We continue to walk a very confusing pathway this week. My FIL has improved in several areas, but his kidneys still will not function after four rounds of dialysis. The doctors say that his kidneys are damaged and may not ever work again.

No one knows why this has happened, but we do know that this changes everything regarding his life now. He will need 24/7 care for several weeks and will need dialysis daily.

Saturday the siblings will meet to discuss their options. This should be an interesting meeting considering the different outlooks, beliefs, etc of these 3 children. Oh my...

Tomorrow we go down to visit some precious friends and go to the hospital for a bit. Then prepare for Saturday. I can't even begin to explain. Seriously. I may try at some point; it would make for an interesting blog entry.

photo courtesy of Hannah Queen

Help Kori

We all have problems and trials, but there is always someone who is facing a bigger struggle. Kori and her family are facing a major life trial. Kori's husband has CF and has stage 4 recurring colon cancer. They are planning a trip to Disney to make a few more family memories as they know Richard does not have long.

If you can help them out by contributing something to their trip see the button below. They do not know about this; Shelley over at "A Sister for Bean" is doing this as a surprise.

Update

We headed to the hospital yesterday when we found out the they were putting my FIL in ICU. He was not breathing well after dialysis. We found out on the way that they were sedating him and intubating him.

I was able to talk to a doctor while there. She told me that it is just too early to say what will happen. They do not know why his kidneys have shut down and are trying to stabilize him at this point.

Shortly we head back down and will take one of Williams aunts with us so she can see her brother.

Thanks for the prayers!

Update

My FIL is in Atlanta, but we still do not have a clear picture of what is going on. William called once he was down there and said that his dads kidney's were not functioning and the doctors think he may have had a stroke. This afternoon he is undergoing dialysis while they try to find out why his kidneys have been effected.

There are many challenges attached to this situation. My FIL is a very uneducated man which causes him to be suspicious of everything and misunderstand much of what he is told. He will have to have someone with him at all times. Also, Williams sisters are uneducated and can not interpret what the doctors tell them. If he has to remain in Atlanta for any amount of time it will require us to travel back and forth frequently. Williams dad does not understand the necessity to comply with the doctors order either; which makes us all crazy.

We will take one day at a time!

On a lighter note, I took the kids to a store in town that sells old fashion candy, drinks, etc. Hayden got him some facial hair!!!

Sarah said "4 bucks is a small price to pay for facial hair!" We concur.

photo courtesy of Hannah Queen

Blue Sunday

This has been a blah Sunday. Our pastor is sick so we didn't have church. Sad. But, we are glad our pastor is feeling better. Then William got a call from his aunt saying she could not get hold of Williams father after calling repeatedly and that he had been sick yesterday.

William went over and found him in a chair but he said he couldn't remember getting to the chair. He had carpet burns from crawling so he must have falling at some point and crawled to the chair. After much fussing he finally agreed to let the EMS come. (very stubborn man)

The doctors have determined that he has had a heart attack in the last day, so he is being transferred to a larger hospital south of us. Williams aunt lives in that area so she can meet the ambulance there. I am sure we will go down tomorrow.

William and his dad are not exceptionally close. His father has never been one that showed emotion easily or knew how to form bonds. But, I know William cares and he has tried to bridge the gap as an adult. I remember when William started hugging his father years and years ago. His dad didn't know how to react, but now he even initiates the hugs himself. :)

God is good and the relationship is better now. His dad accepted Christ last year and goes to church now.

Life takes turns, things change, circumstances arise, but my God is always the same!!

"Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today, and forever." -- Hebrews 13:8

Painting Pictures of Egypt

Painting Pictures of Egypt

I don’t want to leave here
I don’t want to stay
It feels like pinching to me either way
The places I long for the most
Are the places where I’ve been
They are calling after me like a long lost friend

It’s not about losing faith
It’s not about trust
It’s all about comfortable
When you move so much
The place I was wasn’t perfect
But I had found a way to live
It wasn’t milk or honey
But then neither is this

CHORUS:
I’ve been painting pictures of Egypt
Leaving out what it lacked
The future seems so hard
And I want to go back
But the places that used to fit me
Cannot hold the things I"ve learned
And those roads closed off to me
While my back was turned

The past is so tangible
I know it by heart
Familiar things are never easy to discard
I was dying for some freedom
But now I hesitate to go
Caught between the promise
And the things I know

BRIDGE:
If it comes too quick
I may not recognize it
Is that the reason behind all this time and sand?
If it comes too quick
I may not appreciate it
Is that the reason behind all this time and sand?

This song is so me. It is all about comfort; what is known instead of the unknown. I remember when we were looking for a new church, I was scared. Many times I thought 'lets just go back', at least I know what is there. How quickly I are willing to give up on the 'milk and honey' for what I know.

When finances are tight, I fear the future and would rather go backward. Why is it so hard to trust God for provision and face the future with faith?

Lord help me to remember that You have me safely in Your hands and I can walk boldly forward! NO going back to Egypt!

"My Husband Rocks" Friday

It has been a rough couple of months for us. The IRS has not rushed to send us our large 05 refund; imagine that! And we usually do not start back working until March.

My sweet husband took two of his guns and sold them today. It is just stuff, and we have always held to our possessions lightly. But, regardless, it is a sacrifice and I appreciate that. We are trying to preserve our investments at this point though the stock market is not helping us at all.

Times are tough and seem overwhelming, but our God is greater than all of this.

Psalms 147:4-5

He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names. Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite.

Ain't Feeling It

I just haven't felt like blogging this week. I am tired of the cold weather, (yes, I am going to whine) we all have been sick with some awful virus, our puppy bites everyone and everything and we need cash flow. There.

In my attempts to be frugal I have been making soups, cutting meat so that it goes farther, and as we always do, cut off lights in rooms not in use. None of these things are difficult or cause any of us any distress. We don't go like we use to, we don't eat out like we use to and wardrobes are not updated in a timely fashion. And I am sure there are more things we can do.

I have no room to complain and I realize that. Sometimes I just struggle in the flesh with what I see instead of relying on that I cannot see... God at work. I know each trial and struggle is for my good and not intended to harm me. Each difficult situation provides me with more wisdom and understanding.

In looking back I think my biggest struggle comes from my parents never denying me anything. (ok, I didn't get the pony, but we did go look at one) If I cannot do that for my children I feel like I have failed them. I realize that is flawed thinking. They don't get everything and they are still happy. They understand money so much better than I did. I wasn't taught ANYTHING.

So, I will fight this battle once again and remind myself that God is in control. And that I have a devoted husband, healthy children, a mortgage free home and a puppy that bites EVERYTHING!!

We Need Spring

We need spring so everyone can get outside and so William can work. William hasn't worked in 3 months and our finances are tight. We are blessed to have 4 jobs set up but the weather has to improve before he can start to work.

Being self employed is such a faith walk, but I guess being employed at all is a faith walk these days. You truly have to trust God to provide because there are no guarantees.

I have a friend who's husband worked for a company 20+ yrs and was permanently laid off. Their savings is gone. They have struggled to get their footing. Another whose husband is a builder that had just built a 600K spec home when the economy tanked. Another trying to avoid foreclosure.

There are moments when my faith just isn't strong enough. It 's not that I want stuff, stuff lost its appeal a long time ago. It is trusting that the next job will come. That I can pay our bills. That the IRS will send our refund! Trusting that God's timing is perfect...

Phil. 4:19

And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

photo courtesy of Hannah Queen

Head over to Inspiring Ideas where there is a GREAT giveaway going on!!!! There are 4 gifts being given away and they are all fantastic!!

Contest ends Feb. 27th.

