Free Grill

I am so excited that I have to share this blessing. Dan and I had this air purifier that didn't really do what it was supposed to so we decided to take it back to Home Depot and see if they would give us our money back or at least a store credit. They did, even though we had used it. I was shocked and very excited because I now could buy a grill.

I am the griller at my house. Ok, I'm obsessed with grilling and need to attend group meetings! Our grill which was donated to us was 9 years old and it had decided that it wanted to go to grill heaven. Yes, it died. Not only did it die but it decided that it would stop working while I was in the middle of making Mr. Clean Steak and Salmon. I was so mad because I don't like to cook steak or fish on the stove or in the oven.

So, We headed outside to look at the grills and they were on sale big time. I picked out the one I wanted and we still had money left over to buy Mr. Clean a work coat that he has wanted for awhile (he works outside, year round). I was so excited that the whole way home I was singing praises to the Lord for our huge blessing!

When we got home we were looking for food to grill and by we I mean me. If it wasn't 10:15 and I was actually hungry to eat the food I was going to grill then I totally would have. Anywho... I LOVE my new grill and Mr. Clean LOVES being warm so it was a pretty awesome day and we both got blessed!

P.S. Laney Bug was blessed too, she got to go to Home Depot and see all the cool stuff. She loves that place. I swear she is a mini-mr. clean!

I'm so proud!

I was at work the other day asking some of the men what they are getting their wives for Christmas. I was shocked that most of them said that their wives get their own presents, wrap them and put them under the tree. My only response to them at first was "Are you kidding me?" They were all serious and had no clue what their wives tastes were or what to get them.

I have to tell you at that moment I was gleaming with love and admiration for Mr. Clean. He goes out every year and gets me gifts that blow me away. They are what I've wanted as well as surprises. He wraps them himself and puts them under the tree one each day until Christmas.

He surprises me with clothes I would have never picked but look great on me! And this year he let me open one early because he wanted me to use it that day. Can I tell you that my wonderful hubby bought me a new ceramic flat iron for my hair. I talked about getting a new one since I had bought a $9.00 one 2 years ago and it doesn't work that well anymore. I had said that about 6 months ago and he remembered. I was in awe of the simple fact that he listened to me. I also have to add that I am now addicted to straightening my hair.

Does your husband buy you Christmas gifts or do you buy them from him? Please comment and let me know. I am curious to see how many men do their own shopping for Christmas.

VERY INTERESTING STUFF

In the 1400's a law was set forth in England that a man was allowed to beat his wife with a stick no thicker than his thumb. Hence we have "the rule of thumb"

The first couple to be shown in bed together on prime time TV were Fred and Wilma Flintstone.

Men can read smaller print than women can; women can hear better.

It is impossible to lick your elbow.

The State with the highest percentage of people who walk to work:
Alaska

The cost of raising a medium-size dog to the age of eleven: $ 16,400

Intelligent people have more zinc and copper in their hair.

111,111,111 x 111,111,111 = 12,345,678,987,654,321

Half of all Americans live within 50 miles of their birthplace.

What do bulletproof vests, fire escapes, windshield wipers, and laser printers all have in common?--------All were invented by women.

At least 75% of people who read this will try to lick their elbow!

YOU KNOW YOU ARE LIVING IN 2007 when...

1. You accidentally enter your PIN on the microwave.

2. You haven't played solitaire with real cards in years.

3. You have a list of 15 phone numbers to reach your family of three.

4. You e-mail the person who works at the desk next to you.

5. Your reason for not staying in touch with friends and family is that they don't have e-mail addresses.

6. You pull up in your own driveway and use your cell phone to see if anyone is home to help you carry in the groceries.

7. Every commercial on television has a web site at the bottom of the screen

8. Leaving the house without your cell phone, which you didn't even have the first 20 or 30 (or 60) years of your life, is now a cause for panic and you turn around to go and get it.

10. You get up in the morning and go on line before getting your coffee.

11. You start tilting your head sideways to smile. : )

12. You're reading this and nodding and laughing.

13. You are too busy to notice there was no #9 on this list.

Santa Claus is Coming to Sears!

This made me laugh when I read it. I got it from Babytalk magazine.

He'd better watch out
my kid loves to cry
I hope he's got Shout
her butt's never dry
Santa's gonna want to leave town!

She'll suck on his beard
and grab at his cap
she'll drool on his sleeve
then fart in his lap
Santa's gonna want to leave town!

His nightmares when he's sleeping
are all of babes like mine
whan Santa's clock starts beeping
how he hates to rise and shine

Oh, he'd better beware
of pinches and tugs
he'd better take care
or maybe take drugs
Santa's gonna want to leave town!

10 Reasons Why I'm Blessed

1. I get to spend eternity with my Daddy!

2. Mr. Clean got a Christmas bonus this year!

3. By the time baby #2 is born we should be debt free (except 1 car and house)!

4. Everyone in my family is healthy!

5. I get to go to the Macaroni Grill today with some of the finest ladies I know!

6. God blessed me with the greatest man I know!

7. I have wonderful parents and in-laws!

8. I'm going to be an aunt again!

9. I have 3 wonderful siblings that I adore and would do anything for!

10. Today is technically my Friday!

And we have a Christmas Tree!

Last Christmas Laney was only 6 months old and not walking, talking, grabbing, pulling & climbing yet. So we had a real tree and decorated it all pretty. As I was decorating last year I thought to myself that next year we would have to have a smaller tree. So after Christmas we found a 3 foot tree for $5.00. We bought it and put it in our attic.

Last night we decided to get the tree out and decorate it. As Mr. Clean was in the attic i heard him call for me. He sounded excited so I knew he didn't hurt himself up there. That has happened before... too many times! He didn't even wait for me to come to the steps before he shouted, "It's a FIBER-OPTIC TREE!!!!!" And then I responded, Oh?" Not really knowing what that meant.

