Off Road Crawling

You will never guess what we did yesterday. Chris has 4 days off, Fall Break, and a friend just got a Land Rover and wanted to go try it off road. He used to go way back when, and we talked to him about when Chris would go with his dad, and I shared when I used to go...way back when. We have gone a few times in our 17 yrs of marriage but not that often. So we packed lunches, first aid kits, sand, wood, shovels and walkie talkies and off we went. I will let you see the pictures to decide if we had fun. I will just say, I WALKED down the first hill. After aquiring wabbly legs, I rode the rest of the time. It was a bit muddy since we had rain a few days before and I didn't want to end up looking like our truck!

Chris drove down first. No, he crawled slooowwlly down.

Our friend Drake and his daughter Madison. Crystal stayed home with their other girls, and she is 5 mths pregnant. Off roading is not condusive to pregnancy, she says "more power to ya!"

Drake working his way down. If you follow the road you will see our truck...wwaaaayy down there. Yep, that's the road I walked. So, Chris walk part way up to "visit" with to forestry guys cutting back some trees. They said "these were pretty nice vehicles to be out here. That they had seen a lot of things...oh look that woman is walking it. Never seen that before!" Ha! Now ya have!

All I can say is no we didn't drive it, but I had to take a picture. Click on it to read the sign.

We went through and then I hoped out to get this of Drake. I am hoping to get a copy of the picture Madison took of us. Let me just say, that water was so STINKY. And now it's all over our truck. YUCK!

Drake got airborne with one tire. He made it over just fine. Thank goodness for 4WD.

The last bits of fall colors here.

Chris and I by our beloved truck. This truck has been all over the states. We bought it 17 yrs ago and it even, by the grace of God and lots of Angels surrounding us, kept us out of a potential nasty accident in NM. We still can hardly believe we didn't hit anyone or anything. Only God can do that! And protects us while we traps around in God's country, how cool is that!

This is our friend Drake and his daughter Madison. She's a nature girl like me so it was neat to see her have a good time. During our lunch break she made a head piece out of various flowers and leaves. So creative!

How cool! With some wracked nerves here and there, and an occasional rock that tried to prevent us from going anywher (notice I said tried) we had a great time.

Peace,
Dee

In the moment

Have you ever gone through the whole day only to find yourself looking back and wondering where it went? I do. The Lord is showing me a lot about staying in the moment and reminding me of who's in control. NOT ME that's for sure. My moments turn into hours and turn into days, all with thinking ahead or thinking of what needs to be done later...or sadly, what I want in a situation or event.

The more I am practicing the art of staying in the moment, and I do believe it is an art, the more I am seeing how much of my thoughts are "future" based. And how humbled I am that I know nothing, can do nothing, and do not know what's best for anyone or anything. That is God's area of expertise :-)

I pray for the grace to be more aware of my own motives and thinking that I may rest in His peace and freedom that I know is promised. I just have to let go.

Peace,

Dee

Tasha Tudor Day!

While I have always held a place in my heart for the Victorian type home, my true desires lay in the simple life. Sometime back I ran across a woman by the name of Tasha Tudor. Her being is what I so enjoy. Simple, creative, not consumed by the world...yet feminine. NOT FRILLY. I am not a frilly person.

Anyways, I understand this would have been her birthday and people around the globe are acknowleging her birthday. I too wanted to join in, for she stands for so much I desire but don't know how to get there. Living out of the norm and loving it.

Peace,

Dee

Coming back home

(Me with my friend Stacy)

For the past 3 months I have been blessed with the opportunity to work at the University my husband is attending. I worked full time. After 5 yrs of being a homemaker, this was a challenge. But not one to give up on. The Lord stretched me in ways I didn't know was in me, or I forgot. My job was temporary and I am now returning home. Home, where I feel the Lord has clearly defined....that is my place as a wife.

I won't get to much into it today, but I will be posting some quotes and thoughts on this soon. Yes sooner than the last post, no laughing! I have come to believe, firmly, that women are the heart of the home. If we are out trying to earn money and climb the corporate ladder, who is raising our kids, who is creating a loving warm environment for our husbands and friends, who is cooking nutritous meals and holding on to that dearly beloved money that God gives us to survive...rather then fast food chains so they can survive while our health plummits.

Think about this. As women we have the opportunity to live our vocation, accept the duties God has given us, and take care of people the best way we see fit all while living in His will for us. What a better job can you get than that!

