Toto, I Have A Feeling We're Not In Kansas Anymore!

wow...

2012-02-05T06:31:00.001-08:00

Source: theblaze.com via JellyBeans on Pinterest

Little Things

2011-11-04T08:14:00.000-07:00

Made supper! Recipe called for two and a fourth cup of milk and THAT's exactly what was in the jug.
Chattering with Lil K'ers about airbag laws and why they couldn't sit in the front seat. And kids called them rules to be followed. Lil K taught about rules and laws that day. Exact verbage.
HE's just enough, always on time and ever into the details.

Didn't wanna do it!

2011-05-09T09:16:00.000-07:00

Last Wednesday, Aunt Flo made her presence known at my house and well...that whole day I seemed to be going in the wrong direction. Helpers weren't available at The Crib. It was all on me and NOT pretty. At least I did remember to make chicken spaghetti.

The lesson was about Jesus' parables. I asked, "What is a parable?" No answer. I repeat, "Anyone know what a parable is?" Finally, Victor chimes in..."u, u, uuuu, I know. It is a pair of bulls." Bahahaaa, talk about take the edge off...hilarious! We jet along with the parable of the four soils. The dvd even points out the fact that Jesus would glance at his surroundings and teach about a tree, a rock, a boat, etc.

As I'm staring aimlessly at the screen, my eyes are distracted by sunflowers. I get lost in thought in regards to a story told by Myra Moss about how the flower got it's name. Yep, gonna close tonight's lesson with the sunflower story.

In closing, just as the flower follows the sun throughout the day...we should follow the Son throughout our day. "Hey Miss Tammie, you just told a parable", stated Victor.

I left and wasn't the same as when I went...determined to keep my eyes on the Son this next week.

Another Muddy Mess

2011-04-25T18:04:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time…no scratch that…twice, three, four upon a time…white that out, too…

Many upon a time, I have had a ‘shattered expectation’ or a ‘dream not come true’! And early April dashed some salt on an open wound. I had someone treat me ‘crappy’ without even remembering who they were talkin’ to, A Princess (God's Girl). Okay, so all princesses don’t use the c’ word, sorry.

On one occasion, scratch that...On a few occasions, hit delete...

Many times in my life, I deserve to be treated “c-word”. But, this time it was uncalled for, in the least. So, I tried to shake it off. With every text, status update, tweet and phone call, it became painfully obvious that I was still holding onto it. Not cool! I know and teach ALL the verses, grrrr!

Wednesday before last, I’m teaching youth (CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?). Why HE doesn’t strike me dead is beyond me. And the lesson is about the friends who lowered their paralyzed friend thru the roof and down to the feet of Jesus. The lesson was good, but no earth-shattering-through-the-roof revelation to speak of. I wasn’t surprised due to the attitude bottled up within me.

We had a closing song with prayer time. Instructions: pray for your friends who need Jesus. I participated. As I’m ginnin’ along thru my prayer list…low n’ behold… ‘that’ name pops into my head. Uh-uh, can’t do it. And that's when the earth rumbled and the windows shook.

I confessed before the youth and youth workers that I might NOT be physically paralyzed, but I WAS emotionally and spiritually paralyzed by unforgiveness. I was stuck, couldn’t pray for ‘that one’ or myself.

Those yw’s and kids climbed on the roof, dug thru the shingles and lowered me into His Presence through prayer. There are days when I don’t feel worthy to shine His shoes or scrub His toilet, but maybe with my transparency He will shine His light thru this cracked, muddy vessel called my life. All glory and honor is due YOU, LORD! It certainly put a hop, skip and spring back in my step. Yep, I'm healed!

The Key

2010-10-01T09:08:00.001-07:00

For several weeks now, I've had a friend's 'really nice' four door truck because my Durango is under the weather. Something's up with the interior lights and last night...it was a fumble bumble kind of time while I searched for something lost. Doesn't it irritate you to no end to try and open the back seat door and it be locked due to the safety feature?

Well, I slipped around to hit the unlock button (in the dark mind you) and thought I hit it in the right direction. Nope! I locked myself out! Thankfully, the pick up has one of those number punch entry things...so, off I went to make the dreaded call to David and tell him that I needed the combo cuz I'd done the deed. Kent met me at the door with his billfold wide open...what? (Guess he heard me scream as the door closed in slow motion)

He handed me a card that David had given him from the beginning of our car borrowing's first day. It had the magic numbers that opened the truck without the key. Huh? He knew I might mess up and he already planned for a way back in?! Brilliant!

Hmmm...

This made me think about God and His back-up plan of sending His one and only Son to earth with the redeeming magic of the cross cuz we'd do the deed. In the garden with Eve, HE had it in his back pocket the whole time...sorta like Kent had in the driveway with me all this time. Thank you God that you meet us at the door with your hands and billfold wide open. Like Adam and Eve, we locked ourself out of Heaven's Garden and You made a Way back in. You paid the price. I was lost and now I'm found.

Sweet Moment...

2010-09-30T11:30:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I giggled when I saw Baldo in his little red pickup round the corner with Dawg in the back. And awwwee, while looking out the window today...I saw Dawg on the sidewalk near the post office.

All of a sudden, Armando drove by in the City truck and Dawg was off to the races. He leads rather than follows, and even though he didn't have a clue exactly where Armando was headed to weedeat he took his place in front of the truck. While still in my eyeshot, Armando pulled over and let Dawg load up. It warms my heart when I see others lovin' on my kid. And I bet Nano and Pa just eat it up when we love on Peanut.

Wouldn't surprise me one bit, if The Father stands at the Window grinning from ear to ear when we minister to Hiz Kiz.

Just Do It

2010-09-30T11:23:00.001-07:00

Okay...so just in case you forgot the mess with my spagetti supper, here is a-not-as-funny moment, but still a "If I only had a brain" moment. Night before last we had tortilla soup for supper, cornbread and loaded with cheese. Mmmmmm, good!

Well, we had leftovers! Yesterday, Kent had it sittin' out to give to Dawg...nahhhh, I think we should keep it. So, I put it back into the fridge. Note to self: Should have 'listened' to Kent.

(Teachable Moment)

While putting away coffee creamers this a.m., I tipped over the pan of soup in the fridge! Why, pray tell didn't I just DO IT?

I thought it was David and Goliath...said, Sydney

2010-09-29T06:40:00.000-07:00

Whew, yesterday was a goodie. Taught kids about David, Bathsheba and Uriah. We even acted it out with an all-girl cast. Every time David's name was mentioned he, I mean she, strutted a royal pose. When Uriah heard her name she thrust 'his' sword into the air in valor. And precious Bathsheba sat on a curb in a pretend tub of water. When her name was dawned, a helper spritzed Febreeze in the air above her majesty's tub...except for the times the aim was dead on.

Bathsheba said, "It was fun, but not tasty at all...and it was weird pretending to marry Elli." The coolest part for me was the light bulb that bounced along with Sydney's pony tail. She refuted, "But, I thought the story went something like...David and the giant, Goliath..." In the shuffle to the next station I explained, "Yes, but David killed Goliath waaaay before he was King and when he was still a boy keeping sheep." Oh I ssoooooo wanna help her fill in the dots. Hope we can spare some time. Maybe, like Sydney, we all want to remember the victorious times in David's life.

I would like folks to see the whole megillah when they do an assessment of my life. My good years have finally outnumbered my bad years. And I'm expecting mighty moments of victory to come. And I only hope and pray that HE says of me, "She was a woman after my own heart." I want that for Syd, too.

Little things...

2010-09-27T15:56:00.001-07:00

A little girl on the way to Lil K said, "I can talk with my brain." Long silence followed, "See!" To which I replied, "I heard every word," and to myself thought, 'I wish most adults practiced that discipline--especially me.'

I'm a lighweight...

2010-09-26T19:52:00.000-07:00

Yep, Beth called me a lightweight. She said that we Westerners are viewed as lightweights. We fuss and discuss stupid, menial things. We make a 'furnace' out of the iddy biddies...like _____ fill in the blank. Lord, have mercy on my soul. I wanna be a heavy weight!

Get off my toes...

2010-09-26T19:28:00.000-07:00

Whew, Beth Moore needs to get off my feet. Watched a video session where she discussed the three who were thrown into the fiery furnace. In their case, the Lord didn't deliver them 'from' the fire, but thru it. I'll be the first to pray for any and all deliverance FROM a fiery trial. Then there is the third scenario...ultimate healing in Heaven. Probably the best case scenario on that end of it, but not on the earth end.

I don't even know how many years it's been since Miss Dulah passed away...the ultimate healing scenario. All I know is that it messed with me. Made me gun shy in regards to praying BIG for someone elses healing. What I know is this, my heart isn't bleeding over it anymore. Beth nailed me and conviction came today...it was unbelief that led to despair, disappointment, etc. God forgive me and help me NOT go there this time...

I prayed BIG last weekend at a walk...blind to see and lame foot to grow...seems I'm back 'on'. But, I guess HE knew I needed the reminder because over the weekend I heard that my 'healed' Aunt Sue's cancer is back and all over. The doctor sent her home to...well...die. Do I have the guts to ask HIM again to heal? Is this the vehicle that HE wants her to drive home? Is HE ready to see her face to face? HUGE, Lord, yes You are!

40th Birthday

2010-02-22T10:00:00.001-08:00

New Digs...

2010-02-05T06:50:00.000-08:00

I am on the verge of having a new office. Sounds crazy, but it's at the bank. And I'm really 'expecting' to have more time to write. Yea, that sounds even crazier...I know, huh? Home and Office are merging a bit too much, lately. I also fully expect to support my heavy drinking habit.

I bought a bar! And did I forget to mention that my addiction to Carmel Frappucinos is ferocious. I intend to learn 'the trade' of Barista. Although, too much coffee might make me jikky, but all the more beneficial for writing, right? Gotta support the Goree economy!

Kent will have a loft in this amazing structure. I think we'd be amiss to call it his office. He might nap and hibernate there so, I am calling it his 'Man Cave'. Here is a pic of the innards of the circular stairway that will look like a tree when it's all said and done. I think we'll lose the blue tarp, tho. hehe

More than anything, we are excited to repurpose this gorgeous downtown relic. We are investing in Our Town and expecting great things here.

Spies Among Us

2009-11-03T19:09:00.001-08:00

Yesterday at Kidmo (our preteen ministry) was a doozy and not on the good end of the spectrum, I might add. I’m studying creative discipline methods as we speak. Well, today while reflecting spiritual warfare…the thought crossed my mind that the demons were ordered to research the proverbial Kidmo files of the Catch Series, Episode #2. Their findings revealed that the subject matter would be over the Saul/Paul conversion and that there would be a ‘distinct’ possibility that Tammie would take this opportunity to share her testimony and that some preteen would probably invite Jesus to change their life.

Their hunch was right. I am soooo predictable. In my estimation, there were probably extra legions of demons assigned to my case rather than the norm. I don’t jump on the devil bandwagon that often. Let me explain. At first, I dismissed the thought as ludicrous due to the fact, that I blow it on a regular basis and reap what I sow. The enemy doesn’t have to mess with me much because I’m my own worst enemy. Really!

But, today at our elementary ministry we were studying about the twelve spies checkin’ out the Promised Land. My assignment was to dress up like a spy and have a folder with the words ‘Top Secret’ plastered across it. In my teacher prep time, I was fumbling for a manila folder, any would do…finally and randomly grabbed one out of my briefcase (sounds better than ministry tote). A sharpie pen did the job, not as dark as a sharpie marker…but, oh well…good enough. Then I ran to the sanctuary to set-up. ‘Wow, there’s a sharpie marker on the pulpit! Wow, I’m in luck.’