So we pulled it out, fluffed it up and began to decorate with Laney's ornaments. We decided to put our tree on our buffet and not use any of our decorations but only kid friendly ones. The little $5 tree is so beautiful. It has every color light imaginable on it. And they change colors continually. I could not believe that the Lord had blessed us with this amazing tree. I was so bummed last year at the thought of a little tree that was fake and ugly but the Lord went above and beyond and we didn't even know it.

That just goes to show you how observant Mr. Clean and I are! Oh and Laney loved the tree! She just sat there in awe.

Unmotivated

I have been so unmotivated to do anything lately. I can't even muster enough energy to clean my house so my poor husband who works 2 jobs has to come home and clean. I feel bad for him but obviously not bad enough to get up and clean.

I usually have all my Christmas shopping done by Black Friday but I haven't even started yet this year. If you know me that is so unlike me. I don't like waiting to the last minute because then you are running around like everyone else in the world. I hate trying to find a place to park, standing in long lines, people knocking into me, trying to find a toy that's sold out and now I have to pay double on eBay, wrapping ALL my gifts in one day, and baking cookies! I know I sound like Scrooge but I don't enjoy all that junk that comes with Christmas. I LOVE Christmas! But we have made into something it was never supposed to be.

On a lighter note... at least this year I won't bug Mr. Clean everyday to open one of his presents. I get so excited about what I got him that I can't wait for him to open it. He always tells me NO and that I have to wait to Christmas to see him open his presents.

Provision & Favor

Lately Mr. Clean and I have felt that we have been stuck. Stuck in a rut or something. It just felt that everything we did failed and that we were swimming up stream. I can't even begin to tell you all that was going on but we just felt like we needed to persevere and thank God for the place where we were at. I believe that we need to thank Him at ALL times and YES that is hard but He is faithful to see us through to the other side! So, after much praying, thanking, believing... We have made it to the other side. This morning was the other side so this is still fresh. God provided financially, emotionally, spiritually and shown through in difficult situations! I am so thankful that I had to tell you!

I do have to share one little thing that He did. Nomi will be out of town this Thursday and Friday so I was working for her on Friday. I love the extra money but hate to miss out on spending time with Laney Bug. I was battling with this but had already made the commitment to work. So, on my way in this morning I was asking the Lord what I should do. And I felt like I needed to just work and not complain or ask someone else if they would like to fill in for me. When I got to work I found out that because of the construction by the church, they had to turn our water off on Friday thus making the church closed on Friday! yippy! Small to some but HUGE for me. Thank you Lord!

INTJ

I can't say this is wrong but it isn't 100% correct either. I felt on some of the questions I could go either way depending on the situation. Anyway here are my results and I have never taken this before so I guess I'll have to wait a few years and take it again to let you know if I have changed. I believe I will but we shall see.

Laney Bug as a Lady Bug

Baby #2 update

On Friday Mr. Clean and I ventured to the Doctor's office for my 1st Appointment. I have to say I was not prepared for all the paperwork. Shouldn't they have all of that on file? Anyways, i met the new Midwife and I LOVE her. She is great and so down to Earth. I felt so relaxed and comfortable with her.

Well, Baby is looking good! The heartbeat was around 150 and baby was wiggling the whole time. It was so fascinating to see our little baby on the screen moving and watching the little heart beat so fast. I didn't think I would still be in awe with this being #2 but I am. I still find it hard to believe that a human being is growing inside me. That amazes me. I know men think they are lucky not having to go through the whole being pregnant and birthing but I totally disagree. They miss out on the movements, bonding and I might be alone on this one but the birth. I LOVED giving birth with Laney Bug. I loved the whole thing from start to finish. Yes it was painful but I remember praying and asking God to give me fond memories. That the pain wouldn't outweigh the joy of it all.

I am looking forward to all the adventures of this pregnancy and even the birth!

Caught on Security Tape at Best Buy

Dancing with the stars has nothing on this guy!

Pumpkin Spice

For a limited time only... Starbucks has Pumpkin Spice Lattes. A Pumpkin Spice Latte consists of Spicy, sweet flavors of nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon and pumpkin that are reunited with rich espresso and milk. Can I tell you that I LOVE this time of year because of the wonderful pumpkin flavor. Don't get me wrong I do love Starbucks throughout the year but this time is my favorite. If you haven't tried it yet, I recommend stopping by trying a cup. You will not be disappointed unless you don't like pumpkin pie then I would wait until November and try their peppermint coffee. That's yummy too.

What happens in 6 months

Baby #2

I have been meaning to sit down and blog about the new baby for 2 weeks now but I have been so busy. Sorry! YES, Mr. Clean and I are expecting our second child. We are so thrilled. It came as a surprise to us but a good surprise. We tried explaining to Laney Bug that she will be a big sister and she just shakes her head and says yes. I doubt she understands but it is cute.

Our due date is May 25 and we have so much to do until then. We live in a 2 bedroom house but are in the middle of remodeling our basement to add a family room, master bedroom, play area for kids and a laundry room. We are hoping to get it completed before baby #2 is born.

Also, please keep me in prayer... morning sickness has begun with me. I have been feeling nauseas for weeks now but this morning I got sick. With Laney Bug I was sick until I was 4 1/2 months and I lost 14 pounds. I do NOT want to go through that again, especially at work.

I will be posting updates as I get them. So please stay tuned...

Five Years

Today is Mr. Clean and I's 5 year anniversary. We've been married 5, been together for 7 and known each other since 5th grade. When we were in 5th grade and going to CCC we never really hung out. I thought he was a spoiled Pastor's Kid and wanted nothing to do with him. Then we moved to the youth center and we talked once in awhile but I still didn't think too highly of him. My family moved to New York.

Well after moving a few more times, I decided to go to Elim Bible Institute in Lima, NY. I was home for a break and my parents were having a picnic at their house. Bob and Zory Klinger were coming and forced Mr. Clean to come after he got off of work. My parents had told me that Mr. Clean was coming and I had brought a friend from school and wanted to play match maker for them.

Mr. Clean came to the picnic and we all hung out and then he left. My friend told me that he was staring at me the whole time. I said, REALLY?" My guy friend Brad was at the picnic and him and Mr. Clean were talking about cars so I told Mr. Clean I would email Brad's number to him when I got back to school.

