I thought I'd step in for a quick moment.  Things have been busy on our end and we're preparing for spring with a few interesting surprise turns for 2009.  I'm unsure what God has planned for us in the upcoming months, but one thing I DO know....He is good and will never foresake us.  Looking back, there hasn't been a moment he hasn't touched our lives, given us continued hope and sustained our every need.  To Him be the glory now and forever.

Doug and I wish everyone a Happy and Healthy 2009.  May You continue to count your blessings and KNOW that God loves you.

I am grateful for all who have blessed my life just by their presence. Both In real life AND on the internet.  I am truely blessed with those who choose to share their lives with me and pray that I may bless you each as much as you have with me.  I haven't been able to visit all of my commenters this week, but know that you are in my thoughts and I plan to visit you each soon.

Happy New Year Everyone! May God continue to Abundantly Bless You.

I find myself at prayer again for a young woman I will not identify.  If you think of her, please pray as you are lead.

Sometimes we are so caught up in our own situations, that we forget that maybe those around us have their own issues.  Struggling with much worse than those of my own every day trials from side effects of an auto-immune disease or things that may be of little importance blown WAY out of proportion.

After complaining most of the day over circumstances we find ourselves in, those that we have yet to find closure with, I have found God speaking to me yet again. Not that I deserve His presence in my life in ANY way.  In fact, I've found myself more disappointed in my inability to change the attitude of my OWN thinking, that I feel even more unworthy that God is even loving me unconditionally through this selfishness.

In any case, I find it pretty powerful that as I sat here complaining most of the day, one young lady was going through SO much worse.  In fact, as lives look SO PERFECT on the outside, it's sad to know so many struggle from within without anyone at all knowing.  If it weren't for a certain plot taking it's course, I would have NEVER known this poor young girl was struggling not just with self-esteem issues, but a HUGE spiritual battle behind the scenes. 

If I had taken the time to STOP and LISTEN as I had mentioned in af ew posts back, I may have heard God speaking, asking me to pray diligently for this young woman.  I don't know this woman, in fact, I've met her only twice.  But I've seen her as she passes by and maybe if for a moment, I would have stopped to pray for her......I would have found discernment along the way to give me wisdom and direction to know just how much prayer could help her as she struggles, though nobody has witnessed it.

As I sit here contimplating this early morning of Sunday.  As I find myself complaining of ailments or circumstances I cannot change, rather should find a change of heart and attitude, I find mercy for this woman.  I find love for her, and maybe a glimpse of hope that she may come to know Jesus not as a man, but as a Savior, GOD,  who reaches out with the biggest hope of hopes, joy of joys, mercy of mercies and a light to the world who struggles with the darkness.

This morning I pray for this woman.  Someone not yet fully known, but priceless to God.

TODAY I'm coming OFF THE SHELF

 Enjoy! 

Hello Dear Friends!

As I look out this morning, I see rain, melting snow and warm weather.  Can you believe it?  Snow storms to very warm weather. The ducks are LOVING this weather!  What a blessing to enjoy the weekend with my husband and later, a day with our brother and sister in law before they head back to TENN.

As I look out at what used to be our small lazagna garden this past spring/fall, I wonder what God has planned for us this growing season.

You see, we have been looking for a modest home to buy, preferably in the country, in order to start a focus on adding to our family through Foster-to-adopt and/or regular adoption.  We have already been blessed with a crib, bunk beds and hanging draw chests for childrens rooms.  As I look at my life throughout the past 8 years, I see how God has abundantly worked in our lives.  Not just "giving" us things, but offering us more of Him and reaching out to us not just during trials, but during the joyous moments in our lives.  During a hard time just over 2 years ago, He gave us recourses to learn basic financial principals through Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University.  We learned to live on just 9.00 an hour while my husband interned full time, worked full time and went to school full time.  He took me from a pretty good paying job and gave me the new one of "Homemaker" and "Wife".  Even though I had no children to care for, my husband needed me so. 