As I wrote over the letters with the marker, I glanced at the tab heading. THE FOLDER that I happened to grab said KIDMO and contained the lesson plans. This is where I threw the planned FWFriends’ manuscript out the window. Oh, we had to juice this one up. Soooo as we began FWF, Daniel was offstage with the Top Secret Folder and I’m center stage explaining to the children how the enemy broke into my office and stole the lesson plans for Kidmo. And I further explained how he tried to foil all of our plans yesterday. “I’m waiting for my spy agent to get here any moment (as I looked down at a watch in which I wasn’t wearing) because he was successful in retrieving the missing folder just this very afternoon.”

Agent Daniel runs into the room (out of breath, good add Daniel) and thrusts the folder into my hands. “Here you are ma’am.” The evil plot for next week has been spoiled. The day has been saved!

Tuff Stuff

2009-11-02T09:40:00.000-08:00

I had a hard, clumsy fall last week on a busy highway where I was parallel parked. I think I stepped on my shoe string, I don't know, and I almost fell headlong into oncoming traffic. Luckily, I fell sideways instead of forward which kept me safe. Do I think the enemy pushed me? No! But, do I think he has a hit on my life? Yep! He would love to take me out.

And speaking of an almost fatal incident, I have a church friend who attempted to take her life last week. Long story short, she didn't succeed. Yesterday, I was sitting near the door at church and 3kord was singing a song about being ruined for Him. 'Ruin my desires'...something like that. Then low 'n behold, my friend walks thru the double doors and I'm the first to greet her. Wow! This verse flooded my soul for her...

Proverbs 19:21 (New International Version)

21 Many are the plans in a man's or woman's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails.

While looking for her scripture just now on biblegateway.com, I found mine:

Proverbs 16:9 (New International Version)

9 In her heart, Tammie plans her course, but the LORD determines her steps.

Mmmm, mmmm...

2009-10-12T08:12:00.000-07:00

In Sunday School the kids and I played a game similar to dodgeball. Although, we used foam pellets. The foam pellets catapulted at one another represented problems which fly out of nowhere and hit us. When you were hit, then you were paralyzed and had to freeze. One person was 'it' and had the power to unfreeze a player, but the clincher was that the freezee had to ask for help.

This morning, I've had a few foam pellets come my way and I feel sort of paralyzed. The hits weren't so fun and soft as they were yesterday. The kids never hesitated to ask for help. So, why am I hesitant? Lord, I have a lot of questions and I know You are the One who holds all the answers and the power to unfreeze me. I'm hit!

Getch Ur Game On

2009-07-25T08:31:00.000-07:00

Okay, I think I need to think. Sometimes I think best thru my fingers. I’ve just learned that I tend to be an emotionally driven person, or rather, ‘was’. It’s changing. And one thing that I’m studying about today is honoring the temple, my body, of God. The verse that was thrown at me this morning was Psalm 84:1, “How lovely are Your dwelling places, O LORD of hosts.” Lovely?! Oh, no…remembrances of the ‘I Spy’ game flood my soul. Lord, don’t make me play that game again!

How many times have I heard these words fly out of my mouth, “I eat when I feel mad, when I feel sad, when I feel glad, when I feel nervous…on and on.” Someone, somewhere along the way, I learned that my eating was a symptom, not the ‘issue’. As I really look at my ‘quote’ in a new light, I see a common denominator. The word ‘feel’, the 1 subject of feelings seems more manageable to deal with than handling each of the 100’s of emotions in my life. We may be onto something huge here?!

Then, there is the whole scolding myself, being disappointed in myself and getting frustrated with my tending the temple habits or lack thereof. (Oops, another common denominator in that statement is ‘myself’.) If you ask my friends ‘What is one of her most used verses?’, they’d tell ya “My/your battle is not against flesh and blood”. They usually get the opportunity to quote it when I’m mad at someone for some random reason. And it’s usually payback for the number of times I’ve thrown it around in their situations. But, this time I was reminded of it on my own and used it in a way I’ve never done.

So wait, I told myself, I am made up of flesh and blood. Yep, sure am. That’s when I realized…drum roll please…my battle is not against myself. Quit beating yourself up, Tam. Learn to love yourself with a healthy love for the person God created you to be. Play the ‘I Spy’ game if you have to. And then, Princess Warrior, get your game on and woop some enemy butt with the weapons not of this world, but of the Spirit.

What a mess...

2009-07-23T15:40:00.001-07:00

While dusting my shelves in the kitchen just a moment ago, I hear… “Honey, what’s for supper?” My thought was, ‘Leftovers’. So, I pushed the hold button on dusting and sauntered to the frig to grab a deep pan ¾ full of taco meat to reheat for a taco salad supper. Immediately the pan jumped out of my hands and landed on its’ head and somehow had lost its’ lid on the trip down. Afraid of what was to be, I picked up the pan and 10% of the contents was on the floor and 90% was still stuck in the pan. Hey, not much was wasted, yea! Then, I became lost in thought…

My friends just had their lives turned upside down! He is a pastor and was asked to resign and he is my multi media guru for Hiz Kiz. His wife is my right brain in the childrens' ministry. His kids are in my flock. My prayer is...since the Lord allowed this...that whatever needs to be dumped out and left for the trash will go and they will go on with life trusting His sovereignty holding on to the 90%. He allows things to dump into our lives only to make us better and for our benefit, at least, that is my soul talk. As well as, what I’m praying on their behalf.

I went back to dusting; my next item was my bread of life promise box. I thought I need a word for my friends. I didn’t like the first verse, but settled on the second. Phil. 3:7 “What things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.”

I Spy Something With My Little Eye...

2009-07-22T22:56:00.000-07:00

Well, the shoe is on the other foot. I’m not the one needing the Great Comforter/Counselor, my friends are. I'm praying for them. When I was in need a mere moment ago, actually last week, I didn’t handle it well, at all. Through it all, I realized something about myself. I am an emotionally driven individual. My emotions dictate the outcome of my actions and/or reactions, maybe not every time, but most.

In the last episode of ‘Life’s A Stage’, my title for my familial drama that acts out on the canvas of my world, I didn’t handle the situation with grace and wisdom. I heard that my brother had been arrested for serious drug charges and I spiraled down into the dumps. I yielded to it and let my flesh feel exactly what it wanted to feel, think exactly what it wanted to think, say exactly what it wanted to say and …thus, acted it out.

I wanted the house as dark as I could get it. I wanted nothing to do with the Light and anything else that the outside world had to offer. I didn’t feel like praying, so I didn’t. I didn’t feel like answering the phone, so I kept my headset loud. I didn’t feel like going to church, so I didn’t. It was weird.

The LORD, finally broke through my darkness after four days and began to work on me. Here’s a synopsis of what HE said, “You made the wrong choice.” He revealed what should have been my self talk, thus revealing my unbelief. I knew better.

Ro. 5:3 “Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance…”

Phil. 4:4 “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”

1 Pet 4:13 “But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.”

Mtt. 5:12 “Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

Psl 118:24 “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

At some point, I turned on every instrument of praise in my house. Every room had ‘The Message’ blaring loud and clear. And doesn’t it say that HE inhabits the praises? I snapped out of it and began to search for answers. First of all, the wrong choice is called sin. So, I had to repent. I realized something...when I made the choices I made, I kindly escorted God off the throne and put myself on it. His thoughts, His feelings, His words and His guidance ceased to have meaning. And my thoughts, feelings, words and actions ruled the roost. I'm no theologian, but isn't that one of the ten commandments? Graven image, idolatry kind of stuff?

And, glory to God, when I picked up my bible study again—He spoke! And through a story about a little girl playing ‘I Spy’ on an airplane in a tumultuous time, I learned to play the same game in my topsy turvy situation. I was challenged by the author to play ‘I Spy’ with the verse Phil. 4:8 in relation to my disruption. And just a note of warning, it wasn’t easy. I didn’t think there was anything noble, admirable or excellent about the matter. I even had to go to the original language and study synonyms before some of the answers came to me. Here’s the results:

I spy something true because: now my family can speak openly and honestly about my brothers’ drug problem.

I spy something honorable because: my brother is a son of the KING.

I spy something right because: it is for his own good that he follow the law of the land and God.

I spy something pure because: he will be forced to detox and be free from defilement and impurities.

I spy something lovely (pleasing) because: he is alive.

I spy something of good repute (admirable, praiseworthy and appealing) because: (this one was hard) God’s reputation in His child will not go unnoticed and God’s grace in this and every situation is praiseworthy. We don’t get what we deserve.

I spy something excellent because: of my brothers’ potential under Christs’ control is enormous.

These are the only words I have right now...someone elses.

2009-07-13T07:45:00.000-07:00

"More Than You'll Ever Know"
by Watermark

Something brought you to my mind today
I thought about the funny ways you make me laugh
And yet I feel like it's okay to cry with you
Something about just being with you
When I leave I feel like I've been near God
And that's the way it ought to be...

CHORUS:
'Cause you've been more than a friend to me
You fight off my enemies
'Cause you've spoken the Truth over my life
And you'll never know what it means to me
Just to know you've been on your knees for me
Oh, you have blessed my life
More than you'll ever know, yeah, yeah, yeah
More than you'll ever know, yeah, yeah, yeah

You had faith, when I had none
You prayed God would bring me a brand new song
When I didn't think I could find the strength to sing
And all the while I'm hoping that I'll
Do the kind of praying for you that you've done for me
And that's the way it ought to be...
You have carried me
You have taken upon a bruden that wasn't your own
And may the blessing return to you
A hundredfold, oh yeah...
A hundredfold, oh yeah...

A Fly In The Ointment?

2009-05-14T05:28:00.000-07:00

Yeah well, I had some disagreeable things plop into my life over the last few days. Nothing monumental…nothing life shattering…just left a bad taste in my mouth. O.C. hit the nail on my head this a.m. in today’s devotional, “The Habit Of Enjoying The Disagreeable”. Yuck!

Here is the question that did it for me, ‘Do I manifest the essential sweetness of the Son of God, or the essential irritation of ‘myself’ apart from Him?’ Oh, I’d say I was far from sweet yesterday. Irritable, yes, that describes me to a tee.

The next statement that O.C. makes is pushing things a bit too far: No matter how disagreeable a thing may be, say - "Lord, I am delighted to obey Thee in this matter." Whew, I do desire to have ‘that’ response to the strings that tug at me.

One of the last disagreeable things that intruded my day was…as I was cleaning off the bar in the kitchen, a solitary key fell off the shelf down into my scentsy candle. Leather wax went everywhere. I dug the key out of the jar and proceeded to play with the wax. I took a gospel tract (sorry, Jose) and began to scrape the now cooled wax off of the counter, the wall, the phone, the key, the side of the jar...just then I saw two dead flies covered in wax lying on the counter. Euwwaaa!

Had this key NOT plopped down into my candle then I’d still have a fly cemetery. And I'm trusting that there must have been a couple of flies in my life that disgusted the Lord, for Him to allow these disagreeable issues in my life. Or maybe life just has its' fill of flies? At any rate, I didn't embrace the opportunity of manifesting Him in a new, unnatural way thru my day for His utmost.

At the very least, I have a beautiful, fragrant object that I really enjoy in my wickless candle. And I hope to do better next time, so that, I can be a beautiful, fragrant object that He really enjoys. Keep my inner vision clear, Lord. Thank you for the disagreeable…rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice!

