Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd;
That's Relationship!
I shall not want.
That's Supply!
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:
That's Rest!
He leadeth me beside the still waters.
That's Refreshment!
He restoreth my soul:
That's Healing!
He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness
That's Guidance!
For His name's sake.
That's Purpose!
Yea, though I walk through the valley
Of the shadow of death,
That's Testing!
I will fear no evil'
That's Protection!
For Thou art with me,
That's Faithfulness!
Thy rod and THy staff, they comfort me.
That's Discipline!
Though preparest a table before me
In the presence of mine enemies:
That's Hope!
Thou annointest my head with oil;
That's Consecration!
My cup runneth over.
That's Abundance!
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
That's Blessing!
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
That's Security!
Forever.
That's Eternity!
Face it, the Lord is crazy about you.
What is most valuable is not what we have in our lives,
but WHO we have in our lives!
Ponder this today!!!!!!
(I got this at work and not sure where it came from but I really liked it)
Friday, December 16, 2011
Sunday, December 11, 2011
HHHHEEEELLLLLOOOOO!!!!!
***crickets*****
I'm still here.
Life
I'm working on a post....
Stay tuned!!!!!
I'm still here.
Life
I'm working on a post....
Stay tuned!!!!!
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Sons
I have been blessed beyond measure with 2 boys. Yes, they maybe 18 years apart but I wouldn't have it any other way. They are both blessings. I am just amazed that the Lord so richly blessed me with them. Kaleb is 4 1/2 and keeps me young and on my toes. He is a sweetheart and loves to snuggle. He loves to make his point and make sure that you heard what he said and then make you laugh in the midst of trying to correct him.
Kyle, well he is soon to be 23. I still just tremble when I say that or even type it. It can almost be overwhelming and then makes me wonder where in the world has the time gone. I doesn't seem that long ago he was Kaleb's age. Just amazes me. For the last year or so, he has been trying to find "the photography" job that he wants. You see, he has an eye for a photography like nothing I have ever seen. He can point and click and it is just amazing. His favorite line when people find out he is a photographer is "I don't shoot people". He's not kidding. That is NOT his thing. Give him a car, an engine, a Pepsi can, the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge and you will be amazed. He is a featured photographer on a blog, been in multiple magazines and just recently, made cover on an automotive magazine. Give him a drift even and you would think he was in heaven. Just amazing!!!!!!!!
He interviewed for a job about 4 weeks ago. And we waited. He had a 2nd interview and we waited. Then a 3rd with a "Director" of sorts and once again we waited. This job would require training for 2 weeks in Florida, a possible move to Raleigh, an opportunity for Kyle to stand on his own 2 feet. We, his family, have prayed, and prayed and prayed. Last week he went for the 3rd interview and was told that he would know something by the first of the week. It was between Kyle and another candidate. I thought we were all going to have a nervous breakdown. Nothing still on Wednesday. Kyle e-mailed and then called on Thursday and left a message. Found out someone had a family emergency but would let him know by end of the day on Friday. Well, Friday arrived and I thought I was going to bust when he called me about 3:15pm and told me...."I GOT THE JOB!!!!!!" I was sooooo excited!!!!!!! I hung up the phone and was being loud in the car when Kaleb very politely said...."Mommy, you are being to loud".
We now have a flight itinerary and dates for training. We are all so excited for him!!!!!!!! This is a great job and will still allow for some of his other shoots. So much to plan for. So much to do.
All of this to say....Kyle, we are sooooo very proud of you!!!!! We love you so much!!!!!! We can't wait to see what the Lord has planned for you!!!!!!!!! What an opportunity!!!!!! What a blessing you are!!!!!!!
Love you,
Mom, Dad, Bo, Lynn, Amber, Mema and Papa McManus, MeMa and Papa Hendrix, Kaleb, Jeff and Ashley, Kris and Kent, Mike, and the rest of the family members!!!!!!!!!
Kyle, well he is soon to be 23. I still just tremble when I say that or even type it. It can almost be overwhelming and then makes me wonder where in the world has the time gone. I doesn't seem that long ago he was Kaleb's age. Just amazes me. For the last year or so, he has been trying to find "the photography" job that he wants. You see, he has an eye for a photography like nothing I have ever seen. He can point and click and it is just amazing. His favorite line when people find out he is a photographer is "I don't shoot people". He's not kidding. That is NOT his thing. Give him a car, an engine, a Pepsi can, the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge and you will be amazed. He is a featured photographer on a blog, been in multiple magazines and just recently, made cover on an automotive magazine. Give him a drift even and you would think he was in heaven. Just amazing!!!!!!!!
