Things I can't get Used to!

So you would think that after being somewhere almost 5 years that I would be used to certain things.

Actually, I have gotten used to some...

wearing white after Labor Day (I used to post about that the 1st couple of years after living here in Texas, and this year, I DID IT! Crazy! Didn't realize until afterwards, but I did!)

wearing flip-flops year round!

I'm sure there is more, but I can't think of it right now.

Things that I have NOT gotten used to...

buying pansies the week of Thanksgiving

how it is greener now in November than in July & August

buying a Christmas tree while wearing shorts!

trying to get in the Christmas mood when it so does NOT feel close to Christmas!

I could go on, but the things noted above is what was really on my mind today.

So wish it was cold so I could get inspired to play Christmas music! Oh well! This is our 5th Christmas in Texas. You would think I would be used to it by now, but I guess for this mid-western girl, some things are just difficult to let go of!

Things to Ponder!

This email appeared in my inbox this evening and I thought it was super good! What do you think? I Only hope we find GOD again before it is too late ! ! The following was written by Ben Stein and recited by him on CBS Sunday Morning Commentary. My confession: I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejeweled trees, Christmas trees. I don't feel threatened. I don't feel discriminated against.. That's what they are, Christmas trees. It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, 'Merry Christmas' to me. I don't think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it. It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year. It doesn't bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu . If people want a creche, it's just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away. I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from, that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution and I don't like it being shoved down my throat. Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship celebrities and we aren't allowed to worship God as we understand Him? I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too. But there are a lot of us who are wondering where these celebrities came from and where the America we knew went to. In light of the many jokes we send to one another for a laugh, this is a little different: This is not intended to be a joke; it's not funny, it's intended to get you thinking. Billy Graham's daughter was interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Clayson asked her 'How could God let something like this happen?' (regarding Hurricane Katrina).. Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response. She said, 'I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives. And being the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leave us alone?' In light of recent events... terrorists attack, school shootings, etc. I think it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body found a few years ago) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools, and we said OK. Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school. The Bible says thou shalt not kill; thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself. And we said OK. Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave, because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem (Dr. Spock's son committed suicide). We said an expert should know what he's talking about. And we said okay. Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves. Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with 'WE REAP WHAT WE SOW..' Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell. Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says. Funny how you can send 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire, but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing. Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and workplace. Are you laughing yet? Funny how when you forward this message, you will not send it to many on your address list because you're not sure what they believe, or what they will think of you for sending it. Funny how we can be more worried about what other people think of us than what God thinks of us. Pass it on if you think it has merit. If not, then just discard it... no one will know you did. But, if you discard this thought process, don't sit back and complain about what bad shape the world is in. My Best Regards, Honestly and respectfully, Ben Stein

HIS PRESENCE!!!!

I'm doing a FABULOUS Bible study this semester that I could not do without, for sure!

Today we were talking about God's Presence! WOW! It was so good and powerful! I KNOW that I KNOW that I KNOW, I NEVER want to be without His Presence!!!

Making so many life applications, I could go on and on, but I won't.

One thing that really resonated with me is that God made us to be relational for sure!!! But He made us for the most relationship we have is one with Him!!!

What was presented was the God created everyone with a "with" need and with a "significance" need. Can you raise your hand if you agree?! I know I have both of these and I know when I have looked to satisfy those needs in the wrong places or people. An idea that was tossed out was when I confuse me "with" need with trying to fill it with other people instead of filling that "with" need with GOD, HIMSELF, it's idolatry.

Are friends idols?

Not all of them!

Can they be?

Yes!

When I make them more important than God....Yes!

Text after text, the teacher showed us in Old Testament and New several verses telling us God is with us!! Over and over, it gave me goosebumps! And ending by saying that WITH out God, we can do nothing!

I have struggled with friends and friendship from my arrival here in College Station going on 4 years now. I have begged the Lord for friends, praised Him for friends (near and far), questioned Him why friendships end or change, but today, in His goodness and glory, wasn't He all along protecting me from falling back into idolatrous relationships? Wasn't He teaching me and showing me that the relationship with Him is the only one I truly need? Is it that I just haven't been listening?

I don't think that 1 answer, answers all of those questions or situations, but man oh man! I know it does for some!