A Puppet on a String

2009-05-13T08:50:00.000-07:00

Somedays I feel like a puppet on a string. Like the enemy pulls this string then that string and I respond so predictably. Today is one of those days. Shoot, he may not even be involved. He may just be sitting back behind a two way mirror punchin' a demon buddy saying, 'Watch this, Kent turned off the cooling and Tammie is about to notice.' Would he be pleased if I crawled back in bed and pulled the covers over my head? Probably. I think I may put on some praise music instead of crying.

I've heard of a hearty laugh, but...

2009-05-12T06:21:00.000-07:00

A hearty wife??? I know what a hearty helping of food is?!!? Reminds me of the words healthy or husky. Got on the scales yesterday and I'm all of the above. Lord, help! In Proverbs 12 of the Message Bible, it says "A hearty wife invigorates her husband, but a frigid woman is cancer to the bones." Yep, hearty describes me to a tee! And I can be invigorating on the verge of annoying. I better select another translation...lol. Or go workout!

I caught some flack...

2009-05-06T14:33:00.000-07:00

Hmmm...this is the first time in childrens' ministry history that I am able to go to summer camp. I've always given my iceman husband my summers. I've always had a desire to take the kids to camp, but it never happened. Once again, I had the desire to go and once again Kent wasn't in agreement with my desire. Which is soooo totally okay with me because if Kent ain't for it then God ain't for it. Disappointment was my lot. 'Kent, why did God let me get the desire if it's gonna turn out this way. I try to seek and hear HIM...He could've told me himself.' Well, the next day...

Kent rolls into the house and says, "You can go to camp!" Huh, do-what? Could you repeat that statement? He did and I can. I have my sweet honeys' blessing and the Fathers' favor! WooWhoo! Until...

I, for good reasons, chose a non-denom church camp. First of all, what would it look like in your hometown if the First Baptist, Calvary Baptist, First United Methodist, Church of Christ and Harvest Christian Fellowship did midweek kids' stuff, VBS and camp together? I know! Therefore, could you really SEE me taking this assortment to a BAPTIST encampment? I don't have ANYTHING against my denom, but for the love. I'm now stepping down from my soapbox...

In fact, the dates are in August which work WELL with the ice business. This morning God shined HIS glorious favor down on this trip...check out how at http://www.hizkiz.blogspot.com/

My, my, my....this is a huge thing to me, had to share~

2009-05-04T07:49:00.000-07:00

Dear Kent and Tammie,
I've never been able to put a name with you guys that worked. I've tried cousin, aunt and uncle, but none of them seem to fit. Whenever I or our family have had issues you've always been there for us, with a strong sence of God backing you up. You've been a great inspiration to me and taught me many things about God and religion. It's because of this and my strong love for you two that I humbly ask that you two be my godparents. I've always enjoyed hanging out and being with you guys and it'd be cool to be closer to yall. Get back to me soon.
Love much,
~Jordan~

Hi NTLT,
Jordan kept checking his email yesterday to see if you had decided if you wanted to be his Godmother or not so I decided to write cha a line and see if you had received it. Have a great Monday!
ADK

Aunt Donna Kay,
I had the computer off b/c of storms over the weekend. Didn’t turn it back on till today! HE TOTALLY MADE ME GASP FOR AIR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WITH HIS SWEET PRECIOUS SELF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! TALK ABOUT IN AWE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I want my reply to him to be more than just a YES, OF COURSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I want it to be AS SPECIAL AS HIS REQUEST WAS IN the ASKING. I want to spend some time on it. So, guess I have till the end of school today. Huh? And I want it to be ‘our’ (Kent and me) response. I cannot wait to share this with Kent when he comes home for lunch.

What, where and how, who….

~dramatic pause~

Boots just came in and over the screen door with a bird. It was loose in my dining room for a bit…flying up and around then back down and flopping on the floor. I put a bowl over it and called Kent. He picked it up with paper towels and took it outside. After he put it on a branch it flew off into the sunset. No, the sun isn’t setting but it sounded good. Anyway, all that to say this, Kent read Jordan’s email, too.

His response: “That kid is wayyy beyond his years. You (speaking to me) can go ahead and cry if you want to. How old is he?”

I said, “Junior High”.

“He’s got something big in store for his life”, Kent concluded. Yes, he sure does, I thought.

Dear Jordan,

That ‘fits’! We feel it in our bones! Our answer is yes, definitely!!! It’s an honor to be asked. It’s also overwhelming to me, Tammie, in particular because I haven’t had children and to think that you think that I’d be a good Mom is touching.

I’m sorry that it took this long to reply…had the computer off because of bad weather. And I’ve pondered what I want to write all day. I have seen, and now Kent sees, something very special in you. You have a spiritual maturity beyond your years. You see HIM and sense HIM…in other words, you see the unseen. Very cool, very deep!

You are right, God and His stuff are a priority in our lives. And for you to see that and acknowledge that, well it means a lot to us. More importantly, there is nothing that we want more than for you to love Him, know Him and be used by HIM, too. We look forward to sharing our lives with you, our Godchild.

We love you,
Kent and Tam

Oh, Pinch!

2009-04-28T08:34:00.000-07:00

To understand this pic, you need to check out Jackie's post at...

http://backhometostay.blogspot.com/2009/04/first-thing-next-week.html

I didn't learn everything I know in Home Ec Class...

2009-04-15T07:21:00.000-07:00

I learned a lot in Home Ec, just not everything. My gift of knowledge on underwear is a self taught skill. Oh, would you like to know ‘the underwear skill’?

Well, it’s brilliant…here goes. I have made certain that the husband has a weeks’ worth more than me of underwear and socks in his dresser drawer. Why is that? When I run out, then I know it's past time to do laundry and I have only a few short days to get some done before he'll be hollerin’.

I also have bulky items, other than clothes, in the bottom of my laundry basket that takes up space and tricks my mind into thinking I have more laundry to do than I actually do have to do. Thus, I sorta, almost, stay on top of my laundry duty. Now, I haven’t figured out what skill to adopt in order to keep the employees from running out of timecards.

This week the timecards came to me on just about anything they could find to stamp. That happened on Monday. Did I reorder right then and there? NO! Did I forget? YES! Well, God didn’t! Guess who called this morning to ‘just’ check on me and say, ‘Mrs. Trainham, you haven’t ordered anything in awhile. Is there anything you need? We can ship it by tomorrow or Friday.’? Not God, Quill! Although, I was having a quiet time at the moment of their call and thought the interruption must be evil. But, it turned out to be a blessing from above. Well, you know what this means?

Those timecards will be here before Monday, the next pay period. Thanks Lord, for getting me out of that jam! And I’m waiting for a divine skill to fall from the sky to resolve this matter for the future. Moral of the story, don’t let your hubby get caught with dirty undies, get creative!

Three pix in one trick...

2009-03-05T07:44:00.000-08:00

Not my forte'...

2009-03-03T08:32:00.000-08:00

Dying to self is one of my 'issues'. For Lent I gave up bread, or yeast products to be exact. Ash Wednesday came and went, before I realized that I'd eaten a yummy biscuit and a half covered in gravy with my birthday meal which my wonderful sister-n-law brought over. It only got worse when I picked up the nephew from school on Friday and his request was a trip to SUBWAY! But, I got wheat bread, Lord! Then, there was that ooey, gooey roll with the quilt show meal. Sunday lunch seemed impossible...a bbq on a bun w/o the bun??!!! As you can see, I gave smooth up. Then, I got a spankin' from God...

I cannot describe it, but I was met with problems from every turn. From spranging my ankle to upsetting Kent, royally. I hate it when 'the paddle' is my husband. Anyway...I was rebuking the enemy left and right, THEN came Oswald's devo. Why couldn't it have came before I slept on the LOVE SEAT for half the night.

"Jesus said unto him the third time, Lovest thou Me?" John 21:17

'Have you felt the hurt of the Lord to the uncovered quick, the place where the real sensitiveness of your life is lodged? The devil never hurts there, neither sin nor human affection hurts there, nothing goes through to that place but the word of God. "Peter was grieved because Jesus said unto him the third time. . ."...The Lord's questions always reveal me to myself....The patient directness and skill of Jesus Christ with Peter! Our Lord never asks questions until the right time. Rarely, but probably once, He will get us into a corner where He will hurt us with His undeviating questions, and we will realize that we do love Him far more deeply than any profession can ever show.' (My Utmost for His Highest, Oswald Chambers)

Lotz of times it is Satan, but not this time. It wasn't Satan or Kent! It was the Lord! And lately I've been asking Him to show me the consequences that connect to my sins. Why am I surprised when He does? He sure did this time...on the love seat that night and He confirmed it in that devo on Monday morning. Ouch, that smarted! Why does the Lord have to tell me things over and over before I'll listen? Ever hearing but rarely listening! Jesus told Peter that he was going to blow it before he actually blew it. Jesus gave him the 'look' and he still didn't stop it. Peter denied even knowing Christ. I denied my committment to Him. And I now have a healthy dose of fear in relation to yeast, just kidding, in relation to disobeying God!!!

Birth Day

2009-02-24T17:04:00.000-08:00

My Granny Vera recalls the night when my Mom called and said it’s time. It was 11:45 p.m. on the 23rd of February in the middle of the night…way before cell phones were in the picture. The due date was two days earlier, but Mom really wanted to have me on my Dad’s birthday, the 24th. Granny Peggy went by and picked up Granny Vera and they headed for Wichita Falls. They expected Mom and Dad to already be at the hospital. But, they weren’t…they had waited for them to arrive.

Mom was looking out the window, watching and waiting, then when the moms pulled up she grabbed her coat and was out the door. Dad drove and on the one-way street to the hospital he kept stopping for every red light. Granny Peggy finally said, “Dennis, I think it’s okay to run the red lights, it’s two in the morning.”

All the way to the hospital Mom didn’t have contractions and was afraid that it might be a false alarm. But, upon arriving the contractions resumed. A nurse introduced herself to them, “I’m your nurse and I’ll be with you until 7:00 in the morning”. My Mom thought, “Well, I won’t be here that long.” Well, 7:00 a.m. came and went.

The grandpas had plenty of time the next morning to get there. In the middle of a contraction, my Mom squeezed the molasses out of Granny Vera’s hand and kicked up one of her legs. Dad saw a little bit of blood and was oughta there. Mom remembers being transferred from gurney to gurney, a bright light, some gas and that’s it! I was born at 9:34 a.m. (I’m not even gonna tell you how bad they had to cut her.) Everyone had gone to breakfast except Grandpa R.T. Mom roused and looked at him. He said, “Sis, it’s a girl. And we can’t send her back! She’s too big.”

Birthday Boy

2009-02-23T09:02:00.000-08:00

Whose boots...?

2009-02-20T19:11:00.000-08:00

Awhile back, the Lord got a kick out of me. I'm just sure of it! I planned my whole day and he laughed. "In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps." Prov 16:9 I even had the thought, 'Lord, I am on your wave length today.' LOL

My plans: check out Kia's classroom, lunch with Kellen, lesson #8, etc. Then, what I call distractions or even nuisances occured. (Were they of You?) Phone calls, Kent had the car, lesson #9, Kia was sick and wasn't even at school. I'm usually a shoot from my hip, roll with the punches, land on my feet sort of girl. Here I am trying to do better, be more prepared--organized, even.

But, what's crazy is...I was totally and utterly prepared FOR THE WRONG LESSON! Lord, people like me drive people like Nancy, Jill, Debbie and Tara to drinkin' hard liquor! HELP! These shoes don't fit--they're too BIG!

O my...

2009-02-11T07:41:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day came Today!!! Since we will be on a business trip on our anniversary, Kent took extra measures to NOT mess up. He's a gem!!! Or else I'm a meany-bohind. In jest, dear, in jest. At any rate, let me tell you this..."I love my husband and not just because of the roses!" He is a Jesus Rock! Happy V-day & Anniversary, Honey! I'm glad you're mine!

