I am still surprised that yesterday I paid $1.97 for gas! I filled up the car, the truck and the gas can! Most places were still at least $2.20 but the HEB close to the kids school usually has the cheapest gas around here. I wonder how much it will cost when I go by there tomorrow?
I finally made pumpkin bread today. I LOVE pumpkin bread. I hate pumpkin pie though, is that weird? My bread is very good but it makes me miss Wendy's pumpkin roll! And that makes me miss Wendy. :)
B has decided to go skating with two of her friends for her birthday. That is what we did last year too. It was only the second time she ever went roller skating and we have not gone again. I love to skate and K loved it too. E hates it and does not want to go. But it is B's birthday and so that is what we will do. We are going tomorrow since her birthday is Monday. I will have pictures afterwards. Check back Sunday or Monday to see them!
OK, I think I need to go have another piece of pumpkin bread now....
10/30/08
10/29/08
Blood
I gave blood yesterday. They had a blood drive at PWOC. I think I have only given blood once, maybe twice. I don't like it. I don't like needles.
The blood donor guy got up and announced what was going on and told all the restrictions of who could not give. He also told us that the soldiers here use the most amount of blood in the army--not surprising since we are the biggest army post. But it also has the biggest amount of people who are not eligible to give. Most of the people who have been to Germany and Korea can't give. And you have to be home from Iraq for a whole year before you can give-and some people leave again before that whole year is up! All of that, along with all of the illnesses or shots that have restrictions, means many people here can't give blood even if they want to.
I sure don't like the thought that my husband or my neighbor could need blood and not have it. I have none of those restrictions stopping me. Not liking to do it, being a chicken, or not having time are not good reasons. So after my class I spend about 45 minutes extra so I could stay and donate blood.
I was thinking about how if they have not had the drive right there and told so much about the need, I would not have done it. It made me think of all the things we ignore if it is not put right in our faces. Maybe it is a blood drive, maybe it is hungry kids in Africa, maybe it could be a lot of things. The one thing it made me think of most is Jesus.
So many people aren't Christians. Many of them grew up in Christian families, or have all the Christian beliefs but they just don't live the life. People don't want to think about what is going to happen to them if they die living that way. Some may even plan to change someday-later, before they die. Yeah, wouldn't it be nice if we knew we would live to be 90 for 100% certain? That is not the way things are. Things can change or end at any moment.
Witnessing to people is so important. And I am terrible at it. It is easy for me to live and hope people see my life and see Christ in it. It is easy for me to tell my neighbors that I go to church and even to invite their children and take them with us. My family knows how important my faith is to me. But I am not one who presents or preaches the gospel to people. I am truly not sure how to do that without scaring people off. I wish I was better at it. Because I think that it is one of those things that if some people heard more about maybe it would be a little harder for them to ignore it.
I think the blood drive yesterday served more purpose to me than to have me give blood that may save someone's life. It gave me a little wake up call that it is more important to help save someone's soul. I need to try harder to witness to people. Even to one person, whoever that person is that God puts in my path to witness to. My blood might be used to save a soldier's life. The man at the blood drive made sure I would know that. But Jesus's blood saved us all if we will accept it. I need to make sure that other people know that.
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his son, purifies us from all sin. 1John 1:7
The blood donor guy got up and announced what was going on and told all the restrictions of who could not give. He also told us that the soldiers here use the most amount of blood in the army--not surprising since we are the biggest army post. But it also has the biggest amount of people who are not eligible to give. Most of the people who have been to Germany and Korea can't give. And you have to be home from Iraq for a whole year before you can give-and some people leave again before that whole year is up! All of that, along with all of the illnesses or shots that have restrictions, means many people here can't give blood even if they want to.
I sure don't like the thought that my husband or my neighbor could need blood and not have it. I have none of those restrictions stopping me. Not liking to do it, being a chicken, or not having time are not good reasons. So after my class I spend about 45 minutes extra so I could stay and donate blood.