He interviewed for a job about 4 weeks ago. And we waited. He had a 2nd interview and we waited. Then a 3rd with a "Director" of sorts and once again we waited. This job would require training for 2 weeks in Florida, a possible move to Raleigh, an opportunity for Kyle to stand on his own 2 feet. We, his family, have prayed, and prayed and prayed. Last week he went for the 3rd interview and was told that he would know something by the first of the week. It was between Kyle and another candidate. I thought we were all going to have a nervous breakdown. Nothing still on Wednesday. Kyle e-mailed and then called on Thursday and left a message. Found out someone had a family emergency but would let him know by end of the day on Friday. Well, Friday arrived and I thought I was going to bust when he called me about 3:15pm and told me...."I GOT THE JOB!!!!!!" I was sooooo excited!!!!!!! I hung up the phone and was being loud in the car when Kaleb very politely said...."Mommy, you are being to loud".
We now have a flight itinerary and dates for training. We are all so excited for him!!!!!!!! This is a great job and will still allow for some of his other shoots. So much to plan for. So much to do.
All of this to say....Kyle, we are sooooo very proud of you!!!!! We love you so much!!!!!! We can't wait to see what the Lord has planned for you!!!!!!!!! What an opportunity!!!!!! What a blessing you are!!!!!!!
Love you,
Mom, Dad, Bo, Lynn, Amber, Mema and Papa McManus, MeMa and Papa Hendrix, Kaleb, Jeff and Ashley, Kris and Kent, Mike, and the rest of the family members!!!!!!!!!
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Thanksgiving in Georgia!
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| Shelby's Mountain-The view from the deck |
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| Mom, Jeff and Me |
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| Mom and Savannah |
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| Jeff, Aunt Savannah and Bo |
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| Sisters |
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| The Family MORE TO COME!!!!!!! |
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Need To Refocus
Well, things are for sure changing and going in different directions. The key is to be positive and learn. Problem is....I can't seem to be very positive. It kind of feels like being so wrapped up in your circumstances that you can't see past the end of your nose. I have been here before. I don't like it. I want to get past it. I'm done with it but it just seems to continue to be there. Just kind of a bummer!!!!! I know what I need to do. I just can't seem to do it. That is the problem.
Plans-
I had plans of running in the February race at Myrtle Beach. So much so that I had my calendar done. My training all figured out and then the new job happened. At first,,,,not a problem. Well, now it's a big problem. I don't believe I will be going. I haven't registered and I am so far off on training, I just don't see it happening. It is just so hard because I had it all planned out. I mean down to the last detail.
People-
Working third shift truly has its advantages and well it's disadvantages. It is very hard to chat with people at 3 am because most people are asleep. It's hard because most of my friends work and now I sleep during the day. That has really become a learning curve. I can sleep until around 1 and then I'm up. But going to work on 5-6 hours sleep and working 12 hours is rough!!!!!!
Computer-
I've learned very quickly how much I have been addicted to Facebook. To the point of posting way to much information and then it seems silly. I post my blog entries on there but I'm really thinking about changing that and just posting my Food Blog on there and not this one so much. Maybe I need to just take a rest. Take a break and not go there for a while.
Family-
Trying to figure out how to work this shift and take advantage of the perks. At the same time missing what I used to do as well. Missing putting Little Man to bed. Missing waking up to him at 6 am wanting snuggle time before it was time to get up. Family meals at the table. Just the simple things. I do get about an hour and half with him before Bo gets home and I have to get ready for work or time for a quick dinner, bath, teeth and then Mommy is out the door.
Now before you go and tell me I am being all negative and I need to get a grip, I already know that. I realized that half way through the post. The problem is that I have become so very self focused. That is where my brain has landed and it is totally wrong and not where it should be. I get it!!! Trust me I do!!!! I'm in a place of adjustment. The Lord has brought me here. Do I like it at present? Not so much. Am I learning from it? Yes. Is it hard? UNBELIEVABLY hard!
You see, as I wrote, I realized. There were a lot I's, Me's, and My's in the post. I've even highlighted them for you. My focus has become on what Pam wants to do and not what the Lord wants Pam to do. So, to repair this ugly thought process.......I have to change my focus and put it back where it should be. What does He want and what does He want from me?
His ways are higher than mine. It's time for me to go HIS WAY and not mine!!!!!!
For sure a lot to ponder!
Plans-
I had plans of running in the February race at Myrtle Beach. So much so that I had my calendar done. My training all figured out and then the new job happened. At first,,,,not a problem. Well, now it's a big problem. I don't believe I will be going. I haven't registered and I am so far off on training, I just don't see it happening. It is just so hard because I had it all planned out. I mean down to the last detail.