It's always an adventure...

2009-02-11T07:26:00.000-08:00

...with my kitty kats. Little did I know that this scene (seen below) was above my front door during the baby shower, no doubt. Our cat, Boots, will climb the screen door to peer into the house when he wants to come in or show off. I knew that awhile ago he took one of his kills, a fat mouse, up the door into the transom for bragging rights, but I didn't know that he swabbed the upper door post with its' blood. Until...

Tessa came by for a visit last Monday....and thought to herself...'Wow, Tammie really is radical about Jesus the Jew. She is even putting blood on her doorposts.' LOL! When she brought this to my attention, I quickly gave credit where credit is due! Boots is the radical Jew lover who prays for the peace of Israel and spreads the news that, "Jesus Saves!"

The shower for Brittany, Jeremy and Jaylee

2009-01-31T16:45:00.000-08:00

I have a dream...

2009-01-25T17:01:00.000-08:00

...to read two children's ministry magazines all the way through, crochet a scarf, take a nap, start a new book (the shack), swoon through an antique mall, sip on a carmel frapp, play with babies, cuddle with a kitten, see the latest movie, go to a family cookout???? No, I'm not dreaming...these things really did occur.

This time of year is our only opp to get any visiting 'n vacationing in. A visit to see Shea at Lubbock was far over due. Kent's idea of relaxing and mine are two different things. He cannot sit still for long. So on Friday, while Shea was at work, he commenced trimming the trees, fixing the flapper on the toilet and catching up on a lot of news. On Saturday, while tidying our room and packing, I look out the window and see THIS. Ewwwuuuaa, picture opportunity! Two monkeys in a tree!

By the way, Gran Torino is a well how do I say...different movie! My speed is 'Bolt', a movie that I lo-o-oved. After seeing a trailer for another upcoming movie, I decided that it's one movie I know I will NOT go see. It's the remake of 'Friday the 13th'. This is the movie that ruint me!

In my childhood, I went on a vacation with a preteen friend named Sandra Massey. Her big grown up brother took us to the movie. We thought we were all big and bad, going to a rated 'R' movie without our parents' consent. It scared the bewaller out of me. I went to the bathroom and when I failed to return in a normal #1 or #2 time; then my friend came to check on me. I tried to play it cool, but she knew what my problem was and talked me into returning to the theater and putting my hands over my eyes. But, what about my ears??? I didn't have enough hands.

It was the spear-under-the-bunk-bed-through-the-chest scene that did it for me! I couldn't go to bed before first looking under my bed and even then I turned off the light and long jumped into my Raggedy Ann and Andy bedspread 'n sheets. And it would have helped had I repented to Mom and admitted guilt, but I just hid my transgression and suffered. Oh, I was punished all right! To this day, I hate scary movies! Whew~thanks for letting me get that off my chest. Mom, I'm sorry for being a bad girl!!! I even remember the first time my virgin tongue touched hot sauce from Taco Bell...there wasn't enough ice in all the world!

The cake is ordered...

2009-01-22T09:19:00.000-08:00

...invitations are out, cake and floral centerpiece are ordered, appointment is made with the carpet man and all that's left is the cleaning. I could stress, but would it do any good? Girls just wanna have fu-u-n, oooh, girls just wanna...sorry...got lost in a song. I'm back...I wanna new frig, tiled floor and clawfoot tub, of course. But, if it ain't broke, then my hubby won't let me fix it.

Die refrigerator die! Just kidding, don't you dare die on me! I love your rust that looks like filth. No, I'm not trying to hurt your feelings~I'm thankful to have you for all these years. You reliable thang!

It's not like I want a regular every day frig and stove. Oh, I didn't mention wanting a matching stove? Yes, well I do. Oh, to do and tu~da~lu!

The trip with the employees...

2009-01-22T09:07:00.000-08:00

We had fun! Glad to be back. Got a tan and lotz of pics. Left Saturday and got back Thursday of last week. I had some wonderful people covering for me. Lannette handled Sunday church stuff and financial peace responsibilities. Jill, Christy, Barbara C and Jackie handled my jobs at FWF's on Tuesday. And my Granny was mommy to my animals. It was shocking to come home to frigid weather, but it was grand to be home. I missed everyone. Thanks y'll for allowing me this leisure. I'll never be able to repay ya!

All is well...

2008-12-29T13:21:00.000-08:00

....with my soul and with Christmas. I only had one melt down...not bad. All four gatherings were a bunch of fun...all the pictures are cropped, de-red eyed and posted. The first was the Kinnibrugh's in Keller. The next was the Trainham Ice Christmas fish fry. No pics, but one big surprise! Kent's taking his peeps on a Western Caribbean cruise. The employees were estatic! Half of them took the bonus, but the other half took the vacation invitation. They deserve it...we had a great year. The third was the Lewis' in Wichita Falls. And lastly, the Trainhams' at Goree.

Luke 2:19 "...Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart."

I'm a grandma!!!

2008-12-24T09:05:00.000-08:00

Meet our grandaughter, ZuZu. We will meet her for the first time this coming Friday. It's truly a miraculous story of how she and Shea found one another. Cannot wait to share! We are beaming!!

Shea, our daughter, adopted a sweet baby kitten!!!

From: Jordan

2008-12-18T06:38:00.000-08:00

Seeee, Jordan is the bomb diddy!

Memory Maker

2008-12-16T18:15:00.000-08:00

My dads' side of the family had Thankmas a few weeks ago. It was at my aunts' house in Keller and wonderful. She made some of Granny Peggy's recipes, etc. (God rest her soul). Jordan is Donna's son, my cousin, who feels like a nephew. Yes, this is the same Jordan from the 'Extra Mile' post. So, we catch ourselves doing aunt/nephew stuff rather than cousin stuff. Case in point, the kid has every gadget known to 'teen'dom. Leroy's mom has had the Grandmother/Bibleman connection with Jordan for decades. She's an awesome, cool, hip Christian lady. I think they even went to a Bibleman event at some point where Jt (Jordan Tyler) accepted Jesus as his Savior. That to say, Jordan and I have always had the Aunt/Toby Mac connection due to the fact that I gave him his first cd. He has loved that music ever since.

Soooo, Mr. Gadget is still tuff to buy for, right? Well, when I heard that Toby Mac was coming to town, you guessed it, I jumped at the chance to go with Jt for his Christmas present. The slide below begins with him opening his Christmas card from Kent and I which holds the golden tickets. Jt and I made a date of it. He took me out to eat at Outback and I took him to the concert. At dinner, we talked and shared. It was way cool, and no I'm not telling, then on to the concert.

We knew we were in the front section on Row J. I'm thinking to myself, A, B, C, D...it must be about the tenth row, not bad for a thirty-(almost forty)-something aunt. Huhummmm...it ended up being center stage, second row!!!!! Rock on! The opening bands were good, but stealing the show and my heart was Toby Mac. I know you probably don't think so, but I was in a spirit of praise. If Beth Moore can have her grandkids over for praise-dancin' with granny, then surely I can praise dance with Jt. The beat and decibels may vary, but same difference. (And, by the way, I couldn't even hear myself cough, fart, sing...lol ;) At certain intervals in the show, he took a stage dive and surfed the crowd in the mosh pit. Wow!

Ok, here's the interpretation:

Crowd surfing describes the process in which a person is passed overhead from person to person during a concert, transferring the person from one part of the venue to another. The "crowd surfer" is passed above everyone's heads, with everyone's hands supporting the person's weight.
Stage diving is the act of leaping from a concert stage onto the mosh pit or crowd below. Initially seen as confrontational and extreme, stage diving has become common at rock music performances. Many musicians have made stage diving a part of their stage act.
Mosh: To knock against others intentionally while dancing at a rock concert; slam-dance.
Mosh Pit: Slang. an area usually in front of a stage where people mosh at rock concerts.

We weren't in the pit nor do we ever care to be. But, now that you know the lingo and if you wanted to actually try it out, then check out 'how to survive the mosh pit'. Tell me how it turns out, k?

We were behind the pit on the second row of the stadium seating. Not that we did much sitting. The highlight of our night was when Toby Mac slipped down into the mosh pit and ran around the edge of it and over the rail into the audience. He sang for awhile two rows directly behind us, then he headed back to the stage. And, low 'n behold, he was coming right at us. Did I mention he was walking on top of the chairs? Jesus walked on water~he walked on chairs. Then all of a sudden, he stopped and sang some more and, you're not gonna believe this, he lit on top of the chair of Row J, Seat 2. Yes, Jt held the J2 ticket! Jordan and I just stood there with our mouths wide open hoping that Toby would shake our hand. But after a bit, he turned and kept going toward the stage, not without Jt and I patting him on the back as a 'thanks' or a 'you're too cool' gesture.

So, Toby Mac gets back to the front row and then dives into the mosh pit and body surfs back to the stage. Pinch me, surely that didn't just happen! I don't think I could have planned it better even if I'd had a preconcert, backstage opportunity to say, "Ya know Toby, it would be a very cool gift for Jt if you'd just stand on top of his chair, section 103/row J/seat 2, and sing one of his favorite songs."

I wish we could bottle the exhilaration that we felt that night and pull some out as needed for the doldrum days of life. We'd be rich! This video below is my last Christmas gift of '08 to Jt, love you man. Thanks for the fun ride!

The 'S' Words~

2008-12-02T07:30:00.001-08:00

I just finished scrubbing my sink. You know the kind, the ones that the porcelain has worn off a bit and every knick from a pan leaves a scratch. And anything can stain it. I’ll never forget who taught me how to clean it. Misty Megee, one of the pastors’ wives in times past.

It was our turn to have home group. Everyone brought a dish and the time came for cleaning the kitchen. She had the gall to ask me if I had any Comet. I did and she proceeded to get every stain and scratch out of my sink. Blemishes that I had just learned to live with. Much, much later when my pride was finally wore off…I was thankful for her help. She is the same person that shared a book called “The Excellent Wife” with me.

To sum up this book, it taught me to always submit unless my husband asks me to sin. This book revealed blemishes that, quite frankly, I refused to deal with. At that time in my life, I’d rather be stained and scratched than submit. That was, in my opinion, a very dirty word. It’s been a process and ‘God isn’t finished with me yet’, but thank goodness I’m still trying to s____.

I struggle with trust issues, but I’ve learned when I cannot seem to bring myself to trust my husband, then I can trust the ONE that is over all and in all. Misty just might be the most pure woman I’ve ever known. I gained much from knowing her. She just sparkles and so does her sink.

I've kept this under wraps...

2008-12-01T08:02:00.000-08:00

...but it is official. The book is being launched on Amazon.com today! I am especially interested in this book because she included three posts from this blog. Kacy Latham wrote a bio for me which was special sweet, but that's the kinda girl she is! Thanks Kace! Kent asked me what I wanted for Christmas...and I don't need a thing. BUT, a dream come true would be for WEEDS to somehow, some way find it's way into print. Who knows maybe it'll happen by design.

This is awesome...

2008-11-28T08:43:00.000-08:00

Tammie,

My little girl... now 16 and driving... finished an essay for school and knowing how you feel about God's word and young people (a passion for both) I just had to send you her latest creation. The students were to pretend to be an inanimate object and describe their day. Monika saw it as an opportunity and attached below is the results.

