100 Things About Me.

It's finally time to do my 100 Things About Me post! Actually it's past time, I've posted 109 posts, so you can guess the first thing about me:

1. I'm a procrastinator
2. I'm a Christian (this is actually the first thing I hope people know about me.)
3. I'm a wife
4. I'm a mother of three daughters
5. I'm a daughter (my mom is still living and my daddy is in heaven)
6. I'm a church secretary
7. I'm a Sunday School teacher
8. I live in the midwest
9. I grew up in Florida
10. I hate it when my toes get hot
11. I struggled with infertility for 10 years
12. I work for two churches
13. Twice I worked at a bank
14. I once worked for a dentist
15. I once worked for a lawyer
16. Twice I worked for the county clerk (in different states)
17. I once played the violin
18. I broke my arm three times
19. I love to read
20. I have ambitions to write
21. I like to scrapbook but don't have time to do it very much
22. I like to cook
23. I enjoy collecting recipes
24. Also I like to collect angels
25. And figurines of houses
26. I'm an early bird
27. I get silly after my bedtime (which used to be 10 p.m. but is getting closer to 9:30 p.m.)
28. I'm a very positive person
29. I love to laugh
30. I often get tickled at solemn occasions
31. I love game shows
32. I love word puzzles
33. I love Scrabble
34. I hate confrontation
35. I'm not good with finances
36. My worst fault is my #1 - procrastination
37. I'm grouchy when I get tired
38. I have good intentions but have trouble following through (see #1 again!)
39. Usually older people love me
40. I'm not good with older kids because I can't be firm with them (see #34)
41. I love babies
42. I did not go to college because I never knew what I wanted to be when I grew up. (See #12-16)
43. As a child, I wanted to be a spy
44. As an adult, I am very unobservant
45. My husband was once broke down on the side of the road and tried to flag me down. I drove right past him without seeing him.
46. As a child, I also wanted to be an animal doctor (mainly because of reading books about animals)
47. As an adult, I am afraid of touching all animals
48. My favorite drink is sweet tea
49. If I was taking the Pepsi challenge, I would choose Pepsi over Coke
50. My favorite food is pizza
51. I love cheese - any food tasts better with cheese, unless it's a dessert and then it can be improved with cream cheese
52. I also love chocolate
53. I medicate myself with M&M's
54. My two favorite colors are blue and burgundy
55. I wear a lot of black
56. I like to wear jackets
57. I love purses
58. I love earrings, especially hoops or dangly ones
59. I love the smell of honeysuckle
60. I also love to smell orange blossoms
61. I adore scented candles
62. I'm a good listener
63. I never tell secrets
64. I like to set my table with pretty dishes, candles, and matching place mats.
65. It's important to me to have my family dressed nice when we go out in public
66. I hate when my children write notes or draw on their skin
67. I took French for two years in high school
68. I cannot speak French
69. I do recognize some French when I read it in literature, so it was not a total waste
70. I am very sentimental and have been known to cry at movies -- or even commercials
71. When I find a clothing item I like, I buy one in every color
72. I've worn glasses since I was 17
73. I cannot tell jokes because I laugh hysterically through all of them
74. I've told the joke about Bubba and the pope so many times that I don't think it is funny any more
75. One of my husband's friends crashed our first date and I thought he'd never leave
76. When working in the kitchen I love to sing and dance, and sometimes I skip
77. When it's bedtime, I say, "I'm going to my office."
78. My dad would not let me pierce my ears until I was 18.
79. When I was 12 my grandmother dyed my hair blonde - without asking my parents.
80. When I was 16 that same grandmother bought me a wig -- just for fun. Clearly, she did not like my hair!
81. I say there's always time for lipstick, and put it on in the car before backing out of the drive
82. I wheeze when I laugh
83. I'm the oldest child in my family
84. I'm also the oldest grandchild
85. I am the slowest texter in the cell phone world
86. My first dog was named Gypsy
87. I had a parakeet named Butchie
88. I like to read mysteries
89. I used to do cross stitch
90. I used to plastic canvas
91. I used to paint t-shirts
92. I used to make ceramics
93. I used to make victorian bears
94. Every time people take pictures of me, my eyes are closed
95. Every time I take pictures of people I cut their heads off
96. I drive a Mitsubishi Galant
97. I'm allergic to red wasps
98. I was once in a car wreck and had to have stitches in my head
99. I've been referred to as a walking dictionary.
100. My grandma introduced me to the love of my life, we dated through the mail, got married 7 months later, and have stayed married for 32 years.

