tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42275836313043360382024-03-13T12:04:59.170-07:00Marshmellow DayLast night I dreamed I ate a ten-pound marshmallow, and when I woke up the pillow was gone! Tommy CooperAmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11468633451550358865noreply@blogger.comBlogger146125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227583631304336038.post-90485159341048394932018-01-16T12:36:00.000-08:002018-01-17T20:34:48.188-08:00Laundry Soap Discs!Hi friends!<br />
I had a quick little thought about regulating laundry soap today! In our house we LOVE to use laundry soap! Some of us even OVER use it! So today my 14 year old boy was talking about starting a load of laundry and in my mind I tried to think of a way I could pre-measure the stuff for him so that I wouldn't have to hover in order to conserve it. Immediately I had an epiphany and I'm here to share it with all of you!<br />
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Let's see if I can post any pictures.<br />
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So I pulled out my silicone baking cups and grabbed my soap!</div>
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Measured my stingy little one wash serving size. </div>
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Poured it on in!</div>
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FROZE IT</div>
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Voila and wahoo!!!</div>
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<br />Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11468633451550358865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227583631304336038.post-55757511720011011892016-01-21T23:28:00.001-08:002018-01-16T13:30:16.810-08:00Winter Greetings!This week has been my first glimpse of winter weather so far this season! We've had snow in our area before this week but I wasn't home to enjoy the fun. So I find myself thrilled to be "snowed in" with my hubby and keeping toasty warm.
From June 2014 until October 2015 I worked as a manager for a local coffee shop. There I learned much about coffee, espresso, steaming milk, and keeping shop for a small business. I also learned that there is so much I DON'T know. I think that is the most enlightening part of any real education; coming to the edge of the vast and endless world of things unlearned. What I know about coffee could fill a small book in the two story library of all that is coffee. I feel pleasantly humbled. I believe they have a word for this; awe.
Beyond the world of coffee and small business operations, the last year and a half has given me a much needed rest and reprieve from the hard work of heartaches. My husband has been my greatest human source of strength and support. He has given so much and carried my burdens so very far. He is a gift from God and I find myself speechless and incapable of describing all that he is and what he has done for me, and for my heart. I thank God for him. There are a multitude of others who have helped me walk my path. Some friends have become family, shouldering the weight of grief & crying my tears with me. Others have cheered me on when I felt no confidence to go. I've been given gentle instruction regarding healthy habits of grief, and I've made new friends who have treated me as an invaluable treasure. Some faces have faded into the background, although from what I have seen in my life so far, I believe some those relationships will circle back around, others are most likely in the past for good. My family, as always, are a source of endless love and joy for me.
I'm growing in clarity of mind and my enthusiasm for housekeeping is amazing even to myself. There have been days that I understood the fog of grief as a passing phase and gave myself a pass on laundry and dishes. There have been other days that humiliation flushed my face when I recalled my lack of shame at the filth and disarray surrounding me. Today I can say there is progress and I am proud of it. Even if I am the only one who knows the depths of it.
Time is moving forward and I am swept along in the current. This wintertime is preparing to melt away into a bright and beautiful spring.
Oh. And we have a puppy. Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11468633451550358865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227583631304336038.post-85630734262953348762015-03-22T21:47:00.001-07:002018-01-16T13:32:31.070-08:00Happy New Year... It's Spring!!So, as mentioned in the title of this post, Spring has sprung and the new year has long begun. I cannot yet say if it will be a happy one and yet the joy of the Lord is my constant comfort and His peace is my friend.
It has been a year since we've held our precious children and basked in their beautiful presence. What heartache it has brought; missing them, clearing out clothes from their closets, boxing up toys, taking down small beds and baby cribs, sorting through all the days that are now memories. Folding tiny pants and little dresses took my breath away. Each has had a birthday pass and the baby will soon have another. Those are especially hard for me because I believe in grand and glittering birthday celebrations and I do not see my treasures being treasured. Well loved, yes, but not treasured. Not as we treasured their preciousness. I ache at missing the milestones that fly by in those fast growing toddles years.