Please give my Christian Love to Kent and others!
Melissa

Dawn Till Dusk

Sunlight streamed through the open window, warming my binding and dispelling the nighttime chill. The brightness revealed my aging features, my once black cover now a faded gray and my edges bent and torn from use. But I do not mind; I still have many years to go before my glue comes undone. I smile as I remember when I was fresh off the printing press. I was so nervous about my purpose in life. I found joy when William More bought me because he was so eager to read the Bible in his own language, English, instead of the official Latin of the Church. He found solace in edifying himself through my scriptures. How happy I was when I finally discovered the elusive use of my pages! Comforting people with hope for the future and educating them on God’s will is what I was created for. Therefore, I continue to be a loyal aid to my Master William.

Now I relax in the sun as I wait for Master William to awake. Mornings are my favorite. This is our time, when Master William settles at his desk and soaks up the inspired words from my passages. I watch as he wakes with the sound of songbirds and wait patiently as he shuffles toward me, still groggy from a restless night’s sleep. He sits at his creaky chair and opens me wide, giving me a breath of fresh air, his fingers a gentle breeze turning my pages. Hmmm… I sense he needs courage to face the day, so I hope he turns to Hebrews chapter 13 verses 6. And he does! I listen contentedly as he murmurs “The LORD is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” I hope he takes that to heart, for he has been unusually somber lately. I assume it is because of Richard, his brother-in-law, who has been overly officious lately and even accused Master William of heresy. However, our problems are momentarily subdued as we spend the morning reading God’s word.

Wow, has time flied! I realize our reading is up when Master William sees the time is twelve-thirty. Suddenly, a harsh rap on the door startles us. Master William closes me, gently places me in the bottom drawer, and covers me with his notebooks. I hate this stuffy place! It bemuses me why every time someone visits I get hidden in this claustrophobic darkness, although Master William must have a reason. I listen attentively as he opens the door. To my horror, several men forcibly push past him into our house. I start shaking as one of them begins tearing books off Master William’s shelves, letting them fall to the floor with loud thuds, and the other two men grab Master William and tie his hands behind his back. What is going on? The first man heads toward the desk. He takes out the first few drawers and empties them, despite my master’s protests. It hits me like a thousand chariots: these men are looking for me.

After being hurled upside down, bruised to Revelation, rudely examined and being jostled around in a stinky carriage, Master and I are dragged before some judges. Master William stands erect before them, my beloved and honest master, charged for heresy. An accuser slams me on the nearby table for evidence, sending a shiver of pain up my spine. This is not judicious, I should be evidence that he is not a heretic, but they are saying that reading the Bible is forbidden to the laity and that possessing a vernacular translation is extremely seditious. Wait a second, the common people can read Robin Hood but they cannot read me? I pity the church leaders that concocted this, but mostly I pity the poor people who are prohibited from reading their personal bible. I pause from my thoughts and listen to them declare Master William’s sentence. The head judge’s words cut as sharply as scissors slicing through my soul. I am in disbelief, utter shock. We are to be burned alive at the stake. I can already feel the flames eating away at my edges, my words choked by the smoke.

But I watch my words ring clear in the heart of my Master. I see him standing firm in the face of death, assured that he is innocent in the eyes of God. Reflecting on precious memories with him calms me in this time of turmoil. The joy I gave Master William when he read me. The peaceful, perfect morning, before fear and prejudice swept it all away. Now I understand why he hid me all those years. The leaders of these dark ages feel threatened by the veracity interwoven in my writings. I pray, that despite however tight the clergy clench their fists, streams of knowledge will eventually flow to peoples of all nations and they will be refreshed in its truth. Alas, that day is not today. Thus Master Williams breathes his last and I shrivel to ashes at his feet.

Monika Rike

English III 7

28 November 2008

Another Uzzah Observation...

2008-11-19T06:39:00.000-08:00

...just a thought

God will deal with the Uzzahs' in our life that dare touch His sacred vessel. That's another reason why we can endure difficult people...it is His job to repay.

Let's Dance

2008-11-15T08:07:00.000-08:00

Week 5, Day 5 of Stepping Up by Beth Moore

Exodus 25:21-22 Why was the ark so significant? His presence dwelt there.

“When God struck Uzzah dead, David was stunned because suddenly God didn’t ‘behave’ like David thought He should. God did something that seemed out of character. Even terrifying.” Beth Moore in Stepping Up

Like David, I’ve made grievous mistakes while handling and transporting earth’s most sacred vessel. What is earth’s most sacred vessel? At first, I thought it was the Children’s Ministry that He entrusted to me. Then I reread Exodus 25:21-22. The ark was so significant because that is the place where His presence dwelt. Then it hit me…the place where His presence dwells today is in me! I am a sacred vessel! And I’ve not transported Him properly. I’ve wrestled for awhile now because I’ve “known intimacy with Him in the past and I’m almost miserable at this ‘safe’ distance.”

David pinpointed the obstacle and removed it with repentance, searching the Word and obedience to the Word. Then after the ark was transported properly…David danced!

Locked 'n Loaded

2008-11-08T04:14:00.000-08:00

I don't remember ever posting about my trip to Keller. A few months ago, I went with Aunt Donna to a 'Divas' shooting thingie. It was at a shooting range in the metro area. We shot rifles, shot guns, bb guns and pistols of all caliburs. We learned to fly and spin cast. It was soooo fun! My first time to ever shoot a gun. And I might add, that I was in shock when I actually hit some of those orange things that were flying across the sky.

Last night...the fruit of my labor...we spot and stalked and I got my very first deer with Kent. I'm pumped! No Rodney, I didn't get it with my car! (I resemble that remark) Want some jerky?

Peace & Joy

2008-11-05T06:06:00.001-08:00

"The world didn't give it to me, and the world can't take it away!"

This is worth the repost...

2008-11-03T08:53:00.000-08:00

Remember...

He laid one on me...

Well, here we are twelve years later. Last Friday on Halloween marked the spot in the road when Kent & I had our first blind double date. It was a Thursday and a very cold Halloween, I might add, when we went on our first date to a Junior High football game in Archer City. If we had not been fond of one another it would have been a miserable experience. Later in the evening, we warmed our toes at Bennigan's in Wichita Falls (the receipt is still in my billfold, and no I didn't pay). Two things stick out in my memory.

First, I ordered a hot chocolate and they brought me a cup of hot water and a package of mix. After seeing the disappointment on my face, Kent sent it back to be fixed just the way I wanted it...whip cream and all. Lastly, Kent prayed before the meal in the midst of an atmosphere of the holiday haunts and howling. I was impressed!The date ended with the two of us all alone in his pickup truck. He turned, for what I thought was gonna be a big sloppy one, and asked if we could pray for God's will in this friendship. Did he kiss me? I'll never tell!

Hahahaha....remember that in 2006, Kent took me to see "One Night with the King". 2007's date is vague...I think we went to Wichita Falls. Now for 2008...I think you can tell we are past the ten year mark...our date destination was determined by a broken down ice box. Yeah, since Ft. Griffin State Park is on the way to Albany...you guessed it we had a date fixin' a box, then eating a wonderful meal at the 'Bee-hive' in Albany. And I loved every minute of it!!!

Come out, Come out...

2008-10-03T07:29:00.001-07:00

...wherever you are and meet the young lady who fell from a star.

I know that without Christ I'd be in a heap of mess! This morning in my study, Beth asked me "What might have happened with your life 'if the LORD had not been on your side'?" Answering this question was rather simple. I know what job, with who, where, etc. The possible scenario's are endless. I'm at peace, thankful and happy with my present and future 'W's'!

BUT, another question that she didn't ask is haunting me!!! "What might have happened with my life 'if I had stayed on HIS side'?" This is one that I could lose sleep over, y'll!

Sometimes I'm a fighter!

2008-09-12T18:19:00.000-07:00

We still have our flag flying. I was making the bed and caught a glimpse of it through the window. I said a little prayer for those fighting against terrorism. I doubt they wanna be fighting, but as an answer to the attack on 9-11 they are.

I got in a 'righteous' fight once. Don't panic, I was in elementary and still don't panic~I don't teach Hiz Kiz to take up for themselves like that. There was a small girl in my third or fourth grade class. I remember it was either of those grades because I remember the hallway and bathroom we used. On a bathroom break, Lisa who had beautiful, straight, long hair asked me to look at a bump on her eye. Actually it was a reoccurence because over time I was able to tell her that I thought it was growing. And indeed it was and unfortunately it was cancer.

She had the lump cut out and she had to take the stuff that makes you lose your hair. When she came back to school, she had a wig that was itchy and hot. It paled in comparison to her long, gorgeous hair. She hated wearing it and we all told her not to wear it because she still looked pretty, so she didn't. She would be the first to crack a joke about being bald. She had such an easy-going, fun-loving attitude about it. Something I admired.

It was lunchtime and we marched down the west wall of the cafeteria waiting our turn in the chow line. After scoopin' up our tray, we went to the east side of the cafeteria to sit in our assigned area. The tables were lined up together and made an endless row of little circle seats for each student. I'm not a 100% sure, but I think that I recall my back was to the windows. Lisa and I must have been sitting beside one another or near one another because I overheard it all.

A boy called her, "Bald-headed eagle!" She usually took a joke pretty well, but this kid wouldn't stop. I told him to stop. He didn't. I repeatedly told him to stop. He still didn't and he rebutted, "Whatcha gonna do about it?" "Well", I said, "I'll fight ya!" He demanded a time and place...I'm sure I stuttered, but he finally stated, "After school! On the playground!" I know, that I know, I lolly gagged after school that day. I also know, that I know, this was before fifth grade because I got contacts in the fifth grade. Yeah, he was waiting on me at the kindergarten playground and he stood in the way of me and my house on Stratton Street.

We bantered back and forth for awhile, "You start it!" "No, you!" Finally he did start it and with a great big push my glasses flew like a projectile through the air and onto the ground. I huffed, "Well, if you're not gonna fight fair then forget it!" To which, I scooped up my glasses and tromped home.

Ms. Paris, the principal, called me into the office the next morning! I was scared to death! I had NEVER been to the office before. I told my story and she said I was free to go. What? Praise my ears, free to go back to class! But, I never knew the rest of the story...

In our grown-up years, Lisa and I ran into one another. We recalled and retold that episode like it was yesterday. She appreciated me taking up for her. I was touched that she remembered. She asked me if I ever knew what happened to that boy. I didn't. She said that Ms. Paris called her and her mom into the office and allowed them to watch while she gave him licks. WooWeee!

Now, I don't know if I did everything right, way back when. But, I will say that it turned out okay. We could've tattled, but didn't. We could've walked away, but didn't. I'm not saying it was or wasn't right to fight. And I'm not saying the war we are in is right or that it's wrong, but I know the bible says there's a time for war and a time for peace. King David didn't get to build the temple because of the blood shed during his reign. So, who knows? Only HIM! My prayer is that it will all turn out okay.

There I was in the middle of a fight that I didn't want to be in, but it was for a VERY worthy cause! That cause had a name, Lisa Poteet. And on the t.v. yesterday, they called the names of everyone who lost their lives at the WTC, Pentagon and on the flights. It's worthy!

I'm just a day laborer...

2008-09-12T06:50:00.000-07:00

In the parable of the day laborers, Max Lucado in his study bible emphasizes the 'lack' in the guys who were still left to be chosen at the five o'clock shift. He asks something to the effect, 'Who or what kind of worker gets left out till last call? Why would they still be at the gettin' spot?'

That was a really cool observation, but the part that I found intriguing was the order of pay at the end of the day. The boss paid the 1-hour worker first and the 12-hour worker last. Same wages of course, but I thought in backwards order. The order thing takes the last shall be first and the first shall be last thing in a direction that I didn't expect. It kept the last workers from knowing what the first workers earned--eliminating some pride. And they have to wonder, 'Wow, if I got paid this much, then I wonder how good the early shift got it? What did I miss out on?'

