I’m just gonna say this.

Alright, buckle up, it’s gonna be a bumpy blog ride.

When on earth are we going to realize that church is not about us? It’s about GOD and serving GOD. What is the driving force behind us getting up early on Sunday mornings, getting our family ready and heading out the door? Are we going because, “it’s the thing to do on a Sunday?” Are we going to make sure we make an “appearance?” Or maybe we just want to keep the Pastor and the staff from coming and knocking on our door when we haven’t been in a few weeks.

There are times when it is easy to get caught up in the agenda of the morning and we have much to prepare for. We get so busy being busy that we completely miss the reason we are there. I am just as guilty of that as anyone some Sundays.  We can get so focused on the what and forget the who.

Let me go one further. Why do we let another fallible, human being stop us from serving a wonderful, holy God? How do we get to where our faith and service is conditional upon another person’s actions or decisions? Can I just say that this sort of thing in a church just tears it apart at the seams. That is exactly what the Enemy wants.

If I had the inclination to leave the church because of something another member had said or done, then I might have left years ago. There have been things that I didn’t like or agree with and things I didn’t take the right way, but I got over it. We can’t hold onto bitterness. I don’t think there is a church anywhere that gets along perfectly 100% of the time. Maybe it’s because it’s made up of sinners? Just a guess.

Do we realize that we are only responsible for our own actions? If another person makes a decision that we may or may not like or agree with, then they will have to answer to the Lord for it. Once again, it’s all about Him. Who are we serving?

It’s almost like we have this casual attitude about church anymore. “Sally Jo looked at me the wrong way so I’m not gonna attend this church anymore.”  Or what about, “I didn’t get the solo I wanted in choir so I’m just gonna stop singing.” It’s not like switching grocery stores, folks.

Now hang with me a second. Before you tell me to get off of my high horse, please understand one thing. I’ve been there too. I have had plenty of times when I thought, “Oh, old so-and-so, well their gonna get their way because of who they are or because they have achieved some sort of status.” Then I had to realize that there is just no place for that in the church. We must keep serving the Lord. We are not there to fight over who gets to start this ministry or that, or who made Deacon, or who is teaching a class. Rubbish.

Is it not time to pull up our big-girl pants and big-boy pants and just get to the business of serving the Lord? Let’s stop worrying about the so-called injustices we feel have been perpetrated against us, because in the grand scheme of things, they don’t matter. There are souls that need saving and they need you and me to reach out and love them to our Heavenly Father.

Let’s go to work. Together.

“O Tamiflu, O Tamiflu….

oh how I’m thankful for you.” (to the tune of “O Christmas Tree”)

Really, that Tamiflu stuff is the bomb diggity. Friday I was not feeling my normal self, and I felt like I had the beginning of a sinus infection or maybe strep, so I decided to head to the clinic. We have to go out of town for a family thing this next weekend and I am supposed to sing two songs on Sunday and I didn’t wanna take any chances. Upon arrival I was immediately given a mask due to the fever I possessed and waited patiently to be sent back to wait some more. The lady put “poss. flu” at the top of my patient form and I literally snickered because I thought, “I don’t have any aches, or a high fever, or any of the normal symptoms.” Well, after the nurse gets my vitals, she sends me back for a flu test. Yeah, not fun. And you could have  knocked me over with a feather when the result came back positive for Influenza Type A. I was dumbfounded.

So I go back to the room and the doc said we caught it very early, and was actually pretty concerned for my kids. He ordered me to go get and take a double dose of Tamiflu and I ordered myself to quarantine in my bedroom. I didn’t have the aches, tummy problems or anything, so for me, I lucked out. I never even felt real sick. My throat is clear as of tonight and I can even sing halfway decently. Glory to God for this going down so quickly!

While quarantined, I figured out a few things:

There is too much reality tv on tv.

There is hardly anything worth watching on the weekends.

I really like watching the TLC show “Say Yes to the Dress.” It blows my mind that people spend that much money on a wedding gown, but hey, it’s their debt not mine.

You can miss your kids while under the same roof. That’s a different kind of lonely.

They miss you too and it makes you thankful they haven’t forgotten you.