God is so good and loves me and you that He doesn't let anything get in HIS WAY...

what am I letting get in my (silly 'lil me) way???

God says.... BE PRESENT WITH ME, (fill in the blank with your name) kari, and I WILL BE PRESENT WITH YOU!!!!!

Whether you realize it or not, there is NOTHING like the Presence of God in your life!!!!

Lord, may I never want anything more than I want You and Your Presence with me!!! -Amen

What a Wonderful Wednesday!

Wednesday was the first day of my women's fall Bible study.

I love the beginning of a study.

My book smells new...

I have my new pen, new hi-lighter, and felt-tipped pen ready for action.

I meet new friends and see old friends that I haven't seen since spring.

I anticipate all that God is going to teach me through the new study.

I tear-up as I open in prayer, because I KNOW that God is going to show up!

He's going to grow me

stretch me,

retrain me,

change me!

HALLELUJAH!!!

Bring it on!!!

In 1 hour's time...

I learn something new!

I hear something old that becomes afresh!

I look forward to this week's homework.

I look forward to meeting Christ on the pages of this study.

Of seeing what His Word has to say about my heart

and what it mean's to make it a dwelling place for HIM!

Wednesday afternoons are precious to me.

Sacred.

A MUST!

Thank You, Jesus for speaking through Your Word and through Bible study teachers.

Help me to be obedient to what it is that You will call me to this semester!

I love You!

Disturb us, Lord!

Disturb us, Lord, when
We are too well pleased with ourselves,
When our dreams have come true
Because we have dreamed too little,
When we arrived safely
Because we sailed too close to the shore.

Disturb us, Lord, when
With the abundance of things we possess
We have lost our thirst
For the waters of life;
Having fallen in love with life,
We have ceased to dream of eternity
And in our efforts to build a new earth,
We have allowed our vision
Of the new Heaven to dim.

Disturb us, Lord, to dare more boldly,
To venture on wider seas
Where storms will show your mastery;
Where losing sight of land,
We shall find the stars.
We ask You to push back
The horizons of our hopes;
And to push into the future
In strength, courage, hope, and love.
[Sir Francis Drake]

Can You be Content without being Happy???

Somethin' I was mullin' over in the shower at 5:30 this morning.

What do you think?

Are contentment and happiness a must duo?

or can you be content without being happy?

I'm not quite sure what I think.

I think I know what my answer would be, but I'm not sure.

I don't think I want to be content without being happy, because I'm not sure that would really be, being content.

But if you really can be content without being happy, I still don't think I want to.

I would like to be happy in my contentment.

I would like to say that I'm content while feeling happy about it.

I would prefer to not just deal with being content and not being happy, because isn't that being complacent?

OYE!

Definitely too big of things to be pondering so early in the morning, I think!

So Much to Say and Update, but a MUST right now!

I have been struggling with change in my church family!

For awhile!

Some weekends are ok, but others are not so ok!

It's me!

I KNOW!!!

But my flesh has been pretty stubborn lately!

And of course, like in all things, I want to run away!

Maybe it's the fact that I know we aren't leaving College Station

anytime soon, so church is the one thing I can "leave" and still remain in this town.

I rationalize my thoughts about finding a new body.

I convince myself that I'm justified in my feelings!

But then a friend who loves me more to tell me the truth than to be afraid of my reaction speaks truth to me!

I know she is telling me the truth,

but dangit!

Either because of my current sin or my past

I ask God

please confirm this AGAIN!

I know, I know!!!

I'm hard headed!

stupid

stubborn

And whew!

He did!

Of course

He did!

Church isn't about me!

I know that!

It's not about my boys!

i....k..n..o..w....th...at.....?

My God, is big enough!

My God will capture their hearts in HIS TIMING!!!!

In HIS WAY!

HE WILL CAPTURE THEM!!!!

Not a church,

not a program,

not a person!

This may not make sense for the 2 or 3 of you who actually read this,

but I had to get it out of myself!

Still need to process!

ALWAYS! need to pray!

Every Sunday, need to be humble and ready for GOD!!!!

not the sermon...

not the music...

not the program...

not the friends...

BUT...

HIM!