Growing up, I didn't have this mindset. I still struggle periodically with the "have to support myself" syndrome. I don't believe this is healthy for kids, husbands or us as women. We are, by biologic nature, more feeling oriented, more caring, and more nuturining (sorry guys but true). What happens to our psycological being when we can't be home when our kids come home in tears from a horrible day. What happens when our husbands need their wife for support and companion to listen to them or provide a warm homecooked meal for them....and we are at work. Or at too many obligations we have set up for our selves.

I don't usually get opinionated, but I have been reading A LOT on marriage and the roles of men and women. The way God designed them, not the way society tells us we must live. If we remove the words of others, the looks, the "way" everyone else says we should live and look at the Truth, we will see. God has a plan, and it doesn't involve what Susy Q the neighbor says about it!


Peace,
Dee

Happy 4th of July Ya'll !

We had an eventful day. After putting back together a Woosier cabinet we bought and I painted last night, we went to a BBQ at a friends. WOW the food! He cooked up all kinds of meat and there was homemade potato salad, pizza dip, chips, watermelon (it's not 4th of July w/o watermelon), then topped off with a water balloon fight that even the "Big" boys got involved in.

Had a great time. God has blessed us with fantastic friends and good food today.

Every day I try to write one thing in my journal that I am grateful to God for. Today, it was that we have friends with LOTS of kids. It made for a fun time (and lots of memories when Kim and Danielle were little). Hmm, miss them. They grow so fast, but I'm grateful for "borrowing" the neighbor kids. It seems to always bring the kid out in us.

Peace,
Dee

Yard Sale Woman!!!

Ok, imagine a woman dressed in jeans, sneakers and a watchful eye. She's carrying a simple pack to hold her money, dollars and change of course, and hot tea (coffee for some) in one hand a map in the other. What is she looking for? YARD SALES!! All she needs is her bargain cape and she becomes... dunt da da da....Yard sale Woman!!!

Are you a yard salen' person? If so you will want to check this out http://www.127sale.com/ and http://www.127saleohio.com/ is the Ohio portion.
It's a yard sale that streches through 5 states. Yep you read right...5 states all along highway 127.

I'm hoping to get to hit a few, but we'll see. Traveling in all five states is a bit much, but 2 or so would be cool. I'm in, God willing, I'm in. If nothing else, just the weekend portion. Gott'a hit the sales!!! Dunt da da da...Yard Sale woman!!!

Yep, had fun writing this silly post.

Peace,
Dee

Bloomin' garden!

It's amazing what a little rain water will do. We catch rain water in barrels next to the house and use that to water the garden. WARNING!!! Your plants will double in size overnight. They really like this stuff.

The broccoli is twice as big now (4 days later).

Mmm, strawberries, Romaine lettuce, ooh and onions and cabbage.

My gardening buddies! Molly likes to come in and sniff and watch while I water. Koda wants to eat what ever is hanging over...hence the new rule - No Koda in the garden!

Peace,

Dee

Botany Day at Racoon Creek

I've always been interested in nature so when I found out the Racoon Creek Park in PA (only 20 min away) was holding Botany Day, and it was $5 per person I was in. Chris was interested too, and Danielle was home on leave so she joined us. It was a nice relaxing day...as you can tell with Danielle and I napping in the warm sun.


On the trail as we hiked with our guide.

Mmm, a sweet sunny break! Thank you Lord for the blanket in the truck and a picnic lunch.

My happy family on a picnic. It's been a long time since we have had a picinic together. We should do this more often.

"Huh?" Inspecting flowering plants, and learning how to distinguish between them.

Danielle with the book to look up the types of plants. The ladies next to her and considered Master gardeners, but came along for the joy of it. Neat!

Next, Eatible plants. We will be learning how to identify and actually cook some up to eat! That one is a two day workshop in August.

Peace,

Dee

And the garden is finished!

Wa-La! We have a garden!

After 2 months of working on and off due to weather, we have a completed garden. The two "Square Foot" beds are 4 x 8, and there's a 3 ft walk all the way around. Chris and I decided to put 2 ft chicken wire on the floor next to the fence. That's to keep out George! Yes, we named that fat woodchuck that keeps coming in my yard. Now I need a name for the possum I saw last week!