Tasty Tuesday - Taco Dip

I've been profiling my Top Ten Requested Recipes for the Tasty Tuesday Parade of Food that Kim and Tim hosts at ForeverWherever.com. It's time for #4.

Taco Dip

First layer:

Mix together 1 can refried beans, 1/2 envelope Taco Mix, and 1 cup salsa.

Spread in the bottom of a 9x13 pan.

Second Layer:

Mix together 1 C sour cream, 2/3 C Miracle Whip, and the remaining 1/2 envelope of Taco Mix. Spread on top of bottom layer.

Topping:

Sprinkle top generously with shredded cheese. I like to use a colby/monterey jack blend. When I feel like being colorful, I also sprinkle chopped green onion over the top. Serve with tortilla chips.

Whenever I take this to pot lucks, it always disappears fast! People say "it's mighty tasty!' (Ok, I couldn't resist adding that!)

Now, go visit Kim -- she's featuring super bowl snacks!

What's on Your Mind '09 Is it Ever Wrong to do Right?

It's time for "What's on Your Mind, '09!" If you'd like to participate, visit Shane at Heart Reflections. This week's question:

Is it ever wrong to do right?

This question was very puzzling to me. How can it ever be wrong to do the right thing? After mulling it over, I thought perhaps we can do the right thing with the wrong attitude.

It is possible to do the right thing with an attitude of self-pride. Remember, the Pharisees kept the law meticulously all the while feeling as if they were better than everyone else. What did Jesus call them? A bunch of snakes! (vipers)

It's also possible to say the right thing with a tone of condemnation. I'm reminded of the scripture:

"Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. " Ephesians 4:15

I think those two little words in that verse "in love" is key. Yes, we are to do the right thing but always do it in love. In love, seek the Lord on how to say what needs to be said. In love, seek the Lord on how we could do what is right and needful.

If you go on to read the rest of the passage in Ephesians, you see that Paul tells us (the body of Christ) to join together as "supporting ligaments" and build each other up in love.

I believe we must always do what's right, but do it with a loving Christlike spirit, and that's what's on my mind!

The Simple Woman's Daybook - January 26, 2009

FOR TODAY MONDAY, JANUARY 26, 2009 ...

Outside my window...

frozen landscape.

I am thinking...

of all the things that need to be done before tonight's winter storm hits.

I am thankful for...

weather forecasters who give us a heads-up when storms approach. (Even if they are wrong part of the time!)

From the kitchen...

meatloaf, au gratin potatoes, peas, and brownies.

I am wearing...

brown pants, boots and jacket, with a dark greep top.

I am creating...

a book review.

I am going...

home after tonight's meeting, and stay there!

I am reading...

"Rex" by Cathleen Lewis (watch my blog this week for my book review on this touching story) and starting book 3 of the Mitford series: "These High Green Hills."

I am hoping...

that the electricity does not go out if the weather forecast lives up to its promise.

I am hearing...

the TV.

Around the house...

laundry needs to be done -- as usual!

One of my favorite things...

staying home!

A few plans for the rest of the week:

hopefully an appointment for me to get my hair done, I have Friday off and hope to finish up all the work at both churches, so that Saturday I can stay home and do what I want!

Power Scripture for the week ...

"Never be lazy in your work, but serve the Lord enthusiastically."

Romans 9:11 NLT

Here is picture thought I am sharing..

It's only 11 months until Christmas!

To read other daybooks, visit Peggy at The Simple Woman's Daybook.

Friday's Fave 5 - January 23, 2009

Another Friday has rolled around. It's time to reflect on my week and join in at Friday's Fave 5.

1. My favorite thing that happened to me this week is receiving this bouquet of flowers:

This bouquet was sent to me by my friends Don and Alma a little early for my birthday. First, a little background information about Don and Alma: Don had broken his hip and is in the hospital for about 3 weeks rehab. Alma, of course, is right by his side, even sleeping overnight in his hospital room. The thing that makes this bouquet so special is that Alma took the time to send this to me while they are staying at the hospital. Imagine! Consumed with all the details about Don's recovery, yet she takes time to send ME flowers. I feel humble to have such awesome friends!

2. My next favorite thing that happened to me this week is I did not total my car! I collided with a deer but had minimal damage. (See my Thankful Thursday post.)