I was thinking about how if they have not had the drive right there and told so much about the need, I would not have done it. It made me think of all the things we ignore if it is not put right in our faces. Maybe it is a blood drive, maybe it is hungry kids in Africa, maybe it could be a lot of things. The one thing it made me think of most is Jesus.
So many people aren't Christians. Many of them grew up in Christian families, or have all the Christian beliefs but they just don't live the life. People don't want to think about what is going to happen to them if they die living that way. Some may even plan to change someday-later, before they die. Yeah, wouldn't it be nice if we knew we would live to be 90 for 100% certain? That is not the way things are. Things can change or end at any moment.
Witnessing to people is so important. And I am terrible at it. It is easy for me to live and hope people see my life and see Christ in it. It is easy for me to tell my neighbors that I go to church and even to invite their children and take them with us. My family knows how important my faith is to me. But I am not one who presents or preaches the gospel to people. I am truly not sure how to do that without scaring people off. I wish I was better at it. Because I think that it is one of those things that if some people heard more about maybe it would be a little harder for them to ignore it.
I think the blood drive yesterday served more purpose to me than to have me give blood that may save someone's life. It gave me a little wake up call that it is more important to help save someone's soul. I need to try harder to witness to people. Even to one person, whoever that person is that God puts in my path to witness to. My blood might be used to save a soldier's life. The man at the blood drive made sure I would know that. But Jesus's blood saved us all if we will accept it. I need to make sure that other people know that.
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his son, purifies us from all sin. 1John 1:7
10/27/08
Just rambling...
It is actually cold here in Texas! Today I opened the windows because it was beautiful outside and I love to let in the fresh air. I had to close the windows around noon though because I was freezing! My thermostat said it was 67 degrees inside! Yes, that is cold to me now! LOL
Tonight it may even get down to 30 and we have a freeze warning! I know it sounds insane for that to be exciting to me, but I love fall and I miss fall in WV. Here there really aren't any fall colors. There are not many trees that change colors and I don't even remember if they actually lost leaves last year or not. Our yard doesn't have trees. Most of the trees in the fields behind and across from us are cedar trees. There are some oak trees but I guess these must be the live oaks-which don't get pretty and lose their leaves. I think I get most homesick in the fall.
I made a crockpot of taco soup. It smelled so good all day. Perfect for cool weather. B ate the "soupy part" and the corn. K ate about 5 beans. E had a pb&j sandwich. Oh well. I liked it anyway.
Tomorrow I have my bible study and I am looking forward to it. We had 2 weeks off and I am anxious to be back. Last week our class did not meet because it was chaplain appreciation day. There was a luncheon and boxes were made for deployed chaplains. We also had a christian comedian and magician--he was great. He did some really good magic tricks and everything he did he used to tell about the gospel. It is very hard to explain but I thought it was an excellent way to use what he had done before he was saved to preach now. It was very cool!
I may have to go to the mall after my bible study. The kids need a few warmer things to wear. K only likes "soft pants" and only has 2 pair. And no one has anything warmer than a sweatshirt to wear. I have said it a million times but these kids grow like weeds!!!! And I should know--my yard is full of weeds again that are getting a big as the kids!!!!
Hope you all have a great day! Sorry I have nothing more to say. Thanks for listening to me ramble!
Tonight it may even get down to 30 and we have a freeze warning! I know it sounds insane for that to be exciting to me, but I love fall and I miss fall in WV. Here there really aren't any fall colors. There are not many trees that change colors and I don't even remember if they actually lost leaves last year or not. Our yard doesn't have trees. Most of the trees in the fields behind and across from us are cedar trees. There are some oak trees but I guess these must be the live oaks-which don't get pretty and lose their leaves. I think I get most homesick in the fall.
I made a crockpot of taco soup. It smelled so good all day. Perfect for cool weather. B ate the "soupy part" and the corn. K ate about 5 beans. E had a pb&j sandwich. Oh well. I liked it anyway.