I also built a compost bin - of which I'm still learning how to do that. A friend says I'm making it more difficult than it is, but I don't know. We are offically watering the garden with rain water. Two 55 gallon rain barrels are capturing so much of that awesome rain that God sends down, just so I can water my garden. It must be really good water, my plants are growing straight and strong! I will post a current picture of what's growing later on. For now...here's the process and finished garden. Welcome to my garden:

Here, we layed weed cloth down and got the frames with chicken wire in place.

My strong husband is inserting the posts for the inside of the frames, they are 12" deep when done.

Post hole digging. Let me tell you, as a woman...there are limits I respect. And I am Oh so grateful God made man!

My gate. This gate was built in Georgia when we lived there. C built it for me and I loved it so much we hauled it with us. Yes, he rolled his eyes, still does. But that's ok. I like my gate. :-)

I started with 1 4 x 4 garden last year. This year it has grown. I hope to Keep It Simple, yet have an abundance of food to freeze and can. If you are interested in Square Foot Gardening, check out his website or better yet, buy the book. It is fantastic!

Peace,

Dee

Happy Mother's Day!

Today is the day we pause to remember and thank our mother. For giving us life, for putting up with us, for teaching us (good or bad). We must also give thanks and remembrance to one very special Mother. For without her "fiat" or yes, our Savior would not have come when He did. Mary, the mother of our Lord Jesus Christ. We look to her as a shining example of what it is to be a daughter of God, woman, wife, and mother.

As a daughter of God, her faith was important to her, important enough that she studied and knew her "Bible", the old testament, so very well. She had confidence and faith in God. Her obedience to Him is so natural, and her faith so strong that when the angel Gabriel came, she didn't doubt, she was confused as to how it could happen. The Yes that Mary said, the "be it done to me according to His will", could only come from a surety of faith in God. Putting herself in His hands.

As a wife, her obedience to Joseph. HELLO! If your husband woke you in the middle of the night and said we are leaving now...and you were 8 mths pregnant, would you not look at him like he lost his mind! She was quiet, always keeping things in her heart. Meditating on the things that people spoke of. She didn't run to Sally her neighbor and "dump" if you will, all that has been happening, or all that Joseph is asking her to do. She pondered them, quietly in her heart. Should we not give our husbands the same respect, and come closer to achieving that Proverbs 31 woman of being a asset to our husbands?

And finally, but not least, as a Mother. I don't need to go on about her Son, Jesus. I want to write about her role as a Mother. Her angst and panic when Jesus was lost for 3 days. Then her total relief when she and Joseph found him. Her teaching Jesus, knowing...pondering in her heart all the things people had said through the years (at His birth, at the temple..both times), her teaching this little boy. Giving all she had- a mother's love, teaching when He was very little, and ultimately, giving her heart. Her Son had to do something for me and you. He HAD to. For all generations past, present, and future (that would be us back then!). Mary didn't jump in and say - No, Jesus, not now, don't do this now! No, she remained quiet. Maintaining the quiet, humble spirit that God had seen in her to choose her as the Mother of His Son. For even to the point of being on the Cross. She cried, she hurt - for all the things happening she still had human feelings, feelings of a Mother. Her Son was being beaten and NAILED to a wooden cross. As He hung there, the soldiers and people had enough respect for her that they didn't push her away. She was there at the foot of that Cross, the cross for you and me. With blood running down her Son, and His flesh torn. She was there. Supporting Him, Loving Him, and caring from a distance because all that pondering through the years had lead her to understand what had to be done. She accepted God's will for herself early on, and she was accepting God's will for us at the foot of the Cross.

Please pause just for a moment to thank her. She is so deserving of just a moment of your time.

God's peace,
Dee

Ruthless Spring cleaning

Call it Spring fever, call it "tired of my home in dis-array" or call it what you will, but I had had it. I took a week and a half of (yes I DO work, I am a full time housewife!). I went to my husband and told him my plan: No walking, no daily mass, no anything until I got the chaos and clutter under control in our home. About this time he raised his eyebrow, and I responded "Ok I'll make sure we have food and there MAY be clean clothes in the basement, but not ironed :-)

He agreed. So off I went, full speed for days. From 8am to 5pm - the Mount Vernon method. I started on the right from my front door and went through EVERY space, drawer, cupboard and cabinet until it was emptied out, cleaned out and only a select few made it back in. Ah! the serenity of order and peace. Now I KNOW what is in each drawer and cabinet, I don't have to go on a wild goose chase with my husband to find something.