The all-day laborer, as with the brother of the prodigal, was forced to watch grace and generosity at its' finest. And gratitude by them by then was found at its' worst. He felt as though he'd earned his wages with a full days' work. Wow! Those of us who come to Christ early struggle with religion, the getting-the-job-done-and-all-that-we-do-for-God mentality. How dare any of us or our Moms' ask to sit at His side. We forget that every single one of us started 'on the curb'. No one already had a job. Every stinkin' last one of us was beggin' for work. At the dawn of the day we were all elbow to elbow--even steven. At the dusk of the day we were better than most? No, we were just a lucky choice! On any given day the tables probably turned. On that day it was our turn.

With God it's an even playing field and an even pay grade....always much more than we ever deserve!

Jury Duty

2008-09-11T08:05:00.000-07:00

As I perused the mail, I encountered a notice for jury duty. Lovely! Kent got it awhile back and smooth out spaced it! He forgot about it on accident. In order that I don't follow in his footsteps, I taped my notice onto the shelf above my desk. I want to remember! Another remembrance...this morning Kent made the statement, "I wish we had a flag." With a little bit of digging, I found one. Even though it's raining he found a way to hang it on the porch without it getting soaked. He and I put our flag out on this day, September 11th, so that we remember and never forget a sobering, memorable time in history. It's the least we could do. It's our 'duty'.

Dove Huntin'

2008-09-07T14:34:00.000-07:00

As long as I've known Kent, he's never been a dove hunter. I don't know if it's because we are still busy with ice or what? Labor Day is the ice business' last hoorah. Anyway, I couldn't resist razzin' him that the only one in our family to get a dove this season was our cat, Boots. We are so proud.

Hate is mild here...

2008-08-29T15:48:00.000-07:00

Mittens hatez Dawg!!! So, I think we have gained some trust, don't you? Or else she has literally 'phifffed' him into submission. That's all she ever does...'phiff'! She has never, as far as I know that is, clawed or bit him. I think she has her bluff in on him...he could tear her apart if he wanted.

I think that's how the enemy is with me. He's got his bluff in on me and all he has the power to do is 'phiff' and then I cringe! Grrrrr, that makes me burn with holy anger :-/ I am more than a conquerer in Christ Jesus! I have authority to rip him to shreds! The enemy hatez us and wants to intimidate us! Let's stop lettin' him! "Faith is unutterable trust in God, trust which never dreams that He will not stand by us." Oswald Chambers

Wow, i need to edge and mow :~)

My Utmost

2008-08-26T07:11:00.000-07:00

Matthew 6:5-6

I'm a hypocrit! My prayers in the presence of others are huge. But, alone is a whole 'nother story. Lord, forgive me. And then there is my prayer journal--it's easier praying in there than the 'in-the-closet-kind'. I'd like to use the excuse of "wool-gathering", but is that really the whole truth and nothing but the truth so help me God? Or, is it possible that others may see it someday? Ugh! I'm still a hypocrit! Lord, forgive me.

The closet thing is an issue for me or dare I say prayerlessness is an issue for me. An area that I wish to improve. Oswald Chambers says it is an effort of will, difficult, a battle, work...help, Lord!

They flock...

2008-08-18T09:49:00.000-07:00

Kaden and Dad came by for a visit. In an effort to spend some energy...

Kent, Dad and I took turns riding bikes with Kaden. And I might add...the bike DID NOT have a tractor seat which is the only way I wanna go from now on. We finally wore smooth out and the neighborhood kids came to the rescue. Amazing how they flock to the scene and seem to literally come out of nowhere??? Whew!

Ain't that the life? No Worries!!!!

2008-07-31T18:51:00.000-07:00

For the record...

2008-07-23T09:56:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was tuff!!! Little legal matter with a friend. Went into the meeting w/o a lawyer and it turned out to be a hearing, hello! Felt like Gomer Pile in a Perry Mason episode. Let me put it this way I WAS a legal virgin and upon leaving I felt like I had been raped. That's the end of that! Live and Learn! Prayin that hurt feelings won't turn into anger, rage and unforgiveness.

Hand me the hoe, please!!

2008-07-18T21:38:00.000-07:00

Well, fart on a brick!!! God gave me a tool! I thought it was somehow going to be the bible study, but uh~huh! It's a web-page! God, you are so cool!

Jinx, you owe me a coke!

2008-07-18T18:41:00.000-07:00

Remember Jinxy the cat from the movie "Meet The Parents"? If you didn't happen to see this movie, then let me fill you in on the part where Robert DeNiro boasts that his cat is potty trained...flushes, lifts/lowers the seat...the whole works. My Mittens should be in the movies~! Today while brushing my teeth, I heard the bathtub draining. Then I heard the cat scratchin'. Duh, at first I thought...Wow, I must have forgotten to let all the water out last night after my bath and she hit the lever. Wait! I didn't take a bath last night, I showered! I threw back the shower curtain and a closer smell revealed that Mittens had relieved herself!!! After washing it on down-town-julie-brown with bleach and picking my jaw up off the floor, I realized that I may have a movie star in my midst. Just one of the odd things in the life of me????

Stickerz!

2008-07-17T10:17:00.000-07:00

My yard has more divots that Tiger Woods' yard! The cool morning and plethora of stickers in my carpet from trampling boyz (my two plus half a dozen from the neighborhood) has prompted me to hoe weeds this morning. This is the very first time I've EVER hoed weeds. I've wrote about it, but never actually done it. Pulled them out of the flower beds till my hamstrings were gonna fall off, but never with a tool designed to make the job easier?!%#$* Duh!!!

My conclusion, those sticker weeds aren't all their meanie selves are made out to be! They are 'root-less', pretty easy prey, with the right tool and soft ground, to chop out. A couple of whacks right behind the core and boom it's outa there, roots and all. I am overwhelmed by the different species of weeds in my yard. So much so, that I didn't even know where to begin. I decided, intelligently, to begin with the ones that hurt like blazes. Sticker weeds! I just made myself ignore the ones that sat there without stickers. I know they need to go, but they aren't hurting anyone. First things first. And, you know that I'm gonna share how the Lord spoke to me thru this whole ordeal, right?

Well, just when I'm thinking...I have it pretty together...this bible study that I'm taking starts drawing attention and exposing my 'issues'. The study calls them 'idols', but I prefer the word 'issues'! I read this..."But now also put these things out of your life: anger, bad temper, doing or saying things to hurt others, and using evil words when you talk." Col 3:8...and BAM, I think of the weeds! All those species of weeds that I need to 'put...out of my life'. Ya know, who doesn't have the anger species pop up from time to time? And who has the tongue species under foot, pray-tell, especially when the anger weed is stepped on? It's an endless battle! I'm gonna call 'em 'weedols', cuz I still don't like the word 'idols'. I don't think that every issue is an idol...I'm learning that an idol is one that has taken over and controlling the yard, one that has inched in and taken too much time, energy and resources. The over attachment kind! Now, weedols have NO place in my yard and I'm trying to rid my life completely of such. There are weedols that hurt and there are weedols that just make my yard look bad but don't really hurt any toes or heels, all of the above need to go. BUT, you wanna know what slams the bible study shut faster than anything? TREES! Misplaced TREES!

The easiest way for me to detect my idol, treedols mainly, is by discerning whether or not I really want it GONE. Remember, there are two different kinds of idols some are weedols (the bad stuff), others are treedols (the good stuff gone bad). Sometimes good things become an over attachment or they are misplaced. The best way I know to describe this is with my experience with THE TREE.

The TREE in my yard isn't a bad thing, it's a good thing. Well, this good thing is growing in the wrong place, between the stairs and the side wall of my sidewalk. It has wiggled and wedged its' way in between two things that are meant to stay in close proximity of one another. As I tried to dislodge this TREE, I noticed that this isn't my first attempt. There were old cut marks where I have tried to remove this TREE in the past. Apparently, I gave up getting to the root of it and just gave it a trim instead, a few pounds here 'n there...ya know, a good hair cut. Well, this particular afternoon I was determined to absolutely abolish this TREE. It's not that large. I tugged, twisted, turned, jerked...it wouldn't budge. I ran water thru the crack to wash out the dirt that held the tree like glue, to no avail.

This little guy isn't root-less, he's ruthless. And my goodness, this is exactly the way I feel with my modern day idol that was brought to my attention while studying 'No Other Gods' by Kelly Minter. Now that it's been exposed, I actually want it GONE. But, it's not budging! It is wedged between me and the LORD. It's not a bad thing, just a good thing in the wrong place. If I survive this study and the weeding of my yard, then I will have accomplished the impossible. My only hope is that this study is HIS tool that will make this extraction easier...with God ALL things are possible! It will soon GO, in the name of Jesus!

The Boyz R Back N Town...

2008-07-16T06:08:00.000-07:00

Video games, movies, home-made pizza, four-wheeling and finally a family reunion to top it off. O wait, shall I forget the star party at Commanche Springs??? No, I shall not! Jordan, who is the older of the two, is a cousin who feels like a nephew. A lot because of age, but also because of relationship. (As a matter of fact, he gave me an aunt b-day card once.) So, all that to say, my nephews were back in Goree for a visit. We had a really fun time.

Of course, we broke lotz of the rulez!!! Some that may shock the socks off the fwf mom's. Sorry, cover your eyes until the next post! Rules like: Staying up to the wee hours, no cokes-per-day limitation, food in the living room, endless hours of P3, candy and more candy, muddin' in good clothes, greasy hair from lack of shower, toothebrushes didn't come out till churchtime, I'm sure there is some age limit on 4-wheeler driving, oops and dodge durango driving, sleepin till 1 p.m., sparklers (is there still a burn ban?), ummm~pg-13 movies are now OFF limits at my house (my, how things have changed), and did you know that video games cuss these days?, and that is root beer in the first pic, I promise!!! But, that is chocolate sauce in the second pic! And no, it didn't go on the pizza...just the ice cream! I can already tell how this one is gonna play out...like the time I showed "Wizard of Oz" to the preachers' daughter and got the "We don't let her watch movies with witches~Talk". Now, we all know it~the reason God cannot trust me with children for any extended length of time past the VBS allotment! Miss DP plays princess with her g-child and I play 'Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare' with mine.

I went!!! And I'm glad!

2008-06-29T15:56:00.001-07:00

7 of 63 graduates! Well, it's a start anyway. Jonna works for Ranger Creek Ranch and it was the perfect setting for our 20 year reunion. On the way to Vera, I thought about the day I met Jonna Nelson. My family was looking to buy Bobby and Sue Kings' house on Stratton Street and Jonna lived across the street. Mom and Dad left me in the car and I remember standing in the backseat floorboard and hanging out the window talking to Jonna who had strolled across to chat about the cool possibility being neighbors and the scary reality of kindergarten approaching. We ended up living on Stratton Street for all of my growin' up years and so did Jonna. Ironically, she and I have the same birthday. We started life together! And we started our twelve years of school together and here we are still friends with our lives criss-crossing again. Back then, Stratton Street divided us and now the Brazos River divides us.

I'm on my twelvth year of marriage and it dawned on me that the classmates in which I long to connect with shared another important twelve years of my life. This is our first time, as a class, to attempt a get-together on our own, no other classes. As the class of '88, we have twelve of the greatest years in common and I hope that it only grows from there. Jonna said that in those attempts to re-union in the past she couldn't come because she just wasn't over 'it' yet. 'It' was hard to explain, but I surely understood what she meant.

Thirty or so from the class of '68 was at RCR that same night in another meeting area, and we crossed over one another from time to time. Bob Young was one of 'em and said, "Oh forty years rolls around pretty fast, wait till classmates start dying off then they (ones who don't come) will start to care."