We pray for their lives and we long for their return and yet we know the chances are that we won't hold them again. We won't be rocking them to sleep or waking during the night. Its funny to say that we enjoyed those midnight wake ups but they were warm and sweet and precious to us. Sometimes I wake up wondering if someone needs checking on and a moment later when reality hits, it is cold. Still. Peace is here in our hearts and it gives us hope for a future. We know who designes our life and we trust God with our world. We don't invite anger or bitterness inside and when it starts to barge in we uproot it. There are many people who would advise us to sue, or go to the media, or push our adgenda in other ways but we know the only right way is by trusting the Lord and we know we can do that. So that is what we do. Moment by moment sometimes and day by day, always.
Spring is bringing buds of new life and we are expecting a year of comfort and peace, maybe a little hope too. Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11468633451550358865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227583631304336038.post-29537118524178929222014-10-30T10:54:00.002-07:002014-10-30T11:57:53.673-07:00ConfessionsI have a family history of this sort of behavior, I've known that I have a predisposition for this type of thing but I never thought it would affect me.<br />
As a child, I heard stories about my aunt, whispers around the table, I saw my sister inclined in the same way, and I was repulsed. But I NEVER thought that it would affect me,I never thought that I would be one of them but, it started slowly. It was fun to fake it, to pretend for awhile, there are things you can do, stuff you can buy to make yourself think you don't want it, I pretended that I was normal but I knew something was different. I knew I WANTED it. Then one day I found it for a really good price and I thought that I could buy a larger amount and use it slowly, now and then. I went through what could be a year's supply for some people, and it only took me a few months. My husband was appalled. I could see the confusion, the apprehension, even sometimes this look of disgust, on his face but by then I was hooked and it didn't matter. I hid it for awhile, but my friends started noticing. They were shocked and disgusted. I tried to entice them to join me but it was not to be. I didn't care. I didn't even think it was a problem. But my habit was getting expensive and the price was going up, all over the US people we paying top dollar for the stuff, and double that when it was considered designer. The good stuff.<br />
Anyway. My husband started a few months ago but he only does it when he's with me. Never on his own. I have to do it for him and sometimes he'll ask for it. I have a secret thrill when this happens because I know he's hooked. Money has been tight lately and luxuries are few, this is now a splurge that I make every couple of weeks and I try to make it last. If I don't have any waiting for me, all I can think about is finding more. If I do have a stash, then it calls to me. I keep it in the kitchen. This morning I woke up thinking it was just a regular day but after my shower I walked out to the kitchen and like a big, bright, light it was there, right on the countertop, calling my name. My name is Amy, and I don't have a problem but this morning I ate a half a stick of butter.<br />
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<br />
Real butter is good for you. But real Addiction is a serious problem and I'm not making light of that. If you have an addiction or know someone who does, please seek help.Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11468633451550358865noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227583631304336038.post-67096424152307817692014-06-15T04:47:00.001-07:002018-01-16T13:35:44.675-08:00Seasons of FriendshipsIn the summer heat, we need water to quench our thirst. Maybe you have a friend with a well of icy cold spring water. What a good friend to have in the summer!<br />
In the wintertime, when your feet are cold and fingers icy you could use a friend who has a nice warm fire to snuggle up next to.<br />
Come springtime the need for a fire isn't so pressing but an umbrella would sure come in handy. When the sky is raining bucket loads, you look around and see your good buddy with an umbrella big enough that you both could share a picnic beneath it. That's the friend for you! You wave and call her name and she welcomes you into your her world.<br />
Friends are wonderful. Good for loving and laughing with, great when you're moving houses, and each friend has unique abilities and strengths in specific areas. Some friends have wells of thirst quenching water, others a warm fire to thaw the frozen chill, yet another friend can bring a bit of shelter in a stormy downpour. Each friend is valuable but sometimes we <i>place more value </i>on the friend we need in the moment. When it's raining we can forget about our friend with the well she shares so generously. In the winter we're not looking for a buddy with an umbrella. I'm sure you see where this is going. Of course I intend to say that we should value our friends for who they are and not for what they can offer us but there's more. Sometimes our friends ARE what they offer us! When we are bitter and feeling used, a friend with a warm heart can thaw us. When life is drowning us in sorrow a sheltering hug can make all the difference. When we're in a desert, spiritually, emotionally, or even just lonely, the right friend can refresh our life. Thank God for friends! We should all have them - and we should all be them. When your season of thirst is over, and maybe you're now in a season of rain, share your well! Water your thirsty friends! When you're no longer huddled by the fire, warm someone else! Share your heat! When you're coming out of the rain, hold the umbrella for someone who is desperate! Share your shelter!<br />
