*** Bake Me A Wish ***
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Posted in Good Health & Spirit
I've just added a link to "Operation Birthday Cake". Purchase one Freedom Cake and One Soldier will recieve a birthday cake of their own FREE while they're serving overseas. Celebrate YOUR FREEDOM over the summer by splurging on a cake to make a soldiers day away from their families.
Each cake is gourmet made with the finest Ingrediants including a message made of belgian chocolate.
******If you can't afford to purchase a cake in full, please think about donating a dollar or two to the cause in honor of our veterans who have been fighting for our freedoms and whom could use some encouragement and joy on their birthday.
Happy Independence Day
*** Amish Chicken Loaf ***
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Posted in Recipes From the Kitchen1 (5 pound) chicken, cooked and cubed
2 cups chicken broth
2 cups uncooked rice
2 cups milk
2 cups bread cubes
4 eggs
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups diced celery
Stir and mix all ingredients. Spoon into a greased baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees F for 1 hour or until a knife comes out clean when inserted in the center of the loaf. Serve in slices.
Find this recipe and other Amish recipes at AmishRecipes.net
*** Drill, Drill, Drill!! Contact Your Local Congressman and Help Your Nation ***
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Posted in Financial Stewardship
Rep. Peterson: Congress needs to wake-up and Increase Domestic Energy Production! Find The article here
Drill Drill Drill!! We need to Stop Relying on other nations to give us what we Americans have on our own soil! Contact YOUR local Congressman and let him know we're sick of Congress and the President of the United States playing games with OUR livelyhood. This should cross party lines and become a PRIORITY for Americans who'll pay in their heat & electric this year, as well as food shortages from those high costs as the storms persist, high cost of food and products which depend upon our Truckers, etc. Enough Ethynol production that drives UP the cost of the grains we need to feed our nation as a whole!! Enough playing around between Republicans and Democrats on what, when, why, where, and HOW we'll fix our economy and this High cost of oil when we have it HERE...We The People make this country what it is!! We the people need to STOP sitting and waiting, and start BECOMING members of this country by making our voices heard. Contact your local state and governmental officials and Voice your right that our Founding Fathers have given you!! Yet again, Nancy Peloci and our president, have decided to play games with the bill that could help us drive the cost of oil at a hault and find other measures that over time, will help us find alternative ways to deal with this growing concern, yet our Government won't get outa the way! Once again, Make your voices heard....get that bill off the "hold" and make them act on OUR behalf!
*** Tell Your Senators to VOTE NO! On Hidden Taxes. Sign the Petition and Get Your Voice Heard!! ***
Friday, June 6, 2008
Posted in Financial Stewardship
Right now, the Senate is considering “cap-and-trade” energy legislation that will attempt to limit greenhouse gas emissions, principally carbon dioxide, and establish a trading system for emissions allowances. But in reality, this legislation will place severe regulatory burdens on domestic industry, impede trade, and harm our nation’s economy.
Introduced by Sens. Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) and John Warner (R-Va.), the Climate Security Act is nothing more than a hidden tax that would raise costs on energy use by $1.2 trillion by 2018! These higher costs would severely undermine the nation’s ability to attract business and capital, while at the same time draining household budgets by increasing gas and electric bills for American families.
The Climate Security Act will also create an army of new bureaucrats by requiring the Environmental Protection Agency to establish a greenhouse gas (GHG) registry, create a GHG emission allowance transfer system, and set emission allowances for 2012-2050. New agencies that the legislation would create include the Climate Change Credit Corporation, which will auction emission allowances, and the Carbon Market Efficiency Board, which will observe and report on the national GHG emission market.
This dramatic expansion of government will eventually dictate every aspect of commercial and individual energy use. Ultimately, the cap-and-trade system will be open to manipulation and corruption, with politicians and bureaucrats picking winners and losers in the energy market.
Some argue that cap-and-trade is environmentalism. But this kind of environmentalism is nothing more than an elite command-and-control system that will kill prosperity!
Say NO! To Hidden Taxes. Sign the Petition Here and tell YOUR Senators NOW!
***A Pondering Heart Giveaway***
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Posted in Financial StewardshipJocelyn is having a Pondur me giveaway at her home blog A Pondering Heart.
Pondur offers infant creepers and lap tees that are 100% Certified Organic cotton with low impact dyes and printed with water-based ink. The inside is tagless and the back says “pondür”. The creepers and tees come in four different prints and colours.
Check Out her blog for further details!