We started emailing and calling and after a few months we started dating. I came home from school and a year after we started dating he proposed. He took me horse back riding and then we had a picnic lunch. After we ate he proposed and of course said yes.

It hasn't always been easy but it has been a fun journey that I wouldn't want to take with anyone else. Mr. Clean is my best friend and I wouldn't trade him for the world.

Thank you Lord for blessing me with a husband who loves you, fears you and runs after you! Thank you for the strength he is to this family, for the father he is to Laney and the man of my dreams! He is my prince charming!

90% Off the Clearance price!

I just received a phone call that Sears is getting rid of all their summer clothes. You can save 90% off the clearance price not the original price. This is for Men, Women & Children's clothing. I am not sure how long this will go on for so you might want to go and check it out soon!

FREE VACATION

Mr. Clean and I were recently offered a free vacation... Not a time share... a real vacation. So on Thursday of last week we packed up the car and headed to OC, MD. I haven't been there since I was a kid. I used to live in Myrtle Beach, SC so I always went there. Anywho, I didn't realize how much of a struggle it would be to take a 1 year old to the beach for 4 days. We are still at the age where you need to bring your home just to survive a couple of days. I felt like we literally packed our home and brought it with us. I can't even go into detail because I was so overwhelmed by all the packing that I never want to talk about it again. haha no it wasn't that bad but Mr. Clean must have sensed that I was a tad bit exhausted because when we got home he unloaded the car. Unpacked EVERYTHING and did ALL the laundry... Oh and cleaned the house. Did I mention that he had to go to work today and I took off to do all that stuff. He is a great guy! I woke up this morning and I had nothing to do but go grocery shopping. I fell in love with my husband all over again this morning!

Ok, back to the beach. We get there and our room is not ready so we eat lunch at the hotel and then take Laney to the beach. She did not like the sand one bit. I knew that would be the case because she doesn't even like grass. She did ok with the waves but only when mommy held her. I think the last day we got her to play in the sand for 5 minutes and that's only because daddy forced her to. Let's just say she LOVED the pool. She was in there for hours, just swimming in her floating device that her uncle said looks like a drug smuggling device. I have to agree it does!

The room was beautiful and the food was excellent. The hotel we stayed at had a big deck with rocking chairs on it the looked out to the ocean. The weather was perfect, not too hot and not too cold. Oh and the pool was both indoor and outdoor. Laney loved that.

All in all we had a great time and are looking forward to next years vacation to the mountains... I believe in North Carolina. Here are some pictures for you to enjoy of little Laney Bug.

What can I say????

You Should Drive a Black Car

You're the type of driver who's totally dominant and even a bit aggressive. You see the road as a "dog eat dog" world... and you're not about to get eaten! You like to drive a vehicle that conveys power. Big engine. Big price tag. You rule the road - and you like everyone to know it.

What Color Car Should You Drive?

Bath Time and Babies

If you were at the Moms In Action meeting on Tuesday then you would have seen Classic Mama's genius idea for bathing a baby who doesn't fit into a infant tub. You can also see here, what that looks like. I also have a great idea for bathing children... mine is a little different and saves on the water bill.
* I wanted to add that I got this picture from a funny picture site. I personally would never do this to my child.

Attitude is everything

There once was a woman who woke up one morning, looked in the mirror, and noticed she had only three hairs on her head. "Well", she said, "I think I'll braid my hair today?" So she did and she had a wonderful day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and saw that she had only two hairs on her head. "Hmmmm," she said, "I think I'll part my hair down the middle today?" So she did and she had a grand day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that she had only one hair on her head. "Well," she said, "today I'm going to wear my hair in a pony tail." So she did and she had a fun, fun day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that there wasn't a single hair on her head. "YEA!" she exclaimed, "I don't have to fix my hair today!"

Attitude is everything. Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle. Live simply, Love generously, Care deeply, Speak kindly......Leave the rest to God. Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass...It's about learning to dance in the rain.

Fun that's FREE

My wonderful friend Apryl emailed me some pretty exciting news and I thought I would pass it on to all of you. Just in case you'd like to know, Hershey Gardens is having a "free community day" on Sunday, September 16th. Normally, admission will cost you around $10 for adults & $6 for kids, but on September 16 from 11:00 am until 5:00 pm you can see the butterfly garden, children's garden, rose garden, veteran memorial garden, fountains, herb garden, pine grove, oak grove & gazebo for FREE.

Please Pray

My Uncle Scott who was serving in Iraq, was killed yesterday. He was deployed last October and was due home September 8, 2007. Please pray for my aunt Leslie and their two children, Tyler and Ally. He knew the Lord so we know he is in Heaven rejoicing with our Father but it is still a difficult time for the family. Thank you for lifting my family up in prayer!

I Trust You

Recently Mr. Clean and I have had to walk through something extremely hard. Something I would never hope anyone has to walk through although many have. I share only a little because I don't feel the need to broadcast my heartaches so that people feel sorry for me but I do want to share because God has loved on me and brought me to the other side.

I have to be honest with you, I have sat in church singing about how great God is at all times and how I will trust Him at ALL times. I have walked through trials before and in the midst of them given the Lord complete control and trusted in Him. I have to admit that the trials that I have walked through before were never great ones. They were never life or death or starvation or violence. I am not dismissing them but they were little problems so it was easy for me to hand them over to my Father.

I was faced with a decision to wallow in sorrow and grief or truly trust in Him. I was a mess at first but then the Lord met me one night. I began to speak out the words "I Trust You" and "Your ways are not my ways and I don't have to know why, I just have to know that you love me" and then the next words out of my mouth were "Thank You Lord" WHAT... what was I saying? But at that very moment, the sorrow and the pain lifted from my heart. I'm not saying that it doesn't hurt from time to time but I am not stricken with heartache. I trust Him and I might never know why but that's ok because I know He loves me and that He will never leave me...NEVER! I hold on to that because that's His promise to me.