It's ALWAYS ABOUT HIM!!!

Thank You, Jesus for reminding me of that this morning!

And thank You for whopping me upside the head!

and thank You for being so patient with this stupid, but wanting so much to be in Your Will, child!

I do love You so much!

What Happened to My Tan! AKA Where Did the Summer Go!?!?!

This is my 3rd summer here in Texas.

The first summer, we moved in the middle of it, and then just tried to get familiar with this new place.

Last summer, I hated the heat! But found that going to the pool everyday (well, almost everyday) made life cooler and easier.

This summer was pretty much like last year, but we began going to the pool with friends in April. Needless to say, I had a base by the time real summer rolled around!

I haven't been this tan since the summer in between my freshman and sophomore year in HIGH SCHOOL! A LOOONG time ago!!

I really have no pictures to prove it because I'm always the one behind the camera, but not lying.. I was dark!

I love being tan!

Call me vain,

but,

I think I look better tan,

I know I feel better tan,

and my fat looks better tan!

But...

my tan is almost gone!!! :O(

It has been 2 weeks since we have been poolside and I am paling by the minute!

I wish I could afford to fake bake and keep this brown skin year round, but I have 3 kiddos who pretty much take all of my $$$ ;O)

So...

the summer is over! :O(

my tan is pretty much gone! :O(

woe is me!

July Happenings

I know it has been a while since my last post...

things have been busy!!!

To go back to the beginning of the month,

Darrin and I went out to California to visit

my brother and his wife. We had not been on

a trip ALONE (without children) for nearly 12 years.

We thought it was time!


And it was!!!

I love my children!!!

But time with just my husband is important!

And we don't do it often enough, for sure!!!!

We had a great time with Kory and Shelley!

I LOVE California and want to move there!

The weather alone is reason enough for me!!!!

Seriously!

We went to the beach, did San Francisco, ate out

a bunch! I slept in late! Read!!! And just simply

RELAXED!!!!

It was refreshing, rejuvenating and needed.

It was a blessing!

Here are a few shots from our trip!

Shelley and me in Santa Cruz

The farmer's market in Campbell

Sea Lions in Santa Cruz

A stop on the 17 Mile Dr, headed to Carmel

Headed to the beach in Santa Cruz to boogie board!

Obviously, San Francisco!

It was good for us! It was so good to be with Kory and Shelley! I miss family! Kory and Darrin are more like brothers than brother-in-laws! And I have to tell you that Shelley feels more like a sister to me than a sister-in-law. I so wished we lived closer, but maybe one day!!!

We're going back at Christmas, but we ARE taking the boys with us! They will love California just as much as we did!

What a wonderful trip!!!

Guard Your Heart!

Received an email from a family friend who spent time with their teenagers in family worship recently over this...

I thought it was good!

We started by opening up an online article about the Governor of South Carolina, and reading a few excerpts from the Governors illicit love letters. The Governor says: ...In all my life I have lived by a code of honor and at a variety of levels know I have crossed lines I would have never imagined. I wish I could wish it away, but this soul-mate feel I alluded too is real... We talked about what it means to have a code of honor, to cross lines, and to have a soul-mate. We talked about the Governor's wife and his children and what they must be feeling now.

We read an online comment from a reader:
Ceaser wrote on 06/26/2009 07:26:20 PM: Anyone who is dating or new in a relationship, or in this case having an affair, knows that person is new and exciting. It's easy to spew all this mush and gush when you are trying to pursue someone and wanting to impress them. You always want what you can't have, but believe me, if they were to be together, it would get old just like anything else. In these letters, they are in a bubble. They don't have to share a mortgage, raise kids and deal with day to day issues. The person represents freedom, excitement and no ties or boundaries. It's a fake and pretentious fantasy world that they convince themselves is real and will last forever and be perfect. He only thinks his wife isn't what he needs because they aren't in that "honeymoon phase" any longer. Well, in any established relationship, who is? Romance is necessary, but I'd rather be in a "real" relationship than a pretentious one.

We watched the video of the Governor's humiliating news conference. We listened to Steve Green sing Guard Your Heart, while the lyrics flashed on the screen. The teenagers asked a lot of questions.