***Please Keep Steven Curtis Chapman Family in Prayer ***
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Posted in In The Readers' Den
I would like to extend our condolences to the Chapman family during this time as they grieve the loss of their 5 year old adopted daughter Maria who died unexpectedly in a tragic accident in their driveway.
The loss happened on the day of their eldest daughters engagement, their sons graduation and just ten days prior was the fifth birthday of their darling daughter.
Please keep the Chapmans in your prayers as they all go through the grieving process. Jesus knows the answer to why so early, but her life on earth will be missed. She made such an impact through Stevens songs and the lives of her family.
In Leiu of flowers the Chapmans have asked that donations be made to Shohannahs Hope in Memory of their sweet girl Maria.
*** Free Iced Coffee Day At Dunkin Donuts ***
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Posted in Financial Stewardship
Wanted to Announce the Free Iced Coffee Day at Dunkin Donuts. Find a Participating location near you HERE
*** Make A Wish Walk ***
Monday, May 5, 2008
Posted in Good Health & Spirit
We Did It!! We walked with our local Sparkpeople.com Group for Make A Wish Foundation. What a Blessing to walk for charity while getting healthy!
Something new, I've been blessed through dougs insurance to be able to have a personal trainer with hopes to lose 100lbs. I'm off insulin but wish to be off completely of most meds. This is a part of our mind, body and spirit year. Doug and I have decided to work on our bodies to keep up with the children that will be placed with us. While we've put off the classes for a short time, we will start back up with classes once God leads us to. Having a child has never looked more close than it has today. THIS TIME we'll be more equipped to help the children emotionally, physically AND spiritually.
An update: We've found a home church, are seeking Christian Counsel to deal with the underlying issues behind the eating, both doug and I are working together to lose some needed weight and we are enjoying each day, especially now that spring is here. We have SO many fun weekend adventures planned.
We're also cheering our brothers and sister in laws for such great news over the past few months. Dougs older brother is graduating with his Masters in Childrens Ministry, Dougs younger brother Dan and his wife are expecting twins and God is just present in ALL our lives. What a blessing!
**** Where O' Where are the grains Grains, honey & Grain Mills? ****
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Posted in Good Health & Spirit
In Leui of the economy, I REALLY am wanting to find sources for THE BEST prices on gallons of Honey, bags of Wheat Berries, brown rice and beans. I'm also in the market for an economical grain mill or even a used one by someone willing to sell their clean but in good working condition grain mill.
Does anyone have sites and resources to help me find THE BEST prices on the above? I have Wheat Montana but have no other resources to know if they have the absolute best prices. Please share your ideas as we could really use your help.
I'm also looking for those 5 gallon pales that keep the air in made specifically for the grains, anyone know where I could find them at good prices?
I look forward to all your ideas.
Rebekah
What is the difference between Stone and Impact Grinders? Does anyone have any impressions of the Magic Mill III?
Ok It works...
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Posted in Good Health & Spirit
Or so I've been told, that those who are given access SHOULD be able to see comments. YAY
Glitches...
Monday, April 28, 2008
Posted in Good Health & SpiritBare with me everyone. I have some glitches in my commenting security options and have had to ask for help from Tech Support. Hopefully I'll have comments up and running for those who I give permission.
Thanks so much for all your patience and I pray your all doing well. What lovely comments and PM's I've been getting and I can't wait to open up soon to those I consider close friends and family.
Love in Christ,
Rebekah
Are You KIDDING?!
Monday, April 28, 2008
Posted in In The Family RoomGot a phone call from the vet today about an estimate to have our dogs teeth taken out and cleaned. I figured it'd be expensive but had no idea.
I'm glad they left it on the answering machine or I would have laughed and flipped.
2500.00 - 3000.00 DOLLARS
ARE YOU KIDDING ME? "I" haven't even had MY teeth done yet. I love my dogs....I want them to live longer and I DO love my first dog maxwell, but his bill ASIDE from the 550.00 we spent on updated shots and bloodwork to be sure they'd be ok for surgery for HIS teeth (though they took sashas too with hopes to get their mits on her too)
Mrs. S., they said, you can put it on CARECREDIT. I wouldn't put any of it on credit. Can you imagine the interest rate on that?!
I suppose I should start shopping around. I feel just AWFUL because I love my dogs and would do anything for the care of their health...but 3k is WAY too much for a dear sweet dog. 
New Security Features for my comments
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Posted in Good Health & SpiritDear friends and family, Due to some Nasty comments by only one, I have had to change the security feartures on my blog. Unless you are on my "Friends" list, you will NOT have access to comment. For those of you who have commented in the past, if you find you are NOT on my friends list, please make me a request to be your friend and I WILL add you.