Seasons change. They change daily and often they change before we sense it. Be careful to continue valuing the people who value you. If you're loved, chose to be lovable and love back.<br />
Sometimes we have to step out of the rain and regroup before we can hold an umbrella for another, and that's okay. But when you have something to offer then don't hold back. Be the friend that you needed. Be available, be real, have hard and uncomfortable conversations, listen, choose to listen when you don't understand or even agree. Sometimes we must help our friends by saying hard stuff, in love, but often being a friend isn't about doing something, but just listening.<br />
All this to say, the ebb and flow of life will naturally pull you this way and that. Sometimes our lives go in different directions. But if your life flows right past your friend's door, make a stop now and then. Bring coffee. Or bring tissues. Don't be afraid of the hard stuff. When you're a friend in the inconvenient times, you'll have friends when you need them. If you're so busy having fun with new friends that you have no time to play with your old friends, then you'll find you have no friends at all.Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11468633451550358865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227583631304336038.post-9629880946192285152014-05-19T21:54:00.000-07:002018-01-16T13:39:27.674-08:00Choose Your Regrets<br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">People on their deathbeds often have regrets that fit into a
few main categories. I like to read articles about this particular subject. I feel like I can avoid having certain retgret by learning from other people's mistakes. Sometimes they wish they’d had more adventure in their
lives, traveled the world, or maybe created something. Some people wish they
had developed a talent or earned a degree. Most often though the most bitter of
all regrets has to do with love, family, and relationships. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">In our lives there are usually a few key people in the day
to day living. Those people consist of our live in family members, close
friends and coworkers we may see frequently, and the people we search out. The loved
ones we choose to connect with who add to our lives, and hopefully, we to
theirs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">But there are others. People who we know and love but we don’t
see as regularly due to schedule conflicts or even distance barriers. We still
connect, through the telephone, social networking, weekend visits or even
vacations. These people know we love them and they love us back.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">What about the people we know, and maybe even love, who we
aren’t including in our regular lives. They’re the more distant relatives or acquaintances
that we’re content to see a few times a year at a family function or a mutual friend’s
gathering, or more infrequently even, if life prevents these occasional connections
from taking place. These are the people we know and we say hello if our paths
cross. We enjoy their company and we move on. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">There are people we may see every day without noticing. The cashier
and the department store, the mailperson, the gas station attendant, the
barista at Starbucks, the janitor at work. People whose names we may or may not
know. These are the people whose lives often bump into ours, but who we have
little or no relationship with.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Now think of the people you know and how they fit into each
of these categories. Our family and close friends, our parents, our grown
children, our extended families, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, , our coworkers,
our fellow church goers, our car repair person, the trash man. These people are
all in our lives with us. We see them, they see us. How do you greet them? Warmly?
Affectionately? Distantly? Of course we apply our emotion on a case by case
basis. But what if we forget to care for someone? What if we are so intent on
ordering our macchiato that when we have a chance to connect we miss it, or
ignore it? What if we’ve place such high value on posting our current events on
Facebook that we are MISSING out on our current relationships? What if we’re so
caught up in finding out what Kim Freaking Kardashian is wearing today that we
miss an opportunity to catch up with grandma?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What if we care more about having the latest model cell phone that we
carelessly race away from our real life? What if you’re missing out on your
real life because you're too busy comparing it to your neighbors life and you
find it lacking so you’re discontent and pouting and wishing for more more
more, bigger bigger bigger, better better better!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What have we become that we crop grandma out
of the baby pictures for a more polished look? What have we done? Have we
traded our family for a picture perfect lifestyle? Are there any pictures of
grandpa on your family photo wall?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">That’s a regret to prevent. Choose to open your
life up to the un-pretty, the not cool, the people behind the scenes, people
who spend their free time investing into your life. Look around you; somebody
is standing off to the side, wishing for a moment of your time. Embrace the
people who actually like you and stop trying to impress the rest of the world.
