Do we love Apple Pie??

"The greatest enemy of hunger for God is not poison but apple pie. It is not the banquet of the wicked that dulls our appetite for heaven, but endless nibbling at the table of the world. It is not the X rated video, but the prime-time dribble of triviality we drink in every night. For all the ill that Satan can do, when God describes what keeps us from the banquet table of his love, it is a piece of land, a yoke of oxen, and a wife (Luke 14:18-20). The greatest adversary of love to God is not his enemies but his gifts. And the most deadly appetites are not for the poison of evil, but for the simple pleasures of earth. For when these replace an appetite for God himself, the idolatry is scarcely recognizable, and almost incurable."

John Piper, A Hunger for God

While we should sift this quote through scripture (and there are some statements that could be biblically tainted), I thought the crux of this was so true....or maybe I'm just being convicted once again!

I spent some time digging through old things this morning...and stumbled across my prayer journal from 1991-1993. It brought tears to my eyes to read my entries from back then, and to see that I continue to struggle with many of the same issues. The the one being repeated most often: "To have the desire to spend more time with my Lord each day." Some things never change and THIS should be my constant desire!

Have a great day!

I know, I know...

I said I wouldn't do a weather report again, but this is CRAZY SHORTS!! This morning I ran to the grocery store in my sweatshirt and jeans, no coat, 58 degrees! The temp now is 15 and the wind is whipping like some horrible frozen tundra movie! ANYBODY know how to post an animated radar map...BRIAN??? ANYBODY??? lol!



This is our online forecast for tonight....snuggle up!!
Winter Stormwarning
Local Weather > HOUR-BY-HOUR WEATHER for Saint John, IN
Severe Weather Alerts for Saint John, IN
Winter Storm Warning

Hour-by-Hour Forecast for Saint John, IN
Tue, January 29
9pm Snow / Blowing Snow
16°F -4°F 90% 12°F 77% From W 34 mph
10pm Snow / Blowing Snow
13°F -7°F 80% 6°F 69% From W 31 mph
11pm Snow / Blowing Snow
9°F -12°F 70% 1°F 61% From W 29 mph
Wed, January 30
12am Snow / Blowing Snow
7°F -14°F 60% -2°F 57% From WNW 26 mph
1am Snow / Blowing Snow
6°F -16°F 60% -4°F 54% From WNW 27 mph
2am Few Snow Showers / Wind
5°F -17°F 30% -4°F 54% From W 27 mph
3am Few Snow Showers / Wind
6°F -16°F 30% -4°F 54% From W 27 mph
4am Few Snow Showers / Wind
6°F -14°F 30% -5°F 54% From W 23 mph
5am Partly Cloudy / Wind
4°F -16°F 20% -7°F 53% From W 21 mph
6am Partly Cloudy / Wind
3°F -17°F 20% -8°F 53% From W 20 mph

Morning Commute Weather on Your Drive
7am Partly Cloudy / Wind
2°F -18°F 20% -8°F 56% From W 20 mph
Sunrise 7:04 am Business Travel Forecast
8am Partly Cloudy
3°F -16°F 10% -7°F 57% From W 18 mph

PERFECT TIMING...

I'm guilty. I'm sorry. I'm broken once again.

January 25, 2008
Brokenness and Rights

Nancy Leigh DeMoss: Several years ago I began compiling a list contrasting the characteristics of proud people . . .

"Proud people have to prove they're right."

"I always get the last word."

Nancy: . . . with the characteristics of broken people:

"Broken people give up their rights."

"They even give up the right to be right."

Nancy: Here are some differences I found out about the way we view our rights:

"Proud people claim their rights."

"They have a demanding spirit."

"Broken people have a meek spirit."

"Proud people are self-protective . . ."

". . . of their time, their rights, and their reputation."

"Broken people are self-sacrificing."

"Broken people are self-denying."

Nancy: James 4:6 says, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." Would you surrender your rights to His will? Ask Him to develop a broken, humble heart in you.

With Seeking Him, I'm Nancy Leigh DeMoss.

Size DOES matter!!!

I HAD to share a funny with you guys tonight! You all KNOW I LOVE THAT MAN I'm married too....so much it hurts sometimes but tonight I had a jaw dropping moment which left me speechless! (I know, I know!!)

He got home late after a very stressful day at work and as I sat visiting with him while he pounded back his dinner he asked how my day went. I moaned that Amy and I had spent the whole afternoon out shopping for a dress for ME to wear to the wedding and after walking the entire mall and trying on 4 or 5 dresses, all of them were too tight. MY DEAR HUSBAND promptly spewed out, "Oh honey, I'm so sorry that your size doesn't fit your imagination!" CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT??? Only MY Dennis could say something like that and have me cracking up!!!