I KNOW the person/s who have been posting these comments and have taken care of the matter thus far, but my security features will be left for good in order to protect me.
Much love to you all and so sorry for the inconvenience!
Rebekah
1 Peter 3:8-17
Friday, April 25, 2008
Posted in Good Health & Spirit
This passage has helped me today. I feel Gods presence NOW more than ever.
Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. For,
"Whoever would love life
and see good days
must keep his tongue from evil
and his lips from deceitful speech.
He must turn from evil and do good;
he must seek peace and pursue it.
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous
and his ears are attentive to their prayer,
but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."
Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened." But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.
Not feeling so well...
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Posted in In The Family RoomToday I thought I'd just jot down my thoughts for the day. Not much of course, but I wanted to get up and get out of this funk I've been feeling.
I seem to be having issues with overtiredness. I'm unsure if it's the thyroid or some other issue. All I know is I'm whiped out and really never seem to get a whole nights sleep without interuption.
The good news here is that I've started meeting with a personal trainer just yesterday. She was impressed by my focus and spunk. I miss those days during dance training. I had alot of drive. It seems to be coming back a bit as I saw in the gym with my PT. I pray I start seeing some results. In the meantime, Today through this lethargic feeling I have to get out and walk for an hour. I refuse to walk with the dogs by myself because they seem to get too rambunctious with me. So I'll try it on my own for awhile. It'll be pretty nice because I'll be able to see the ducks and swans. The swan is in her nest awaiting a baby. I can't wait to see her.
I have several appointments to make. One being for a chiropractor. My lower back is pretty sore from the belly fat I have.
The other appointment is with a Registered Dietician to help me with my slump concerning diabetes and hypothyroid. I am having issues with boredom and would like to find ways to get around the food slump and maybe even find some hidden calories and fat.
NEXT, doug and I are going to some Christian Counseling sessions. To go alone with mind body and spirit, I feel there are some underlying issues that I need to overcome, I think both of us could use a bit of help in overcoming these obsticles so it will be a blessing to work on the overall health of us.
Which brings me to my final note. We've decided to push back our foster to adopt classes. There is WAY too much going on and one of the things we think would be a good idea is to work on ourselves, our health, our mind, spirits and our marriage. While I know it sounds a bit odd, I have so many health concerns and doug has gained a bit of weight from stress at work that we've just found it right to work on our overall health. I don't think we'd do our children any justice if we couldn't give them all of us.
I have to say it was an awful conclusion as we've both waited 7 years, but whats one more year if it means the health and well being of us all right? So with that, I'm working on losing this weight, getting off majority of my meds, focusing on my faith and my marriage as is my husband. We both came to this mutual understanding so right there was our confirmation from God. Who'da thunk it. I'm just a bit sad that I have to wait, yet again for my children. A part of me is REALLY lost without them. God is also showing me though, that I'm focusing too much on children and maybe even raising them to a level of idols. Not sure if anyone really understands, but sometimes those of us who are barren, we tend to overthink, focus WAY too much too hard on having a child when really as I've learned with our finances, He wants us to be content with what we DO have before he blesses us with more.
It's because of the above last sentence that we've chosen to take a step back and work within ourselves to be the two people God wants us to be. Then children will come when HE is good an ready, not when I say He is.
So please bare with me as I share my spirit with you. I feel pretty shot spiritually these days. The good news though is things are looking up. We have even found a church home after all these months. Our pastor and his wife are two awesome people who love the Lord and I have already learned a great deal from them and the congregation about the love of Christ and His will for His people.
With that said, I will close here.
Much love to you all as you start to enjoy the final weeks of spring and a full, lively, summer and harvest season.
Rebekah
*** A Series Of Wonderful Events *** PART II
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Posted in In The Family Room
We're Going to Be an AUNT and UNCLE AGAIN!!
This time my brother in law Dan and His Bride Heidi who have been married about a little over a year found out that they are expecting. We are SO excited! Thing is, it's not just one in there but TWO. Yup! TWINS! It's they're FIRST TWO children.
Hopefully I'll be sharing pics soon of the baby bump and the sonogram. They are due in November and are doing well.
Praise God for blessings like these!
*** A Series Of Wonderful Events *** PART I
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Posted in In The Family Room
My (BROTHER) Garrett Got married over the weekend. I can't tell you how blessed I was to see him marry the most perfect woman for him that was absolutely hand-picked by God.