Chris Jackson and Loretta Hicks from the class of '88 have passed away and that is a hard fact to swallow. Tina Wheeler remorsed the fact of Chris' death over the phone after apologizing that she couldn't come, but she really wanted to and will if circumstances allow in the future. Laura Murry couldn't come because of a scheduled family vacation with her 'new' family. I talked to Alex Culver, he seemed interested but short notice kept him away. Kelly Schur was at market till the end of the month for her business, Valley Pecan, in Chilicothe. Susan's husband had plans. Lisa Poteet, Tammy Cook and Brian Carlock had prior engagements. Gary Neill, Spencer Tucker and I think Chad had go-cart races with their kids that same night. I genuinely think that Gary would have come, otherwise. A few, I think three to be exact, said they would come when hell freezes over....hmmm, don't think their over 'it', yet?!~ But, hope that'll change.

So??? Who did come? Jonna Nelson, Tammie Kinnibrugh, Kim Wicker, Lan Winn, David Howell, Kelly Moorehouse and Carla Bradley. David's two gorgeous daughters were there and played lotz with Kelly's two daughters and Lan's daughter. Carla didn't stay for the steak dinner (which was to die for), but we got the chance to meet her daughter and see family pics. We were kept quite entertained by Kims' zany sense of humor and Reno chimed in a bit, as expected. The only level headed one of the bunch was Lan's wife, Heather. We laughed till we cried and coughed. We hooped and hollared about crab soccer, explosions in physical science, band trips, fights, portable buildings, lick Mondays, etc. Kim and I even sang a few bars of Ceilito Lindo from Mrs. Purdues' Spanish Class. If I left anything out, I hope you guyz will comment below. Jonna has figured out a way of keeping us young...we are going to have the second anniversary of our twentieth reunion next summer. And, for some reason, I think that Lan will hold her to it.

'It'? Maybe some of our friends from those twelve years will get over their 'it' and join us in becoming lifelong friends because we miss them and who knows what tomorrow holds. But, no one will beat Jonna and I....friends from birth!

"Eighty-eight, eighty-eight, eigh, eigh, eigh, eigh, eighty-eight!"

Class of '88

2008-06-23T20:08:00.000-07:00

Leg warmers, knickers, twista-beads, big hair, banana clips....just a few things that remind me of the olden days.

I did it and I cannot believe I did it, but I answered the RSVP on my class reunion invitation! It's Saturday the 28th. I really am shocked that I'm gonna go for some reason! Did I mention it's been 20 yearssssss?????? Gag me with a spoon! Totally! For Sure!

They like my 'bonzai' trees...

2008-06-18T11:33:00.000-07:00

Wow, I had a visit from some spunky, sweetie pie Jehovah Witness' today. Very, Very, Very interesting! I'm sure I'll be reflecting on this for daze to come. They think I'm a 'lil crazy, but what's new. This may be the beginning of a far away friendship with Miss Melissa. Exciting! Of course, I always share "My Story" with anyone who will listen and yep...they listened.

Miss Melissa shared her story with me, as well. I also met a nine-year-old named Rachel. And I cannot wait to dive into the Word with Melissa thru email and you guyz, my blogging buddies.

2 Timothy 4:2 comes to my mind in regards to my visit this morning. You know the 'be ready in season and out of season to share the gospel'. Well, these ladies were ready to share...it was their season to be witnessing. I, on the other hand, am out of my so-called season for childrens' ministry for the summer. It was my mowing season and I was about to mow with the push mower, mind you. The visit might have caught me off guard, but the Lord knew we had a divine appointment. I'm glad that the Jehovah Witnesses came by and that Miss Melissa, Rachel and the others were assigned to Oak St. in Goree, Texas.

(The Message) 2 Tim. 1-2 I can't impress this on you too strongly. God is looking over your shoulder. Christ himself is the Judge, with the final say on everyone, living and dead. He is about to break into the open with his rule, so proclaim the Message with intensity; keep on your watch. Challenge, warn, and urge your people. Don't ever quit. Just keep it simple.

High Cotton

2008-06-18T10:41:00.000-07:00

After a looooong day of 'ice' work in Ft. Worth, we were hungry for a steak. We, in our work clothes, went to a fancy, smancy Texas 'bistro' with a valet, to boot. We had an out of this world steak!!! Very fru-fru food for a very fru-fru-price...hehe. But, we are royalty, ya know, even in our work clothes it doesn't change the fact that we are sons and daughters of the King.

Spagetti Experiment Gone Wrong

2008-06-14T16:22:00.000-07:00

This type of post is usually an ideal opportunity for the title, "If I Only Had A Brain". But, in leui of the VBS Power Lab hangover...we are entitling it 'Spagettie Experiment Gone Wrong'.

Last week at VBS my safety goggles fogged, my first experiment with dry ice flooded the stage with bubbles and I was dutily dubbed 'nut' and 'crazy' by preschoolers. So in keeping with the theme while here at home...I tried my hand at supper.

You know the drill, you want to make meatloaf but you didn't set out the meat in enough time to defrost so you have this block of partially thawed hamburger so you toss into pan for the flip and scrape technique. Only midway through the process you find the plastic pad has found its' way into the pan, as well. Hmmmm, surely melted plastic won't prove to be toxic???? Then, after the last flop in the pan I realized that some meat has stuck to the bottom only to realize that it's not meat at all!!! It's the cotton from the plastic pad. JILL, HELP!!! She obviously didn't hear me...what? why? oh, I guess her job as save-my-butt-ologist must be over! Surely people have eaten cotton and still lived to tell about it? Haven't they?

If I don't make it to Sunday School in the morning, then y'll sing "Come To Jesus" at my funeral, k?

An award...

2008-05-28T05:12:00.001-07:00

How sweet my friend is...problem is...we both love the same blogs. tehehe

So now I am supposed to pick a or a few blogs that I love in order to pass the award along. So here's mine and it is two wonderful, talented women that I am very blessed to know.

Kacy

Andi

God~thang...

2008-05-26T19:12:00.000-07:00

Okay, this might not mean much to you, but it meant a lot to me. I'm not much of a morning person soooo an area of contention with the hubs has always been 'breakfast'. One of my prayers for the Thompsons has been that even before they know they have need or before a need is ever even spoken that the Lord would provide and reveal Himself to them. This morning, huh-huh, I was fixing breakfast burritos, I don't know, just because I guess. Caroline was working on payroll at my desk and she was answering the phone calls, too. I had just rolled my fifth breakfast burrito and working on the sixth when the phone rang and I heard her say, "Okay." She hollared into the kitchen that Kent is going on an ice run and he wants four breakfast burritos to take along.

I stared at the pile of burritos in disbelief and thanked God~

He's Home

2008-05-26T05:24:00.000-07:00

Well, change the population signs of Goree, Texas. We're officially +1 as of late Sunday evening. Welcome home Nancy and Lyndell, Jr. After a little scare and an apparent ploy to get a helicopter ride with insurance footing the bill...he's home in good ole Goree.

Laura and Layne

2008-05-22T13:32:00.001-07:00

Good News!

The adoption happened for the Meinzers!

Updates on my frienz...Ronda & Nancy & Tara

2008-05-22T07:35:00.000-07:00

Well, I had fun with the Cottingham children the other day. I sitted for Ronda who was suppose to sit for Jill who had a dr's appt. And now I have heard sad news for this family. This also effects my walking buddy Nancy B. who is Tara's Mom. They lost Mr. Cottingham to a massive heart attack. It was a shock! We are praying for you guyz...Ryan, Tara, Emily, Dustin and Eryn.

I talked to Nancy, my friend who had an emergency c-section last Friday, and she is finally in Ft. Worth with the baby. He is out of the incubator and doing well. He wasn't eating enough, but as of last night he ate 40 ml at 10 o'clock feeding, 40 ml at midnight, 30 ml at 3 and is well on his way to coming home. They want him to carry out 40 ml feedings consistently for 48 hours before they release them. Praise God!

The Thompsons are having victories. I haven't directly had contact with Ronda (was Lawrence, now Thompson) or the kids, but I have kept up with them thru Jill and the Thompson blog. The last I checked there have been over 15,000 hits on this update blog. Amazing! Ronda and I grew up together in Seymour. My brother was buds with one of her brothers. Anyway I am so thankful that our paths later in life have crossed and I count her as dear. I'm amazed by her strength and faith especially during this time after her husband's accident. Please keep praying for them.

I haven't heard details about Laura's situation, only that the parents' rights were terminated. Randall also said that Colby and Laura were keeping Layne. I don't know if that means that the adoption was made final yet or not?! Oh, and, the pic over there is of Laura's first adopted child, Caden. Randall said that the judge asked Caden some questions. I'm eager to hear how this little mr. personality handled himself. Details to come...

Update~All went well Tuesday. The judge took the parental rights and did the adoption at the same time. I have pics, I will send from home. Linda

My David Won!!!

2008-05-21T19:18:00.000-07:00

I NEVER WIN! This is the guy I was rooting for. Although both Davids were AWESOME! It was such a shocker...I would have been happy for the other David, too. BUT...My David WON!

A Day With The Cottinghams

2008-05-20T13:26:00.001-07:00

Please pray for my best friend, Laura, from high school...

2008-05-18T20:44:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!

I just wanted to let you know that we are going to court this Tuesday, May 20th with Layne. Two things will hopefully happen that day – termination of Layne’s parent’s rights and adoption by our family. This is very unusual – the courts usually make you wait up to 6 months after termination of a childs parent’s rights before they allow adoption. We are very blessed to have a situation that allows this “speed up” to happen! I fully believe it is because of YOUR prayers! We have come a long way – from possibly losing her to getting to adopt her early! Wow! Thank you so much!

Please pray that we get to adopt Layne on Tuesday. There is a possibility that we won’t – if the parents show up and plead to the judge to give them another chance (which they have not done so far). Also pray that nothing happens for the next 30 days. The parents have 30 days to come back and file a grievance with the court asking for another hearing (for another chance to get Layne back) - this would void our adoption – Yikes!

Again, thank you for being there for us and especially Layne during this difficult time. She is so wonderful. Our family is complete with her! I will email you the results on Wednesday morning.

Love,
Laura

We are praying for you Nancy & Baby!

2008-05-16T22:00:00.001-07:00

I got the call that things weren't going as planned. Nancy was induced today, but there were complications. Lyndell, Jr. was cooperating and his head was in position, but her blood pressure and his heart rate were a concern. They took the baby by c-section and his lungs needed extra help. He was care flighted to Cook's in Ft Worth and Nancy is in ICU until her blood pressure settles down. Pray for Lyndell, Sr., he's got a fever and sore throat and will be traveling to Ft Wth in the a.m. Nancy won't be able to go be with her baby for two days. Thanks for your prayers!

Sweetest thang I've ever heard...

2008-05-13T17:22:00.000-07:00

On Saturday there was one of the sweetest things I've ever heard on my answering machine. Abigail's voice! It was one of those messages that I won't erase for a loooooong time.

She is one of the FWFriends kids and she also happens to be one of my best friends' daughters. The message went something like this..."Hey Tammie, this is Abigail and I was just calling to see if we could have some Abby-Tammie-time. Call me!"

So you guessed it! We spent most of Saturday hanging out. The highlight of the afternoon was our 'stop' at DQ! It was awesome. That, my friend, is why I love my job.

My Honey Pie!