Well, 5 days into it I couldn't keep my eyes open past 8pm, so hubby and I agreed it's time to back down. I am glad. Most of it is done. I'm working upstairs and would like to finish that with the same vigor, but the Lord gave me this message: all good things are done in time. Not with rushing. So, I will do what I can in the frame of my normal daily routine.

Now the exciting part. In this decluttering mode, after a year of praying, we decided to sell our large side by side frig and get a smaller one. Mainly because our home, built in 1929, doesn't have the frig "space" for a larger, 2000, version. The day I went to go shopping and start price checking, I was talking to a friend who I buy eggs from. Fresh, farm raised eggs. Oooh, with bright orange yolks. Okay, enough drooling. Anyways, Roxanne and I were talking about my latest adventure about a frig and we came up with the idea to trade! She could use a bigger one, especially freezer space and I needed smaller and already have a deep freezer in the basement. Hence...I got a new frig, and so did she. :-)

Out with the old...

In with the new..

So, this week I am concentrating on finalizing clutter in the office and linen shelves while getting back to the joys of routines. Tomorrow, Laundry and House blessing day along with shred the mile high mountain of papers.

Decluttering and paring down your home always brings about peace. If you can't do like I've done, and I realize the Lord has blessed me with the time and ablity to do that, you CAN take it one day at a time. Start with a list of all the things bothering you. Break it down by room, then break it down to the top thing to accomplish that day, then the next. Don't get to far ahead, remember...If you ever want to see God laugh, make plans. When I am addressing my list in each room, I tend to mark A B C for Monday, then when Monday is done, A B C for Tuesday. That way if things come up, like Molly has an eye infection so off to the vet we go, it won't mess up a whole week's worth of plans.

My home is coming together, finally. After almost 2 years I am able to settle in. I think we are staying for a bit, at least until the Lord says otherwise.

May God's peace be upon you,
Dee

Graduation Day!!

We made it to Family Day on Thursday and Graduation on Friday. Kim (Danielle's older sister) flew in late Thursday night. It was great to have both the girls together. Here are some pics, I took to many to post so I will post a few to share. Danielle and Kim drove back with us to Ohio and Kim flew out on Easter. We've had a busy week and as I write Danielle is packing to fly out tomorrow. Next destination: more training in N.C. for the next 3 mths.

I am so grateful a good friend of mine is picking her up at the airport and helping her get all her seabags, etc to the base. Thank you Kim!!

That's all for now. Oh, Sand Flies! in SC at Parris Island. If you ever want to know about them ...don't ask! and be grateful!!! These little buggers actually made it into the museum (as a cartoon) on base. The cartoon depicts them with "iron" teeth. I will just leave it at that!

Hope you enjoy the picture's of Pvt. B. Danielle Peterson:

This was the M.O.T. run (motivational run) at 7 am Thursday morning. Check out the grin!

Danielle's platoon and senior drill instructor, yikes!!

Pvt. B. Danielle Peterson

Her platoon got the trophy for Final PFT, Final Drill...big accomplishment. You go girl! (or should I say girls!)

So, this door has a rich tradition in the Corps. Only recruits can go in it. No one else, for any reason. There are doors on the side for everyone else. Danielle has graduated now and can't enter them. Here you have one retired Marine, after 20 yrs, and one brand spankin' new one..Love ya both!

Danielle's platoon doing a "Pass by" on the parade deck.

Sisters, a bond that can never be broken.

"The" handshake of congrats.

Once off base she wanted to stop at the first place we could so she could change. Hence the Burger King bag. NOT my choice! She got to make her first call and first french fries in 13 weeks. Keep in mind, no phone, no computer, no male contact, no stores, no off base for 13 weeks. Marine training...only the best for our country! (So I'm partial, give me a break!)

God's peace,

Dee

3 days until Danielle's Boot Camp Graduation

I can hardly believe it. 3 days until Danielle's graduation from boot camp.

We will get to see her Thursday for family day, that will be the first time since January 12 when she left. She called last Sunday for the first time, and we were gone. (insert really sad face here). That's ok, the Lord allowed Chris to hear her voice and he said she seemed excited to see us on Thursday...so she made it through the Crucible!

We leave this afternoon, driving for 3 hrs then will finish the drive (9hrs) tomorrow. Our hope is we will be back in time for Easter service Saturday night. God willing we should be.

Please keep her in your prayers, and us as we travel.