Let me start by telling you that I became friends with Garrett AND my husband Doug in college after a mutual friend of ours (Robyn) tried to introduce me to this college club called Brothers and Sisters in Christ. I was in Biology class and said the Lords name in Vein and Robyn, like her whitty self, pointed right at me and said "Oh YOU LOVE the Lord too?!" Knowing full well I didn't know Christ at all. She invited me to this Christian Club in college and I kept saying NO WAY! Your a freak. She brushed off my comments and kept talking to me in biology class. Soon she found me with a coffee in my hands and asked if she could meet with me at the local coffee house. I said yes. She brought the WHOLE group of brothers and sisters in Christ.
That day, I had absolutely NO IDEA how God would bless my life starting with the people in that group. I was seeing a british man who I had planned to marry because I loved his family so much (not the right reason to marry I would say). I had planned on going to England and never coming back during the millenium.
During the fall and start of winter God started churning my heart. I began having discussions with these two STUBBORN guys that kept arguing their points with me. I wanted NOTHING more than to knock them a good one because they didn't agree with me.
Slowly and compassionately these two men began to teach me about this Heavenly Father who loved me so much, who wasn't anything like the Lord I had been taught to LITERALLY fear, but one who loved me so much, He had his arms stretched wide enough to help me through any obsticle that would come my way.
I recall sitting in the Basic office with Garrett and Doug saying...well if THIS is true then why, OR how do you know it's true...it was written by man, OR I will NEVER beat my kids EVER! (pertaining to the spare the rod and spoil the child). They explained the meaning and intention by God of that verse and helped me to understand that it wasn't about abuse at all, but about loving correction.
Back to Garrett, about the same time God was pulling Doug and I together, Garrett felt an awful loneliness, though he almost NEVER shared it with everyone. He did share with doug and I...maybe a couple other friends as well. He was just searching so hard. The woman he wanted HAD to love the Lord and hand over her whole life to the Lord. The kind of beauty he was looking for went WAY beyond outside appearances, He loved her even before he knew who she was. Though he longed for her for MANY years, patiently, sometimes impatient, but for the most part patiently awaiting the arms of his bride.
Garrett, from our little group became a sibling I'd NEVER had. I am an only child, but God lovingly gave me a brother. I cherished my friendship with my brother. Even during those times I was trying to figure things out with who would soon be my own husband. Garrett gave me insight to God, my friendship with Doug and even met my grandma who passed a couple of years ago. My gram knew He was special to me, she too, knew garrett as MY BROTHER. Not a romance relationship, but someone I trusted and loved as a sibling who would tell me the truth (as he often did) and be there for my husband and I.
Garrett being friend of both me and my husband, was in our wedding. It felt so comforting to see him help my mother and my mother in law light the unity candle. It was as if God planned it all along. I wouldn't have any biological siblings.....but I would have a BROTHER in Christ who would be forever my friend. I NEVER had to feel alone as most only children did, but I would have MANY brothers and sisters in Christ.
I called Garretts parents to find out if he had married or had children already (we hadn't seen each other for about 4 years (we'd been in Ohio for 6 but we met with him one year when we were in NY visiting family). During that time, Garretts mom and I picked up where we left off several years ago. Talking about Garretts events and one in which he was to be married. She expressed how God worked to find THE woman for Him. The chain of events took him from graduating with a degree in teaching to a small Christian school where, GET THIS, her dad was a pastor.
Things worked out, though just like doug, Garrett took forever so it seems, to FINALLY ask her out. Once it happened though, the connection grew. It was the string that God tightened and will know bind their hands together in the covenant God intended for them both.
BEFORE they married, Garrett asked to meet with us at dinner. I was pleasantly surprised when He brought His fiance` who had a class, but somehow found the time to make it along with Him.
My first thought when she walked in the room was how outgoing and loving towards Garrett She was. Evenmoreso, how good and loving HE treated Her. She began to talk and I began to listen intently on how everything happened. I began to notice just HOW MUCH she fit Garrett PERFECTLY. It was TOTALLY God here. They compliment each other SO much and I couldn't help but be so proud of both of them for obeying Gods will over their lives.
Now, This mystery womans name? Danielle. Danielle's beauty is FAR beyond her outside appearance. She is a beautiful girl by appearance, but if you talk with her, you'll find so much love for Gods people and those who need Christ as well. She's compassionate, loves the Lord and fits exactly what Garrett has been waiting for, for SO many years.
The couple married this weekend with such a lovely wedding and reception. They're wedding was an opportunity to minister to those who didn't know Christ, to explain what Marriage TRUELY means and the role they'd both be playing as ONE in Christ.
I have NOW gained a dear sister. Garrett added a sister to my life and Danielle couldn't have been more perfect! I pray now that they continually walk together with Christ, pushing through the trials and tribulations, learning about one another, reaching out to one another and creating those roots deep to set the foundation for what will be THEIR family unit.