2008-05-12T07:38:00.000-07:00

It might have been Mother's Day and my hubby did pamper me, but he does every day. He is a man of integrity, character, honesty...he is trustworthy, faithful and a lover of God. I NEVER doubt his love for me or Shea. Don't take this wrong, but he's man enough for ten woman. He is a great son to Trudy, brother to Janey, husband to me, father to Shea, son-in-law to my mom, brother to my girlfriends, boyfriend to my Granny & Nola and a best friend to Dawg, Boots & Mittens. He just IS. He's human, tho. But, to me he is perfect in Christ Jesus. He makes me cry, happy, scream, laugh...

Yesterday, Mother's Day, he read a musical card that Shea sent to Nana (Trudy). Upon opening the card, the music began to play and he started looking for his cell phone. He thought his phone was ringing, but it was the card singing. See? How could you NOT just love him?

Childrens' Ministry Logo

2008-05-03T15:08:00.000-07:00

For the younger kids who we call FWFriends

For the older kids who we call Kidmo!

I've asked Kacy to design us a logo for our childrens' ministry! We've already changed names once from Team Kids to Faithweaver Friends. So, it's inevitable that the curriculum will periodically change but I'd rather the name not change, too. Therefore, something like King's Kids or His Kids would encompass both age groups. The second design needs to be mature for the tweenagers. I love what she's come up with thus far. What about you? Any ideas? His Kids is sorta nostalgic because that is what it was once called back in the day.

It's time to build it...

2008-05-03T14:47:00.000-07:00

...and they will come!

Kidmo Kids

2008-04-30T07:29:00.000-07:00

Kidmo Kids are my Monday bunch! I enjoy Mondays, the group is small and we can engage in some one-on-one-get-to-know-each-other-better time. Some dayz I don't really know if they 'get' it, like the day they dressed me up in home-made armor. I think they just enjoyed the sillyness of it all!

But, something happened this past Monday that showed me otherwise. We had reward day and we went to the Knox County Courthouse to prayer walk. BJ's Country Store for treats. The War Memorial for enjoying the snacks. I tried to explain the hierarchy of it all...the cost of freedom for soldiers and Jesus, who's in charge of us and protecting us...Mom--Dad--Pastor--City (Mayor/Council)--County (Judge/Commissioners)--State (Govn'r/Legist'r)--Nation (Presd't/Congress)--Heaven (God is on the throne over all).

They were scared of the courtroom and the thought of the LORD as Judge scares me a bit, also. After stressing the importance of praying for our leaders and after the kids prayed out loud in the chambers of Judge Floyd, all I thought they cared about was the government lowering gas prices. But....then, on the way home Bergen said, "Miss Tammie, I know what I'd say to the President if I could talk to him."

I replied, "Oh yeah, what's that?"

She stated, "You need to put prayer back in school and bring God back into your job." Yep, she got it! And she was a witness to everyone in the van and that's when I knew...we all got it.

Shea's here for the weekend!

2008-04-26T08:05:00.000-07:00

Shea, Kent's daughter, is here and over coffee she told me all about a kid that lives in her neighborhood. While getting ready to go for a ride on her bike for exercise purposes, he asked..."Are you an adult or a kid?" She explained that she's an adult who still enjoys kid stuff!

Hey!!! That's ME, too!

...here's to you Bob Barker~

2008-04-26T07:59:00.000-07:00

Dawg had his 'man' surgery and he's doing just fine!!!

Speakin' of killing me...

2008-04-24T09:33:00.001-07:00

Kent could have awhile ago. This morning on Fox News they reported about the alligator incident in a Florida woman's kitchen one morning. Then they asked people to submit their animal in the house stories, to which, I raced to the computer to share my gopher story. My hubby was not amuzed and shouted, "Tammie, don't write anything that'll embarrass you!" Well, it's too late!

Someday he WILL kill me...

2008-04-24T09:11:00.000-07:00

I watched Kaden's first 'five-pitch game'. A machine pitches five balls to each kiddo. And I might say that ball is hummin'. He is playing the position of hindcatcher, isn't he cute?

Anyway, before the game we were chit-chattin in the bleachers. He loudly annouced, "Mimi, I got a cup!" And then he proceeded to tap it a couple of times and say, "See!"

And the crowd roared!

A Chip Off..

2008-04-24T08:45:00.000-07:00

...the ol'e block or just a chip off! I don't know which??? In reference to our Waxahachie trip, my aunt and I have a bit more in common that mom and I. My mom and my aunt's daughter have a lot in common, though. Quiet, introverted. I think we were switched or something. My aunt and I wear the same size shoe (maybe with a bow or sequins) that usually ends up in our mouth, we do do things with flair, ya know?! We are bubbly and outgoing. And neither of us can resist a yard sale or a crunchy historical downtown excursion.

All that to say this, we veered off the road for a yard sale as you can see in the pix. But, when tempted to veer off again at another antique stop...I urged her on down the road, due to the fact that we were already cramped for space. To which she replied (IN ALL SERIOUSNESS), "Tammieeee, we don't have anything strapped to the roof yet!"

Oh yeah, I'm a chip off that block!

A Reconnecting Retreat

2008-04-16T09:30:00.000-07:00

My Aunt Treva, Cousin Monica, Mom and I went to a Beth Moore retreat in a box at Waxahachie this past weekend. It was a wonderful time of reconnection with the gurlz and God. We had an awesome small group leader, Rebecca, who fit right in with us. We cannot even put into words what good it did for our friendships, and time will tell what it did for our intimacy with the Almighty. I'm so blessed to have Him in common with these special woman in my life. Thanks Mom and Tree for pamperin' us! I love you!

Easter in Dumas

2008-04-02T08:16:00.001-07:00

I went to Dumas for Easter with the Murry's! Laura was and still is a best friend from school in Seymour. I had the unusual experience of having the 'same' coach all throughout my growing up years with Coach Murry. They were my second home which evolved into my second family.

Life happens and you don't keep in touch like you know you ought to, thus my trip to see them while the whole bunch was there. Linda sent me these pix today, thanks. I regret not getting a picture of everyone, but they took a family photo that weekend and I'll share when it comes in the mail. (hint~hint)

Laura's children, Caden (2) and Layne (6 mo.), are adopted! And they are the 'luckiest' kids alive. Blessed, rather. When I had the awesome experience of coaching under Randall, they took me in as their own and taught me what a Godly marriage looks like. And now I have one. Thanks Murry's for adopting me all these years! I love you all!

Lord, take the wheel and bless this birth!

2008-03-17T07:31:00.001-07:00

Tips for CM~

2008-03-05T08:25:00.000-08:00

Note to self~Do not use Barbie bandaides in the puppet ministry or for spots on the carpet for preschool children to sit on. One must use scissors to remove! Be aware, very aware! There is NO warning on the label!

Wonderin' and Wishin'

2008-03-05T08:20:00.000-08:00

I'm still wonderin' about Knox County's statistics???

And if they are staggering, then why can't we pray???

Update on Leroy~

2008-03-04T09:04:00.000-08:00

As of Saturday (3/8/08) evening, Leroy is home from California and recovering at his home in Idaho! Thanks, God!

Hey Tam.
We are at the hotel and Leroy is doing great. Good night.
Love,
ADK

Yesterday’s surgery went well. He had a rough night, though. He had dry heaves, nausea, and dizziness (worse than last time). Anti-dizzy meds haven’t been very effective because he’s having trouble keeping it down. Donna said these symptoms are normal for what he’s been thru with the surgery. GREAT NEWS: No facial spasm or twitching, he has an even smile, tubes are out, temp/bp all ok. Praise GOD!

Thank you for your prayers!

~update~
He has been up walking and eating a little ice chips and jello. He is really tired and resting right now. Luv. Adk

It snowed!

2008-03-04T06:29:00.000-08:00

My outdoor furniture cushion!

This dog is bad today!!!

"Chill out, Mom! I always told you dogs drool and cats rule!"

Please pray~

2008-03-03T09:43:00.000-08:00

My uncle Leroy is having brain surgery this morning. It was this time last year that he didn't think he could go on living with the pain he was experiencing from a failed brain surgery. This year has been up and down in the pain management area and today they are bravely re-doing the surgery. An artery is pinching a facial nerve and causing debilitating headaches. Thank you for your prayers!

~update~
3/4/08
He finally went into surgery at 1:53 pm and was out at 6:05 pm. The surgery went well, but they won't know if the spasms are gone until Leroy wakes up. He is in ICU. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers!

It turned into a birthday weekend...

2008-02-26T06:36:00.001-08:00

Dad, Kaden and Me

My birth'day' turned into a birth'weekend'. I was born on my dad's birthday (the 24th) and Kaden was born in February, too. Kaden, my nephew, is one of the delights of my mushy heart. It was necessary to have a seperate birthday party this year with him because of blended family issues. As a matter of fact, it was a feat to have both my mom and my dad at my birthday party because of divorce drama. It's not my fault! It's not Kaden's fault! And yet we are affected. I could rant, but it won't help. Been there, done that and bought the whole outfit.

So here I am on the birth'week' and now I can exhale. I exhale because no one said anything too terribly hurtful and everyone got along. I exhale because Kaden knows how much he is loved...due in part from the screams of support launched during the b-ball game, the birthday gifts to die for, the quality time in the swimming pool at the hotel, snuggles in wee hours of the morning and the effort to go to church as a family. We're blessed!

I cannot believe it!!! They got ME!

2008-02-22T20:00:00.001-08:00

Well, this is one for the record books!!! My husband threw a surprise birthday supper for me and I was absolutely clueless. I had gone to Seymour for paint and upon arriving home Kent energetically agreed to go start painting with me. (that should have been my first tip-off) I said, "We better make a sandwich to take with us for later so that we don't have to stop working to eat." He tried to talk me out of it, (that should have been my second tip-off) but then gave in for added suspense, I guess.

On the way, we made a detour and as we drove up to the Memorial Building there was a crowd. (third) I saw Jason Blake and thought...hmmmm...what's the fire department having tonight??? I didn't know they had building rented. Kent said, "He needed to stop for a sec." He urged me to come on in....I wasn't dressed to come on in! I was ready to paint in my grubbies with sandwiches in tow.

Low in behold, it was all for me!!! Shocked & Awed, to say the least. He planned the whole thing and my frienz, Caroline & Randy, aided and abedded. I had 'Hannah Montana' napkins, 'Cars' plates, beads, a pinata and fru-fru flowers on my cake. I felt like a princess. (sometimes it's hard to be on the receiving end of so much love, why is that?) Little Victor asked me what was my favorite birthday ever...and I had to say...THIS ONE!

There's no place like home~

2008-02-19T07:59:00.000-08:00

My fellow Wizard of Oz fan, there are three of us in Knox County ya know, gave me a book, "God Has A Dream For Your Life" by Sheila Walsh. Thanks James for the book, I'm halfway and loving every word.

There are times in my everyday life that I wear shame like a coat just as I wear these extra pounds that stare back at me from the mirror. My point, shame is very real for me. I want to share some statements that need to 'soak into' my brain and heart so that I have the courage to "still dream in color".

page 83..."When God looks at us, he says that we are beautifully, fearfully and wonderfully made. And no matter how things seem, God is in control, and we are his daughters. I think it is time to start living like it!"

Where is our happily ever after that little girls are led to believe actually exists? I know the answer is in Jesus, my Prince Charming. He even has the white horse, Rev. 19:11. And yet even as God's daughter, I still feel flawed and fickle so the next quote I wanna soak in is this:

page 77..."As God's daughter, our Prince is not flawed or fickle. He has loved you from before you were born. He paid the ultimate price to buy you back and let his life blood seal the deal. There is nothing yesterday, today or tomorrow that you can do to change his mind. God's love for you is not based on your behavior; it is based on his heart."

"Dream a bigger dream!" (page 80)

McKenna's broken leg...

2008-02-15T12:31:00.001-08:00