In a quiet house, it’s just you and God and it allows you to hear much clearer. I was just talking to him Saturday and telling him how worried I was that if Jeremy got the flu and had to miss work that he only had 10 hours left paid to take off and that if he had to take off more we’d be in financial trouble. IMMEDIATELY after telling God this, here is what the Holy Spirit said: “My God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Phil. 4:19

I haven’t worried since.

I am so thankful for the rest I had this weekend. It was far from a perfect vacation, but it was nice to just have some time alone and rest.  God knows that’s what we need. We need to just sloooow down sometimes.

God’s timing is perfect.

So thankful…

I just thought I’d make a list of some things I am thankful for in recent days/weeks/months. Making a list sometimes helps us see that we truly are blessed beyond measure. I don’t deserve the least of God’s blessings, for I am entitled to nothing. I am so thankful that God wants to bless me, despite me.

Thankful for yesterdays song service at church. There are so many talented musicians and vocalists at Central and that was proven yesterday!

Thankful for new friends and new ministries….God never ceases to amaze me.

Thankful for a church that doesn’t compromise TRUTH.

Thankful that my Mom is feeling better and hasn’t been admitted to the hospital for nearly having pneumonia.

Thankful that bedtime with the kids is going much smoother lately!

Thankful for a home, two paid-for, running vehicles, Jeremy’s job, our health, our family, food, clothing, health insurance (especially this year!)……the list could go on and on. I never want to take a single one of these for granted.

What’s Up With That Wednesday

So I had this idea in the middle of the stinkin’ night the other night, to make Wednesdays’ posts all about things that I just don’t get or understand. So I thought it appropriate to title the post, “What’s Up With That Wednesdays.”

So here goes-and this is random and in no particular order of annoyance-

What’s up with men and watching UFC Fighting? I just don’t get what is appealing about watching two grown men beat each other up. Sheesh.

What’s up with the President wanting to extend the school days for children in public schools? You think we have a teacher shortage now….

What’s up with that Lady Ga-Ga person? Really, there are no words.

What’s up with the Jon and Kate Plus 8 stuff? I mean come on, is anyone thinking about the “Plus 8″ part of this situation???

What’s up with my 3 year old son not going to the potty unless I go with him? Every other human with an XY chromosone in this house goes alone…

As random as these thoughts may be, they have truly had me wondering at one time or another.

If anyone can figure out the deal with that Lady Ga-Ga person, let me know….or am I the only one who thinks  she needs to go on “What Not To Wear?”

Eight arms?

I was thinking back to something that came up at our first mom’s meeting a couple weeks ago, and thought it was worth mentioning on here. We were discussing how God gave spiders eight legs, and how we as moms only have two arms and two legs.

Well, the more I think about it, I am thinking that He did that for a reason. I mean, God always has a reason, right? Possibly, if we had all these extra appendages, we would find more and more ways to keep working and not take the time we need to rest. He says, “Be still and know that I am God.”

The next time I feel extremely overwhelmed, which seems to be quite often lately, I’ll try to stop and remember to “be still.” Dishes can wait, my kids can’t. Forget facebook, leave the laundry, brush away the broom, and just be still. I need to stop and count my blessings.  Family, friends, health, home, vehicles, ability to work….the list is infinite.

Be still and know that he is God.

FINALLY!

Long story short, I had tried to upload the photos from the kids’ first day of school on Sept. 8, but for whatever reason my camera would not cooperate! So, without further ado, I will post pics of our homeschool book case, which I got at Target and LOVE, and the first day!!!

So, we are off to a wonderful start to our school year. I knew I had to be more organized this year and it has proven to be most helpful. One of my favorite sayings is, “if you fail to plan, plan to fail.” Not because I always live that way, but it reminds me that I really need to have a plan in place if I want things in my life to go smooth. If I want to have an awesome day,  I need to plan to spend time with my Lord in the morning before I get started in my day. If I would rather not eat out five nights a week, I need to plan my menus out more carefully. If I want to have a successful school year, I need to plan out what we need to get done each day and tackle it with gusto!

