamous line, "Well, the first thing I'd do as president is, is sign the Freedom of Choice Act. [Applause.] That's the first thing that I'd do."

An empty red envelope will send a message to President Barack Obama that there is moral outrage in this country over this issue [The Freedom of Choice Act, which will essentially "undo" every law currently in place to limit abortion in the U.S. . (i.e., parental consent laws, parental notification, waiting periods, prohibition of transporting a minor girl across state lines to obtain an abortion, etc.)]. It is a quiet, but clear message of protest. "

Courtesy of Homemaker's Cottage Blog

11.11.08

Happy Veteran's Day

For those who gave all -- it's a sad day for their families.

I am thankful for our veterans, their sacrifices and especially for those who gave all.

Encouragement ...

Stephen after he received his "restricted" drivers license -- so its still safe out there! LOL!

Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass;

its about learning to dance in the rain.

Awesome!

God is so awesome sometimes -- (well He is all the time, I just neglect to see it sometimes!) My hub went to B*st Buy yesterday to exchange the laptop and they told him that, they were sorry but we were out of luck on the hard drive from the old one. (sigh) At first I was angry, and then I was a little overwhelmed as there were photos I had not backed up on there, tax return records (we do our own) and things like that.

This morning when I was praying, I prayed a simple prayer. "Lord can you please have them find that hard drive?" With everything else going on, this felt like another ton sitting on my chest.

Talked to hub at lunch today and he said " B*st Buy called, said they found it, bring whatever you have to transfer the information!" Imagine that? How awesome is that? Thank you Lord!

Side note: Please pray for one of our international officers, his mom is very ill, and he is here and she is thousands of miles away. He does not have the funds to make the trip home, he is hurting and she is suffering greatly. Please pray that God has His way and takes care of that family. My heart hurts for him.

Pray for my children -- that they obey the voice of God. They are truly in a battle -- its a spiritual battle, but my faith and my trust are in Jesus Christ. The creator and giver of life. I am believing Him for great things!

Sarai

JoshStephen
Figured I would put some faces with names when you pray!

Thanks so very much!!!

Fly, Run, or Walk, but Don't Faint

Image copyrighted by All Posters.Com

Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, [that] the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? [there is] no searching of his understanding.

He giveth power to the faint; and to [them that have] no might he increaseth strength.

Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew [their] strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; [and] they shall walk, and not faint.

In revival services on Friday -- the minister preached on Isaiah 40:28-31 -- how during our journey with the Lord -- no matter how weary we get -- DON'T STOP WALKING.

There are times we are soaring above the heavens, and sometimes even running -- but if and when we get weary -- we must keep walking, we must not stop and we must not faint. Just take another step ... and Wait upon the Lord and He will renew your strength.

At this season in life -- I am weary and tired of life's trials -- but I continue to walk. One small step after another ... it is enough. I know the Lord will see us through.

Remembering Joel ...

This little boy touched my life in an amazing way. His family has created a video of their journey. Go visit and say a prayer on your way.

Joel's Journey -- The Sanctity of Life.

Tuesday -- Soul Searching

Matthew 6:25-34
25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?

26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?

27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?

28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:

29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?

31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

I've been doing quite a bit of soul searching, and praying lately.

I think the events at Virginia Tech, may have brought it on, but I was thinking about life before that.

A family friend's daughter, who has stomach cancer. They say, stage 3. She's only 24. She is also a mommy.

A call from an old co-worker. Who is not a believer. Her cancer is back. 1 year, and its back. My heart was heavy, it still is. (I'm not being her judge, its just fact.)

It brought eternity so much closer to reality.

Thinking about things I should have done, and things I'd still like to do.

Memories to share with my children.

The thought of living today, for today, as if there were no tomorrow.

I know we have no guarantee of it ... and sometimes it makes me sad. Yet other times -- I yearn to be so much closer to the Lord, without so many worries. Which in the grand scheme of life -- they really aren't important.

I think the "Mamma Bear" mindset kicks in -- worries about my kids and what would happen to them, even though I believe the Lord will not allow us to remember those things in Heaven.

I've even reviewed my will! And yes, it needs to be updated -- but it covers the main things.