3. Third on my list is that I got my computer back. My wonderful hubby let me use his computer, desk and chair while mine was in the shop, but there is nothing like my own computer, desk and chair! (I'm like Beth Moore when she talks about liking my comforts!)

4. Today is a beautiful sunny day and it's going to be in the 50's! Another favorite thing -- warm -- but not hot! -- temperatures.

5. I have another favorite quote to share: "Remember loving yourself does not mean indulging yourself." (Pam Young)

What's your Friday's Fave 5? Join the fun at Susanne's!

Thankful Thursday - Safety

Every day there are so many things to be thankful for, but today I have something special.

I was driving home about dusk when I noticed a deer jumping off the road into the ditch on the side of the road to the right of me. Before I knew it, there was a second deer right in my pathway. I punched on the brakes as hard as I could and slid into the deer as he was trying to get away.

My first thought was, "Oh no! I can't believe it! I hit a deer, too. My insurance is going to go sky-high." (My daughter had totaled out her car hitting a deer barely three weeks ago) I was afraid to get out of the car and survey the damage.

Finally, I got out and walked around to the front of the car filled with dread. I stared in amazement. The only thing damaged was a small piece of grill next to the headlight. I knew from previous experience (don't ask) that piece of grill was only about $80. I didn't need to call the insurance company because it was less than the deductible!

I thank the Lord for keeping me safe, for minimal damage and that no other car was involved in my mis-hap. He may have even kept the deer alive because I couldn't see him anywhere after the accident. The deer must have been well enough to run off.

I know sometimes the Lord allows us to go through times like these with not-so-happy endings. We have to trust Him even when it doesn't turn out the way we would like.

But this time, He chose to let it turn out good!

This week, Lori at Laurel Wreaths Reflections is hosting Thankful Thursday, if you'd like to read other posts about thankfulness.

SFMTY-Leavin' on a Jet Plane

This morning, I was listening to Joyce Meyer teach on finances. What a way to start the day!

She said that if you can't pay for a vacation without using any credit cards, you shouldn't go. Bummer ... that statement confirmed what I already knew ... unless something miraculous happened, this summer we'll be sticking close to home ...

I started thinking about past vacations. Of course, today being Thursday, I was thinking about what picture to use for Sincerely 'Fro Me to You. I decided to use this picture from the past. This is a picture of my family (before my sister was born) going on a vacation to New Orleans. This was probably taken in the mid 1960's. I doubt if my parents went into debt to go, because my dad worked for Eastern Airlines and we got to fly for free (well, he had to pay the taxes).

It was a requirement that if you were an employee of Eastern, you had to dress in your best to ride their airplanes. Therefore, we dressed in our church clothes to board the plane. Don't you just love my little brother's hat?

Be kind, and don't say anything about my knee socks and frizzy hair.

Ahh ... the memories ...

If you'd like to see more photo fun, visit Kristen at We are THAT Family.

WFMW: Recycled Cloth Napkins

Works for Me Wednesday is one of the highlights of my week. (I am so nerdy that I love to read everyone's tips and recipes!) Last week, I read a post by Sarah from I Blame My Mother about cloth napkins. You can read about it here. Her post inspired me to write about my own cloth napkin tip.

If you have a set of sheets that you love but is now getting worn out, you can recycle them into napkins! I had a gorgeous set of sheets given to me as a wedding gift by a favorite aunt who has since passed away. I absolutely loved those sheets and used them constantly. Alas, after a couple decades of use (I'm not kidding) the center of the sheets wore out. We're talking holes, here. However, the sides of both sheets were still lovely. The tiny flowers had faded to a perfect color, a color that strangely enough matched my dishes. I had one of my rare light-bulb moments. Why not make napkins out of the good parts of the sheets to go with my dishes?

Now, when I set my table with my dishes (given to me by my parents) and use the napkins made from the sheets given me by my aunt, it makes me smile! It works for me!

Now, hurry on over to Shannon's blog at Rocks In My Dryer to get inspired by all the good ideas shared at Works for Me Wednesdays!

Tasty Tuesday Blog Party - No Bake Cookies

I've been invited to join in the blog carnival, Tasty Tuesday Blog Party, held at Kim and Tim's ForeverWherever.com.