Tomorrow I have my bible study and I am looking forward to it. We had 2 weeks off and I am anxious to be back. Last week our class did not meet because it was chaplain appreciation day. There was a luncheon and boxes were made for deployed chaplains. We also had a christian comedian and magician--he was great. He did some really good magic tricks and everything he did he used to tell about the gospel. It is very hard to explain but I thought it was an excellent way to use what he had done before he was saved to preach now. It was very cool!
I may have to go to the mall after my bible study. The kids need a few warmer things to wear. K only likes "soft pants" and only has 2 pair. And no one has anything warmer than a sweatshirt to wear. I have said it a million times but these kids grow like weeds!!!! And I should know--my yard is full of weeds again that are getting a big as the kids!!!!
Hope you all have a great day! Sorry I have nothing more to say. Thanks for listening to me ramble!
10/26/08
Sunday
Sing to the Lord a new song;
sing to the Lord, all the earth.
Sing to the Lord, praise his name;
proclaim his salvation day after day.
Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous deeds among all peoples.
For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise;
he is to be feared above all gods.
For all the gods of the nations are idols,
but the Lord made the heavens.
Splendor and majesty are before him;
strength and glory are in his sanctuary.
Psalm 96 1-6
10/22/08
Third grade
I helped in E's classroom again this morning. Third graders are so funny. I don't know how teachers keep it together sometimes.
I graded papers today. Some of that is frustrating. Some kids just don't get it. Some don't follow directions. Some just come up with some crazy answers!
The funny part was when the counselor came in to do a session with them about drugs. I think I heard her say that the say no to drug week is coming up soon. So today she was talking to them about what is a drug and what isn't. She was pulling out things--or pictures of things and having them put in a pile of is a drug or isn't a drug. It was stuff like antibiotic cream, toothpaste, chocolate, cigarettes, skoal, allergy meds. I was paying so much attention to those kids that I totally messed up half the papers I was grading!
These kids were telling stories on their whole families!!! Like one kid said his mom caught his 13 year old sister smoking. Some were telling what kinds of medicines they or their parents take. One kid told that his dad was drinking and driving and wrecked his car! Some of the parents would have wanted to drag their kids out of the room! Me and another teacher were about to die laughing.
I am sure that I will hear more about it when E comes home too. He will start telling me that chocolate is a drug and we have to stop eating it. The counselor did not say that but she talked about caffeine in chocolate. So he will probably have something to say about that! E is definitely my little preacher!
E is one to tell you if you are doing something wrong. My family definitely heard from him this summer about the smoking and drinking. E was not shy about telling them what he thought. He was also on me for a week because I tasted--yes just tasted!-- some wine that my dad had. E knows we don't believe in drinking and he told me several times that he was going to tell Daddy!
I bet several of those kids go home today and get onto their parents. And the counselor probably will not be surprised to hear from some parents!! She made a point to tell them, "if you are grown up and want to make those choices, it is your decision, I am just trying to teach you that those things aren't good for you so you may make a good choice. I am NOT telling you that your parents or others are bad people if they use some of these things". I am sure that several kids will be having talks with their parents soon though!
Kids are very funny sometimes. Third graders are a good age! I am so glad it is not too old to let mom kiss you bye in front of the class! I will really be upset when that age comes for E!!
I graded papers today. Some of that is frustrating. Some kids just don't get it. Some don't follow directions. Some just come up with some crazy answers!
The funny part was when the counselor came in to do a session with them about drugs. I think I heard her say that the say no to drug week is coming up soon. So today she was talking to them about what is a drug and what isn't. She was pulling out things--or pictures of things and having them put in a pile of is a drug or isn't a drug. It was stuff like antibiotic cream, toothpaste, chocolate, cigarettes, skoal, allergy meds. I was paying so much attention to those kids that I totally messed up half the papers I was grading!
These kids were telling stories on their whole families!!! Like one kid said his mom caught his 13 year old sister smoking. Some were telling what kinds of medicines they or their parents take. One kid told that his dad was drinking and driving and wrecked his car! Some of the parents would have wanted to drag their kids out of the room! Me and another teacher were about to die laughing.