God bless You both. I love you both truely and can't wait to get together again soon.
Rebekah
~ Make A Wish Foundation ~
Monday, April 14, 2008
Posted in Good Health & SpiritHiya Everyone!
I'll be walking for Make A Wish Foundation and would be grateful if anyone could donate to the cause. The walk is for children with serious illnesses who've fought hard and would just like an opportunity to get away from it all with their families. Some, are sick with debilitating diseases, others have fought and won their battles. It gives me great honor to walk for the children while I work to lose weight and gain my own health back. Won't you please join me in donating whatever you can?
You can follow the highlighted link under the box to donate just one dollar or if you feel led, a larger amount, anything would be greatly appreciated and ALL costs go to the Make A Wish Foundation where the site is protected for transactions online.
Please Donate Whatever You Can To Give a Sick Child and their families a Wish Come True.
***Latest News on our Foster To Adopt Journey***
Friday, April 11, 2008
Posted in In The Family Room
We've been working diligently to prepare our home for kids to placed here with us. It really is starting to come along nicely. We have nice living room furniture, our table and chairs are due in within the next two weeks or so, bought a bunk bed for 100.00 on craigslist and NOW are waiting to purchase the mattresses and bed linens.
I moved the treadmill downstairs to the basement, got rid of an old chair that was odd looking, moved OUR bed over a bit more, took things out of the childrens closet...filled it with cute baskets filled with bath towels specifically for the kids, bought new white bath linens for US to put in the bathroom closet, and deep cleaned the upstairs AND the downstairs.
I bought some of those safety knotches for the cupboards, moved chemicals either down in the basement or the highest shelf in the bathroom, and as far as safety is concerned, I'm looking for a safety gate I can use on the top of the stairs so toddlers won't crawl out of bed and want to run down the stairs at night. (I'm so freaked out that we'll have a toddler and I'll sleep through them getting into something) We'll also need fire extinguishers for each floor and two fire ladders for each room THEN we're done ((laying down from exhaustion.Haha))
Our classes start soon and run until the first or second week of July. We have a homestudy, a fire inspection and lead testing to be done. Apparently we should have placement by November. In my head, I honestly didn't think it would take so long. I'm SO glad we've started NOW.
We're not stipulating which sex or race the child should be but have decided we'll let them know we'd like infant to 4 years old (we had teens in Ohio and would like to have young ones while we're still young enough, THEN add some older ones later on) with any child over 4 years of age on a case by case basis. We want to be open to Gods plan and figured if we worded it that way, we'd have a bit more information on any older children coming in and a bit more say on who can be placed with us if it's written in our file.
At the same time, my parents are moving into their FIRST home since the 80's when they lost everything because the business they worked for, filed bankruptcy and everyone who worked there lost Everything they worked so hard for.
It blesses my heart to see them so excited! It really hurt their spirit during those rough years and while they'll have a mortgage way into their 70's, I pray they enjoy all that God has given them.
In the meantime, we've been trying to help mom go through junk, get rid of it, pack, move things upstairs, and had high hopes to help them move next week. Doug took a personal day on top of his day off AND the sellers pushed the closing back another week during the weekday when neither doug nor I can help them. I'm an only child so no sisters or brothers to help out. I'm trying to see what I can do though. I'd hate to have them do it alone. At least they hired movers though.
So, as you can see, we have been busy, busy! I look forward to posting again REAL soon.
Love to you all!
***Disney Trip Cancelled***
Friday, April 11, 2008
Posted in Good Health & SpiritWell, After all our research and reservations, we've had to cancel our trip to Disney World.
Our Dog needs an expensive surgery on his teeth. His poor mouth smells dead and because of his anxieties, He's got teeth that are cut in half, and I think if it goes much further they could be infected.
We have an appointment next week to deal with both Max's and Sasha's shots, flea & tick meds and heartworm meds. Max also needs one more test for limes disease after his bout with a tick last season (he's now got a series of shots to keep him immune) we also will innauculate sasha for limes disease to be sure she's safe. Apparently this area is pretty bad lately.
So, we'll be taking care of our dogs, decided we'll keep some money in the bank for our future trip to Disney whenever that may be, will buy a nice mattress and two more for the childrens room AND will still use our week off to go on a more low key vacation to Thousand Island, PA Amish Country, Lake George or some cabin in the fingerlakes.
While we're disappointed, we vowed to care for our adopted animals, I would do it for us, our children or them. We can have a Disney Vacation maybe when we adopt our children officially!
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