Sad thing about it...he's RIGHT!

Tomorrow, I start Weight Watchers for the umpteenth time!

Shopping for a Mother of the Bride dress is HARD work! Either they make you look like a FRUMP or they are cut FAR too low for ANYONE, much less the mother of a bride!! I'm going to Phoenix to shop. At least I'll have 3 more weeks to loose a pound or 20 and it'll be warm there. That should help anyone be in a good mood! After I find it, Sandy and I can go out for ice cream! ;-)

Signed,
A narrow minded woman!!

Equal Time...

I just wanted to re-introduce you all to my other blessings! Adam and Ally were married 3 1/2 yrs. ago. They met at church, actually, we were all in the same Sunday School class, but didn't know one another yet. Adam was (still is!) pretty shy, so he never talked to Ally at that time, but watched her from a distance. We were in choir, so as we'd walk by where they sat on our way back to our seats, he would look and dream up ways he could muster up the nerve to meet her! In the meantime, we were invited over to some friends house (their picture is in the ones below since they were at the dinner last night!) and Adam's parents were there too, so we met his folks first. After a few weeks, I had a cookout and invited his parents, but STILL didn't realize they were Adam's folks! After remembering they had a son, I called Patti and told her if he would like to come with, he certainly was welcome. (seriously didn't even remember how old he was...they are so much younger than we are, I just thought their son was a youngin). When they arrived at the door, Adam was standing there, all 6'4" of him and as soon as he and Ally locked a glance, that was all she wrote! He just sat there staring, thinking that this was the girl he admired from a distance and never knew quite how to meet her! It was a precious night, eating, laughing and glancing...lots of GLANCING! He called the next day and asked her on their first date. They've been inseparable ever since! We are so blessed to have Adam in our family...he's just the PERFECT husband for her!
For those of you who have been wondering...she is a stay at home wife now just working on their new home which is about 52 minutes from our door to theirs. They live in the country (Adam's dream job is to farm!) and she has been painting every wall in the house, hanging curtains, cooking wonderful meals and planning their Spring garden! Life is good in the country. God has his plan and his time for all things.

Just wanted you all to get a glance at my other kids...since the focus has been on the other two lately. I have some pretty special kids!

Opposites Attract??

AMYS ROOM

This just tickled me yesterday! Amy is well organized, neat and tidy, while Brian...well...ISN'T! Brian is laid back and low keyed while Amy...well...ISN'T! A marriage made in heaven! I just smile at that.


BRIANS ROOM!!!

Italian Dinner

Cold night, warm hearts!

Brian and Amy "cutting" their sample cake!

Amy, Patti, Tim, Cheryl and Adam

Tom, my Dad, Jeanne and my Mom

Ally, Brian and Amy

Sis' & BIL's

The 3 Stooges! (Actually the one in the middle looks like the Statue of Liberty!)

I am soooo....


We had so much fun tonight...just hearing again how Brian and Amy met and how their relationship grew to this point. Adam's parents were here as well as some good friends from church, Mom and Dad and of course our family...so we had 2 tables full. Here were some highlights of the night! You might be wondering about the "matching shirts"...well...Amy got Brians and I liked it so much I got Adam and Dennis one too. I made them dress alike tonight...no particular reason other than it made me laugh! That's my family! Oh Kath, the table wasn't much tonight! Just a red checkered tablecloth on everything, white plates and candles. Just too much going on today to get any fancier! We had a great evening though.

I don't want to RUB IT IN BUT......

This is one reason I LOVE Chicago! I can put my ice cream on the back porch and it will stay frozen...NOT!!! (I remember this phrase VERY well!)

...and this is is also the same reason I'm eager to go to Phoenix in a few weeks....just ONE reason!

Tonight we are getting ready for a CELEBRATION! What was intended to be a dinner for family and close friends so they could meet Brian, is turning out to be an Engagement Announcement Celebration! We're having 12 over for Chicken Parmesan, Pasta and homeade sauce, loads of salad (with far too many colors for Tim to try!) and an assortment of breads. For dessert, 2 sample cakes from the bakery. One is Banana Walnut (to oblige Ally) and a Chocolate Raspberry Cappucino (to satisfy Amy). They are going to choose 2 other flavors in addition to the normal white layer and a chocolate layer with buttercream frosting. Isn't this a fun way to try it? I don't think Brian gives a hoot what flavors the cake is b/c he's got his eye on the pasta! Dennis just wanders by the stove asking, "when do we eat?"

Wish you all were here tonight. It'll be a blast...12 of us bumping into one another and eating pasta like we are preparing to run a marathon tomorrow! Well, Amy and Brian WILL be running...to get to the airport in time for Brian to return to the warmth of Phoenix. Wonder if he'd be willing to trade the warm weather for a warm hand to hold?? Hmmmmm....