Guard Your Heart by Steve Green
Oh, be careful little eyes what you see
Oh, be careful little eyes what you see
For the Father up above
Is looking down in love
Oh, be careful little eyes what you see

What appears to be harmless glance?
Can turn to romance
And homes are divided
Feelings that should never have been
Awakened within
Tearing the heart in two
Listen, I beg of you

Guard your Heart
Guard your Heart
Don’t trade it for treasure
Don’t give it away

Guard your Heart
Guard your Heart
As a payment for pleasure
It’s high price to pay

For a soul that remains sincere with conscience clear
Guard your Heart

The human heart is easily swayed
And often betrayed at the hand of emotion
You dare not leave the outcome to chance
You must choose in advance
Or live with the agony
Such needless tragedy

Guard your Heart
Guard your Heart
Don’t trade it for treasure
Don’t give it away

Guard your Heart
Guard your Heart
As a payment for pleasure
It’s high price to pay

Guard your Heart
Guard your Heart
Don’t trade it for treasure
Don’t give it away

Guard your Heart
Guard your Heart
As a payment for pleasure
It’s high price to pay

For a soul that remains sincere with conscience clear
Guard your Heart

For a soul that remains sincere with conscience clear
Guard your Heart

God's Word - Alive and Active!!!

Today, while I was doing my Bible study, an assignment was given to spend tome slowly reading a particular Psalm. I love the book of Psalms and always can find God there to speak to me no matter what is going on in my now.

The Psalm I read was so perfect (because that's just how God rolls!)

I wanted to share this with the few who actually read this!

My prayer is that you would hear God speaking to you, no matter where you are in your now!!

If you're....

• going through a difficult time Psalm 116
• going through a season of joy & thanksgiving Psalm 145
• needing confession & restoration Psalm 51
• struggling with identity & self-worth Psalm 139
• in a time of crisis Psalm 143
• needing wisdom & instruction Psalm 119
• longing for intimacy with God Psalm 42
• wanting wisdom & encouragement Psalm 37
• wanting to be reminded of God's greatness & power Psalm 18

As you are reading, let God talk to you!

What does He say?

Pray these words to Him, but also let Him speak to you through the words!!

I hope this blesses you as it did me!

Jon & Kate +8

I have not watched Jon & Kate +8.

I have caught it a couple of times,

but I wasn't a devote fan.

But, I did watch the season premiere,

and was saddened because it sounded

as if they were already separated and

thinking of divorce.

And then I didn't watch it again.

I know too many going through this

already in my life to need to watch it on TV.

I'm sad for all of them (my friends & Jon & Kate)

I found this letter that was written to Kate.

I think it is great!

It is Biblical!

It is tough!

It is wise!

It is truth!!!

Don't know why I wanted to post about it, but I did.

I think we MUST look different than the world!

I know we MUST act differently than the world!

She Would Have Been 9

Rayin, my little girl, would have been 9

this Father's Day.

I don't know if I have ever blogged about her.

I should do it more often!

For some reason this year is

really hitting me and I'm

not sure why.

I suppose I don't have to have a real reason,

some years are just more difficult!

So I have been sad and moody today.

I called a girlfriend and cried

on her shoulder for a bit!

Someday, not today, I will write about

her and tell you the little there is to tell.

I'm just so ready for Heaven when I will

be able to see Rayin and my mom again!

But for now,

remembering my little girl,

Rayin Wynter Ann Stephens

6/18/00

VBS!!!

There is some to update, it has been awhile since my last post!

School got out, so my days are spent with 3 energetic boys and

most days we are at the pool!

But last week was VBS!!!

Our theme was Science Smash!

I taught the younger Bible Study!

I'm waiting for better pictures from others, but I wanted to

post a few of my room where I taught and of me!

WARNING!!!

I was a crazy scientist who loved Einstein and tried

to make my hair like his!!!

Professor Fern AlDiHyde!!!!

I had a great, exhausting, wonderful week of VBS!!!

I love telling children about Jesus and His love for them!!!

I love worshipping and jumping around praisin' Jesus!!!

On a Day Like Today

On a day like today, I wish I was somewhere else...

Whether it be a memory,

a person,

a song, 

a smell...

in my mind I am somewhere else.

