Just a little something

The Halloween candy is half eaten, the leaves are almost off the trees. It's two weeks until Thanksgiving, so you know, it is time for Christmas commercials...what is up with that! Someone emailed me a Go Fish song about Christmas that was pretty good. This song was a related video and I thought my fellow moms would enjoy it. I can totally relate..."tired of doing dishes, and know who Elmo's fish is!" I don't know about you, but this mom needed an "ata girl!" so I'll share it with you. Enjoy!



This week I have been doing some baking for Thanksgiving. Here is a new recipe to me that is very yummy--it should be with all the butter! Don't think about the calories, just make it for a crowd and have a little bit!

Pumpkin Cobbler

3 eggs beaten
1 15 oz. can pumpkin
1 12 oz. can evaporated milk
1 cup sugar
1/8 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
dash of nutmeg
dash of cloves
1 tsp vanilla
18 1/4 oz. yellow cake mix
1 1/4 cup margarine melted
1 cup chopped pecans

Stir everything together except the cake mix, margarine, and pecans in a bowl. Pour into a greased 9 x 13 dish. Sprinkle cake mix evenly over the top of the pumpkin mixture. Melt the margarine, and drizzle over the top of the cake mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Chop pecans and sprinkle over the top. Bake 15 more minutes.

Veterans' Day

Yesterday I went to the school for the Veterans' Day ceremony. Wow. The students did a very good job on their program and paying attention to the speaker--a WWII veteran. I am thankful they are teaching my children to honor those who defend our freedom. Then as each branch of the military song played, the veterans would stand and salute the flag. Watching the older gentlemen slowly stand and raise a shaking hand to salute put a lump in my throat. And these were ones who survived...Thank you just doesn't seem like enough for them and families who have sacrificed so much. All the news coverage of ceremonies accross the nation gave me a little hope that there is some good in our country today.

Thank you veterans and active military. May God bless you and keep you.

Complete lasting joy

Down in My Heart Kind of Joy
Lesson 17
Complete Lasting Joy

Let’s see if we can wrap this up in a nice package. Back in Lesson 12 we looked at John 15 where it says “complete joy, “ and we asked the question what does complete joy look like in my life? Here is what I have come up with. I'm a visual person and I have a picture, but I don't know how to get it on this post, so you will have to use your imagination with me.

Picture a circle. The first point on that circle is this: I spend time with God, my source of joy, and He gives me joy. Then continue around the circle and the second point is: That satisfaction in Him gives me strength to obey. When I try to obey, He helps me along the way, and I remain in His love. The final point on the circle is: Then because of the wonderful things He is doing in me, I praise Him with shouts of joy! And the circle continues that when I praise Him, I'm back to the beginning where I spend time in His presence.

Joy comes from God and goes back to God, completing a circle of joy around me. (You can write your name in the center.) I hesitate to illustrate that it revolves around me because it is all about God. Joy comes from Him, He empowers me, and I give it back to Him. I guess I see it as He wraps around me.

Read John 3:27.

If I receive joy, where does it come from?

Write Romans 11:36.

When my joy is based on the constant of God, it can be consistent through any changing situation or relationship. That is lasting, deep down in your heart kind of joy!

Thank you for joining me on this journey! It has been my pleasure to honor the Lord by serving you in this way. In light of what we have studied together, these verses are so rich and bless me. May they bless you too as we end this time together.

Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we can now stand and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. (NLT)
Romans 5:1-2

To Him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy—to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forever more! Amen. (NIV)
Jude 1:24-25

What joy for the nation whose God is the Lord, whose people He has chosen as His inheritance. (NLT)
Psalm 33:12

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (NIV)
Romans 15:13

Heart question:
What is something you learned from this study that you want to remember?

Joy...ready to obey

Down in My Heart Kind of Joy
Lesson 16
Complete Joy…Position Ready to Obey

In our discussion of joy in obedience, it is important not just to obey, but to be in a position ready to obey. During the summer Olympics last summer, we watched the men’s swimming events with Michael Phelps’ historic run of eight gold medals. If Michael had been by the pool, but not on the starting block when the whistle blew, he would not be in the position ready to go. We watched many of the races, and we noticed that for every race, prelim or final—it didn’t matter, Michael did the same routine every time. He came in listening to his ipod, took one ear piece out, dried off the starting block…stepped up on the starting block swung his arms to the front and to the back 3 times and he was ready to go. There is something to be said for meeting with God regularly. Not to be legalistic or boring about it, but in a routine of regularly reading the Bible, praying, and listening. Then I will be in a position ready to obey Him. This example in the Bible really hit this home for me.

Genesis 35:1 Then God said to Jacob, “Get ready and move…” (NLT)

In the very next verse, Jacob obeyed. Then years later, this happened.