It was those times we grew where we were planted.  This season in our lives has grown so much just by using the wisdom from what we went through during the "valley".

A contrast to all of this, is now we're back to the unknown.  Yesterday I received my seed catologs in the mail.  Unsure if I should purchase any seeds for Spring planting.  Our lease is up in April and we are contimplating moving to my wonderful inlaws once again while we shop for our home.  Growing tomatoes and peppers may be something I would do for them because I always give them tomatoes and heard my father in law speak of nice colored bell peppers this year. 

What I AM hoping to do is order seeds for fall planting with hopes we won't be too late to plant in our "new" home for fall.

Anyone have any idea of some good hardy veggies and maybe fruits that would be good to grow in the fall season for winter here in Central NY?

Please share your ideas for veggies.  I'd love to hear what you have to say.

I used to be totally against change., sometimes I still am slightly stubborn.  Over the years, I've found that no matter what, God is and will always be in control.  I like these new seasons of unknown.  When I let God take the reigns I find the flowers bloom brighter than what I could have grown on my own.

Blessings to you all and may you find your New Year Filled with Gods' Presence in Jesus Mighty name...AMEN

This Christmas was the most wonderful Christmas I've ever had.  We cuddled together, slept, made a special Christmas dinner, reflected on the TRUE meaning of Christmas...(you can find "why" I celebrate Christmas in a post below), and watched a Christmas movie together snuggled with the dogs.

It was simple, it was quiet, it was blessed and it was certainely something I enjoyed doing.  I think we'll be doing this again as our own traditional Christmas.  I just enjoyed the simplicity of it all, yet I also enjoyed spending time with my husbands family and my family as well (though there is usually my dads side on Christmas day which gets missed too).

I'm grateful to God that He gave us this opportunity and we hope to continue our simple, yet comfy Christmas Celebration of the Birth of our Lord and Savior.

Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year!

Christmas Eve is ALWAYS one I love to remember.  I enjoy spending it with my parents and the light-heartedness of the Lounsbury side makes things so easy to enjoy.  We already know we're not perfect, but boy do we know there's love there.

I have with great joy, the opportunity to celebrate with 4 generations of women in this photo.  All with whom are close and most who call each other weekly if not bi-weekly.  It's not often you find families like this.

After we had our regular ziti dinner or sandwhich rolls with fruit and veggie trays, each one of us grabbed a cookie, sat in the "small living area" (Well, it's small with over 30ppl scrunched in) and watched the latest movie my dad put out for Christmas again this year.  Pictures with each of us throughout the years together at family functions and holidays each year.

We're a "unique" family, but we sure do love each other.

Merry Christmas and a Happy Blessed New Year!

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6

"Then saith He (Jesus) unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's." Matthew 22:21

"And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it." (Luke 9:23, 24)

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16

“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me (Jesus). In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And where I go you know, and the way you know.

” Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?”

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. John 14:1-6

AND SO, Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole garrison around Him. And they stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him. When they had twisted a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand. And they bowed the knee before Him and mocked Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” Then they spat on Him, and took the reed and struck Him on the head. And when they had mocked Him, they took the robe off Him, put His own clothes on Him, and led Him away to be crucified. Matthew 27:27-31

So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit. John 19:30

He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. Matthew 28:6

 ****The above scriptures first and foremost, are THE "living, breathing" Word Of God:

2 Timothy 3:14 - 17 (NLT)
But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. You have been taught the Holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

I celebrate Christmas to Celebrate the Birth of Christ.  For without the birth of Jesus through God our Heavenly Father and the Virgin Birth He commanded, There would be NO SAVIOR to bridge the gap between Heaven and Hell for all sinners.  We'd have NO WAY other than hell itself.  Through His gruesome suffering, He served as the perfection we as humans aren't.  He suffered, died, was buried, AROSE and to this day, lives in my heart.