Thank you Lord for who you are, you never change. You love me with an everlasting love that is not conditional to how I act, what I say, or who I am...You love me for me. Lord I trust you and I ask now that all my sisters out there who don't know how to trust you completely, would come to give you everything no matter what the circumstance. I ask for your perfect love to surround them and that they would know you in your fullest and walk out their destiny. Amen.

hahaha FUN STUFF

Under Attack

Please pray for me. I have been under spiritual attack the last couple of days. You see I have made the decision to step out and pray for anyone who asks and then some who don't. So, I began by praying for Audit mama's right knee and a couple of days later the pain was gone. I prayed just a few days ago for my husband's right knee and the next morning all the pain was gone. Praise God for taking all their pain away and healing them! 2 days ago I all of a sudden got this pain in my right knee... so bad that I could hardly walk, Mr. Clean had to help get into bed. I knew that this was an attack on me for praying for healing so I rebuked the enemy and claimed healing for myself and thanked God for giving me the courage to overcome and step into His will.

I believe that there will be more attacks on me because I do NOT plan on stopping. I want to be obedient and see how God is healing His people. I am so grateful to be apart of it. So if you think of it please pray for me. I want to accomplish all that God has for me. I know it is not me that is healing these people but totally God. I also believe that there is going to be an outpouring of anointing for healing so be prepared. He is looking for willing, available vessels.

Calling All Prayer Warriors

So, if you are like me, you are always looking for ways to bless people. I know many of us don't have lots of funds but that's ok. You can bless by praying for the Liberia Team. This team from CCC will be going to Liberia, October 13-22, 2007. The team consists of Tony & Tammy Adamo, Judy Barkhimer, Andrea Bean, Naomi Dudek, Phil & Diana LaRose, Zoe Monserrate, Stephanie Reylek & Anna Peachey. They each have to raise $3500.00 and many are short. Please pray that the money comes in so that each team member doesn't have to be concerned about the finances of the trip. We also need prayer warriors for these people who are going into minister to many people. A list of needs is outlined in Naomi's blog so please take the time to read it and pray, even now, for this team.

Just in case you needed to know more about ME

Four jobs I've held:
1. Time share motivator... the person you hate while on vacation...Sorry I needed the money.
2. Mobile roller skater coordinator...hahaha I had a job that rhymed
3. Greens keeper at a golf course
4. housekeeper

Four movies I can watch over and over again:
1. Goonies
2. My Big, Fat, Greek Wedding
3. the sound of music...Don't laugh
4. A Walk to Remember

Four places I've lived:
1. Camp Hill, PA
2. Myrtle Beach, SC
3. Lima, NY
4. Greenville, SC

Four TV shows I watch:
1. CSI Miami & New York
2. House Hunters
3. Sell this House
4. The birthing story on the discovery channel

Four places I've been on vacation:
1. Cancun, Mexico
2. London, England
3. Myrtle Beach South Carolina...before I lived there & after
4. Of course OC, Maryland

Four of my favorite foods:
1. ham & Cheese sub from A&M
2. Anything Seafood
3. Mama Zory's soup when I am sick
4. Taramasu from the Pizza Grill

Four places I'd rather be right now:
1. At home with Laney
2. in the Caribbean
3. Savannah, Georgia
4. Charleston, SC

Four websites I visit:
1. www.ebay.com
2. www.pennlive.com
3. www.sellstuflocal.com
4. www.babycenter.com


So, there you have it, hopefully my next post will be of more substance.

Just Being Honest

I have been reading blogs lately that are just down right honest and I love it... being the truth seeker that I am. I love it when people especially Christians are honest with themselves and with others even when it means telling the world that you don't have it all together. No one really does have it all together so why do we feel the need to pretend or put on a front around our peers that everything is great and we couldn't be more perfect. Yuck even typing that makes my stomach turn. I literally get sick when I hear or I am around fake people... that is how God wired me to be so I live with it and actually like it.

So, now that you know a little more about me than you bargained for I want to share with you my struggle. I am a very secure person except when it comes to the call on my life or when I am forced to minister to people. I say forced because the Lord really does have to force me. I know I know... I'm working on it. I feel as though who am I to pray for this person or who am I to speak into that person's life? I know it is the enemy trying to hinder me from being used as a vessel of the Lord but I can't shake it. I pronounce that it is not me but the Lord using me and that the enemy has no ground but there is still an uneasy feeling and a doubt that rises up inside me. I am a real good behind the scenes person but ask me to step out where I can be judged, mocked and ridiculed and I want no part in it.

Being on the Ministry Team has been a huge step for me and I feel as though I have made huge steps pursing the Lord and honoring Him but I still lack the confidence because I look to my flesh for the courage instead of looking for my God given courage in Him to pursue the next adventure He has for me.

I want nothing more than to go after what God is doing now in this present time. I don't want to miss Him because I am too scared to go after it with everything inside me. I get so frustrated with myself because I can be in front of a crowd and speak, crack jokes and be real with them as long as I don't have to "minister" to them. hahaha I am a mess, please pray for me.

High School High

1. Who was your best friend?
Belinda Eastman and Jaime Wetzel

2. Did you play any sports?
Field Hockey... right wing

3. What kind of car did you drive?
hahaha 85 nissan sentra smerf blue aka the smerf mobile

4. It’s Friday night. Where were you?
working or hanging out with my friends

5. Were you a party animal?
Yes, can you believe that???

6. Were you considered a flirt?
Not really, I dated the same guy for 3 years in high school.

7. Were you in the band, orchestra or choir?
No thank you... I can't sing or play an instrument

8. Were you a nerd?
No I don't think so.

9. Were you ever suspended or expelled? I plead the 5th

10. Can you sing the fight song?
No.

11. Who was your favorite teacher?
I didn't have a favorite teacher.

12. What was your school mascot?
An Indian

13. Did you go to the Prom? Yes, 3 times

14. If you could go back, would you?
That's is hard to answer because I would like to go back and be a different person because I am the complete opposite now than when I was in High School. I was mean and did a lot of things I regret doing but I have also learned so much from that so I guess I'll just stay where I am. No going back for me!