Genesis 37:13 When they [Joseph’s brothers] had been gone for some time, Jacob said to Joseph, “Your brothers are pasturing the sheep at Shechem. Get ready, and I will send you to them.”

“I’m ready to go,” Joseph replied. (NLT)

I recently read a parenting book and one thing I learned was the importance of teaching my kids to obey me because that teaches them to obey God. Jacob had learned to obey God and modeled it for his family. Then it impressed me that Joseph was in a ready position to obey when his father asked him to do something. In Joseph’s life story, although there were parts he may have chosen to be prepared in a different way, he was ready for the next step of what God had for him.

In the story about the man and the wagon load of rocks (Lesson 14), what if the man had said, “Sure, I will do that for you, God. Just let me finish this project I have going.” Obeying is vitally important to God. I need to be in a ready position to obey and not too bogged down by other things.

Heart questions:
Am I in a position ready to obey?

Is there anything that is bogging me down?

You have come with me this far. One more lesson left and we will wrap this all up! Thanks so much for taking this journey with me! See you next time!

The BEST grandparents!

We have the best grandparents ever! About 3 years ago, we got a playset in our backyard. We spent many hours of fun on that thing! For many reasons, we decided to leave it behind when we moved. But in a smaller house, my kids were needing a place to run, climb, and play! We were really missing it more than we thought we would. The grands and greats got together and planned to go get the playset for us. Then they called and told us when they were coming with it! Grandma spent the day with us while Papa, Granddad, and Papaw drove to the old house. She had a ball playing with SweetTate.

The guys had a full day of traveling, but thankfully it came apart easy enough. The next morning they started putting it together in our backyard!

SweetTate even got in on some of the action.

My grandparents were friends for a long time before my parents got married. They often work together on projects, and "mixing" families is no big deal. I love that about my family! And they have a good time together. At one point in the process, Papaw was on the inside and Granddad was on the outside working to attach the monkey bars. They both put their part of the screw in the hole, but it was not connecting as it should. Papaw finally asked, "Do you have a nut on that side?" Granddad answered, "Yes." To which Papaw replied with laughter, "Me too!" They are a couple of nuts! Then they both changed to a bolt! They finally got the communication lines going and the monkey bars attached!

I didn't get the picture of Granddad climbing the rock climb--I was too busy praying! But I did snap this one of him checking out the slide! It passed inspection!

SweetTate was all over it as soon as they got a piece put together. My big kids hit the door after school, dropped their backpacks, and ran out the door. "Going to the playset, Mom!"

It feels like home now. I don't know what it is, but it just does. Even SweetHeart said it felt more like home. So thank you, thank you Grandma & Granddad, Mema & Papaw, Papa & Granny. Once again you made our day!

Over the weekend

For such a cold, foggy start to October it sure is pretty--chilly, but nice. Just right for a hot air balloon "glow." I have never been to a hot air balloon event, but I have always wanted to. This one was close to home and at decent time (not the crack of dawn!), so we planned to go. We got to see them at every stage. It was so fun and the kids squealed to see the balloons inflate, then again when they fired up the burners! In the air they don't look that big, but up close they are huge! It was great!

As the sun went down, they would glow when the burners were lit. It was so pretty!

I was experimenting with my camera, and this one turned out kind of fuzzy, but it has everybody in it. Granny and Papa enjoyed experiencing it with the kids. And of course, Papa was interested to see how it all worked. All I have to say is thank goodness for cell phones or we never would have found him! ;)

The next morning there was a race, and SweetBoy woke me up, "The balloons are in the air!" So much for missing the crack of dawn part! It was kind of neat to see them. We counted 21 along the horizon.

Then Saturday evening it was time for the big Trunk-or-Treat at Granny & Papa's church. The kids had fun dressing up and getting candy. We usually go to SweetHeart's Mamaw's and help her pass out candy, so we had not really ever done serious candy gathering. Oh my goodness! We had three buckets FULL of candy! The kids had fun playing games and getting their faces painted. Here are my munchkins... SweetTate as Steve on Blue's Clues, Sweetboy as a knight with a baseball helmet (the knight's helmet was too small and he had to have a helmet--it makes sense to a 3rd grader!), and SweetDoll as Sharpay. Here we go!

Some of the Trunk-or-treat hosts went all out!

He is the clue!

Too fun! Hope ya'll are enjoying the fall!

Complete joy--more benefits

Down in My Heart Kind of Joy
Lesson 15
Complete Joy…More Benefits of Obedience

I tend to be one who has to see a principle over and over for it to sink into my being and become part of the way I live life. If the Ten Commandment connection, Jesus’ example, and using our spiritual gifts are not convincing enough that obeying God results in joy, here is some more! Write the benefits of obedience in the margin as you go.

