Who writes this stuff?

My photo
I try to keep my priorities in order: Jesus, my Andy, our children, everything else. I homeschool our boys, love to read almost all written words and have been challenged by the military life for 18 years. Right now my faulty human body is demanding a lot of attention. One day at a time, learning as much as possible every day and remembering to look for JOY when other things threaten to overwhelm.

My Blog Title Verse

"For the Lord gives wisdom. From His mouth come knowledge and understanding." Proverbs 2:6 NKJV
The Message translation puts it this way "God gives out Wisdom free, is plainspoken in Knowledge and Understanding."


Saturday, March 29, 2008

Easter picture link

I forgot my camera when I went home for Easter, but my friend Carrie took some pictures of our kids together. You can link to her page here, and see our Easter Egg hunt. I will try to get some pictures from Andy's parents too and post them. I haven't written in ages, and I feel like I am overflowing with words, but right now I have to go to bed, so I can get up and teach Sunday School in the morning.
Don't miss the pictures of my brilliant husband getting an egg thrown at him... for fun, just to see what would happen. (It was a confetti filled egg, which was really neat) Anyway... now that I have found my tongue again, I will try to use it often.

Someone else's words, my feelings

I added a new song to my playlist. It is a duet with Reba and Faith, and it is called "Sleeping with the telephone". I think it expressed beautifully exactly what I feel when Andy is deployed. All day long it is easy to be strong - I have too much to do, and to think about, to waste time worrying. But nights can be very long. I honestly and truly slept with the telephone every single night, every time he was deployed. I started that tradition after I missed his first call from Basic Training, and I expect the tradition will continue for many more years.
Anyway... I got the CD in January, and finally today actually listened to the words of that song. I had to share my feelings. Lots of people ask how I am feeling, how I am doing, etc, when he is gone. I am almost always going to say "Fine", but if you really want to know how I feel, listen to this song.

Thankfully, he is home right now and I will enjoy every second I have with him. Everyone, kiss the people you love tonight, and tell them how thankful you are that they are there. Appreciate it, because there are thousands tonight who are sleeping alone, with the telephone as their lifeline.

Sunday, March 09, 2008

Just FYI

The average (30 day) month has 43,200 minutes in it. That is a lot of minutes. Last month I spent 1890 of them on the phone. Unbelievable!!!!! I really don't understand how that is possible, because I really don't feel like I talk on the phone all that much. I probably spent about 600 minutes in God's word. About 150 minutes brushing my teeth. About 1200 minutes a month reading to my kids. I guess when you put it in that perspective, it doesn't seem THAT bad. It just shocked me a little when I saw the total. I did mange to NOT go over on my anytime minutes this month. I had 3 left over. I am very proud of that fact!!! The only reason I can do that is because a large portion of the people I talk to are AT&T also, so they are free! Thank you Corey for getting Carrie a new phone!!
Since I am supposed to be making my words more meaningful, I will close now. I don't think this is especially meaningful, but it sure was funny to think about!!

Friday, March 07, 2008

Proverbs 31

A friend of mine asked me to type this up and E-mail it to her. I have "The Message" version of the Bible, and I enjoyed the slightly different sound of this version. This scripture is intimidating, in any translation. But, it is also inspiring. Please, enjoy....

Proverbs 31:10-31

Hymn to a good wife

A good woman is hard to find, and worth far more than diamonds.
Her husband trusts her without reserve, and never has reason to regret it.
Never spiteful, she treats him generously all her life long.
She shops around for the best yarns and cottons, and enjoys knitting and sewing.
She’s like a trading ship that sails to faraway places and brings back exotic surprises.
She’s up before dawn, preparing breakfast for her family and organizing her day.
She looks over a field and buys it, then, with money she’s put aside, plants a garden.
First thing in the morning, she dresses for work, rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started.
She senses the worth of her work, is in no hurry to call it quits for the day.
She’s skilled in the crafts of home and hearth, diligent in homemaking.
She’s quick to assist anyone in need, reaches out to help the poor.
She doesn’t worry about her family when it snows, their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear.
She makes her own clothing, and dresses in colorful linens and silks.
Her husband is greatly respected when he deliberates with the city fathers.
She designs gowns and sells them, brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops.
Her clothes are well-made and elegant, and she always faces tomorrow with a smile.
When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say, and she always says it kindly.
She keeps an eye on everyone in her household, and keeps them all busy and productive.
Her children respect and bless her: her husband joins in with words of praise.
“Many women have done wonderful things, but you’ve outclassed them all!”
Charm can mislead and beauty soon faces.
The woman to be admired and praised is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God.
Give her everything she deserves!
Festoon her life with praises!

