Good morning,

I have lots and lots to tell you all about. God is so good, I'm feeling much better this week. And I lost another 2 pounds! Yippee! That's 10!

We spent the day yesterday at the girls cheerleading competition. I knew it would be a long day. What I didn't expect was 2,000 people to come. I knew it was at a high school stadium, but, I just never thought it would be as crowded as it was. It was funny when one little boy said, "sheesh there's enough people here it's like a Penn State football game." He was right. The girls all got medals and they were happy. Exhausted in the end, but really happy. We picnicked. I brought subway hoagies, doritos, water, ice tea and some fruit snacks. It worked out great. A few friends of mine said the line was so long for food that the kids don't have enough time to eat. I am sooooo glad we packed a lunch. The lines were about 30 minutes long. Don't even ask about the bathroom line.

School is going well. I love one class and one I can tolerate for another couple weeks haha. My Tuesday class is canceled for this week, which is great. We all need the break. This works out too because Kelsey has a field trip I'm going to with her that day -- so God had that schedule all worked out from the beginning.

We spent a nice family morning together. We are sunburned from yesterday -- just like the bacon was bacon today. LOL I burned the bacon this morning. And not like salvageable, like verging on charcoal. So I had to make another pound. The kids were like, mom what are you doing. We had hash browns, eggs, toast, and bacon. After we cleaned up, hubby did a devotional/bible study with the kids and I on "Open the Eyes of My Heart." It was really beautiful and so peaceful.

My plans for today are cleaning my house as slowly as I want, finishing studying for my psychology test tomorrow on the 4 most important educational theorists -- interesting -- NOT. I threw a roast in the crockpot so I could chill and clean and not think about dinner. The roast is the kind with potatoes, carrots, onion, garlic and Lipton onion soup mix. I'm going to put some bread on too in the bread maker -- a totally hands off dinner. YEAH.

This week I'm expecting another miracle. Are you? Karrie has an ear doctors appointment on Friday. A few months ago when we were there we were told her right ear was hearing perfectly normally. This time, I pray we get the same news about her left ear. I'm going expecting great results. I know He's a wonder working God.

God really is a moving, living, breathing, wonder working God. This week we finalized the arrangements for the new church. It's called The Worship Center. It's a born again, Christ filled church where all are welcome. We were blessed with a wonderful couple of meeting rooms and a sanctuary to use. We will be meeting at the Moosic Methodist Church at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday's beginning in October. When we went to preview the meeting area we were just covered in such peace. The Pastor of the church made us feel welcome and told us to use whatever we need. The church board is even allowing us to store our sound equipment.

Don't limit the Lord in your lives. There is NOTHING that He cannot do or pull together. Who was more unconventional that Jesus himself? Who could take nothing and make something of it? Who could take spit and mud and heal someone? When you think there is no way, remember there is always a way with God, as long as you are within His will and on His timing with a pure heart.

I'm sitting here listening to my new favorite song, City on Our Knees by TobyMac. I've spent months having Mighty to Save as my "theme song". But this new song has just grabbed me. It's great. I've posted the lyrics below.

Hugggz,

Kristy~!

City on our Knees by TobyMac
If you gotta start somewhere why not here
If you gotta start sometime why not now
If we gotta start somewhere I say here
If we gotta start sometime I say now
Through the fog there is hope in the distance
From cathedrals to third world missions
Love will fall to the earth like a crashing wave

Tonight’s the night
For the sinners and the saints
Two worlds collide in a beautiful display
It’s all love tonight
When we step across the line
We can sail across the sea
To a city with one king
A city on our knees
A city on our knees
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh

If you gotta start somewhere why not here
If you gotta start sometime why not now
If we gotta start somewhere I say here
If we gotta start sometime I say now
Through the fog there is hope in the distance
From cathedrals to third world missions
Love will fall to the earth like a crashing wave

Tonight’s the night
For the sinners and the saints
Two worlds collide in a beautiful display
It’s all love tonight
When we step across the line
We can sail across the sea
To a city with one king
A city on our knees
A city on our knees
Oh-oh-oh

Tonight could last forever
We are one choice from together
Tonight could last forever
Ooh
Tonight could last forever
We are one choice from together
As family
We’re family
Oh Tonight could last forever
We are one choice from together
You and me
Ya, you and me
Tonight’s the night
For the sinners and the saints
Two worlds collide
In a glorious display
Cuz its all love tonight
When we step across the line
We can sail across the sea
To a city with one king
A city on our knees
A city on our knees
Oh oh oh
A city on our knees
A city on our knees
Oh oh oh
If we gotta start somewhere why not here
If we gotta start sometime why not now

Happy Sunday morning everyone!