You can start living your real life today</span>Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11468633451550358865noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227583631304336038.post-62988417318235462672014-03-26T23:16:00.003-07:002018-01-16T13:44:09.326-08:00A Question of Commitment and also a PrayerWe ought to be rallying behind our church leaders not talking behind their backs about how imperfect they are, not discussing some instance that you felt slighted, and certainly not speculating as to what their problem area could be. We don't have a right to trash talk any church, even if we've chosen to leave it in favor of another.<br />
I've said many times that I disliked the preaching style of one church or another, I might comment on the style of music I prefer or don't prefer, but to dig in deep with personal insults directed at church leadership and structure is plain mean spirited and wrong.<br />
If you find yourself offended that someone didn't notice you, make an effort to forgive them and pray that God will help them see more of the people around them who desire personal moments with them.<br />
If you believe someone said something offensive, ask God for help to forgive them, don't walk around talking about how so and so said such and such so you left the church.<br />
We are intended to help one another when we stumble. In effort to keep your footing, don't stir up stumbling blocks for your fellows, but be a positive example of love and life giving words.<br />
Two of the most critical and most often offended people I've ever met have been the source of the most negative speech against the church and both of these people take the Lord's name in vain in an abundant manner, during every conversation I have with them. These people may not even realize what they're saying, but they've been very clear to point out how many Christians have offended them. It causes me to believe that if I asked why they use Gods name in vain, then I might offend them right out of the church. Or, should I be offended out by their language? Which offense is greater, their frequent OMG or my distaste of it?<br />
Why are we so quick to hop churches when somebody says something that we don't like? Do not we realize there will be a negative Nancy, Debbie downer, doubting Thomas, sons of thunder, tax collecting Matthew, Mary of the serving nurturer, Martha the relationship nurturer, James the Just, even Judas the traitor in every congregation? Jesus has asked us to love one another, not in our perfection and righteousness but in his grace and forgiveness. You don't have to pretend you don't notice sin, but pray and seek God's will with a heart towards forgiveness, remembering that God has forgiven them, and me, and you. It's my honor to chose not to be offended by my brothers and sisters. It's my joy to love my neighbors who have hurt me. It's for His glory that I chose to forgive those who cause me pain.<br />
Let's have a prayer.<br />
Heavenly Father.<br />
Loving, forgiving, gracious, God.<br />
Please help me remember that when I was filthy with sin and disgrace, you loved me. You love me because your righteousness has covered my sin. You washed me of my filth and made me yours when I could never be worthy of your love or your mercy.<br />
Thank you God for your ever flowing, never ending mercy, your fountain of forgiveness, your unending love. Thank you for showing me what it means to forgive, help me to keep forgiving because it's always so hard.<br />
Thank you for teaching me to love. Not just for the sake of loving someone who needs love, but because loving people is the sweetest pleasure I know. Thank you for giving me the strength to love, when I am too weak. Thank you for giving me the courage to love when I'm afraid it will hurt too much. Thank you for loving me and letting Your love shine into my broken heart.<br />
Oh God. Thank you for teaching me that forgiveness is better for me than even the person I'm forgiving.<br />
Is it possible that you find such sweet pleasure in forgiving and loving me, as I find when I forgive and love? How can it even be? Thank you for the rain that causes the sun shine to seem warmer and brighter in its absence. Lord, please promise me that the sun will shine again in my world. That the pain will fade and your love will fill me up and overflow from me.<br />
Thank you for your will and your plan and your purpose for my life. Help me to see it and to trust in you.Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11468633451550358865noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227583631304336038.post-30225992776837361142014-01-11T06:48:00.000-08:002018-01-16T13:46:39.728-08:00Good Morning!Hi old buddy old pal!
<br />
I have no idea how to post a blog from my phone... and we don't have another source for internet at home. There are a couple of options here; I could write the posts and save them until I can upload, or figure out why my phone doesn't have hotspot abilities. If I can make my phone be a hotspot then I'm afraid I'll be purchasing a LOT more data than I already exceed each month. If I could refrain from logging on except when posting then that could be a solution. Just some thoughts.
Beyond all of that, we've had so many changes in our lives that you might know nothing about! Allow me to fill you in, just a little.
<br />
In Oct or Nov of 2012 we did get moved into our bigger and older house. It is already brimming with stuff and junk that I should learn to get rid of. My huge garage is not yet organized but I foresee a little time in the future to accomplish that.