God's peace,

Dee

Quote about Proverbs

So a friend in Georgia years ago introduced me to reading a Proverbs a day, I still do this though not as regular as I used to. I have gotten back into it recently and this is a quote that came to mind:

"Proverbs is like a multi-vitamin, take one daily."
by me!

Cute huh?! Though I can't take the credit for it, the Lord gets the glory.

God's peace,
Dee

Basket Weaving Weekend

It was fantastic! The Lord gave me the opportunity to go away for a couple days to a weekend for basket weavers. It was held in Mentor OH, right on the Lake up north. You can see more about it here. The newspaper came and did an article on us and a short video which is also available on the site.

Besides an amazing weekend that sparked the fire of weaving inside me that had died from the years of not being able to, the Lord blessed me in many ways.

Saturday's basket, the handle is the fun part!

Friday's basket, Cherokee on Cedar or as I called it "the little bugger." 120 spokes 16 hours to weave!

The class I took on Friday, weaving what I affectionately call now, the "little bugger". Or Cherokee in Cedar.

The room the hotel let's us use to finish our projects from the day. We were there until 11pm weaving.

*I learned more about my weaving and corrections to make so my baskets form better.

*I met women (and men) from all over the U.S., one as far away as Alaska.

*A gift from the Lord: On Saturday there was a raffle of several items. I purchased 12 tickets, hoping to win SOMETHING. There was 3 "piles" if you will, of pattern books,weaving supplies, handles, basket decorations (add-on's), etc. One was a lime green tote bag to carry all your supplies in. I really wanted the tote bag because I saw most of the long time weavers had a similar bag to carry their tools. I ended up putting 11 of my tickets between the 2 piles of supplies and books and the last ticket in the bowl for the tote. The hope of winning the tote filled me with excitement.

I left to go to another room that had a vendor, Royalwood, to make some purchases of long needed tools. My name was called so I went in to see what they needed. I won one of the stacks of supplies. Yeah!! I was so excited because I usually don't win raffles. As I walked back in to finish my purchase, I heard my name called again. My first thought was "oh no I grabbed the wrong stack", so I hurried back in only to have them tell me I won again!! I was SO excited. Now I had 2 piles of books, handles, and supplies. As I grabbed my second winnnings and turned to walk away, my heart was filled with so much excitement when I heard my name called again, for the third time!! I won the lime green tote to carry all my loot in. How cool is that!?

As one friend said, not only did the Lord bless me with the spark inside being ingnited, but also gave me some books and supplies as if to say "yes, this is what I want you to do, oh and here is a bag to carry it all in." I could never have afforded all this without saving for a time for it all.

God knows what we need and if we are willing to step out in faith, He will be there to bless our efforts. Know Him. Trust Him. He will always be faithful to you.

God's peace,

Dee

Giving from your living

Good morning! My prayer time this morning was fruitful. A passage from Mark 12:44 caught my attention and the Spirit of God granted me some things to ponder about and I wanted to share them.

Mark 12:44

She not only gave of her want, she gave of her living.

I see the relation to this with the parable of the young man who cam to Jesus asking how he could have eternal life. Jesus told him to sell all he had and follow Him. Though in this parable - the young man was sad because he didn't know if he could do that.

The point of both is by giving from your living, you have faith and want not.

For others may not have anything, and giving of your living will help others while you have more then they probably do. Your faith in God providing will grow and you will walk in the way of Our Lord, never needing more than what God gives. If we share what He gives - we will be provided for and we are helping others be provided for.

Out of Love. It's a circle. We do this out of Love for our neighbor and ourself. One of the 2 greatest commandments. Ultimately doing this for our love and faith in God that He will take care of our needs (not our wants mind you).

So give of your living. Be inspired by a nameless woman in the Bible - that caught our Lord's attention - and be blessed by loving others as well as yourself. For God will be in your heart, mind and soul.

God's peace,

Dee

Houston, We have pictures!!!

I am so excited. Yeah, I know...it took long enough! So here is a trial run of downloading my first picture from my new camera. And of who else? My baby girl, Molly! She was caught and was too tuckered out to get up when I came down the stairs.

New Camera!!

This is my new Canon xs Rebel, I feel like a kid in a candy shop!

Yippee!! Yippee!!

I went to Circuit City's closeout sale and the camera I had my eye on a few weeks ago was on sale (praise God)...and it was the last one, the display model, so I got an extra savings. AND I AM LOVIN' IT!! God is so good.