I really enjoy participating in blog carnivals, so I decided to go through my list of Top Ten tried and true recipes. Actually, 2 of my favorites, Jerri's Brownie Recipe and Texas Cake have already been posted on this blog. So here is #3, my personal favorite:

NO BAKE COOKIES

Combine in a heavy 4 qt. saucepan:

3 C sugar

2/3 C butter (use real butter - it's worth it!)

1/2 C cocoa

1 C evaporated milk

Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, then boil for 2 minutes. Take off the heat.

Stir in until melted:

2/3 C peanut butter

2 tsp. vanilla

Add to above mixture:

1 C coconut

4 C quick oats

Drop by spoonfuls onto waxed paper or aluminum foil. These cookies will harden after about 15 minutes. If the weather is very humid, they don't harden as well, so don't use these as something to make on rainy days! I make them at Christmas time, but I love them in summer, too!

For more great recipes, head on over to the blog party, that Southwestern Soup that Kim is featuring looks yum!

What's on Your Mind? '09 Anchor Verse for 2009

"What's On Your Mind, '09" is a meme hosted by Shane at Heart Reflections. This week's topic is what is your anchor verse for 2009?

Actually, I have been picking an anchor verse for the year since 2005, when I began sending out Holiday Letters to all my friends and relatives. It just seemed like a fitting way to end the letter each year (sort of a subtle witness on what God had been teaching me at the present time.)

Most years, my anchor scripture would deal with the subject of God's love for me as an individual. This has always been an area where I've been weak. I have no problem believing God is love, and that He loved us enough to send His Son to die for us. I have more problem comprehending that He loves me, Jerri, in spite of my many mess-ups.

This year, I looked at one of my favorite scriptures in a different way:

"For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great are His mercy and loving-kindness toward those who reverently and worshipfully fear Him." Psalm 103:11

Think about it! The heavens stretch millions of miles above us. When astronauts orbited the earth or went to the moon, they didn't report back: "Ut-oh! I see where the heavens end." His love fills all that space!

Recently, I realized there were two parts to that verse: not only is His love limitless, but so is His mercy! Hallelujah!

Maybe I'm a slow learner, but I am so thankful that He has mercy for me, even when I have to learn the same lesson over again ... and again.

That's why Psalm 103:11 is my anchor verse for 2009 -- I need to be reminded of His love and mercy all year long.

The Simple Woman's Daybook - January 19, 2009

FOR TODAY MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 2009 ...

Outside my window...

sunshine!

I am thinking...

of all that needs to be done this week.

I am thankful for...

the sweet presence of the Holy Spirit in our worship service last night.

From the kitchen...

Beef stew and cornbread, and praying for inspiration the rest of the week!

I am wearing...

Black jumper, black suede boots, purple suede jacket

I am creating...

new files for the year 2009. (OK, I know I'm getting a late start!)

I am going...

to a special prayer meeting tonight.

I am reading...

I'm still re-reading the Father Tim series by Jan Karon. I'm on book two ...

I am hoping...

to continually improve!

I am hearing...

a dog barking

Around the house...

laundry as usual, the refrigerator needs cleaning out, and I'm thinking of putting out my Valentine table decorations.

One of my favorite things...

personal emails. I love to hear from my friends!

A few plans for the rest of the week:

This is a busy week for me. I will be finishing up the annual report for one of my churches. Once that is done, I feel like I can enjoy life again!

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

This is my middle daughter, Janae, towering over me!

This picture was taken Mother's Day, 2007. It makes me think of Spring. I love Spring. Especially when it's 26 degrees outside, I really love Spring!

Peggy at The Simple Woman's Daybook hosts this weekly meme. If you'd like to see other daybooks, click here.

SFMTY - The Way We Were

I like to do then and now pictures. I think it is fun to compare how the years have changed a person. Below is a picture of my hubby and me about 33 years ago. This was taken at my granny's house a couple of months before our wedding.

It's so funny to see how thin we were! And our hair color! Gotta love those big glasses I was wearing, too.

Next is a picture of us 32 years later. This one was snapped at a state park in the midwest. This is one of my favorite pictures because you can just see the mischief in my hubby's face!

Visit Kristen at We are THAT Family for more fun photos.

WFMW-Texas Cake

I thought I'd share another one of my favorite recipes. This recipe comes from a cookbook that the FHA from our local school came up with about 30 years ago. If you love chocolate, you'll love this cake!

Texas Cake

Heat the following and stir until smooth:

2 sticks butter

4 tbsp. cocoa

1 C. water

Bring the above ingedients to a boil and let cool slightly.