I just spent an entire 7 days with my brother and sister-n-law.

Can't tell you when the last time that happened.

It hasn't been since we were both single and there were no kids running around.

I s'pose my reminiscent mood has to do because of that.

It was SO GOOD to have him around!!!

I cried when he left.

On a day like today, I want to go back to an easier time.

a more innocent time

a time 

where my mom was

when I was the kid that was being taken care of

On a day like today, I find my mind on reverse in fast motion

going back to when I was in school

looking forward to summer.

On a day like today, I am thankful for memories.

for good memories

for songs that make me remember

for smells that I will never forget 

and for precious family 

whether they are here on earth with me or in Heaven.

I Need Chiseling! How Bout You???

Profound!
Don't forget to turn off the music below
before you push play!

What a wonderful way to spend $7!!!

That would be 2 trips to Starbucks!!!

You can get some free music from FFH 

and a free Tshirt for helping children!!

Please go here and be a part of my 

Mocha Club!!!

Thanks!!!!

http://mochaclub.org/joinme/KariStephens

Mommy Make Over

Today at school was Mommy Make Over!  It was a pre-Mother's Day gift for us!

I arrived this afternoon and was welcomed into a transformed cafeteria by dimmed lights, soft music and a special chair just for me. After waiting just a little while, my stylist, Kye, arrived and handed me a "menu" to choose what procedure I would undergo.

Hair

Makeup

Massage

Manicure

Pedicure

I had it all!!!

He was so excited and super proud!

Wanting me to look my best, I received several rounds of blush, lipstick and eye shadow.

My toenails have never felt so wet before! ;)

Me and My Stylist

My Manicure in lovely purple

My Pedicure

My Makeup! Had some great eyes, goin' on!!! =)

When we were through, he presented me with a card with his toothless picture on the front of it and inside were a few things that he thought of about me. That is what follows:

My mother is the most wonderful Mom in the whole world!

She's as pretty as "a diamond."

She weighs "14" pounds.

She is "6 feet" tall.

Her favorite food is "soup."

Her favorite T.V. show is "Dancing with the Stars."

When my mom was little, she used to "pick flowers."

I think my mom looks funny when she "jumps on the trampoline."

I know my mom is angry when "I hurt Kru."

I wish my Mom and I could "go to the zoo" together everyday.

I wouldn't trade my mom for "my DS."

How sweet! And humorous!!!!!

May Memory Verse

"Though you have not seen Him,

you love Him; and even though

you do not see Him now, you 

believe in Him and are filled

with an inexpressible and

glorious joy."

1 Peter 1:8

Compassion International

Recently, I have heard a ton about Compassion International

A friend of mine, Jen Bacak, put on a 5K/10K run raising funds for Compassion.

And a few of the blogs that I read often, are currently in India, Calcutta to be exact, on a trip to minister to the children over there, but learn more about the organization.

There posts have been meaningful, profound and touching to say the least!

I have cousins, who have been sponsoring children for over 10 years now!  They have 1 per child for each child of their own.  In fact, they recently made the journey overseas and actually met their sponsored children in person!  Amazing!  How neat is that!!!

I have wanted to do this for a LONG time, and have yet to do so!!

In college, a girlfriend and I sponsored a little boy for a semester.  I so wish I still did!

As believers, we are to take care of the orphans, widows, poor.

How am I doing at that????

Terrible!!!

I want to be better!!!!

I'm not going to be foolish and begin with 3 children right away, but want to begin by sponsoring 1 and growing to 3!!!

To sponsor a child, you can click here.

For $32 a month, you can change a child's life!!!

Check out their blog and read the stories.

When I get my child's info, I will post a picture!!  It will be several weeks, but I will keep you updated!!!

Seeing Me Differently

That's me, really...

Isn't it creepy, kind of???

It's this weird x-ray that my dentist took.

The shadow of my face is what's weird.

I have major mouth issues.

More so than I realized, actually.

My bite is abnormal.

Not sure if it has always been this way,

or if the accident left me this way,

or if I was and the accident made it worse,

but lets just say I have mouth issues.

Dr. Scasta is wonderful and wanted to take

my x-rays and impressions with him to

Chicago next week so his mentor can

look at them and tell us anything different.