Now if I could just figure out how to use the dern thing LOL. Oh the pictures it is producing. I can't even begin to describe.

As I get used to it I will be posting, just wait and see.

This camera means so much to me sometimes I just carry it with me, just because. The night I got it we went to dinner and it sat right in front of me...never with in reach of C (how do you make that little sound when you are being sneaky or ornry, well imagine that here.)

Now if I can just figure out a way to carry it with me all the time, and my purse, and my water, and whatever else needs to go with me for that moment. Because don't you know. The very moment I leave without my camera, there is something amazingly beautiful that I spot, and this beautiful fandangled gadit is at home!

Any suggestion from those who carry theirs?

Oh the place's I'll go, .

God's peace,
Dee

Ice Day!!

Our front yard. It's a bit blurry...new camera :-)

Today is an Ice day here, sort of like a snow day...only snow then ice. It is a mess. In all my life of living in the north-east (all of 1 1/2 yrs :-) I have never seen anything like it.

Yesterday it snowed 3-4 inches, then turned into rain. Only to wake up this morning to the 4 inches of snow completely ICED over. From the top it looks like a glaze on top, a shiney glaze. I will post a picture later.

So events of today:

-Chris' classes are all canceled.

-went to daily mass (at the college) thinking no one would show and it was packed full!

-Roads are closed except to emergency vehicles (or the random wife who feels it's a real emergency to drive to Kroger to get Cold-Eze b/c her hubby is trying to stay healthy and ward off anything that's developing. And she really wants to start her new job next week healthy too!!)

-Trees are snapping like crazy and everything outside is covered with a sheathing of ice.

-It has already rained all day, then turned to ice rain (again) and a big snow dumping ontop of the mess we had.

-So, Chris is napping, I'm doing laundry and our budget and getting ready to make some tea.

Anyone else for tea? Tea always calms the nerves and let me tell you, almost every hour I am praising the Lord for electricity and a heater.

God's peace,
Dee

First letter

We just got our first letter from Danielle today. It was short, but she says she is doing good. She has one D.I. who is "nice (ish) and one that is EVIL" according to her letter. Attention is already being drawn to her because she is trying to help the others in getting up and getting around. The first 36 hours they didn't sleep and she says she feels disoriented everytime she wakes up.

But all in all...she says "I'm doing what I can to become a Marine." She is doing good...Praise God!

Please keep her in your prayers.

God's peace,
Dee

Burrr

Ummm....HELLO!!!

It's MINUS 4 degrees outside this morning!!!!

(eyeballs are poppin' out here, and frozen while popped out!)

Nobody ever said anything about MINUS temp's when we moved here!!!

Most of you know each morning I get up early and treasure the quiet time with the Lord. I journal some, read the Bible some, and read something from Al-Anon. This morning's time was cut a bit short and I came back later to sit and reflect. This is what came out of that reflection time and I feel I should share it with you.

A reflection from Matthew 24:36-51 ~

I see how Jesus is teaching me to live as if He were coming at any moment.

He warns us that we are to be on watch for we know not when the thief is coming in the night.

He also speaks of those drinking, partying and marrying as if the Lord's coming is long off. And warns us of this behavior.

Jesus is showing compassion for us. He wants us to have the eternal salvation God is giving us through His son Jesus. And He loves us so much that He is warning us, telling us point blank how to live our day.

Through the way Our Lord is towards us - should we not heed His warning?

We are all sinners, of which I am the greatest, but as long as we are striving to live our day according to God's commands, according to the behaviors and ways Jesus lived - we will show a love and desire to do right, and I believe God will have mercy. He loves us enough, do we love Him enough?

It is not easy. It is hard each passing moment -

To stay out of others affairs - yet be there with compassion and love when they need it.

To reach out with love and forgiveness to those who have hurt us time and again in the past - and possibly may do it again.

To open our arms to those who have only taken from us and never filled us when we needed it.

To NOT be a director over others lives - but to allow God to be their director.

God gives us the grace to do this.

It is our will, our choice, to do God's will and love our brothers and sisters, or to do our will and be lost and far from Him.

The awesome part is - He is always there should we wonder. Waiting for our return. Like a loving parent to a child who has wondered away to do what he or she wants. That parent loves them enough to let go and let them discover themselves - but is there when they come back. God does this for us. How can we turn away and say "I want to live this way not that. The Lord is coming but not today" to a God who loves us enough to give us warnings and offers the teaching we need to live.