Well it's been an interesting week. Back to work and school. Back to almost 60 kindergartners and phonics. We didn't have too many criers. Although we did have one growler. Yes, growler. It's fascinating being growled at by a 5 year old who thinks it's funny and a way to communicate. I told him to talk to me using "his words" not growling. I told him he could tell me he how he felt, that he was angry or he hated school or me, but he was not allowed to growl at me. He stopped -- for like 30 seconds. Although the next day there was no growling, so that's progress right LOL.

So it's been an interesting week. My blood pressure was 160/110 then later 160/118. I went to the doctor and he put me on some blood pressure medication and a water pill. And since the end of July I've lost 8 pounds! YIPPEE! 30 or 50 more to go and we are all set.

I feel better now, but for a couple days my head was pounding and I felt cruddy. Last night I did feel icky and went to bed at 8. I slept through until 7. Today I feel so much better. I think my body is adjusting to school and work and new medications. PTL - today is a better day.

Now to completely change the subject, why the heck is my computer acting up. My aol keeps stalling or kicking off. Technically, I only use it for the mail, but sheesh. My facebook is glitchy and I haven't been able to get into my FB inbox for over a month. And now my other email account is not loading. No it's not my internet connection, I checked and that's good to go. No it's not my computer either -- healthy and running well. So why are these 2 programs driving me insane? Just for the fun of it I guess. Okay, I tested my dsl speed -- all is good, maybe I'll reboot.

Hubby just took the girls off to church. I'm going to finish 40 pages of reading due for tomorrow. Educ. Psych -- so I've had 2 weeks to do it and didn't and the class is tomorrow -- I better get on it. While I do my reading, I'll dye my hair and then meet the family for 3 football games/cheerleading. Kenny and I are going to trade off the games today. It's just too much being there all afternoon. It's a pain in the butt to be blunt. The kids love it though, which is a great thing.

Their cheer competition is this Saturday. All day. It starts at 10 a.m. in North Pocono. I hope they win, they've been working really hard. I think it's an all day thing. I guess I should find out though. I think it's if you win one you keep going until it's over. I heard it was like 6 or 7 hours last year. Of course, then that evening they scheduled a football game. Am I the only one that thinks, hmmmm....drive 1/2 hour to compete all day, then schedule a game for that evening? How many cheerleaders do they think will actually come? My official answer to that is -- not us. LOLLLL

Well I better get my mojo working because I just remembered I have a meeting at 4. Actually, I should just print my schedule, because I keep forgetting everything LOL. We had planned to video a davidic dance session this Saturday, and I just knew I had something else that day but could not put my finger on it. Of course, if I had looked at the calendar I would have realized it was the cheer competition.

God is good. He knows all and is in control. I'm a peacefully resting in His arms today. Whatever gets done, gets done, what doesn't is in His hands.

Hugggz,

Kristy~!

Howdy!


Can you believe today is Labor Day? I can't. This summer has just jetted by. We picked up my layaways today. Grabbed Katie a couple more skirts. I think with taking classes all the way through July it made August go just that much faster.


We had a nice night at Kristen's party the other day. It was fun. I think she must have had at least 30 people there and about 30 kids! They had a great time with the kariokie machine and swimming.


Yesterday we went to church to support my sister in law. This was her first week on the worship team at her church. She did a great job. And my kids loved children's church there. It was missionary Sunday and each time it is they try to get one of their missionaries on webcam or skype.


Today they had their missionary from Israel on for the kids to talk with. I think it was so awesome. My kids seemed to be really affected by it. Katie especially seemed to love it. It's a terrific idea and really brings home the idea that these are real people, in a real place, serving the Lord. In real time. Such a great ministry tool. And they've been singing the song he taught them "Hevenu Shalom Alelchem" over and over. God is good. When the kids are affected/effected it really drives home the awesomeness of God.


We've had another couple of miracles here. First the other day the pool was looking a little cloudy, and knowing we were going to close it I threw in 2 bags of shock. I decided since it was late in the day, I'd let the shock work and let the pool run overnight so I could backwash in the morning.