15. What do you remember most about graduation?
Sadly not too much...

16. Where were you on Senior Skip Day?
You really don't want to know. Maybe I shouldn't have taken this survey, I might have fewer friends after they read this.

17. Did you have a job your senior year?
Old Country Buffet

18. Where did you go most often for lunch?
Taco Bell

19. Have you gained weight since then?
Yes, and that's all I'm saying on that issue!

20. What did you do after graduation?
I moved to New York, then to South Carolina, then I went to Elim Bible Institute and then I married Mr. Clean, started working at CCC and had my baby girl.

21. What year did you graduate?
1998

22. Who was your Senior Prom Date?
Justin

23. Are you going/did you go to your 10 year reunion?
Probably not

Step Into Your Ministry

This was a post on Beth Moore's blog and I really felt that this was a cry for our women around here as well. Lately God has been stirring in me as well as others (sue, zory, anna, vicki & TCC) a sense that our women need to step into ministry. The enemy wants nothing more than to hinder us from fulfilling the call and destiny over our lives. So we need to start praying for one another that anything that keeps us from stepping out would be broken off in Jesus name! I think we need a Women's Prayer Day, so that we can lift one another up and stand in the gap for each other. I know that God has begun to stir up that desire in many of you and I want to encourage you to just do it.

I remember taking mark's class on "doing the stuff" and we had exercises at the end of each class. For one of them we had 5 people stand in a circle with their backs together so that they were facing away from each other. Then there were 5 people around them facing them. Mark had us pray for them and give them a word. I mean come on this was probably the first time most of them has ever prayed with someone and given them a word within 2 minutes let alone do it 5 times in 10 minutes. I was so nervous and I remember thinking "Lord give me the words because I have no idea what to say!" God is so faithful... I had a word for all 5 people. I remember the feeling of excitement afterwards, it was such a high. I believe if you step out when He asks you to, He we amaze you with what He can do and you'll be blessed at the same time. Isn't that cool... He blesses us just for for obedient and doing what we were created to do.

I know it is hard to step out of your comfort zone but do it once this week to see what happens. What do you have to lose??? Just your dignity amongst the world but you don't need to worry about that anyway. I probably sound harsh or deranged right about now but I know that God has placed this burden for our women on my heart for a reason so I have to follow through.

I sure am using a lot of her stuff lately... thank you Beth! Here is her word for Washington, D.C. I strongly believe that this is a word also for us!!!

Washington, D.C. Commissioning

My Dear Sister,
The God of Glory
Has called you.
You have a ministry.
In Christ, you are enough for that ministry.
Never forget that showing God off is your ministry.
No matter what,
Keep your heart in your ministry.
Unveil your face
And serve others with authenticity.
Always remember
That the power is in God's Presence.
Let nothing
Come between you
And intimacy with God.
Keep moving forward
From glory to glory.
Let God thin that veil.
Remember, ministry is not about position.
It's about people.
Let name after name
Be written on your heart.
Do not seek great things for yourself,
Seek a great God.
As you leave this place,
Go in a fresh anointing.
He who turns water into wine
Turns wimps into warriors.
You have a ministry.
Go fulfill it.

Giving my one year old soda

Before you judge me... I want you to know that it was her 1st birthday party and it was her pappy who gave it to her while I took the wonderful pictures so that I could blog about it. hee hee. Just so you know, she was a total girl about eating her cake. I thought she would totally dive into it... oh no she delicately dipped her little finger into the icing and then stuck her little finger into her mouth. That's it, no cake all over her face, her clothes or the floor. Nothing but icing in the mouth. If it sounds like I'm disappointed, it's because I am. I wanted to see her rip into the cake and have it all over the place but she does have some of her dad in her I guess. Mr. Clean did not just get his name because of the bald head... he is a clean freak!!!!

Before her first sip of Dr. Pepper at her Birthday Party

After her first sip of Dr. Pepper (oh no, she loves it already)

"What are the 3 toughest things about being a woman?"

Beth Moore is doing a study on Esther and it's going to be called, "It's Tough Being A Woman." She posted a blog and asked, "What are the three toughest things about being a woman?"

The Comments are now closed to us but I thought it would be fun to ask you. I know you probably have 3 million but I only want your top three...so tell me, what do you consider your top three toughest things about being a woman to be?

Here are mine:

1. Having to remove hair from your legs, bikini area, underarms, eyebrows, chin,etc. - Guys... face and maybe neck area
2. Pantyhose
3. social etiquette

We have lift off

I forgot to blog this a couple of weeks ago so here it is... Laney is WALKING!!!! She has been walking now for 2 weeks. She is more stable than I thought she would be. Of course she falls but she gets right back up and heads off to conquer the next room. She almost runs, it's kinda funny. She has begun to explore more things now that she is up and about. Just to give you an example of the mischief she has been up to, we caught her trying to eat dog food the other day. I am almost positive she did swallow some before I could pry it out of her mouth. Oh well at least she got her protein for the day. She also loves to walk in shoes. Just the other day we put her new white sneakers on her and looked at her feet every time she walked totally not paying attention to where she was going.

I guess I'll sum this up by saying that I am enjoying the walking stage so far. Gates aka "cages"also help me to tolerate the wondering Laney.

Laney Bug Walking!!! Go Laney Go

Laney in the Pots and Pans

Can you believe it???

Mingle² - Online Dating

Picnic Day

Today is our Church Picnic and I am so excited. About 4 years ago we couldn't find enough volunteers so they had everyone on staff serve the people at the picnic. And of course I complained about doing it but as I was there directing traffic and serving food I felt like this is why I am here. I forget sometimes that my job here at CCC is to first serve God in everything I do but also to serve His people. Needless to say by the end of the night I was excited about helping out and even suggested we do it again.