Do we love Him enough to show Him through our actions today? Right now - in the next person that crosses our path?

I must practice today - keeping the things I have learned this morning - close to my heart and review in my mind often. Lest the events of the day lead me away. In chaos and confusion I will be lost, until I settle down tonight. With my head hung low becuase I forgot. I do the best that I can, but I know i could put forth a teesy bit more effort - to show gratiutde to the God of my understanding.

God's peace be with you today,

Dee

New Dutch oven on the way!!

I did it. I finally bought a nice, new piece of cookware. I have been shopping for years, never knowing what I really needed or wanted. We are evolving to the no telfon, no aluminum cookware and my eye has been on Le Creuset for some time, but couldn't bring myself to spend the big money.

I already have Lodge cast iron's, which are slowly getting seasoned (though don't try scrambled eggs. If you do add one extra egg to make up for what sticks!! LOL) and now I have found Lodge has enamel cookware just like Le Creuset! For a fraction of the cost! How awesome is that!

I was concerned about the lead content in the glass that is used in the enamel and this is what Lodge Logic says:

Are Lodge Enamel products tested for lead safety?

Lodge utilizes the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Test Procedure 7.5.1.4a Leachability of Lead and cadmium for Glazed Ceramic Surfaces. The FDA Division of Compliance Programs uses ASTM-C738 as the Standard Method of Test for glazed ceramic. In addition to information provided by vendors, Lodge Manufacturing Company uses third party testing to ensure that products with the Lodge name comply with standards set forth by the United States Food & Drug Administration. All our domestic as well as imported cookware complies with the FDA Standards. We are also in compliance with California Proposal 65, the world’s most rigid standard for lead and cadmium content.

I'm convinced. So it's on the way. A nice, red (Island Spice) 6 qt dutch oven by Lodge Logic. Check it out...

Nice huh?!

I am still shopping for a new camera, though I started my photography class last night and found out I can get the close up pictures I want with a good Macro lens for my Minolta 35mm. That would save a bit of money. The tough part is that I've gotten spoiled. I like looking at my pictures BEFORE I get them printed. Silly I know, but we all have our quirks!

God's peace,

Dee

Tagged

I had been tagged a couple weeks ago by my sister SusanD but Christmas and birthday took precedence over my time. Sorry Susan!

But alas, I am getting the opportunity to play the game and tag others so here goes:

7 Unusual things about me:

1. I love to be outdoors, especially at 5 am..alone with God.
2. I wear boots (Ropers) all the time, unless we've had snow..then I break out the fur lined Merrel's.
3. I enjoy making things and giving it to someone anonymously.
4. I am taking a photography class this semester.
5. I have raised 2 step-daughters for the past 17 years.
6. My soul is comforted by the hug of a horse or dog.
7. I dream of having a home with a bit of land for a few animals.

Ok so here's who I'm tagging - Susan , Rhee , Cyn , Ang , http://prairieportraits.blogspot.com/ , that's it for now...breakfast is ready. Priorities ya know!


So for the blogs I tagged, here's how you play the game:
1. Put a link in your posting to the person who tagged you.
2. List 7 unusual things about yourself.
3. Tag 7 other bloggers and let them know.


God's peace,
Dee

A New Chapter

Last Wednesday was my birthday, Whoa! It was a mile marker as some are lovingly calling it. I'm calling it the start to the second half...the next chapter.

After finishing a 4th step inventory (many of you know I'm in Al-Anon) I have been given the grace to see into myself. The good, the bad, and the space in between. With my birthday, I am celebrating the good, while reviewing and remembering daily I am a good person. God created me to love and be loved. I am a daughter of the King of Kings, and He loves me! I have found my values. I have found the woman who has been lost for years, and along with that, the anxiety of how in the world to make changes using 2%, as my dear loving sponsor is teaching me.

The grace to see within myself the bad. The thinking that I am not worthy of taking care of myself or putting my needs and wants out there to tend to. The grace to see how I have been treating myself. All from the years of growing up with an alcoholic, my thinking has been skewed. Some of my belief's just evolved from circumstances, some from things I was told.

But as my dear sister has put it on This Day...this day I am a good person who loves to give of myself to others - I just have to learn to do it without losing myself. My focus this day is on me, learning about me, understanding what it is to take care of me, and how to have fun all over again. Today, I am letting others keep their problems, emotions, and schedule's for it is not mine to manage or fix. Today, I am celebrating the next half of my life. And there will be change, for I am created by God and I deserve to know I am worthy!!