Chances are nothing can really fix the problem,

other than oral surgery where they would remove

a section of bone from my jaw to change my bite.

He isn't recommending that!!!!

He has ideas of what we can try and see if he can 

manipulate my bite by training my muscles in my 

face which would retrain my bite.

We aren't there yet,

the price tag is gynormous!!!!!

Do you see how my front teeth are sticking out 

almost straight?  You can't tell that by 

looking at me, but because I have no bone,

no palet, that's how the fake teeth are.

Never understood that!!!  

It has been 15 years since the accident!

But I thought that this x-ray was cool and weird

and not everyone has one of these! =)

So be jealous!  ;)

I am a Runner...just of Another Kind

A ton of my friends run.

Some are brand new to running.

Others have run a while.

And still others have run since college.

I HATE running!!!!

Could I run?

Yes, but I HATE running!

But tonight, I realized that I am a runner

Just not the typical runner that runs for exercise.

I like to flee.

Get away!

Live in denial!

Run!!!

My running is a coping mechanism that I have possessed for probably longer than I even realize.  It would be interesting to see if I could pinpoint when this began, but maybe I'll save that for a separate post!

Honestly, I sincerely thought that this habitual pattern was gone from my life!

But man oh man, it swept over me faster than you can blink your eye!

I want to run so bad it actually hurts!

I want to go far far away!

I think there are a few healthy situations in which running is a good thing to do....

when you are going to be hurt physically.... 

when you are in danger....

uh, hello run!

So what about when you may be hurt emotionally?

when you are in emotional danger?

is running from that ok then?

This may seem all over the place, but this is a post of processing, I s'pose.

So what happens when something comes up OUT OF THE BLUE!??  You didn't know it was going to happen, you couldn't plan for it, no way of knowing!  So what's the first thing I want to do....

RUN!!!!

My verse for this month could not be more appropriate.  That is exactly what I did this morning...  cried out to the Lord...in my anguish!

Realistically, I can't run away, no matter how great the urge is within me.  

And I must only run to Him!  Into His arms!

Even if I can't see how this ends up,

Even if I can't understand why this is happening,

No matter what I may be thinking, feeling,

The Lord is my helper!

I MUST TRUST HIM!!!!!

I MUST RUN TO HIM!!!!

(and I HAVE to repeat that OVER & OVER AGAIN!!!!!)

Mid-April Scripture Memory Verse

"In my anguish I cried out to the LORD

and He answered me by

setting me free.

The LORD is with me;

I will not be afraid.

What can man do to me?

The LORD is with me;

He is my Helper.

I will look in triumph on my enemies."

Psalm 118:5-7

Things that Make You Go Hmmmm........

How is it that some days are like this...=>

and other days are like this...

<=

??????????????????????

Seriously!

What is it that really makes the difference?

My quiet time with God?

Yes, that is important!

My heart?

Also, very important!

What time my children went to bed the night before?

What time I went to bed the night before?

I believe all of those things and more affect my day.

But I really think I need to take notes of what specifically happens on "good" days.

Today was a "good" day.

Can't put my finger on 1 specific thing that made it a good one, but it makes me pray and hope tomorrow will be another one!

It did help that the weather was so beautiful!

Warm with a nice breeze - Spring!

It also helped that Kru and I could take an hour or so and go to the park and swing!

It also helped that I was very aware of being present in the moment!

I didn't spend as much time on the computer!

I spoke in a gentle yet firm (when needed) voice.

I sometimes like to ignore how much I affect my home, my husband, my children!  

But, if I'm wanting to be the woman God created me to be, I can NOT ignore that!

"Let the words of my mouth 

and the meditations of my heart 

be acceptable in Thy sight, 

O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer."

Psalm 19:14

I must, need, have to be aware of what I am saying, thinking, meditating on!  And it MUST be the Lord and pleasing Him and being obedient to Him.

I am so selfish and get so caught up in making sure I'm taken care of!  That is sin!!!

So....

I must seek Jesus daily, hour to hour, moment to moment if need be, to be the woman He created me to be!  The woman that He put here in this place for this moment.  And to really there!  Awake!  Involved!