I was especially impressed by the "has something worthwhile to say". I know that I waste time, speaking, and writing, things that aren't really worthwhile. I am going to try to be more aware of making the things I say worthwhile. I can usually handle the "kindly" part, except where my husband is concerned. I am going to try to be more kind to him too. He deserves it more than anyone, but it is easiest to be annoyed with him, because I spend the most time with him, and because I am so completely comfortable with him. We talked about that at bible study yesterday. Our husbands deserve to be lifted up. If we give them praise, they will live up to it. They will strive to be what we say they are, and that is something we, as wives, should try to encourage.
So, hold me accountable my friends. I will try to be more "worthwhile" in what I say, and more kind in my words to, and about, my husband.

Monday, March 03, 2008

Engagement news

A few more details....
Kelsey's boyfriend, Travis, is currently in Africa. He is spending a year working as a pilot for a non-profit relief organization, in the Congo, I think. He has changed positions a few times, so unfortunately, I haven't kept up too well. Anyway... we have known his family for about 15 years. I was really good friends with his big sister in 8th and 9th grade, and we reconnected at Shorter College years later. She ended up marrying someone that Andy went to highschool with, which is just an "it's a small world" type thing. 15 years ago, when Travis was about 10 and Kelsey was about 7, he asked her to marry him. So cute! His family ended up moving back to Hondourus (sp?), where they were missionaries. Years later, when Travis was back in the states, they became friends again. She was not ready for more than friendship, so he was her friend. Mom and I have tried to convince her for three years now that he was "the one". She just ignored us. Finally, it seems that God told her he was "the one". I guess God's timing is better, because Kelsey was ready, and told Travis she was ready to be more than "just friends". That was in very early December. He left for Africa on Dec. 15th. So, their entire time of dating, he has been in another country. But, they have been very serious about this. I guess when you look back at it, God has been preparing them for each other for their entire lives. So, when she wanted to go see him in Africa for her Spring Break, no one in our family argued. Kevin and Emilee went with her, for safety, as well as appearances sake. They met up with Travis in South Africa. He proposed with a waterfall on one side, and the ocean on the other, kneeling down in the rock to ask for her hand. It sounds like it was beautiful, and I can't wait to see pictures. He will be in Africa until next December. I guess this will be a stressful year for Kelsey. Luckily for her, she has a sister that is a pro at being separated from the man she loves. She will survive.
Andy and I were there for, and fairly "involved" in the engagement of Kevin and Emilee. It seems appropriate that they were involved in, and there for the engagement of Travis and Kelsey. I am so excited!!!!! I love planning a wedding, especially when it is not my own.

Just on a side note here. I am listening to Jay Leno in the background. He has a phony "gameshow" going... It is hilarious. People are pretty stupid sometimes. Especially our generation, with anything having to do with history and politics. Sad times, but highly amusing, in a depressing sort of way.
When I run for Senate, I guess I will just have to hope that people vote for me because I am a woman, or because I have on the right clothes, or the right friends. Issues? What are those? You stand for what? Who cares....
Sad times. Really people, be prepared. I am going to do it someday, so you might as well get ready. When my kids are grown, I intend to continue making a difference in the world. My kids come first, and I have to make a difference in their lives first, but when they are grown.... watch out world.

Just a quick note...

I don't have all the details yet, but I am just so excited that I had to share! Kelsey and Travis are engaged!!! (Kelsey is my second sister, for anyone who doesn't know) Mom was at work, and the phone were ringing off the line, so I didn't get the full story, but when I get it, I will post on here. I am so excited!!!!!