Make My Life A Prayer

Make my life a prayer to you
I wanna do what you want me to
No empty words and no white lies
No token prayers no compromise

I wanna shine the light you gave
Through your son you sent to save us
From ourselves and our despair
It comforts me to know you're really there

Chorus
Well I wanna thank you now
For being patient with me
Oh its so hard to see
When my eyes are on me
I guess Ill have to trust
And just believe what you say
Oh you're coming again
Coming to take me away

I wanna die and let you give
Your life to me so I might live
And share the hope you gave me
The love that set me free


I wanna tell the world out there
You're not some fable or fairy tale
That I've made up inside my head
You're God, the son and you've risen from the dead


Chorus
Well I wanna thank you now
For being patient with me
Oh its so hard to see
When my eyes are on me
I guess Ill have to trust
And just believe what you say
Oh you're coming again
Coming to take me away

Conversion then a Call

Each person that is chosen by God receives a calling. That is EXCITING! With Saul's conversion (Acts 19: 1-19)came a calling and the same is true for every Christian.

Our pastor talked today about Saul's call on his life from God. God chose Saul, a persecutor of Christians, to be an instrument for His use. God chose, it wasn't Saul's decision. Saul became Paul and carried out God's work.

As with Paul, we are to follow Jesus where ever He leads.

"My Husband Rocks" Friday

I forgot one other thing that happened yesterday. Our potty on the main level clogged up; and I mean CLOGGED! Like somebody put the kitchen sink in the toilet!

William came home after digging a trench all day and had to snake the line. Then he had to go to Wal-Mart to get a new seal. Bless his heart!

He finally hit the bed about 1 am with his pitifully sick wife. HE ROCKS!!!!!

SICK

Hayden started getting sick day before yesterday and by last night I was feeling bad. Well, today, I feel TERRIBLE. Hannah hasn't been feeling the greatest either. William and Sarah are the only well ones around here.

Today was TERRIBLE along with me feeling terrible. Hayden still didn't feel great, Scout, the puppy, decided to act like the toddler she is and Piper, the mini doxie, decided she had had enough of the puppy which meant she barked and growled at her ALOT. Fabulous. Great. Wonderful. I truly have gone back and forth of who to put out on the porch. Especially after I hear, "ewwww, I stepped in dog feces". (yes, Hannah said 'feces') Oh yes, with everything crazy around here and Wm. on a job (thank you Lord), the puppy wasn't getting taken out reguarly.

Hannah and Sarah got in the kitchen and cooked for us. Hannah made incredible Potato Soup and Sarah made bread. Thank you girls!! You kept us from starving, well, except for Hayden who thinks anything new OR has onion in it is questionable.

Tomorrow must be better, or I am putting myself on the porch whatever the weather!!

Psalms 101:2-4

I will give heed to the blameless way When will You come to me? I will walk within my house in the integrity of my heart. I will set no worthless thing before my eyes; I hate the work of those who fall away; It shall not fasten its grip on me. A perverse heart shall depart from me; I will know no evil.




This scripture has given me pause today. Within our homes is our real test of character isn't it. Not that this is a new thought to me or you; but one worth revisiting for the sake of our witness before family and our obedience to God.

With media so pervasive in our culture we must be vigilant. Vigilant in music, TV, videos, movies, radio. What is occupying our time? What is shaping our thoughts? What is holding our thoughts? What do others see as our priorities?

God is not leading us to legalism; legalism is in doing something to find favor with Him. He wants our hearts pure and focused on Him, not on the things of the world that will pass away. It is up to each of us to determine if 'something' is taking priority over our relationship with God.

Are we allowing the enemy to fill our minds with the "work of those who fall away"? Do we 'know' evil because we are companions of it in some way? Has something 'fastened its grip' on you?

I will be asking myself these questions.


Blessings

We realized that the weather was going to be good this week, so we began making plans to clean some outdoors and get things ready for the garden. William also needed to re-screen the girls downstairs porch area. They love sitting out there when the weather is warm.