I never did post my scripture memory verse for the beginning of April, but it goes well with this post.

It was Proverbs 31:26

"When she speaks her words are wise, and kindness is the rule when she gives instruction."

This HAS to Make You Smile!!!

Even if you don't appreciate The Sound of Music, this HAS to put a smile on your face!!!!

Don't forget to go down and turn off the music before beginning the video!!

Enjoy! =)

Who Wants to Come????

IWI Worship Conference
In 2004, I had the privilege of attending a phenomenal worship conference in Dallas Texas.

I was living in Nebraska at the time and a close friend and I drove down for a week of worship and training!  It changed my life FOREVER!!!!!

Since then, the conference has down-sized a bit, but is still a powerful experience!

So who wants to meet me in Dallas in July????

If we split a room 2, 3 or 4 ways it won't be too $$$!

I WANT TO GO!!!!! But not alone!!!!

So...

who's in????  =)

go here for more details!

Soup Suppers at the Stephens'

Quite a while ago I started somethin' at our house.

Soup Supper at the Stephens'. 

We used to meet the 1st Saturday night of the month, right after church.

But the we switched to the 1st Friday night of the month.

It began with a few 5-8 college aged girls and some of Dakota's friends.

It then expanded to Kathryn and her boys...

then the Freemans started coming....

And then Jordan braved the highly female populated supper.

Over the past months, I have attempted to invite more boys and a few 

more families.

Last night, we had to switch to the last Friday night of the month 

AND...

IT WAS SO GREAT!!!!!!!

We had a TON of people here!  I mean a ton!!!

We haven't ever had that many people over in our little house before!

Here are a couple of shots that Darrin took with his iphone.

The living room was packed!

Yea, that's the kitchen, packed full!

And so was the table!!! You just can't see it all!

I love these people!

They make me smile!

Make me happy!

My life would be empty without them!

I LOVE SOUP SUPPER NIGHT!!!!

My boys look forward to it, 

I look forward to it!

And there were so many new faces last night!!!

Thank you all for coming and eating with us!

I can't wait to see you next month!!!!

Mid-March Scripture Memory Verse

"Do not repay evil for evil

or insult with insult, but

with blessing,

because

to this

YOU 

were called

so that

You

may inherit

a blessing."

1 Peter 3:9

Swagbucks, what!?!

Ok, here's the thing.

I really don't understand this, but

you should do it! 

Apparently, if you go here and begin

using this browser for your searches, 

you earn real $$$ that can be used at

the GAP, or Macys or airlines.

These friends of mine, really know more

about it!  Go here and here to read more.

So just do it! 

(for the entire 3 of you who read this blog) =)

I already have 5 swagbucks!  Don't know

what I'll do with them, but whatever!

Sign up!  and search the web!! Earn swagbucks!

March 1 Memory Verse

"So do not throw away your confidence; 

it will be richly rewarded, 

you need to persevere

 so that when you have done the will of God, 

you will receive what He has promised."

Hebrews 10:35-36

Easter Idea

This is a great idea for Easter and I wanted to post it early so that anyone who wants it could use it!

RESURRECTION COOKIES!

Read the whole recipe before beginning...try to do together Saturday night before Easter Sunday.

Preheat oven to 300 degrees

Ingredients:

1 cup whole pecans

3 egg whites

1 cup sugar

1 tsp. vinegar

1 pinch of salt

You need:

Mixing bowl

Wooden spoon

Bible

Zipper baggie

Waxed paper

Cookie Sheet

Tape

Place pecans in zipper baggie and let children beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces.  Explain that after Jesus was arrested, He was beaten by the Roman soldiers. Read John 19:1-3

Let children smell the vinegar. Put 1 tsp into mixing bowl.  Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross, He was given vinegar to drink.  Read John 19:28-30

Add egg whites to the vinegar.  Eggs represent life.  Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life. Read John 10:10-11

Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand.  Let them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl.  Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers, and the bitterness of our own sin.  Read Luke 23:27

So far, the ingredients are not very appetizing.  Add 1 cup sugar.  Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us.  He wants us to know and belong to Him.  Read Psalm 34:8 & John 3:16

Beat with a mixer on high speed for 11-15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed.  Explain that the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read Isaiah 1:18 & John 3:1-3