CCC graciously let us come in today at noon so I had all morning with my Laney Bug and then I took her to the sitters. I had about an hour to go home and get ready. I started laundry and as I was getting ready I could hardly contain my excitement. I felt like a kid going to an amusement park. I was singing:

Zip-a-dee-doo-dah

Zip-a-dee-doo-dah, zip-a-dee-ay
My, oh my what a wonderful day!
Plenty of sunshine heading my way
Zip-a-dee-doo-dah, zip-a-dee-ay

Mister Bluebird on my shoulder
It's the truth, it's actch'll
Ev'rything is satisfactch'll
Zip-a-dee-doo-dah, zip-a-dee-ay
Wonderful feeling, wonderful day!

I know it's supposed to storm today so there probably won't be any sunshine outside. But I felt like that regardless of the circumstances we can have sunshine whenever we want. So if you are thinking of staying home tonight... I encourage you to come out and eat some free food and enjoy the sunshine!

8 Random Things About ME

Well, I usually don't do this but since you are my new boss... hahaha just kidding!

1. I only go to amusement parks for the roller coasters!!!! and I complain about every stinkin line I have to stand in. If I only have time to ride the roller coaster and leave , I am perfectly ok with that.

2. I use the word stinkin way tooooo much, just ask Mr. Clean, he hates it.

3. I like to flip my eyelids inside out to amuse Plain ans Simple's kids when I'm watching them.

4. Wow I am only at four and I'm at a loss. Oh I know, I can belge really loud. Mom and Dad are real proud of that one.

5. I really don't care what people think of me, I am who I am and that's what you get!

6. I LOVE change, that's right I said CHANGE. I embrace it to the fullest. I am always trying to convince Mr. Clean to let me rearrange the furniture.

7. I am a plant killer so do NOT give me plants EVER!!!!! In fact Mr. Clean has a slogan for me... "I tried but it died."

8. I make my own "special brew" Relax it's only homemade iced tea.

Now it is my turn to tag! Can I just tag the bloggers I am linked to (ha!). I think you are supposed to tag 8 bloggers but I've decided that 5 is a good number. Now...to pick 5. Decisions. Decisions. Hmmmm...I tag the following ladies because they all started to blog relatively recently and it would be fun to learn some random tidbits about each of you:

• oH mY wORD
• On Fire For Him
• The Gang's All Here
• the house that jack built
• the thrills of being a new mom

Obedient Feet

I was at church on Saturday night and we actually got there early so I was excited that I got to go back and pray. Mark pulls me into the middle of the circle to get prayed over and the Lord ministered to me like never before. I actually felt everything that was being prayed over me. For example: Someone said that there was going to be a download of His gifts into me, one of them mentioned was prophecy. I literally felt like God was downloading prophecy into me like there was a void that they were filling. It was weird but really cool.

At the end of prayer Mark announced that some of us were going to get words during worship and if you get one save it to the end and we will be called up front to give it. I thought that was scary but cool again. So during worship guess who gets a word? Yep... ME. I know I should have been excited but I was being selfish and didn't want to walk up in front of everyone and give it. I asked God if He would point the person out to me so that I could walk up and give it to the directly. NO, was His answer.

So Pastor made an alter call and after he was done praying over the people he asked those on the Ministry Team who received a word to come up front. I was not planning on going, I was going to be disobedient and I was ok with that. God on the other hand was not so He caused my feet to start moving without my brain telling them to. HONEST!!! I was walking up there saying to myself, "What am I doing??????" But God is so faithful. I gave the word and I prayed with three people who were dealing with tormenting voices. It was the best thing my feet have ever done for me. hee hee

A little something for the fellas

MALE VS. FEMALE AT THE ATM MACHINE

A new sign in the Bank Lobby reads:

"Please note that this Bank is installing new Drive-through ATM machines enabling customers to withdraw cash without leaving their vehicles.


Customers using this new facility are requested to use the procedures outlined below when accessing their accounts.


After months of careful research, MALE & FEMALE Procedures have been developed. Please follow the Appropriate steps for your gender."

MALE PROCEDURE:
1. Drive up to the cash machine.
2. Put down your car window.
3. Insert card into machine and enter PIN.
4. Enter! amount of cash required and withdraw.
5. Retrieve card, cash and receipt.
6. Put window up.
7. Drive off.

*******************************

FEMALE PROCEDURE:
Unfortunately, most ! of this part is the Truth.!!!!
1. Drive up to cash machine.
2. Reverse and back up the required amount to align car window with the machine.
3. Set parking brake, put the window down.
4. Find handbag, remove all contents on to passenger seat to locate card.
5. Tell person on cell phone you will call them back and hang up.
6. Attempt to insert card into machine.
7. Open car door to allow easier access to machine due to its excessive distance from the car.
8. Insert card.
9. Re-insert card the right way.
10. Dig through handbag to find diary with your PIN written on the inside back page.
11. Enter PIN.
12. Press cancel and re-enter correct PIN.
13. Enter amount of cash required.
14. Check makeup in rear view mirror.
15. Retrieve cash and receipt.
16. Empty handbag again to locate wallet and place cash inside.
17. Write debit amount in check register and place receipt in back of checkbook.
18. Re-check makeup.
19. Drive forward 2 feet.
20. Reverse back to cash machine.
21. Retrieve card.
22. Re-empty hand bag, locate card holder, and place card into the slot provided!
23. Give dirty look to irate male driver waiting behind you.
24. Restart stalled engine and pull off.
25. Redial person on cell phone.
26. Drive for 2 to 3 miles.
27. Release Parking Brake.


This DOES NOT pertain to all women, besides men run over the curbs. I actually pull up better than Mr. Clean does.

Check it out...

When you get a free moment please check out Stacy's Blog. She is the accountant at CCC and she started a blog today. Also I wanted to thank all of you who left me beautiful comments. I appreciate your feedback and all of your encouragement. In the words of Beth Moore... Thank you Siestas!

Feel Like Swimming?

I have been talking to a lot of people about how God is stretching them and taking them out of their comfort zones. I mean a lot of people... it seems like like at least 3-5 people a day lately me included.