I got up the next day -- all seemed fine. A couple hours later I looked out and the pool was not running. I thought hmmmmm. Now the week before last there was a power surge and surge protector did it's job, but the cord ended up melted. We got that fixed and a new surge protector, so I didn't know what the heck went wrong.


I went out to the pool. Surge protector was working. Fuse was not blown. Then I went over to the filter. Now where the filter cord and the extension cord meet had completely melted through. It was laying near one of our evergreen trees and the heat from it actually burned a branch. And that was it. No fire. God is so amazing and protective. It's a miracle that all of ours trees and garage did not catch fire. There are miracles everywhere! I was so thankful He protected us and our property.


Now on to miracle number 2. I mentioned a couple posts back that we were searching for a place to have a worship service. We were blessed with one. Then another. Then a third....and there's a fourth we are waiting for more information on.


Can you imagine? God manifested not 1, not 2, but over 3 places for us to come together and worship!!! What a confirmation! HALLELUJAH! All the Glory is His! He is a faithful God. He is gracious. He is loving beyond measure. His blessings are just overflowing here everyday.


I encourage you all to stay strong in the faith and remain steadfast in the will of the Lord for your life. When he says move -- move. When he says remain -- remain. When he says run -- run. Don't concern yourself with the barriers and opinions to the rigth or the left. Focus your eyes on Him alone. Move out on His command -- let yourself go and just let God be God and He will show himself mightily in your lives.


More soon. Back to work full time tomorrow, then school tomorrow night. Wednesday the kids are off to school -- yippee!


Hugggz,


Kristy~!

A Fight to the Finish Ephesians 6:10-20 (MSG)

10-12And that about wraps it up. God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials.

And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the
Devil throws your way.

This is no afternoon athletic contest that we'll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels.

13-18Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet.

Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon.

In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.

19-20And don't forget to pray for me.

Pray for Jerusalem's peace

Psalm 122

A Pilgrim Song of David

^1-2 When they said, "Let's go to the house of God,"
my heart leaped for joy.
And now we're here, O Jerusalem,
inside Jerusalem's walls!

^3-5 Jerusalem, well-built city,
built as a place for worship!
The city to which the tribes ascend,
all God's tribes go up to worship,
To give thanks to the name of God—
this is what it means to be Israel.
Thrones for righteous judgment
are set there, famous David-thrones.

^6-9 Pray for Jerusalem's peace!
Prosperity to all you Jerusalem-lovers!
Friendly insiders, get along!
Hostile outsiders, keep your distance!
For the sake of my family and friends,
I say it again: live in peace!
For the sake of the house of our God, God,
I'll do my very best for you.

Hello everyone!

I’m looking at the date today and I know it’s almost time to head back to work, schedules and school for the kids. My computer time will be limited, so I thought I’d get some more blogging in before all that begins. I’m going to try to keep it up at least once maybe twice a week, but remember when I started this journey I said that too. LOLLLL Life and mommyhood gets in the way sometimes.

So I head back to work Tuesday for in-services, meetings and professional development. Yippee. Actually, I am starting to get bored and being bored is NOT for me. I like to keep busy – not stressed – but busy.

The girls start back on Wednesday. They are excited too. I have to pick up a few more things before then, but all in all they are pretty ready. In the last week or two they have really been on each other’s nerves. It’s time to jump back into a routine.

My goal today is get our schedule written up, menus planned and etc. and get it posted on the fridge. It’s the best way for us all to keep track of what’s going on. I believe it’s better for the kids to know what’s going on with them when they are at gramma’s and I’m at school and dad’s at work.

I think it’s more secure for kids to know what to expect and when, especially when it comes to the family and their day to day lives. Lack of knowledge leads to insecurity. And I prefer the schedule, it helps me get things off my mind. Does everything always stay the same way? Nope. Is the schedule rigid? Nope. When you have 3 kids – nothing is ever written in stone. Schedules are best when seasoned with a little bit of flexibility and winging it.

Now changing the subject to what God has been speaking to me. For the last 2 days I’ve been meditating on the scripture Zephaniah 3: 17 The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing." The Hebrew word for “rejoice” actually means to dance OVER YOU with singing. So beautiful is the theme that the Father would dance over us. What peace and rest to know that the God of all Heaven is looking down upon up and rejoicing in the dance over us.

It’s my prayer that you know Jesus as your Lord and Savior. That you’ve said Lord, I know you died for my sins, you’ve washed me clean and made me a new creature. Lord I know you rose again and because of you I will live forever more. (John 3:16) And having that knowledge of being secure that you will live forever -- for all of eternity with the Creator of the universe, brings about a peace.