Sift together:

2 C flour

2 C sugar

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. baking soda

Pour cocoa mixture into flour mixture and mix well.

Beat 2 eggs and add to the eggs 1 carton (8 oz.) sour cream. Add this to cocoa mixture.

Bake in sheet cake pan (15"X1") at 350 degrees for approximately 30 minutes

Icing:

1 stick butter

1/4 C cocoa

6 Tbsp. milk

Bring to a boil and let cool slightly. Add 1 box powdered sugar, 1 tsp vanilla and 1 cup nuts (Optional: I don't add the nuts.) Spread on cake while still warm.

I hope you enjoy this moist chocolatey taste of heaven! It works for me!

For more recipes, tips and ideas, visit Shannon at Rocks in My Dryer.

What's on Your Mind '09? God in the Ordinary

What's on Your Mind '09? is a new blog carnival which Shane at Heart Reflections began to challenge writers and encourage conversation. So what's today's topic of conversation?

We have all heard from God when we read our Bibles,
listened to sermons at church, or gone to Bible study, right? But is God limited to our “spiritual” activities? Or does He show Himself in the middle of our everyday activities, too? Share about a time when God spoke to your heart in the midst of the ordinary.

Something recently that happened to me reinforced the notion that God cares about my every day struggles.



My health insurance premium had went up about $32 per month. Naturally, this happened before my job's new budget year. I had to pay for 4 months out of pocket due right at Christmas time. [How come job lay-offs, pink slips, and unexpected bills always come at Christmas time? I'm just sayin'.]



While driving to work, I was mulling the situation over. Not only did I have the insurance bill to consider, but other bills along with providing Christmas for my kids was on my mind. It seemed like there just wasn't going to be enough money that month.



Feeling a little bit desperate, I asked the Lord how I was going to make it. Ok, I was whining! Unfortunately, I do that sometimes.



I'm pretty good at shaking things off and going on with a fairly good attitude. So, I had put my worries on the back-burner, so to speak, and was busy at work. I always check my email throughout the day. The next time I checked, there was an email from my hubby. When he had checked the mail that day, there was a sizable insurance refund check! We had switched auto insurance companies the month before. I didn't expect a refund because we cancelled the policy right before more money was due.



As I started thanking God for the refund, He reminded me that it hadn't even been 4 hours since I had prayed about my finances. I felt like He was asking me why I always panic at first when things come up, doesn't He always take care of me? True, it may seem last minute, but He always comes through.



I thought about it and realized that most of the time, I really didn't feel worthy of Him coming to my rescue! All I could think about was the many times I messed up, why should He keep bailing me out?



A light bulb went on in my brain! I was trying to earn the favor of God! I only expected Him to help when I had done everything right.



Do I treat my kids that way? Do I only supply their needs only if they've earned it? Of course not! I do what's right for them [within my means] even on days they fall short of what I have asked them to do. I still cook them dinner no matter how they acted that day!



Would my Abba do no less?



I love this scripture:

"The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies
never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning." Lamentations 3:22-23 NLT

Because of His mercy and faithfulness, I CAN count on Him when this problem-child needs help. Now, I know that doesn't mean I can deliberately sin and expect everything to be ok, but He knows my heart. He knows I genuinely want to do my best for Him.



I am so thankful for His mercy! How I need it!



Has God shown up in your ordinary life? If so, please tell us about it! Today, Karen at Surviving Motherhood is hosting What's on Your Mind, '09. Either blog your story and click on Mr. Linky at her site to tell us about it, or post a comment.

The Simple Woman's Daybook - January 12, 2009

FOR TODAY, MONDAY, JANUARY 12, 2009 ...

Outside my window...

frost so thick on the ground it looks like fallen snow.

I am thinking...

on Pastor's sermon yesterday ... He preached on the Prayer of Jabez.

I am thankful for...

the fact that I am never bored. I have so many interests and goals that there is not enough time to do them all!

From the kitchen...

meatloaf and au gratin potatoes for tonight, perhaps the chicken pot pie (homemade) that I didn't get to make last week, and some type of vegetable soup this week. I've been craving Texas Sheet Cake ...

I am wearing...

black pants, black top and purple suede jacket, and my colorful necklace Lissa got me.

I am creating...

blogposts in my mind!

I am going...

on jury duty tomorrow. I hope it's something interesting!

I am reading...