Recently God has called me to the Ministry Team at my church and to tell you the truth I wasn't thrilled. I am just being honest here. I was going to do it but I was NOT excited about it at all. I wasn't looking forward to praying with people...WHAT did I just say??? If you can believe it, it is true. Don't get me wrong, I do like praying with people but this wasn't once in awhile, this is every week! What was running through my mind was, "Lord, what am I going to say?" God is so faithful even when we are being stubborn. This is how the Lord replied, "I will talk, you just open your mouth." I thought well I can't argue with that. So off I went to pray on Saturday night June 23, 2007. I wrote the date so that I can look back and remember it.

I know that God wants to use me and I step out most of the time He asks but why do I hesitate to move out of my C-zone when I know the next level is amazing, I see Him move more and I grow so much from it? I have been asking myself this question a lot over the last couple of months. I feel as though I need to know everything before I do it. Like I can't jump into the pool unless I know when it was cleaned last, how deep is the water and the temperature first. I want to get to the point where I can dive in without reserve, hesitation or questions. To know that God is with me, leading me and that there might be waves and ice cold water but the swim is worth the water in my face and the chill.

So, here's to the jump of faith I chose to make everyday and all the fun stuff that comes with it!

July 4th Giveaway

1. first contest, a Krups GVS1 Ice Cream Maker and a 4 piece set of Rosanna Sweet Dreams Bowls courtesy of SplendidLife.com. This is a super summer prize - make sure you click over and enter to win.
2. second contest is a Lands’ End gift card good for a custom swimsuit with a retail value of $120! Click over and leave a comment to be entered to win.
3. third contest is for a package of 50 customized Momager Calling Cards™ from Paperlicious. If you want to win this fun and fabulous set of Mommy Cards, click over and leave your comment.

Big Red

I would like to take some time to tell you about a girl named Big Red. Big Red grew up with siblings as most of you have, and she is one of the middle children since there are four kids in the family. So really she is the oldest of the middle children. I know growing up she didn't really have a sense of self worth because she didn't know how much God really loved her. She made some bad choices but decided one day that she needed more than this life had to offer her so she surrendered her life to her Lord and Savior and began a walk with Him that makes others envious, including me. Now it's not a bad envious but a jealous envious that makes you want to pursue God with everything inside you. I see the anointing of God all over her in such a way that she can't say no to Him anymore. She steps out and does what He asks when He asks her to. The blessings and provision of God rests upon Big Red and her family of 3 (maybe soon 4????) . I can't help but wonder what all God has in store for her and what huge territories she will win for the Lord all because she is faithful with whatever is given to her, small or large. I personally would have not begun to step out of my comfort zone and pursue God in a whole new way if it wasn't for her, so Big Red... Thank you for being a beautiful example of what God can do when you submit to Him and trust that He knows best! Thank you for being my sister and one of my very best friends. I love you!

Not so much...

So today the third person asked me when I was due and I replied, "Not so much!" I know I am nowhere near my pre-pregnancy body but come on do I look pregnant? I will give people the benefit of the doubt because Amanda Jodon is pregnant and us having the same first name might throw people off but someone who knows us both asked today.

So now I want to be the biggest loser and lose all this baby fat. Ok, so maybe it's not so much baby fat as it is just plain old fat. I need a plan that works for a working mother. I don't have time during the day so if anyone has any ideas on how to get skinny when you are so busy that sometimes you forget to wear underwear, I would like to know so please share. Don't laugh that has happened to me one too many times. Yes I am so embarrassed to share that and I don't even know why I did. Sorry if you are grossed out by this but I tend to forget a lot ever since I had Laney Bug.

Let me tell you what I have done that doesn't work for me. EXERCISE. No I'm kidding seriously does it look like I exercise? My only exercise consists of walking with Laney about 3 or 4 nights a week and that is not cutting it. I need something that sucks all the fat out of me quick...hmmmm that reminds me of a billboard I pass all the time that advertises for "Lunch Time Lippo" I wonder how I could justify spending money on Lippo to Mr. Clean???? I seriously don't think he'll go for it so I guess I'm stuck working out and eating healthy... the good old fashion way of losing weight.

Maybe I should start a workout night at church or something so I don't have to workout by myself because working out solo is no fun. Let me know if this interest anyone else and maybe I can find out more info and we can have a ladies work out night called "Thighs be gone" or "Love handles don't live her no more"

Almost Walking

My Laney Bug is almost walking...ALMOST. She has taken 4-5 steps but then she sits down and crawls. This has been going on for almost 2 months. I just want her to walk already. She stands up holding on to furniture, the dog, my leg or the toilet (not one of my best mommy moments). I keep trying to hold her hands and get her used to her land legs but we are not quite there yet. Mr. Clean(new name that I have been trying to think of since I started this blog) and I both walked by 9 1/2 months so we expected her to as well. Ha, she made us realized AGAIN that we cannot limit her to our thinking. Hopefully she will be walking by her first birthday in July.

Losing my Laurie

Many of you already know that Laurie Schenhals (Women's Ministry Director) is stepping down and her last event is the Women's Breakfast on June 2, 2007. I am so sad that I cannot even form the words to explain how upsetting this is for me.

I know it is time. She has been faithful to us since January 1, 2004 and she has been working a full time job at Messiah, has 2 teenage daughters, a loving husband & the world's most spoiled dog... Lilly to take care of. I know all this and I understand it but it doesn't take away the emptiness I feel inside.

Laurie, while working as a Ministry Assistant to Pastor Tim Spirk, took me under her wing and taught me so much about being a great assistant. She is so dedicated to whatever she is committed to, and does it with everything inside her even when her world is falling apart. She never lets the circumstances determine how she is going to feel that day. I love that about her! She is a rock that carries so many when they need her the most, pushing her self aside and loving on who ever needs her.

She has taught me so much just by being herself. I have never had a boss that I have loved more and probably never will. She is my boss, my mentor, my sister& my friend and I will cherish the time I have served under her.

Thank you Laurie... I love you!!!!