Will post pics later!

"And the two shall become one..."

It is with thanksgiving and great joy that we announce Brian and Amy's engagement!

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." ~Ephesians 3:20,21

Some things in this life leave us totally awestruck as to the why's, how's, when's and where's, but this is a day that we rejoice and just stand amazed as God reveals the "bigger" plan. As you who have been following Brian and Amy's blog know, short of God's DIRECT intervention, they would have NEVER found one another again after 14 years! I hope they put details on at some point explaining exactly how they were led back to one another b/c it's too great to miss! I just love it when the Lord provides without anyones help! When things like this happen, there is absolutely no question that HE IS VERY MUCH ALIVE, CARES ABOUT EVERY DESIRE OF OUR HEART AND IS SOVEREIGN OVER ALL THINGS! Serve HIM with all your hearts!

Congratulations Brian and Amy...we love you!

He Arrived!

Sitting here in the quiteness of my warm home this morning...Dennis has gone to work, I have a cup of coffee at the computer desk and the snow is softly falling outside my window. Just one of the many blessings that a gal can savor in this hectic world...all is at rest!

Brian arrived safely 35 min. early last night and Dennis was not far behind to fetch him. Once again, the Lord went before him...no traffic! Amy and I had dinner waiting for them and it was a wonderful reunion with our old friend. The fourth chair wasn't empty any longer...and we were delighted!

If I could, I would copy Nancy Leigh DeMoss' entire text of her devotion this morning. If you can, catch ROH on the radio today, if not, take time out to link into Revive our Hearts that I have put on the side of my blog. Todays messages (and I'm sure this weeks messages) will be ones that a woman will want to hear from Pastor John Piper. It's on Learning to Live wihout Fear and it's such a great reminder to us women what we are to be investing our time in! Her devotions minister to my heart so much. Thank you Carolyn for introducing her to me so many years ago!

Hope you all have a wonderful day. Ours will be full and loaded with blessings!

All is at rest...

Productive day!

I miss my "blog buddies"! Glad you are able to still maintain some sort of communication Sandy! I read this devotion today and thought of yours yesterday! I think the Lord is trying to remind me "gently"!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

"If our worship does not invade every area of our life, then God is not on
the throne. We must trust Him in ALL things! We must have a passion for
His Word as well as an uncompromising willingness to act. We must long for
His presence and obediently follow each and every day - not just during our
once a week worship.

Let's NEVER put God on the shelf or ask Him to be "on-call." He's the
Creator of the Universe who has called us to a committed life of full time
worship. Let's follow where He leads and never treat our Heavenly Father
as a God of convenience."
~Steve Troxel Ministries
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Amy, Ally and I did some shopping today and got some great bargains! There are some great places around here, you just have to travel to find them. Actually, we took a few "shortcuts" in the country to find one place...only to get there about 20 min. later than if we took the "long cut"! Had a precious time though...and it was worth every minute!

I LOVE my girls!

I love my boy too...but that's a given!

Grape Salad Recipe

For you grape lovers...this is easy & terrific! I've modified it with lowfat cream cheese, sour cream and 1/2 the sugar. It's fine, but not nearly as good.

GRAPE SALAD
2 pounds green grapes
2 pounds red grapes
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup sugar
16 oz sour cream
8 ounces cream cheese
3/4 c. brown sugar
chopped nuts (pecan chips)if desired

Cream together - cream cheese, sugar and vanilla. Add sour cream. Pour over grapes.
Topping: Mix together brown sugar and nuts. Sprinkle over grapes. Put in a 9 X 13 serving dish. Make a day ahead.

Once Again, I'm Reminded...and humbled

The Sin of Arrogance

In the message "Give Him All The Glory" we considered how Joseph recognized his ability to interpret dreams was only by God's grace; "God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires" (Genesis 41:16). We are also reminded of Pauls' words to the Corinthians, "What do you do have that you did not receive?" (1 Corinthians 4:7), and the words of Jesus, "apart from Me you can do nothing" (John 15:5). Giving all the glory to God reflects an understanding of who we are in Christ and, more importantly, who He is in us!

As we see the multitude of sin in the world today, which causes others such pain, we must be reminded that all sin can be traced to pride and a lack of humility. All sin is rooted in arrogance, a self-exaltation where we think of ourselves and our abilities more highly than we should, and, in the end we attempt to elevate ourselves above God.

James wote about this arrogance when he said, "Do not slander one another" (James 4:11). He said when we are unfairly critical of others we not only disobey God's law of love, but we are actually sitting in judgment over the law - and there is only one Judge! (James 4:11-12). Willful disobedience involves elevating ourselves to the throne of God and judging which of His truths apply to our life. This is the ultimate arrogance!