I am NOT perfect, I DO NOT have a perfect life, I fall prey and sometimes commit awful sin, I make mistakes on a daily basis and while I have all these things against me....the ONLY reason I get to heaven is because Christ was BORN and because Christ Died so that I ((AND ANYONE WHO BELIEVES IN JESUS' life, suffering, death, and ressurection)) will go home to see my ((OUR)) Father in Heaven.

I have a tree in my home with presents under them, I shop for "CHRISTMAS DEALS" and make homemade gifts, I eat wonderful meals, spend time with families...both Christian and NON.  I spend Christmas with family who doesn't have a santa, and one who does......but NONE of this is WHY I Celebrate Christmas.  I LOVE it, but I KNOW why I celebrate Christmas.  It's those very reasons from the Word Of God.  I haven't lost site of those things that are important, but cherish those memories with family and friends who allow me to Love God because He is a HUGE part of who I am, with hopes that maybe one day, those seeds will grow through Christ.

God is SO good and I share The birth of a SAVIOR with family and friends who will listen.  ALL OF THEM. I would not be who I am today without Christ and love that I not only choose Christmas to celebrate His birth for the Savior and LORD that He is.  But I also celebrate daily, knowing that everything He has done, Everything He accomplished, Everything He continues to be.....Is worthy of Acknowledgement, Praise and Glory.

Today, My husband and I spent time alone.  I'm grateful for the time because his schedule at work is busy. I understand how precious it is for us both to take time to reflect on the most precious gift we've been given through Christ Jesus.

I am grateful and a humble servant.....cracks and all!

I wish everyone a Merry Christmas!

P.S., I would again, like to extend my invitation to calmly and respectfully share your opinons.  I WILL NOT except Anonymous HURTFUL Opinions and reserve the right to delete them.  Keep in mind I have information of anyone who posts hurtful remarks through IP Addresses and WILL use them if remarks are hurtful and threatening. 

"Be still, and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10

Today, in my insomniac mode, I have found the Lord in SO MANY places.  Not just looking back at my last post, but reminding myself to pray for MY OWN heart when it comes to those we find, Christian and Non-Christian, who are sometimes hard to love.  Those who for a freak moment are honest in what THEY see, that while may not ALL be true, have some kind of substance we can learn from and apply to our lives.

Why is it that many of us "Expressive" people, find it SO HARD to just STOP!  And Listen to what God is telling us?  I know I certainely have such a hard time because I Love Christ and I am passionate about Him.  But sometimes we just need to STOP!  And Listen to those who are talking to us and instead of lashing out or getting the last word, just listen to what they have to say and pray on it. 

PRAY on an answer, PRAY for patience, PRAY for guidance from the Lord and most importantly LISTEN to His guidance and if we are Christians, maybe sit back and not have the answers ALL the time. 

God is SO good.  I have found SO MANY scriptures to burry my head in.  My husband and I even had a great time in the early morning hours just discussing the words spoken which we sometimes take differently from the origional Greek interpretation.

Again I will say, I am a cracked, imperfect vessel. Why God chooses to use me sometimes is confusing to me.  In fact, I have told a handful of dear friends, I sometimes feel like Those like Moses and Elijah in the Bible, who told God they didn't feel worthy of the call.    I keep thinking, If I'd only listened to the person more, or if I held my tongue, Or even if I prayed BEFORE I quickly lashed out with answers, maybe more people would be more likely to listen and actually HEAR what I have to say.

I know my husband compliments me well.  He is a very contemplative, peaceful man.  Even though he's quiet, He has alot to say.  It's wonderful to see people who are so opposite.  Many times they KNOW not to express themselves by their emotions because emotions lie to us.  Quick, sudden, retalition that comes from emotions and not from God.  I enjoy when my husband and I talk and he helps me to see another side to a story.  Sometimes he is able to help me communicate better with others.

Yeah, God is good!  I see Him in the cold morning sunshine, the beautiful colors all around me, the way my husband looks at me, the fun times we have, the closeness we have in HIM.  The intimacy we have with each other and with God. Yes, Be still, I think I will be still.