I am sure that I will hear more about it when E comes home too. He will start telling me that chocolate is a drug and we have to stop eating it. The counselor did not say that but she talked about caffeine in chocolate. So he will probably have something to say about that! E is definitely my little preacher!
E is one to tell you if you are doing something wrong. My family definitely heard from him this summer about the smoking and drinking. E was not shy about telling them what he thought. He was also on me for a week because I tasted--yes just tasted!-- some wine that my dad had. E knows we don't believe in drinking and he told me several times that he was going to tell Daddy!
I bet several of those kids go home today and get onto their parents. And the counselor probably will not be surprised to hear from some parents!! She made a point to tell them, "if you are grown up and want to make those choices, it is your decision, I am just trying to teach you that those things aren't good for you so you may make a good choice. I am NOT telling you that your parents or others are bad people if they use some of these things". I am sure that several kids will be having talks with their parents soon though!
Kids are very funny sometimes. Third graders are a good age! I am so glad it is not too old to let mom kiss you bye in front of the class! I will really be upset when that age comes for E!!
10/19/08
Sunday
You will keep in perfect peace
him whose mind is steadfast,
because he trusts in you.
Isaiah 26:3
10/18/08
I am still here
I hate it when people don't update their blogs regularly. Sorry I just have not had much to say. Nothing unusual has been going on here.
The kids got their report cards last week and everyone did good. E got all As and B got AB honor roll. They all had attendance awards (no sicknesses here YET). I had a conference with Ks teacher and she is doing great. She actually participates in everything--like the singing and dancing you do in kindergarten. I was worried that she would not join in. She even raises her hand and answers questions sometimes. She is not as shy as she is around me.
K has been worrying alot lately. Between fire prevention week (a family that both B and E have kids in their class lost their home in a fire that week), lock down drills, and my warnings about strangers she has started to worry too much. She has had nightmares a couple of times this past week. And a couple of days ago she would not go outside to play. She even cried because they watched a movie at school where someone got separated from their mother until the end of the movie--I don't know what it was but it was something with animals so it was just a regular kids movie not some kind of teaching thing. She is back to being afraid to be away from me if she is not at school. So the last few days she has added to the end of her nighttime prayers for God to "help her not think about bad things and not be scared". It is really kind of pitiful. Sometimes she breaks my heart. I hope that she gets over it soon.
We have also been having a bit of snake activity around the neighborhood and that is freaking me out. One neighbor told me yesterday that this is the time of year that they get very active and she said we have over 20 types of poison snakes in Texas. We have not seen any in our yard--please God keep it that way!-- but one neighbor shot one in his yard a few days ago--yes he SHOT it. Another neighbor killed a baby copperhead. And a couple have been killed on the road. I think another reason for all of the activity is all the construction going on around here right now. I hope our cat keeps away snakes!!!
Well today the kids actually want to go shopping so I should go get ready. E has discovered pokemon cards and needs a trip to Target to spend some of his money. B's ladies size 5 1/2 shoes turned out to be just a bit to SMALL and need to be returned also. We also plan to check out the christian book store where I think B is interested in some more purNRG music. I hope that by the end of the day I am not ready to dump them all out beside the road like I usually am when I have to take them all shopping! LOL I hope since they WANT to go this time it will be a better day!
Sorry if you have been checking in all week to find nothing! I will try to get better and post more often! Maybe I will even post some pictures soon.
The kids got their report cards last week and everyone did good. E got all As and B got AB honor roll. They all had attendance awards (no sicknesses here YET). I had a conference with Ks teacher and she is doing great. She actually participates in everything--like the singing and dancing you do in kindergarten. I was worried that she would not join in. She even raises her hand and answers questions sometimes. She is not as shy as she is around me.