This coming from a self-proclaimed unorganized-lazy-perfectionist. You know, I am working on some things in my life that just frankly need to be changed. God will bless my efforts, even when they may seem to fail.

I plan on it.

Practical Jokes…

My father-in-law has always been tough to pull a prank on. That is until I came along. I love him to death and have been one of a very few that have been able to prank the man and still live to tell about it…..I mean gloat about it…..

So, a few years back he had stopped by our house after work to say hi. Well, for whatever reason, I really cannot remember if I even had one, I proceded to tell him that our KFC had experienced a fire in their building that day and they may not be operating for business. I remember now, mom-in-law was out of town, and when she is out of town he treats himself to KFC, one of his favorite places to eat. Don’t mess with the man’s KFC. Anyway, I had him so convinced that he grabbed the phone book, picked up the phone and called them to see if they were open. I don’t know how I was able to keep a straight face, but I did. Once he got off the phone, I just laughed and laughed and he I think, was quite relieved. I even got him a fake plastic bucket of chicken one time for his birthday, complete with fake biscuit, cole slaw and potatoes. Walmart had one of those kids’ sets that had the KFC logo and everything.

So, for whatever reason I had decided it was about time for another prank on poor Kenneth. This time had to top the last, no doubt. So, I get online and find the KFC logo and create a letter in Word complete with a bright red border . I printed an envelope with the logo on it as well and mailed it to Greenville.  By the way, the 800-number on the letter is a real number, but not for KFC-it will get you in touch with the National Council on Aging.

August 13, 2009

KFC Corporation

P.O. Box 725489

Atlanta, GA 31139

(800) 222-2225

Mr. Kenneth Deaton,

We at KFC Corporation wish to express our appreciation for your continued support through the years. However, it has been brought to the attention of our corporate office that you have been frequenting our Greenville, Texas establishment much too often for a man in your age demographic, 45-60 year olds. At KFC we are committed to providing a variety of healthier options, such as our Roasted Caesar Salad and the Oven Roasted Twister Wrap to satisfy a hungry man’s appetite.

As partners in your health, we are making a decision that will, essentially, keep you a healthy man for many years to come. Regretfully, we must prohibit you from eating at the Greenville, Texas location for the period of one year. The effective date is September 1, 2009, and you will not be able to patron this location until September 1, 2010.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. We feel it is in the best interest of you, our most valuable patron. Please contact us at (800)-222-2225 if you have any questions regarding this matter and one of our friendly customer service associates will be glad to assist you.

Sincerely,

Pat M., VP Consumer Affairs, KFC Corp.

We had quite the laugh over this one, and thankfully so did he.  I will be watching my back though…….

An afternoon at the water park.

Jerm and I had been wanting to take the kids to a water park before the Summer was over since we really haven’t done anything since our Florida vacation in May. Not that I am discontent, because, after all, we did get to go on vacation. So, last Saturday night, I was online trying to figure up how much it would cost all 7 of us to go to Hawaiian Falls. Well, let’s just say it’s quite a bit. I talked briefly with Jerm about it, but we didn’t make any decisions about it at that point.

The next night, Sunday night,  I get home and check my email and lo and behold I have an email from a dear friend titled “tickets.” So, I check my little message with great anticipation, not knowing what sort of tickets she was referring to, and yep, you guessed it; she had 5 complimentary tickets to Hawaiian Falls that her family could not use and was offering them to me. I just about fell out of my rolling office chair, and very quickly emailed her back and said, “YES!” We want the tickets!!! I was absolutely stunned. I didn’t know God was concerned with us going to  a water park. Did y’all know that? He cares about the teeniest, tiniest things in our lives and He just wants to bless us. He absolutely did through my awesome friend. You know who you are and I love you and thank you for it!

Now, this is where it may get a little grissly. Did y’all know that pregnant women wear bikinis? Yeah, you read that right. I guess it’s the thing to do, because I saw more than one showing off her baby bump out there. Just kinda different to me. Did y’all also know that it’s ok to wear a bikini if you are over 180 pounds? Apparantly that’s chic too.

Swim diapers must be outlawed for part of Garland because there were a few baby bottoms missing them. You could just tell…..Sorry, but keep the cryptosporidium to yourself please.