"Rex" by Cathleen Lewis (watch my blog for a book review on this, soon) and I've restarted reading the "Mitford Series" by Jan Karon.

I am hoping...

that gas prices stay low and that grocery prices start to drop as well.

I am hearing...

so much about scripture memorization right now. I think the Lord is leading us all to work more diligently at hiding His Word in our heart.

Around the house...

I have candles burning every night. Candlelight is one thing I love about winter.

One of my favorite things...

is hearing my daughter tell me with excitement when God is making something real to her.

A few plans for the rest of the week:

I will be working on the report for the Annual Business meeting for my second job, and will attend a board meeting on Thursday, and hope to get caught up sending some cards.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

This picture always makes me laugh. You can't tell it, but those glasses light up! This is my oldest on her 21st birthday being goofy. Notice the tiara? I call this picture "Birthday Princess."

If you'd like to read more daybooks, visit Peggy at The Simple Woman's Daybook.

Friday's Fave 5 - January 9, 2009

Susanne over at Living to Tell the Story hosts Friday's Fave 5. We're supposed to think back over our week and tell about 5 favorite things. It can be something that happened to us, or a quote, story, or picture that we came across. Why not visit her and join in the fun?

Here's my 5:

1. This week I wore one of my favorite jackets, a suede dark olive green. I love suede jackets -- I own 6 of them!


2. I started to re-read one of my favorite book series, the Mitford Series by Jan Karon. I love Father Tim!


3. A couple of nights this week, I did one of my favorite things: go to bed early and sleep. I must be getting old. I would have never wanted to sleep when I was a teenager! Now I adore those nights I can snuggle up in my bed with a good book. Before long, I'm in dreamland.


4. I had a great feeling of accomplishment today -- I finished a project that had been hanging over my head. For a procrastinator like me, that is totally a favorite thing to feel free from pressure.


5. I want to share one of my favorite pictures:

My daughter, Janae, and my hubby!

(I owed my hubby to post one of his good pictures after the picture I posted of him yesterday! Click this link, SFMTY Beach Bonnet, if you're curious!)

Friday Fill-Ins #106

It's time to participate in Janet's Friday Fill-Ins. Janet begins a sentence (her words are in blue) and I am supposed to finish it. It's fun to read everyone's answers. Join in here.


1. It's January; a time of new beginnings. This is the time of year I think about organization and self-improvement!



2. A Subway BMT is what I crave most right now. I haven't had one in a long time ...





3. I don't drink, so this question is hard for me! I guess I'd say cork and wine go together like milk and milk cartons?





4. Soup is so nourishing.





5. Let us dare to declare absolute truth. I'm sick of political correctness!





6. I adore my home and want to make it a haven of peace.





7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to relaxing at home, tomorrow my plans include working and the ever-present laundry (although my daughter has done a lot of it for me this week!) and Sunday, I want to attend church, then relax some more!

SFMTY-Beach Bonnet

Today is one of my favorite days of the week, Thursday, and time for Sincerely 'Fro Me to You, a blog carnival featuring humiliating photos that never get scrapbooked. Usually I just go with the idea, "here's a picture that I like but I never have time to scrapbook it, so I will share it with you."

Today, this picture came to my mind because I've been longing for sunny days. Here in the midwest it's nothing but gray dreary days or else bone chilling weather with winter advisories proclaimed throughout the day. (I've got the Weather Channel on my computer. It starts flashing red at me when a new advisory is posted.) Wah! I want to be warm again!

Ok, I admit it. I whine when I'm hot, too. I'll work on being content whatever the season.

This is my hubby last summer when we were at Tarpon Springs, Florida. He won't care if I show you his pic with him wearing my daughter's floppy hat. Because he is secure in his manhood.

For more photo fun, visit Kristin at We are THAT Family.

Thankful Thursday-Precious Words

Today's topic is being thankful for the word of God, and the various translations that help us in our study of it.

I am certainly thankful for God's word. I think it must have been so hard for the early church to not have their own copies of the word to read daily! When I hear of stories even today of underground churches that only have one bible amongst so many, it touches my heart. I've even heard that some churches will tear out a page out of the bible loaning it to a family for one week to memorize as much of it as they can! Here I am, in America, personally owning three translations of the bible. There is no excuse for me not being in the Word!

My favorite translations are The Message, The New Living Translation, and the Amplified. Each year I switch the version for my bible study. This year it is the New Living Translation. I'm thankful for all the hard work the translators put into the New Living Translation!