Soon after our move we welcomed a new baby sibling to the two darling foster children who I mentioned before. Our lives were overflowing with love and happiness and I found myself asking a question that I'll never ask again; "Why is this life we have so full of love and so nearly perfect?" I just had to ask. I was waiting for reality to break in and steal my dreams-come-true.
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On June 23, 2013 my beautiful mother was killed in a car accident. I sob even now as I write those terrible words. She was my closest girl friend, my biggest champion, the most devoted and enthusiastic grandmother, the most enthusiastic everything, for that matter. She was radiant and vibrant and the world is emptier, colder, and dulled without her in it. She added her own shimmer to the sunshine. The world does not know the sparkle it has lost.
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3 months after losing Mom our children were removed from our home and we don't know what that future looks like. We have contacted attorneys and are trying to move forward with hiring them to sort out this situation. We're allowed to see and visit our children and we know they are safe and loved, I'll post the details separately so look for that in you have an interest.
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We've just come through our first round of holidays without Mom and we've all survived. I have spent time visiting my dad and I'm so grateful for the loved ones I have left, especially my husband. He is so loving and kind. He is gentle and caring, hard working, committed to our love, he envelopes me with his support and comfort. He is my most treasured gift from God. I also have found comfort in the rest of my family, especially my brother and sister-in-law who understand this profound loss as only they could. My group of close personal friends, some of whom I consider sisters, have lifted me when I couldn't carry on, they sob with me and allow their hearts to break as mine has. They have loved my mom and my children along side me and they feel the ache that is left behind. Among these ashes I have found such beautiful treasures and the pain makes pleasure of it so much sweeter.
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God has cloaked me in His comfort, He has soothed my pain with His love and care. I know WHO holds my world together and I trust my Heavenly Father with every tear and all my pain. I know that He does not want my heart to hurt, I know that he will work all of this for my good, and for the good of our children. I do not fear the future, whatever it may hold. <br />
Please check back for updates on our story. I would love for you to watch with us as this happy ending unfolds.
Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11468633451550358865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227583631304336038.post-82080128411982104022012-11-19T23:47:00.001-08:002018-01-16T13:48:10.538-08:00Don't Be A StatisticBe the one who stays despite their feelings and desires, be the one who says; "I choose to put my commitment to love honor and cherish ahead of my desire to feel good or follow my dreams".
Your commitment is not to stay married, it is to stay in love, in love with the one you promised and swore and vowed with all your heart to love forever - until you die.
So for awhile you may feel like a resistant groom in an arranged marriage, you might look at your wife and only see who she isn't. Eventually, though, you'll start to laugh with her about something your child said, then you'll laugh with her over something that you wouldn't laugh at with anyone else; you'll start seeing who she is, things that she does just because she knows you like it, or sees you need it. You'll feel yourself loving her in a way that you've never loved before, you'll love her for her and not for what you can get from her. You'll thank God you did what was right in his eyes.
The thought of what you almost threw away will sicken you to the core.
If you do leave, all of this may take place anyway and it'll be too late, you'll realize what you threw away, and it will STILL sicken you to your core. Your pride will keep you in your seat but your heart will never be the same.