A blessed peace. A blessed assurance. A peace that surpasses any kind of understanding that you have. He created you. You are skillfully and wonderfully made. You are His handiwork and are perfect. His love for you knows no bounds. He looks down upon you and just rejoices over you with dance and singing. What a wonder. What a security. What a peace. Oh what love He has for you.

God has been faithful in my life. He is doing miraculous things each day. And each day, I say, “one step at a time”. In His will. In His way we move out. Sometimes you have to wonder about that peace that surpasses all understanding. Sometimes I say Lord, shouldn’t this bother me more? LOLLL I can just see the smile on His face. Because that peace – that peace that we can’t even comprehend – is there. His grace has poured out such a peace and victory in my life that it could only be God.

Each and every day his mercies are new. Each and every day there has been a miracle. And that I do not say lightly. Each day there literally has been a miraculous event. I’ve already seen one this morning. I am determined to walk in His will according to His timing. Are you determined? What is the attitude of your heart?

The Father is looking for the pure beauty of a broken spirit and a contrite heart. He’s looking for vessels that will walk out on the water into a sea of living by faith. Where are you at today?

Is your vision clouded? Or do you have a genuine desire to seek the Lord? Is your desire to really and truly allow Him to do HIS will? Don’t submit to the bondage of jealously, control and “religiousness”. Be willing to allow the Lord to speak directly into your life and be willing to let Him make the changes.

Afterall, He’s still looking down upon you with a smile as he rejoices and dances over you……

Hugggz,

Kristy~!

My Beloved lyrics

Kari Jobe

You're My Beloved

You're My Bride

To sing over you is My delight

Come away with Me My love

You're Beautiful to Me

So beautiful to Me

Under My mercy

Come and wait

Till we are standing face to face

I see no stain on you

My child

You're Beautiful to Me

So Beautiful to Me

I sing over you My song of peace

Cast all your care down at My feet

Come and find your rest in Me

I'll breathe My life inside of you

I'll bear you up on eagle's wings

And hide you in the shadow of My strength

I'll take you to My quiet waters

I'll restore your soul

Come rest in Me and be made whole

You're My beloved

You're My Bride

To sing over you is my delight

Come away with me my love

A little more rambling about school and etc. Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Morning all!

Well, allergy season is upon us, the ragweed is in full bloom! Three out of five of us are on allergy meds, oh the joy! Hello ragweed and pollen count of 9.7 LOLLL. My sinuses feel like they are exploding! Baaaabooommmmm.

A great big thank you to all of you who understood about my closing and rearranging some of my groups. It's nice to see you all over on the recipe site. Which has now become 437 members strong! I love to see you all posting and sharing. I know God has wanted me to pair down and rearrange, and it's worked beautiful -- all the Glory is His!

Now on to what's up with me. I started back to grad school Monday and Tuesday evening. Monday's class was "ehhhh" . It was more like she was teaching to undergrads. It's not like I disliked the professor or the subject, but most grad classes are geared to a greater level of responsibility and respect. She wants a quiz each week to see if we've done the reading -- huh???? This is not Psych 101 -- it's a master's level class. Bury me with reading and work, test me, give me my A and let me go. So I don't know it's just weird. Maybe it's me, maybe I'm making a judgment too soon, we shall see. I'll have to give it some more time to see how things pan out. Not to mention, suck it up and just do it LOL.

Last night's class was a little better. I love the professor. I had her this summer. Although, this is a cross referenced class with undergrads. So there are a handful of grads and about 25 undergrads whispering, chatting. laughing and texting during the class. Alright I know, my attitude stinks, but technically some of them could be my kids and I want to say -- be respectful, stop texting, shut up and listen. I'm here to learn, hush it I paid $2,200 dollars for this class.

And before anyone questions me -- no I don't dislike undergrads. LOL But I've been there done that and have moved on. I'm in a different place in the life and learning and I love the usual small group, intensive classes that are usually what grad level courses are. It just so happens that I've landed in 2 classes this semester that -- well -- aren't that.

That's about it for right now....I've given Katie her own blog so I'm going to help her upload a new template! Maybe more later, we'll see.

Remember God is a good God out to do you good! He's in control and if you keep yourself purely walking in His will He will show Himself strong!

Hugggz,

Kristy~!