I want to share with you one of my favorite passages out of The Message translation:

Isaiah 43:1-4 "But now, God's Message, the God who made you in the first place, Jacob, the One who got you started, Israel:"Don't be
afraid, I've redeemed you. I've called your name. You're
mine.When you're in over your head, I'll be there with you.
When you're in rough waters, you will not go down.When you're
between a rock and a hard place, it won't be a dead end—Because I am God, your personal God, The Holy of Israel,
your Savior.I paid a huge price for you: all of Egypt, with
rich Cush and Seba thrown in! That's how much you mean to me! That's how much I love you! I'd sell off the whole world to get you back,
trade the creation just for you."

Isn't that awesome? Remember, if you have accepted the Lord as your Savior, you become as the seed of Abraham and this promise is for you, too! (See Galatians 3:29)

Join me in 2009 in immersing ourselves in His Word!

If you'd like to participate in Thankful Thursday, visit Iris at Grace Alone.

WFMW: Brownie Recipe

I'm fresh out of tips right now to share, so I thought I would share my "never fails to please" brownie recipe. Any time I've taken this to potlucks, someone always tells me they love them.

Jerri's Brownie Recipe

In large mixing bowl combine:

1 C vegetable oil

1 1/2 C sugar

Mix thoroughly, then add:

3 eggs

2 tsp. vanilla

In a medium sized bowl, combine:

1 C flour

2/3 C cocoa

1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

Gradually add contents of medium bowl to large using a whisk.

Pour into greased 9X13 pan.

Bake @ 350 degrees for 20 mins. [Unless your stove is like mine, old, then cook for 25 mins. then check every 3 minutes until FINALLY it's done.]

This recipe always works for me! The brownies are moist and frosting is not needed.

Why not join Shannon at Rocks in My Dryer for more recipes and tips featured in her Works for Me Wednesday meme? I promise you'll enjoy it and learn something new!

What's on Your Mind? '09 Is God in Control?

If God is in control of all things, what is my role?


Since I have made Jesus not only my Savior, but my Lord, I believe my role is to daily seek His direction in my life. If I truly want to serve Him, it's not my plans and purposes that should be first on my agenda, but His.

Psalms 33:11 tells us, "But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations."

His plan will be accomplished, the question is, "Will I join in with Him?" If I do, then I'm assured that my work will be successful.

I think that if I start out my day asking the Lord to lead and guide and then follow any promptings the Holy Spirit may give me, then I will be on the path that He wants. I lean on the following scripture:

"The steps of a good man are ordered by the
LORD: and he delighteth in his way." Psalm 37:23

Sometimes my day does not go so well, in spite of starting out with yielding my day to Him. When that happens, I just feel that even if it doesn't feel like it, God is still accomplishing something with me. Perhaps His purpose was to teach me or someone I come in contact with a lesson, or perhaps things are being set in place that I am not aware of at the time.

I was discussing this topic with a friend (my daughter) and she pointed out something that I think is worth consideration: It takes time to surrender your will to His in different areas of your life. For example, it takes being mature spiritually to be willing to hand over the reins of your will in your choice of a career, spouse, or any other area dear to your heart.

Hopefully as time goes by, His control in my life will be greater, mine less.

If you'd like to see how others answered this question, visit Shane at her blog, Heart Reflections.

The Simple Woman's Daybook - January 5, 2009

I know that Peggy has not yet resumed The Simple Woman's Daybook after the holidays, but I couldn't wait!

FOR TODAY MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2009 ...

Outside my window...

another dreary gray day.

I am thinking...

it's time to get productive!

I am thankful for...

all the ways God takes care of me.

From the kitchen...

this week, we'll be having spaghetti and garlic bread, chicken enchiladas, homemade chicken pot pie, mixed grill (my phrase for breakfast at night, probably sausage and gravy) and maybe garlic cheese chicken. Hmmm... maybe I've planned too much chicken! We didn't have any last week, so I guess I went overboard!

I am wearing...

my brown pants and brown jacket with my new green top. Also, to work I'm carrying my new giraffe print purse.

I am creating...

more to-do lists in my brain.

I am going...

nowhere tonight. We have another winter-weather advisory!

I am reading...

several things right now. I have the book Multiple Blessings by Kate Gosselein and am re-reading the Mitford series by Jan Karon and the Left Behind series by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins. I also have a book by Josh McDowell I'm supposed to be reading ...