This works for wives to husbands too. Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11468633451550358865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227583631304336038.post-43661732878229177722012-10-25T21:31:00.002-07:002018-01-16T13:49:06.922-08:00Seriously though...You've got to check this out! It's something I've just come across online and I think I'll order one for my nursery, another for my living room, and maybe one for the kitchen too!<br />
There are a couple of other companies that make and market these but this one;<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_556199056"></span><span id="goog_556199057"></span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/patternedpaintroller" target="_blank">The Painted House - patterned paint rollers!</a><br />
seems to have good quality, or even the same patterns, for the best price. You do pay more for shipping though since it comes from the UK.<br />
Just go see if it's not worth it!<br />
Ta!<br />
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Ps, the house next door goes up for sale tomorrow!!! Won't you be my neighbor??<br />
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<br />Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11468633451550358865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227583631304336038.post-3470129891670167462012-08-26T15:07:00.002-07:002012-08-26T15:10:41.368-07:00On a Roll!<br />
In case we're not facebook friends, I had to post this.<br />
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Today I dedicated this video to all the two-timin', sneakin' around, cheaters out there. <br />
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Seems like there's one in every family.<br />
Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11468633451550358865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227583631304336038.post-21977198733598670632012-08-23T09:31:00.003-07:002012-08-23T09:31:48.959-07:00To Whom It May Concern...If you're not a Christian, not attempting to be Christlike, then this is not for you. IF you are a Christian there are a few things I think that we as a nation are forgetting...<br />
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1. Respect your political leaders.<br />
Even Saul was chosen by God to be king and David who was next in line by God's design was not willing to harm him. He ran for his own life but he did not threaten Saul's.<br />
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2. Respect your elders.<br />
We have elders for a reason and I am the first to mentally yell at the older folks. Not the people I know personally but the bad drivers and the oblivious walkers. No matter how wrong they are I am wrong too.<br />
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3. Don't judge the sins around you.<br />
Though I wouldn't steal someones husband and/or kill to cover it up, I have never been called a woman after God's own heart. I don't really even know what that is supposed to mean but David, king, adulterer, & murderer was called just that. This man danced (naked!) through his city in worshipful praise to my God. I don't think that Gods is expecting that from any of us today but... Would I if he did?<br />
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4. Be worthy of the calling you have received! <br />
Live your life in a way that rings honor and glory to God, even in the eyes of those who do not know him. Avoid appearance of evil, most of us have the basics down; don't drink, swear, cheat, steal, and we teach our kids not to push, hit, lie, even chew with their mouths open! What we teach them by example though, is to talk about people who have offended us, to be defiant when we dislike the rules or the leaders, that's its okay to be rude, cutting, short, or sarcastic to our spouses, and usually we don't say sorry for any of these things. <br />
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<br />As a Christian, it is so important to do the right thing, especially when it's against our will. Especially when it's not a "written" rule. <br />
Did you just step around litter on the sidewalk? Laugh when the Librarian shushed you? Sneer at the old woman who cut you off at Walmart? As Christians, it is our honor to be the example of Christ, especially when everyone else isn't. Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11468633451550358865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227583631304336038.post-28034091598529257422012-08-19T21:58:00.000-07:002012-08-19T21:58:01.353-07:00No Apologies!I have a firm, no guilt, policy for my blog... Never say sorry for not writing. I've read it a hundred times on other blogs and it ALWAYS sounds so dumb in my head. Like I was waiting on the telephone on hold for 3 weeks. So sorry, but I won't say sorry! I love you though and I am blogging in my heart every day!<br />
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In other news, I think we might be moving! We've been led on by a lender, with a closing date that came and went, for nearly 60 days! So we finally got smart and we're talking with another lender. We should have a definite answer on Wednesday...with a closing date I hope!<br />
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Our ideal situation is that we move out of our tiny but 4 years new cookie cutter house and into a spacious and rather interesting 42 year old house. Oh the kitchen! Oh the rec room! Oh the huge garage and giant shed in the back yard! I am ready for some counter space, an extra cupboard or two, and some shelves to organize all my crap in the garage! I have totes, three or four, filled with gift bags, tissue paper, shirt boxes, and loads of ribbon. I love to wrap gifts, but in my current situation I would have to be an acrobat to get to my supplies! Don't even let me start on the stash of Easter/Valentine's Day fun I have in another tote or the millions of totes filled with Christmas decor. I will myself to purge the stuff that I have held onto and not used. This is going to be so refreshing!Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11468633451550358865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227583631304336038.post-41696224399987181112012-08-18T12:16:00.002-07:002012-08-18T12:18:58.361-07:00Don't stay together for the kids sake. Stay in love for the kids sake.Pride - which doesn't let us apologize<br />