The battle with my tongue

I grew up in a family were you were cool if you made the grown-ups laugh. So out of insecurity or just plain wanting attention I learned how to joke with people so that everyone would laugh. But what i didn't realize is that I was cutting them down with my words. At that age I didn't know the power my words held.

I struggle with that today. I have been making jokes for so long I have forgotten how to encourage, and when I try I feel so awkward that it usually doesn't last. I do think great things about people. For instance I might love your outfit or your new hair cut but instead of just saying that, I make a joke.

Someone once told me that people listen to what I say and take it to heart... that I have influence. I never really thought about that before. So ever since then I have been trying to just encourage or say what I feel and think rather than crack a joke. Sometimes it better to be uplifting than funny!

I have such a long way to go but I feel like the Lord is really pressing me on this and I am trying with everything inside of me to be known as the encourager not the jokester. Please keep me in prayer as I battle with my tongue.

Slowly Learning

I really have never had a great relationship with my dad. I always feel weird around him. He is bipolar and refuses to take medicine for it so it's like walking on egg shells around him. I never know what kind of a mood he is going to be in and the if he is in a good mood, something I say can easily set him off. So, needless to say I hardly ever enjoy spending time with him. Also his lifestyle is so different than mine. He says he's a Christian and he know the word, but his life tells a different story.

Just to give you an idea, when I went to Bible School he said it was a waste of money b/c I never got a degree and the credits weren't transferable. But what he failed to see is that God changed me the day I stepped onto that campus and I never want to go back to living like the world. No degree or high paying job could have ever done that. I needed to be there at that time. I wasn't the best student but my walk with the Lord became real then. And that to me was worth going!

When my brother who is attending Lancaster Bible College asked my dad for financial help with one summer class course that was $900.00. He gave him the money and told him that he was going to buy him a $3000.00 motorcycle but this is all he gets now. I think in a way my dad is jealous of my brother because he is at the center of the will of God, and my dad yearns for that but can't die to his flesh.

I shared all of this with you so that you would understand what I struggle with at times. I know that that my Daddy in Heaven loves me but sometimes it's hard to imagine b/c my dad has been a poor example of how a father should be. I shouldn't compare b/c really there is no comparison but aren't we supposed to be like Christ? We are made is his image so why don't we look more like Him? Why do we allow our flesh or the world to dictate how we look? This is why relationship, intimacy with our Father is so important. I am busy working, being a wife and mother and trying to have me time on top of all that but I felt like this year I was supposed to press in deeper than before that if I was faithful with little He would give me so much more. So I am giving him my heart completely... in ALL areas. Including the area of FATHER.

I have struggled with wanting my father's acceptance for as long as I can remember. I was a daddy's girl searching for a daddy who wanted me, spent time with me and loved me. Not to buy me things but to spend quality time with me. A dad that I could trust and respect, admire and be proud of. Lately the Lord has been speaking to me about love and about how much He love me. I know that no matter what I do, I can always count on Him loving me because it is unconditional. That's easy to say but it's a tough thing to walk through when you don't really feel it. I needed to feel it and the Lord is so faithful and He shows me when I feel all alone or when I feel unloved. Because we all have those moments when we feel like no one cares. Where we feel unwanted or not needed. To me it's important to feel needed and God shows me that He needs me, that I have a purpose and that no one can take away the love He has for me.

I love my dad and I hope one day he will walk with the Lord completely but I will not let that relationship dictate how my relationship with my Daddy should be.

Hurting Momma

Friday, May 18th I had a root canal done. I've had 2 other root canals done before on the same tooth. 1 out of every 10 become infected... guess who that lucky 1 was... that's right it was me. So having done this before I thought no big deal. WRONG! This one only took 20 minutes to do b/c there is only one root instead of four. So I was in and out of there within 35 minutes.

Everything was fine afterwards. I even went shopping for the Women's Breakfast (June 2 at 8:30 am... cost $7.00) Just thought I would throw that in there in case you had any questions. I was shopping and shopping and shopping. I got so much accomplished. I came home and watched a movie before picking Laney Bug up. The movie was not so good. It wasn't bad, it's just one of those I won't watch again. A movie has to be really good for me to watch it more than once.

Dan got home around 4:00 and we ate dinner together. After dinner we all went to Walmart. Let me just add that I am not a fan of Walmart. Don't get me wrong... the store has everything and it's so convenient but there are so many people and they are all in a hurry and I always end up getting hurt when I go there. Whether it's pushed shoved bumped or ran over with a cart. It always seems to happen to me. So... I am on pain meds walking around Walmart trying to figure out how to work those stupid photo machines. Well, the first one was broken, the second one didn't accept CD's and by the time I got the third one to work... I brought the wrong CD of pictures. So, off to look for an umbrella stroller we went with me miserable and Dan and Laney Bug in their glory. We found them but there was a crowd of people trying to decide which highchair to buy. I mean come on, does it take 6 people to figure that out and when I say, "Excuse me" do you think you could act like a human being was talking to you and just move 12 inched to the left???? Checking out was a nightmare b/c everyone decided to leave when we did so at 8:36pm everyone in the store was checking out with us. We stood in line behind a child who wanted her ball but her mother insisted on holding it until they got to the register so that she could pay for it. Mind you we weren't even close to the conveyor belt. So the child screamed and the mother yelled and I wanted to forget the stroller and go home, but I felt like I should snap out of my grumpy mood and smile at the child. So i did and she calmed down. Thank you Lord!!! Let me add that if you ever see me at Walmart and I look unhappy... PLEASE forgive me.

So we get home and Laney Bug goes right to sleep. And Dan and I decide to watch a movie. We watched Babel. Good movie but really slow and sad. Anyway, I get sick. Sick in my head, sick in my stomach, and pain in my jaw. So, I pray and I am finally able to go to sleep around 1 am.

This morning, I am so sick I have to call my mom to come get Laney Bug so that I can start to feel better b/c there was no way I could have taken care of a 10 month old feeling as bad as I did. So the best mom in the world came over and took her for the day. P.S. Hubby was working.

So now I am well enough to get on my computer and share this story with you. And hopefully this will continue so that I am able to go to church tonight!