I am hoping...

to get caught up at work.

I am hearing...

the excitement of my co-workers on what God is doing with the youth and children!

Around the house...

decorations are now put up! Yay!

One of my favorite things...

is new beginnings. That is why I love this time of year!

A few plans for the rest of the week:

blogging, organizing, hopefully if the weather cooperates, working every day!

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

this picture was taken last summer of my three girls.

I'm thinking of this picture today because I'm dreaming of summer and road trips!

Friday Fill-Ins #105

I've missed a couple weeks of participating in Friday Fill-Ins. It's great to start out the new year with this fun little meme.

1. The world is full of beautiful things.

2. I love you was the last thing I said when I left for work this morning.

3. I wonder what God has in store for me in 2009.

4. Whether or not we have made a decision for Christ is at the end of all things.

5. There's something to be said for laughter. I'm all for it!

6. Home is where I want to be.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to relaxing, tomorrow my plans include working and laundry :( and Sunday, I want to relax some more!

If you'd like to participate, visit Janet at Friday Fill-Ins. Also, please pray for Janet; her father recently passed away.

Friday's Fave 5 - January 2, 2009

Susanne over at Living to Tell the Story hosts Friday's Fave 5. We're supposed to think back over our week and tell about 5 favorite things. It can be something that happened to us, or a quote, story, or picture that we came across. Why not visit her and join in the fun?

Here's my 5:

1. My fave thing is routine. It may be lame to some of you, but I enjoy my daily routine and now that the holidays are over, I can relax and go with the flow. Routine frees your mind up to think of other things because your body already knows what to do!


2. Yesterday I experienced another favorite: a day off. Even though sometimes I feel the price is too high for a day off work, I still enjoy them. I always tell myself, "I'm only going to do what I want to do today." Right ...


3. Sunday I was surprised by the kindness of a friend. She decorated my classroom for me as a surprise. The decor featured one of my favorites: angels!


4. Pecans are a favorite. I like to eat them plain.


5. A favorite quote:

"A Christian home should be a place of peace,
and there can be no peace where there is no self-denial."

… Elizabeth Elliot

What's On Your Mind '09

Shane, over at Heart Reflections, has issued a new writing challenge, "What's On Your Mind '09" that will be on Tuesdays. She is eager to start, however, so began with a challenge today. We are to write about our personal resolutions for 2009.

Well.

I've written a couple times in our church newsletter about how much I love new beginnings. Since New Year is the ultimate new beginning, of course I have always thought about resolutions on New Year's Day. The problem is follow-through ...

In the past, I've resolved:

• to lose weight
• to get more organized
• to live within my budget
• to exercise (not more, just to exercise!)

I wouldn't even get through January before I had given up!

The problem was I didn't have specific goals. I resolved to lose weight. Suppose I had resolved to lose 10 pounds that year? That's a much more doable goal. Instead of resolving to exercise perhaps I could have started out with 15 minutes of exercise 3 times a week and worked my way up.

Also, I always resolved several life-changing challenges at once. If I had just resolved one thing a year in 4 years I would have attained my goals. Instead, here I am with nothing accomplished.

If there is one thing you can say about me, I'm not a quitter. So, yes, I'm making 2009 resolutions -- but not too many. Just two. Two that I can actually visualize accomplishing.

1. First, I'm focusing on the spiritual. I'm going to memorize scripture. I'm not going to go all crazy and say that I'm memorizing whole books of the bible or anything. I'm learning two scriptures a month, 24 a year. That's doable. I'm going to be accountable and join in with the siestas at Beth Moore's The Living Proof Ministries blog. Last time I looked, I think about 2300 others are going to do the same thing! I know I can do this.
2. Second, I want to lose one pound a month. I always want to think of weight loss in terms of 30-40-50 pounds and get no where. If I accomplish my goal of one pound a month, at the end of 2009, I will have lost 12 pounds. Losing 12 pounds can be the catalyst of a bigger weight loss that I need to make. And it won't be gaining! It's really discouraging to end a year weighing more than at the beginning.

To accomplish both goals, I know I will need help from the Lord. I am asking Him for inspiration on what verses He wants me to "hide in my heart." For weight loss, I also ask Him to help me use the fruit of the spirit that is already within me: self-control.

There you have it, my personal 2009 goals to strenthen body and spirit. To my readers that see me in person, ask me how I'm doing with my goals. I need the accountability!