Sarah decided to move some rocks and make a path to the front flower bed. They were going to be moved for vegetable gardens anyway. She moved about 20 or so rocks to start the path. Needless to say the girl was tired when she finished, but she is tough.

Hayden helped William re-screen the downstairs porch. Here he is with a hammer probably considering taking out one of his sisters!! Just kidding; he has never thought of doing that.

This next picture was set up by Hannah. Remember, William was working on the screening (not an exceptionally dirty job), but she didn't like his 'clean' hands. So William leaned down and picked up dirt to rub on his hands. What a sick household!

Scout loved being outside with us and Piper, the mini dachshund! And she loves to dig... in my flower bed. Keeping her out of the vegetable gardens ought to prove interesting. Oh, and it doesn't matter if she has a chew and Piper has a chew; Scout wants the chew Piper has!! So, she barks...loud...alot. Lovely.

We ended the day with cleaning off some of the porches of 'fall debris' and loading William's truck with stuff for the dump.

Dinner tonight. Meatloaf, homemade mashed potatoes, greenbeans and yeast rolls.

Hannah peeled all the potatoes for me-- sweet girl!

After dinner, I managed to sweep and mop the floors on the main level, do the dishes and take a wonderful shower!!!

Tomorrow, we start again.

A Wonderful Good Day In the Lord

Our Pastor has been preaching out of Acts and today he discussed ch. 8:25-40. This is about Phillip being told by an angel to go toward Gaza and to take a particular route. This route leads him to encounter the Ethiopian Eunuch who is riding in a chariot and reading out of Isaiah.

This is a beautiful example of the sovereignty of God. God sent Phillip this way specifically so he would see the eunuch and the Holy Spirit impressed upon him to engage him in conversation. The Lord had already moved in the eunuch's heart and he was open to the gospel! He asked to be baptized right then and there.

The other thing our Pastor pointed out was that Phillip went immediately. He did not delay when the angel told him to go. God uses those that are available. Just as the disciples, when called, sold their possessions and went, Phillip did likewise.

Afterwards we had lunch and a wonderful time of fellowship. Nothing sweeter!!

Colossians 3:16

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

photo courtesy of Hannah Queen

UPDATE: Little Harper is home with her mommy and daddy!! She is doing great and keeping her parents on their toes! Way to go girl...

"My Husband Rocks" Friday

It has been SO cold down here for this southern girl; my bones are cold! I can't stand it.

Last night I was sitting at the computer and I was freezing. My sweet husband went and got a pair of his camping socks and put them on my feet for me. What a sweetie!!!!

MY HUSBAND ROCKS!!!!!!!

Cupcakes!

Hannah made these tasty devils yesterday evening. They are Raspberry Devil's food cupcakes and they are amazing!!!


Devil’s Food Cupcakes
makes about 2 dozen

9 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1-1/2 cups cake flour or all purpose
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature
1-1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1/4 cup strong coffee
1/3 cup water
1/2 cup milk

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Sift together cocoa powder, cake flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder in a bowl.
3. In the bowl of a standing electric mixer, or by hand, beat together the butter and sugar about 5 minutes until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated. (If using a standing electric mixer, stop the mixer as necessary to scrape down the sides to be sure everything is getting mixed in.)
4. Mix together the coffee and milk. Stir half of the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, the add the coffee and milk. Finally stir in the other half of the dry ingredients.
5. Pour into lined cupcake pans, about 3/4 of the way full, and bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting.


The frosting is raspberry jam, butter and powdered sugar.

Yesterday after church and lunch/fellowship we decided to ride into the National Forest not far from our house. We saw a sign for a church and decided to go find it. This is what we found! I can see children playing out in front 100 years ago.





Sarah





Here is our puppy, Scout, out with us. She is now 16 lbs!!

Sunday Thought

"They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer...All the believers were together and had everything in common." ~ Acts 2:42, 44

We are looking forward to a great day of worship and fellowship today! Hope you do the same...