I'm glad in many ways, that I don't have little ones at this point in my life, and my oldest is an adult and well capable of being a responsible guardian. (She knows I'll come back to haunt her, if she isn't!) LOL! kidding (kinda!)

So ...

Make a memory today for someone else.

Tell someone you love them, that you don't tell often enough.

Smile and laugh a little more.

Rejoice in the Lord ...

Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice,

ye righteous: and shout for joy,

all ye that are upright in heart.

Psalms 32:11 KJV

On that joyful word from the Lord,

my prayer is that the Lord bless you, and keep you ... and give you grace.

Life is so Precious

My daughter Sarai came home looking like the world had fallen apart.

For her it did a little bit yesterday.

She works for a health insurance company in the prescription/mail order area and during lunch in the break room, one of her packers, Georgia acted like she was choking. Then she turned blue. They attempted to do the Heimlich thinking that food was stuck. They called 911. But it was too late. The EMT's think she had a stroke. She was in great physical shape, even ran daily. She always brought treats and told Sarai to listen to her Mom!

She left this world in the blink of any eye.

She was 42 years old. I am 41. My husband is 47.

She was a single parent and is leaving behind a son.

My heart aches quite a bit today, please pray for her son. Please pray for Sarai. She went to work today but going in that room is going to bring it all back. They had grief counselors come in right away, but you know ... our hope is in the Lord.

He is the only true Comforter and sustainer of Life.

I'm reminded today, that Life is so very, very precious. I take it for granted.

I need to be sure all my affairs are in order.
We have 3 teenagers ... I know that God will ultimately be there for them should my husband or I leave this world before we think we should die, but ... not that we'll know after, but we do need to make sure NOW that all is in order for them.

Hug your loved ones EVERYDAY. Let them know you love them EVERYDAY.

Get your affairs in order. That's one less worry and go enjoy the life the Lord has blessed you with.

God Bless!

Random Thoughts

Its been a very insightful week ... been doing much thinking, planning, changing, rearranging thoughts and figuring out how to take the next step ... in this thing called life.

If you read Ali Edwards' blog -- and YOU SHOULD ... she had in her newsletter to choose a word that would describe what you want, who you are or what you desire to be ... {have not done back to see her exact words} Her word is Peace. Love that!

I've debated and thought about it ... and still could not decide on one, but I think it is going to have to match hers.

Peace.

If I have peace ... and contentment in all things ... there is no more stress and worrying.

So very many things going on in life right now, but I have been analyzing my life and finding that I am seriously lacking in so very many areas. I am realizing that I need to work on things and I am formulating a plan ... and its going to have to be one small step after another ...

With God, all things are possible. Amen? Amen.

Joel with the Lord Jesus...

The Lord decided to take Joel to be with Him today ... their family was scheduled to take him home today, but the Lord wanted him home with Him.

Please pray for Joel's family as they go on without him. Please remember them during their journeys now without Joel by their sides.

Joel's Journey.

More later. =(

Urgent for Joel ... pray!

Please pray for this little lamb ... his oxygen level has dropped and they are thinking pneumonia. Please, please touch the throne of God and continue to pray for strength for this family.

The sanctity of life is a TRUE BATTLE in our world today.

God is the author of our lives ... people are NOT.

Doctors are NOT.

Medical science is NOT.

Someone's opinion is NOT.

If you read Joel's blog, read the entry for this morning.

What is life? I believe as long as Joel's heart is beating, he is very much ... ALIVE ... a living human being. As are we all.

'Peace in the midst of the storm...'

Just finished checking on Joel this morning, and this precious child is truly a miracle from the Lord. Please continue to pray for his COMPLETE healing. God is MORE than able.

Joel.

Please continue to pray

for Joel. He is still hanging on to life. I am just waiting to see what the Lord is going to do with this child for His glory.

The doctor has taken legal action against this family regarding their son. Please, please pray!

You can view the updates here: Joel

Thank you so much!


P.S. It seems like this year has been full of prayer requests ... now you can take that 2 ways.

1. That it's going to be a year of trials.

OR

2. We are going to see the great things the Lord CAN and STILL DOES today.

Magnify the Lord and see ...