K has been worrying alot lately. Between fire prevention week (a family that both B and E have kids in their class lost their home in a fire that week), lock down drills, and my warnings about strangers she has started to worry too much. She has had nightmares a couple of times this past week. And a couple of days ago she would not go outside to play. She even cried because they watched a movie at school where someone got separated from their mother until the end of the movie--I don't know what it was but it was something with animals so it was just a regular kids movie not some kind of teaching thing. She is back to being afraid to be away from me if she is not at school. So the last few days she has added to the end of her nighttime prayers for God to "help her not think about bad things and not be scared". It is really kind of pitiful. Sometimes she breaks my heart. I hope that she gets over it soon.
We have also been having a bit of snake activity around the neighborhood and that is freaking me out. One neighbor told me yesterday that this is the time of year that they get very active and she said we have over 20 types of poison snakes in Texas. We have not seen any in our yard--please God keep it that way!-- but one neighbor shot one in his yard a few days ago--yes he SHOT it. Another neighbor killed a baby copperhead. And a couple have been killed on the road. I think another reason for all of the activity is all the construction going on around here right now. I hope our cat keeps away snakes!!!
Well today the kids actually want to go shopping so I should go get ready. E has discovered pokemon cards and needs a trip to Target to spend some of his money. B's ladies size 5 1/2 shoes turned out to be just a bit to SMALL and need to be returned also. We also plan to check out the christian book store where I think B is interested in some more purNRG music. I hope that by the end of the day I am not ready to dump them all out beside the road like I usually am when I have to take them all shopping! LOL I hope since they WANT to go this time it will be a better day!
Sorry if you have been checking in all week to find nothing! I will try to get better and post more often! Maybe I will even post some pictures soon.
10/12/08
Sunday
He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom.
Luke 4:16
10/8/08
At the movies
I saw Fireproof today and I LOVED it! Can you believe I actually went to the movies without Luke? Well, when I found out about this movie I knew I just had to go see it even if I had to go alone. I mentioned that to some PTA moms and two of them wanted to go, so we went together today while the kids were at school.I thought it was really good. I loved the Christian messages. I loved the music-(Slow Fade was perfect in there!). And yeah, I loved Kirk Cameron too.
I read someone else saying that it was good but the acting wasn't "Hollywood quality" or something like that. I thought it was fine. I really liked several of the minor characters--the firemen. And those gossiping nurses were pretty convincing if you ask me! LOL Anyway if you haven't seen this movie, go see it! It definitely gets a thumbs up from me!
10/6/08
Good Grief!
I went to WalMart today. I paid $4.38 for one gallon of milk. Gas is down to $3.32 a gallon. Jeez. I need to see if I can find a cow for sale.
10/5/08
Sunday
Sorry I forgot to do my Sunday verse this morning! We were in a rush to get to church. K had a fever yesterday afternoon so we were not sure if we would get to go to church this morning. She seemed fine last night and she was fine this morning so we went! I had to get my Operation Christmas Child stuff ready to take. I was going to do my little presentation but we did not have video today. We will try next week.
After church we went to Applebees for lunch and then did some shoe shopping. K needed new church shoes since it is not time for sandals--the weather is still sandal weather but it is October-- it just doesn't seem right! We found her two pair -one black and one brown- that actually feel good--she is a terror to shop with so I am very happy.
B also got a new pair for church. They are ladies size 5 1/2!!!!! I am not thrilled about that.
They grow up way too fast....
Hope you all have had a good Sunday!
After church we went to Applebees for lunch and then did some shoe shopping. K needed new church shoes since it is not time for sandals--the weather is still sandal weather but it is October-- it just doesn't seem right! We found her two pair -one black and one brown- that actually feel good--she is a terror to shop with so I am very happy.
B also got a new pair for church. They are ladies size 5 1/2!!!!! I am not thrilled about that.
They grow up way too fast....
Hope you all have had a good Sunday!
10/1/08
Bible Study
Since K has started school all day, this year I am able to attend PWOC again. That is a women's bible study on base. I attended when we were in Louisiana and have been anxious to attend again as I think it is one of the best things to ever happen to me.