Today, This day...I am loving me!

The more I read the Bible and learn, really understand, the person Jesus Christ, I am learning He lived in a state of loving and caring for others but with detachment. He took care of himself first (going off to pray, sleeping when he needed it) yet He gave of Himself to anyone that crossed His path and ASKED Him for help. That is the eye opener for me. They asked. He did not go out and search for people to help, or get in their business and tell them how they could better themselves. He healed, He taught, and He loved all with those who came to Him. What an example to live by.

I am grateful for God sending His son to teach me, and to tell me I am worthy just because I breathe!

May God grant you peace...This Day,
Dee

Without a camera!

My handy, take with me everywhere, tiny digital camera gave out on me! It is stuck open and is going to cost more than a new one to fix, so I am saving for a new REALLY nice digital. This Spring I am taking a photography class at the local community college. I've always wanted to do that and hope that this will get me out of the house a bit.

As my life journey continues on I have learned:

* I love to be a housewife, but I need to do things that "fill" me too.

*Cleaning is important but not "all that". There are more things to life then a "routine" of daily cleaning, maintenance, and planning.

*When I focus on C or anyone else to much I lose myself. Currently I feel invisible so I am working to change that by doing things that make my heart sing: Photography class, drawing class and attending a Winter Weave basket weaving 3day workshop near Cleveland in February, volunteering at our church's thrift shop.

*Turning 40 in two weeks can bring two choices...1) Whoa! I am starting a new chapter in my life! with Oh my gosh! Where has the years gone...what am I going to do with the rest of my life? OR 2) Yikes I'm turning 40! How did THAT happen!

It is fitting that the Lord has brought me to this point in my life now. With the Incarnation of Christ and meditating on His coming, I have been standing back and looking at me, my life and where I am with Him in my journey.

My current meditations: Perfect Love casts out ALL fear. This leaves me to ask Him what is this Perfect Love? How can I get it to sink from the head to the heart? He is working on me, slowly, in a way only I will know. But for today, He asks me to be quite and come to spend time with Him so He can tell me how much He loves me. {smile}


I wish you a Merry Christmas and may God's peace be upon you~
Dee

It's about God

This morning as I entered into that joyouse quiet time with the Lord, this came to me. My husband asked me to post it, though I don't usually get involved in any politcs this is focused on the Lord.

~God's peace...

Obama won the presidency. Many people may think, "Oh great! This country is going to hell in a handbasket" or how "this person can devastate our country."
But wait! This is perfect grounds for the Lord to work miracles and we can praise & glorify Him.
We must draw near. We must pray, fast and give of ourselves. Sacrifice. For the Lord must know we belong to Him, not to a person. God made Barack Obama. God can do anything. I have hope and believe in God, as my guide, as my protector, as my creator.
I see this as a beautiful opportunity to give praise & glory to God for miracles He can do. For we will know they are from Him - all the more to praise Him.
We needed this! For our faith's sake.

Acts of kindness

Did you notice the little tail?

I love...

the soft spot in your heart. When in the early hours of the morning there is a chill in the house and Sasha is dancing by your feet, you carefully pick her up to hold her close so she can get warm. It moves me inside to see a man act so lovingly to one of God's little creatures.

I smile when...

you carefully hold our little 3 lb dog when she is having a seizure. With love and compassion for her you are right there..no matter what you are doing. :-)

It's official

Danielle enlisted in the Marine Corps on Thursday October 30! We are so proud of her! She hopes to do the 4 years and see where she is after that. Boot camp starts January 12th.


I have struggled with this in many ways, which I won't go into here. In prayer over and over the Lord has told me "let her go, this is what she needs right now. I know her, I know what she needs and I am watching over her." This has given me a peace inside that I can't explain. The same message was given to me for several days.


Of course, Chris is excited. He was in his prime at the MEP's station in Cleveland. Visiting with the other's who are active duty Marine's. While we were there I got to witness something amazing! The Lord taking this opportunity to work through my husband and minister to someone else that was active duty. They had a very deep, touching converstation about the Lord. Who knows why? Only God. But I do know it was an experience for both parties involved, and I was blessed to be able to watch it.



He is so awesome, He never ceases to work through us if we are willing.

God's peace to you,
Dee