Isaiah 14:13-15
"You said in your heart, 'I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the upmost heights of the sacred mountain. I will ascend above the tops of the coulds; I will make myself like the Most High.' But you are brought down to the grave, to the depths of the pit."

This passage may be referring to Satan, or an earthly king in the time of Isaiah. Either way, it clearly details the true heart of pride as well as the end result for such a heart. Isaiah is warning us all about the danger of attempting to raise ourselves to the level of God. After all, this temptation is what caused the fall of all mankind in the Garden of Eden; "when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God. (Genesis 3:5).

We must continue to examine our heart and aggressively cut away all areas of pride before they infect and contaminiate our whole being. Can we ever get rid of all pride? Can we ever cease all sin? I don't believe we can! But I know that on the day we see Him face to face, we will be fully transformed, fully glorified, and fully able to praise Him for all eternity. Until the day He calls us home, we must continually say, "He must become greater, I must become less" (John 3:30). Until that day we must diligently battle the sin of arrogance.

Have a Christ Centered Day!

Steve Troxel
God's Daily Word Ministries

Our God is so Gracious!!

"The Lord will accomplish that which concerns me". Psalm 138:8

This verse has been one that I have memorized and said so often to myself over the past couple of years and today, once again HE reminded me that He is so gracious to us!

Dad's procedure went extremely well. He had a 99.9% blockage in the Right Coronary Artery, a different one that he already has 5 stents in so they were able to stent this one and it was 100% successful! PRAISE THE LORD!! He was already breathing easier when he got into recovery and even asked me to help him eat a tuna sandwich and a bowl of fresh pineapple! I left him to go home and take my dear mother to the Dr. b/c she has had a horrible cold virus for over a week now and another blessing was poured out on us when her lungs were CLEAR and it seems to be just a head cold with inflammation! She earned herself a shot and she'll be feeling better in 24 hrs!

So..my day was a great one! I ought not be so concerned with the cares in my life, for I know my God knows what is best. Thank you so much for your prayers...they mean so very much to me!

P.S. We're in a tornado watch tonight...totally WEIRD!! (last weather report!)

It's WARM today!

This weather is "wickety wack"! Got up to 63 degrees today. WEIRD! Supposed to be even warmer tomorrow. I won't turn this blog into a weather report, I just find this so strange.

Also, I'm asking for prayer from you who are prayer warriors...my Dad is in the hospital with pneumonia which is somewhat better (since Wed.) but now they are suspecting another heart blockage and are going to do a cardiac cath tomorrow at 1 ish. He has 5 stents in one major artery in his heart...and cannot have anymore placed there, so my prayer is that they will find out what is wrong, but that it can be resolved without open heart surgery. I know it's a specific request and our God knows what is necessary for His will to be accomplished, but it's just not a good time for this right now! :) Mom is home sick too...so it's a double whammy for our family right now!

Thanks a ton!

It's COLD!!!

It's 2 degrees out this morning....

That's ALL I have to say!

Meditation for this Evening, Charles Spurgeon

C. H. Spurgeon


"Let the people renew their strength."—Isaiah 41:1

ALL things on earth need to be renewed. No created thing continueth by itself. "Thou renewest the face of the year," was the Psalmist's utterance. Even the trees, which wear not themselves with care, nor shorten their lives with labour, must drink of the rain of heaven and suck from the hidden treasures of the soil. The cedars of Lebanon, which God has planted, only live because day by day they are full of sap fresh drawn from the earth. Neither can man's life be sustained without renewal from God. As it is necessary to repair the waste of the body by the frequent meal, so we must repair the waste of the soul by feeding upon the Book of God, or by listening to the preached Word, or by the soul-fattening table of the ordinances. How depressed are our graces when means are neglected! What poor starvelings some saints are who live without the diligent use of the Word of God and secret prayer! If our piety can live without God it is not of divine creating; it is but a dream; for if God had begotten it, it would wait upon Him as the flowers wait upon the dew. Without constant restoration we are not ready for the perpetual assaults of hell, or the stern afflictions of heaven, or even for the strifes within. When the whirlwind shall be loosed, woe to the tree that hath not sucked up fresh sap, and grasped the rock with many intertwisted roots. When tempests arise, woe to the mariners that have not strengthened their mast, nor cast their anchor, nor sought the haven. If we suffer the good to grow weaker, the evil will surely gather strength and struggle desperately for the mastery over us; and so, mayhap, a painful desolation, and a lamentable disgrace may follow. Let us draw near to the footstool of divine mercy in humble entreaty, and we shall realize the fulfillment of the promise, "They that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength."

Everyday lately, one of the devotions that I ponder has this reminder for me! I'm so thankful that I have a God who doesn't let me go my own way, but gently leads me beside still waters and restores my soul!