Psalm 119:1-8 Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord. Joyful are those who obey His laws and search for Him with all their hearts. They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in His paths, You have charged us to keep Your commandments carefully. Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect Your decrees! Then I will not be ashamed when I compare my life with Your commands. As I learn Your righteous regulations, I will thank You by living as I should! I will obey Your decrees. Please don’t give up on me! (NLT)

A theme I’m beginning to study is what I set my heart on. If I am searching for Him with all my heart (vs.2), you can be sure that is what I have my heart set on! And verse 5 is what I pray for myself, as a mom especially: that my actions would consistently reflect Your decrees! How about this benefit of obedience: no shame, a life of no regret. Write that benefit in the margin. Wow! Then, I just love David’s honesty. God knows and I know I’m going to mess up. Verse 8 pleads my case, “Please don’t give up on me!” I already know that if I seek Him, He will not abandon me!

Psalm 112:1-2 Praise the Lord! How joyful are those who fear the Lord and delight in obeying His commands. Their children will be successful everywhere; an entire generation of godly people will be blessed. They themselves will be wealthy, and their good deeds will last forever. (NLT)

I wonder what legacy I will leave my children. I want it to be godly. This verse shows obedience with a promise that a whole generation will be blessed. So what is that benefit? Children will be successful, and an entire generation will be blessed.

Proverbs 29:18 When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild. But whoever obeys the law is joyful. (NLT)

What is the benefit of obedience here? Joy!

This goes hand in hand. We obey and the result is joy. As I am obeying, I should serve with joy. In the next verses, God was laying out the curses that would happen if the Israelites didn’t obey Him. This is one of the curses. Notice that they were either going to serve God or their enemies. I would rather serve God!

Deuteronomy 28:47-48 If you do not serve the Lord your God with joy and enthusiasm for the abundant benefits you have received, you will serve your enemies whom the Lord will send against you. You will be hungry, thirsty, naked, and lacking in everything. (NLT)

SweetHeart and I were sponsors at youth camp one year. One night was “Friend Night” where traditionally boys asked a girl friend to dinner. And traditionally the boy brought the girl a flower. The pastor took that opportunity to teach about serving. He said, “What if the boy comes to the door and says this:

‘Here is your flower. I felt like I had to get you one.’ Or maybe,
‘Here is your flower. Everyone else was doing it, so I got you one.’ Or,
‘Here is your flower. I was afraid to show up without one.’”

I don’t know about you, but those just don’t really do it for me! Then he said, “But what if he said, ‘Here is your flower. It is my pleasure to honor you in this way.” Aaaw! That would just melt my heart!

It is the same with God. When I serve out of duty, peer pressure, or fear, it just doesn’t cut it. But when I serve to please Him, that is honoring. So I will choose joy and enthusiasm as I serve. My attitude should be like John the Baptist’s.

John 3:28-30 You yourselves know how plainly I [John the Baptist] told you, ‘I am not the Messiah. I am only here to prepare the way for Him.’ It is the bridegroom who marries the bride, and the best man is simply glad to stand with him and hear his vows. Therefore, I am filled with joy at His success. He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less. (NLT)

His example is being filled with joy because of what God is doing. My attitude in serving should be joyful humility—God should get the glory. Glorifying God is also a benefit of obedience.

John 4:36 The harvesters are paid good wages, and the fruit they harvest is people brought to eternal life. What joy awaits both the planter and the harvester alike! (NLT)

The point here is that joy is a reward for work and sometimes that joy is deferred. (Yes, reward is the benefit.) Some people are planters and may not see the harvest. Even if they do, the result is not immediate. It takes time for the harvest. This also reiterates what we learned last time, that we all have different jobs. I need to find joy in the job God has for me.

Psalm 144: 15 Yes, joyful are those who live like this! Joyful
indeed are those whose God is the Lord. (NLT)

Heart Questions:
How is your attitude as you serve? Are you motivated by duty, peer pressure, fear, or honor?

What benefit of obedience catches your attention most today?

Other verses in this section
o Judges 9:19 If you [people of Shechem] have acted honorably and in good faith toward Gideon and his descendants today, then may you find joy in Abimelech, and may he find joy in you.

(I thought this one might need a little clarification to what I was thinking.) When we obey God in choosing our leaders, it can bring joy. When we don’t obey, it brings destruction, as the rest of the story in Judges unfolds.

o Psalm 41:1
o Psalm 84:5, 12
o Psalm 97;11
o Psalm 106:3
o Psalm 128:1-2
o Proverbs 8:32
o Proverbs 10:1
o Proverbs 12:20
o Ecclesiastes 2:26a