Selfishness - which convinces us to put our own "happiness" (more like "feel good" moments) before that of our families or spouse<br />
Arrogance - convinces us that we are worth the pain we put others through<br />
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You don't have a right to be happy. You have a right to love your spouse.<br />
You don't deserve the first apology, you deserve to give it.<br />
You are not worth the pain you cause others.<br />
You are not incapable of denying yourself.<br />
You don't think its fair to stay together for the kids sake? Don't. Stay in love for the kids sake.<br />
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This song was recorded by the Dixie Chicks and it so applies to the DECADE that it took for me to balance my life after my parents divorce.<br />
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I've sure enjoyed the rain but I'm looking forward to the sun <br />
You have to feel the pain when you lose the love you gave someone <br />
I thought by now the time would take away these lonely tears <br />
I hope you're doin' fine all alone but where do I go from here <br />
Cause without you I'm not okay <br />
And without you I've lost my way <br />
My heart's stuck in 2nd place<br />
Without you <br />
Well I never thought I'd be here without you by my side <br />
It seems unreal to me, that the life you promised was a lie <br />
You made it look so easy, turning love into memories <br />
I guess you got what you wanted, but what about me <br />
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Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11468633451550358865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227583631304336038.post-17867256814997518692012-07-31T21:50:00.001-07:002012-07-31T21:50:23.191-07:00I Miss You, My Friends.Captain America went to Afghanistan in December 2011, he returned in April of this year to find his household in the process of growing! I've mentioned a little of this, that we were getting our foster care license, but I didn't tell you (did I?) that it was due to these sweet little babies I have been baby sitting. We signed our contracts a couple of weeks ago and hope to have placement...soon! <br />
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In other news, my darling husband went traveling some more for two weeks in July, this time to Alaska. The military has many ways of fulfilling the dreams of those who are honored to serve. The trip was amazing and I'd like to share a photo or two, with you!<br />
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Here he is in the Denali National Park - on this day he was supposed to go jet boating and panning for gold, there was a problem with their driver and they didn't make it in time so instead they hiked around the park for a bit and took some wonderful pictures.</div>
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This is a picture of the view from the fitness trail on base. </div>
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Must be the life!</div>
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Sadly, I can post no pictures of our sweet little friends but just imagine the cutest babies in the world, and then double the cuteness and they're just a little cuter than that!</div>
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Now, about food. I'm feeding these people I live with (Captain America and his miniature) all day long, so I'm getting fat fat fat! I've been sick in bed for 4 days and still haven't lost a pound. Enough is enough. We've started on a vegetarian lifestyle due to my athletic husband and his never ending quest to be better than perfect (more about that later), and so we did 2 months of vegetarianism before the captain went to Alaska. We really liked it. So now we want to try it for a year. Eeek!</div>
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I'd like to leave you with this; try the Morning Star Farms Spicy Black Bean Burger. Yum Yum Yum.</div>
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Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11468633451550358865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227583631304336038.post-60347290539221161322012-04-21T21:52:00.000-07:002012-07-31T21:53:32.459-07:00Happy Easter!We saved our Easter for a week so that we could share it with Captain America!<br />
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He's home!!!Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11468633451550358865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227583631304336038.post-84000626299217941622012-04-08T12:42:00.003-07:002016-04-13T01:58:02.617-07:00So Much to Tell You...Yet Nothing I Can Say!We are starting the process of becoming foster parents!<br /><br />So here is what I can tell you about any children who might someday be our foster kids.<br /><br />Nothing.<br /><br />Okay we can tell you if we have foster kids but that's it. No names, no ages, no pics, no details. That's just the way it is. It's for their protection.<br /><br />Please be excited with us anyway because WE ARE WAAAAY EXCITED!<br /><br />Also, something else I can't tell you about:<br /><br />We are saving Easter for next weekend. Someone very special will be here and it just wouldn't be the same without our special someone. Tell ya bout it next weekend!Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11468633451550358865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227583631304336038.post-88013299855969152752012-03-08T23:53:00.001-08:002012-03-08T23:53:00.224-08:00GIVEAWAY!There will be a worthless prize presented to the person who has made the most comments by Easter!<br /><br />Obviously you will have to supply your address and not comment anonymously. Other terms and conditions may apply.Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11468633451550358865noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227583631304336038.post-28861081492410832672012-03-07T23:49:00.002-08:002012-03-07T23:51:35.523-08:00Springtime!It certainly feels like Spring in Missouri tonight and I love it. Even the birds are singing!<br /><br />I think I'll go plant some fake flowers.Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11468633451550358865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227583631304336038.post-64107588765236332052012-02-27T19:56:00.002-08:002012-02-27T20:08:39.240-08:00Food For ... Thought.In your marriage - or any relationship really. Especially your marriage though because, man, living with someone gets frustrating! Your spouse or friend, mother, brother, whoever, was not created to make you happy, to maintain your sense of well being, or to cheer you up.<br /><br />You were not created even to BE happy. You were created to glorify God by becoming holy through a lifetime of trusting in God through all of your circumstances. God is not a magic genie that pops out to make our dreams and wishes come true. God is God. For us to adore, worship, fear, revere, trust, honor, glorify, and love.<br /><br />So do not rely on your spouse to make your day brighter, make theirs brighter, don't wait for them to complement you, complement them, serve God by loving your spouse as God has loved us. Thoroughly, unconditionally, never ending(ly), always when you don't feel like it or don't want to, and especially when they don't deserve it, because we never have deserved Gods love, and we never will.Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11468633451550358865noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227583631304336038.post-1708751336030163322012-02-15T22:11:00.000-08:002012-02-15T22:36:51.110-08:00Welcome to Nasty!That was the ickiest, messiest, most primitive experience I've ever had.<br /><br />I've seen some ultra nasty refrigerators in my life and, actually this one didn't come close, but this one is my own, and its the grossest my own has ever been.<br /><br />Want to make fruit leather? Just leave a jar of jelly on its side for awhile, see what it comes to. There was another kinda of leather under the drawer which came as a shock to me. It wasn't fruit though. More like beef jerky leather, except I think it came from relish. Blah.<br /><br />My mother would be so proud of me for my moment of motivation, actually probably horrified that it took so long to hit me. Motivation and I have rarely crossed in the last few <em><strong>months</strong></em>? Maybe a bit longer than that... I do sweep my floors and clean my bathrooms regularly though.<br /><br />I would have taken a picture but I didn't want proof that I could live in such a way! Really though on a scale of 1 to 10, I give this a solid 5. Gross, but didn't really take long to clean up.<br />Thank you Pinterest for little ideas like press and seal lined shelves...even though it didn't seem to work. I'll try again in the future.<br /><br />Wow. Thanks for tuning in for this very important message today. Now go clean something.Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11468633451550358865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227583631304336038.post-55420891874500116472012-02-09T16:00:00.000-08:002012-02-09T16:04:19.104-08:00Clothing Project: The Final SagaLast week I was given 10 pair of super fun and cute pants/<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">ca</span><span class="blsp-spelling-error">pris</span> for the Summertime! A couple of tops were in the pile too, they are all brands that I would never fork out the money to purchase myself. What an amazing circle this has come around to!<br />I cannot wait for Spring and Summer!!!Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11468633451550358865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227583631304336038.post-89938416371475321732012-01-26T18:18:00.000-08:002012-01-26T18:25:58.288-08:00Ninja Super Powers - I have them.There I am, balanced on one foot standing on a chair with a stack of 4 wobbly bowls in one hand, stretching to place them in perfect position without sending my unstable chair backwards or sideways, both have happened. I grab two large wooden spoons from the top bowl when SUDDENLY! The spoons teeter, then totter, time slows to a crawl as I steady one bulky dipper with my free thumb but the other careens toward the counter top below, my left hand streaks through the air and with cat-like speed snatches the spoon just milliseconds before it crash lands, and I am the ninjiest ninja of all.<br /><br /><br /><br />They call me Kitchen Ninja.Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11468633451550358865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227583631304336038.post-76206123081930616052012-01-02T13:20:00.000-08:002012-01-02T13:23:28.507-08:00Happy New Year!Here's to fresh goals, new dreams, big plans, and more birthdays!<br />Welcome 2012!Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11468633451550358865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4227583631304336038.post-30635102625410420402011-12-29T02:41:00.000-08:002011-12-29T02:50:51.580-08:00Oh Captain, My Captain!Captain America stopped by Wahmert the other day and picked up a little action figure of himself for his handsome preteen spitting image to keep in case of loneliness. We call it Little Daddy or sometimes just "your daddy" like daddy is an item, as in "got your daddy in your bag?" lol, it can get pretty silly but here's the thing;<br /><br />Now I want a Little Daddy. Sounds weird doesn't it?<br /><br />You should see the places Little Daddy goes though, under the seat, he sits on the table, once he landed upside down on his Frisbee and stood on his head. Oh the fun we have with Little Daddy. We've only had his for a day! Stay tuned for the Adventures Of!Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11468633451550358865noreply@blogger.com0