That may seem extreme-best thing to happen to me--but it isn't. I contribute my coming into a REAL relationship with Jesus to attending PWOC while Luke was deployed the first time. I knew when he left that there was no way I would make it through the deployment without God and I was very careful to attend chapel as much as possible when Luke left. With 3 kids 5 and under, that was very good--and considering I made it more often and earlier than we all had, it was almost a miracle! While going to chapel, I learned about PWOC and decided it was something I wanted to try. I am forever grateful that I did.
I have said before that growing up, I never really saw examples of people with personal relationships with Jesus. I knew a lot of people who went to church and were even good Christians, but I never got to really see what that looked like as an everyday thing. Going to PWOC was the first time I was around "normal" people, my age and younger who talked about God and Jesus as part of everyday life--and did not look like weirdo religious nuts! (And I am not knocking the weirdos as I hope I am one sometimes now!!).
Sometimes I did not completely like the books I studied for the class, but I ALWAYS loved the class. I got more out of discussing God and the Bible with other Christians than I could ever explain. I love hearing how people apply God's truth to their lives. I love getting insight from other people's perspective.
This new class I am taking has a book that I am not necessarily thrilled with. It is a little hard to read. When the classes were presented, I had another study in mind, but God told me to take this one. And I love the class. I am so anxious to get to know these women better and learn from them.
Yesterday we had a great class. Several times, different women were moved to tears about God and his Word. Two different ladies were reading scripture aloud and broke down because God was speaking to them through the passage. Once almost all of us were in tears over discussing how very much God loves us. Sometimes hearing it in different ways from so many others, makes it hit you harder than it ever has before. Sometimes someone can say something that a new Christian had never heard of or considered that way before and it can change a life! It is so amazing.
This sounds like a commercial for PWOC but it isn't. I just had to share how blessed I feel to be attending something like this. I think that if you ever have a chance to attend bible studies in small groups you should jump at the chance. Most people in small churches don't get that chance very often. I pray that you do. It has changed my life.
That may seem extreme-best thing to happen to me--but it isn't. I contribute my coming into a REAL relationship with Jesus to attending PWOC while Luke was deployed the first time. I knew when he left that there was no way I would make it through the deployment without God and I was very careful to attend chapel as much as possible when Luke left. With 3 kids 5 and under, that was very good--and considering I made it more often and earlier than we all had, it was almost a miracle! While going to chapel, I learned about PWOC and decided it was something I wanted to try. I am forever grateful that I did.
I have said before that growing up, I never really saw examples of people with personal relationships with Jesus. I knew a lot of people who went to church and were even good Christians, but I never got to really see what that looked like as an everyday thing. Going to PWOC was the first time I was around "normal" people, my age and younger who talked about God and Jesus as part of everyday life--and did not look like weirdo religious nuts! (And I am not knocking the weirdos as I hope I am one sometimes now!!).
Sometimes I did not completely like the books I studied for the class, but I ALWAYS loved the class. I got more out of discussing God and the Bible with other Christians than I could ever explain. I love hearing how people apply God's truth to their lives. I love getting insight from other people's perspective.
This new class I am taking has a book that I am not necessarily thrilled with. It is a little hard to read. When the classes were presented, I had another study in mind, but God told me to take this one. And I love the class. I am so anxious to get to know these women better and learn from them.
Yesterday we had a great class. Several times, different women were moved to tears about God and his Word. Two different ladies were reading scripture aloud and broke down because God was speaking to them through the passage. Once almost all of us were in tears over discussing how very much God loves us. Sometimes hearing it in different ways from so many others, makes it hit you harder than it ever has before. Sometimes someone can say something that a new Christian had never heard of or considered that way before and it can change a life! It is so amazing.
This sounds like a commercial for PWOC but it isn't. I just had to share how blessed I feel to be attending something like this. I think that if you ever have a chance to attend bible studies in small groups you should jump at the chance. Most people in small churches don't get that chance very often. I pray that you do. It has changed my life.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)