It was a fun day, really. The weather was great and the kids had fun. I was a brave girl and dared to ride the “Hawaiian half pipe.” The name alone should have made me stay far, far away. Let’s just say, the bigger you are, the faster you go and I was totally ill-prepared for that bumpy ride. I am laughing at myself just thinking about it. You ride in one of those double inner tube thingys, and Noah was in the front, all 10 pounds of him, with me in the back. The life guard tells you to keep your rear up and your head down, and that also should have been a red flag. When it was our time to go, she nudges us with her foot over the edge of the ride and we went flying like straight down the side and up over to the other side and poor Noah scraped his back in the process somewhere. I just remember trying to keep my rear from dropping down in the tube and, in essence, acting like a speed bump sending us tumbling out into space somewhere. When we finally got through, we got out and Noah’s swim trunks were halfway down his bottom so I immediately started checking mine for signs of slippage. I was alright,  but definitely decided that I would not be riding that thing again. They need to put up a sign by this ride that says, “WARNING: May lose clothing, and your dignity, while riding this attraction.”

I will say that I believe it is a great place for families with younger children. There are definitely rides for adults, but the kids are really in for a treat if you take them here. Just stay away from the half-pipe. Be afraid…be very afraid.

BEWARE!!!

dreams

The past two nights I have had a couple of the strangest dreams I have had in awhile. The first one two nights ago involved our family living in New York for some reason. The only tie-in I can think of is that I have been wanting to travel to NY City  to visit.  Anyway, we were in this house and from the walls of this house, a demonic voice was calling out to my kids, Parker more specifically. I just remember praying in my dream and calling on the Lord’s Name and asking for protection from Him. It was just unnerving.

Then, last night I dreamt I was in a doctor’s office with my kids and I was talking with a lady when a grandfatherly type of man entered the office without permission. He seemed friendly enough, but the office staff acted like they knew what he was there for (our children) and it was not good.

I know this sounds crazy, but the only way I have been able to make heads or tails of it is by remembering that this is exactly how Satan works. He is a deceiver and a liar and he wants our children. He wants them now and he wants them like never before, because he knows the end is near. He calls out with the voices of this world and tries to entice them with things that will dazzle their eyes but destroy their minds. He takes on any form he desires and lures them in.

I am not willing that any of my children be deceived. I am not going to stand idly by and let Satan work his evil plan in my family. I have to always, always, always remember, that prayer is the first line of defense. I have God on speed dial and HE is there when I call upon HIM. If I don’t pray for my children or my family, the enemy will see my weakness. If we fail to pray, we will become the prey.

1 Peter 5:8-Be sober; be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.

so what’s new?

Well, not a whole lot to tell ya the truth! Sam did celebrate her 11th birthday a couple of weeks ago, and I still haven’t figured out where the last 11 years have gone. She is turning into a young lady and I could not be more proud. She is wanting to start babysitting and I know she will do an awesome job!

Let’s see, what else. Um, we officially have 5 children that can GO TO THE POTTY ON THEIR OWN! YAY! We are now the Diaperless Deatons!!!! That is a real milestone for our little family. Honestly, last week, I just prayed and prayed for Will to “get it” and GOD answered! Thank you Lord! I think I am still in a bit of shock, really; not that God answered, but that we don’t have to buy diapers anymore.

I’m also trying to figure out how to re-organize my girl’s room because it is just so cramped in there and it is no fun for them, or me. There is a four year age difference between the girls and while that is not a big deal, it would be so nice for a growing young lady like Sam to have even just a small space to call her own. What we would really like to do is enclose our back porch and make it into another room or two, nothing fancy, but something to add some more space. I just wish someone from HGTV would just magically appear at my doorstep one day and come and do it for me, but I don’t see that happening. A girl can wish though…..I think I’ll just pray that God will allow us to add the room (s) on and have the help to do it.

We’ve had a good summer but I am looking forward to cooler days where I can burn a yummy, Fall- scented candle  and enjoy not using my air conditioner! My favorite time of year is right around the corner and I cannot wait to see what the Lord has planned for us.