Fold in broken nuts.  Drop by tsp onto waxed paper-covered cookie sheet.  Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid.  Read Matt. 27:65-66

Put cookie sheet in the oven.  Close the door and turn the oven OFF.  Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door.  Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed.  Read Matt. 27:65-66

Go to bed!  Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight.  Jesus' followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed.  Read John 16:20 and 22

On Resurrection Morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie!  Notice the cracked surface and take a bit.  The cookies are hollow!  On the first Resurrection Day, Jesus; followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty.  Read Matt. 28:1-9

HE HAS RISEN!  HALLELUJAH!!!!

One Week Later

It has been a week since my birthday.

And I have to be honest,

this was probably one of the best birthdays

I have ever had!

Seriously!

My husband did a fabulous job of making the

entire day, special and full of surprise.  

2 weeks before my birthday, he had emailed

a couple of my girlfriends to organize a 

surprise party on Friday night.  

So this time last week I was eating at Bostons, 

with 15 of my fabulous girlfriends!!!

Friday was a day of pleasure and being pampered.

Darrin came home at lunch and stayed with Kru 

while I went and got my nails done and a pedicure too!

I even splurged and got the fancy flower on my big toe!

Beautiful! (thanks Kory and Shelley!)

I almost fell asleep in the massage chair!

Wow!  What a wonderful relaxing experience!

I believe all moms should have these weekly! =)

I would if I could!

When I arrived home, it was almost time to pick up

Kye from school, so we loaded into the van and headed

to pick up Kye, or so I thought!

When we began heading the opposite way of the school,

I was confused.

Darrin pulls up to a salon and tells me, "Get out, you have

a 3:00 appointment for a color and cut."

Seriously, he made me a hair appointment!

Handed me a couple of gift certificates and he was off!

"Call me when you are done."

When you haven't had your hair cut or professionally colored

in a year, literally, it takes a while to do what needs to be done!

So finally, I called Darrin and he picked me up around 6:00.

"We're going to go eat at Bostons."

I love Bostons, so I was thrilled.

We pulled into the parking lot and he told me he was going to 

drop me off and park in the back.  Thinking nothing of it, I said, 

ok and got out of the car.  I told the boys to come on and that was 

when Darrin said, "Nope, see ya later."

"What?"

"Just walk around, someone will find you."  and he pulls away.

I walked into the restaurant and that's when I saw the balloons, 

heard the SURPRISE! and saw most of my favorite faces in 

College Station waiting for me!

I almost started crying, but someone told me how cute my hair

looked and I was like,  "I KNOW!!!!" =) so I got over the tears!

I received some special gifts, including a wonderful cross for my wall,

a Bible that is super special and a scripture paper weight and more!

I love Bostons, I love my girlfriends, and I love girlfriend time!

It was GREAT!!!!  yummo food, fabo friends, and lots of talking!

what more can a girl ask for?  oh to have her hair freshly done, 

her fake nails on and a pedi too??? 

Oh wait, I had that too!!!!!!

It was a wonderful day!!!

Thanks Darr for making this birthday so great!  And thanks girls

for being a huge part of it!

And can I just tell ya, on Valentines Day, my real birthday, my guys

got me roses and a bracelet too!

I was spoiled this year!

The only thing I am sad about, not 1 picture! =( and if you know me, 

you know how important pics are, but will be keeping this one alive

through memory for a long time!!!

Another Piercing!

I have been wanting another piercing for quite some time.

I actually would love to get my nose pierced,

but Darrin isn't too keen on the idea.

So....

I decided to pierce my ear.  

High up in the cartilage.

I have wanted to kind of for a while,

but this past week with my birthday and all

I began thinking about it more seriously.

(I will blog about my wonderful birthday soon!)

Tonight I was with my friends, Cindy and Sydni!

And guess what????

We went and did it!

Asking the pro's, Cindy, advice!

"Where do I want it?"

Getting ready....

Take a deep breath....

and...

pressure...

(but totally not like epideral pressure!!!!)

Over in a second and not bad at all!!!!

Isn't it sooo cute!?!

And isn't it so me!?!

=)

I LOVE IT!!!!!