People-
Working third shift truly has its advantages and well it's disadvantages. It is very hard to chat with people at 3 am because most people are asleep. It's hard because most of my friends work and now I sleep during the day. That has really become a learning curve. I can sleep until around 1 and then I'm up. But going to work on 5-6 hours sleep and working 12 hours is rough!!!!!!
Computer-
I've learned very quickly how much I have been addicted to Facebook. To the point of posting way to much information and then it seems silly. I post my blog entries on there but I'm really thinking about changing that and just posting my Food Blog on there and not this one so much. Maybe I need to just take a rest. Take a break and not go there for a while.
Family-
Trying to figure out how to work this shift and take advantage of the perks. At the same time missing what I used to do as well. Missing putting Little Man to bed. Missing waking up to him at 6 am wanting snuggle time before it was time to get up. Family meals at the table. Just the simple things. I do get about an hour and half with him before Bo gets home and I have to get ready for work or time for a quick dinner, bath, teeth and then Mommy is out the door.
Now before you go and tell me I am being all negative and I need to get a grip, I already know that. I realized that half way through the post. The problem is that I have become so very self focused. That is where my brain has landed and it is totally wrong and not where it should be. I get it!!! Trust me I do!!!! I'm in a place of adjustment. The Lord has brought me here. Do I like it at present? Not so much. Am I learning from it? Yes. Is it hard? UNBELIEVABLY hard!
You see, as I wrote, I realized. There were a lot I's, Me's, and My's in the post. I've even highlighted them for you. My focus has become on what Pam wants to do and not what the Lord wants Pam to do. So, to repair this ugly thought process.......I have to change my focus and put it back where it should be. What does He want and what does He want from me?
His ways are higher than mine. It's time for me to go HIS WAY and not mine!!!!!!
For sure a lot to ponder!
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
One Step At A Time
Something's never seem to amaze me. If you have been following me, you know of my adventure this spring/summer about going back to school and the adventure of getting ready and then having everything turned upside down by being offered a job that I NEVER saw coming!!!!
Now I have a big decision and choice or choices to make. I have Pell Grant Money for the Spring Semester and now the choice of what in the world to take. At this present moment, I have not a clue. It is interesting that when I was "ready" for school, I was going full steam ahead into nursing. That was exactly what was going to happen. I have mentioned it in talking with people and other nurses here at the hospital and they have made me really think about it.
Here is the Scenario.....
I'm 40+. No need for real numbers. If I took online classes for this semester and do well with that. I would be required to do at least 1 if not 2 with a lab next semester. Not really sure if that would work with my schedule first off.
Secondly- Since I am not on the "course-outline" that I was on last semester and things have been very stretched out, I am looking at least 2+ years before I can even apply for the program.
Thirdly- The hospital has basically phased out LPN's so that would not work.
Fourth- The hospital is now encouraging the 2 year RN's to get their BSN and are going so far as to provide some of that in-house.
Fifth- I would be very close to 50 by the time I am done.
Bottom line- Do I want to be 50 years old and trying to start a new career? The nurses that I have spoken with at the hospital around this age basically tell me I have lost my mind and why in the world would I want to do that. Some have even told me to really rethink and find something else.
All of that being said....What in the world am I suppose to do??? I have not a clue. Classes for the spring will be most difficult but after that, it will have to be a God thing as to what I am suppose to do. I'm just looking at my schedule right now and trying to figure out how I am going to do these classes and working what I work at present. It's very nerve racking and a little upsetting. What to do? Isaiah talks about the Lord making the path straight and smooth. That is what I am asking Him to do.
For sure something to ponder.
Pam
Now I have a big decision and choice or choices to make. I have Pell Grant Money for the Spring Semester and now the choice of what in the world to take. At this present moment, I have not a clue. It is interesting that when I was "ready" for school, I was going full steam ahead into nursing. That was exactly what was going to happen. I have mentioned it in talking with people and other nurses here at the hospital and they have made me really think about it.
Here is the Scenario.....
I'm 40+. No need for real numbers. If I took online classes for this semester and do well with that. I would be required to do at least 1 if not 2 with a lab next semester. Not really sure if that would work with my schedule first off.
Secondly- Since I am not on the "course-outline" that I was on last semester and things have been very stretched out, I am looking at least 2+ years before I can even apply for the program.
Thirdly- The hospital has basically phased out LPN's so that would not work.
Fourth- The hospital is now encouraging the 2 year RN's to get their BSN and are going so far as to provide some of that in-house.
Fifth- I would be very close to 50 by the time I am done.
Bottom line- Do I want to be 50 years old and trying to start a new career? The nurses that I have spoken with at the hospital around this age basically tell me I have lost my mind and why in the world would I want to do that. Some have even told me to really rethink and find something else.
All of that being said....What in the world am I suppose to do??? I have not a clue. Classes for the spring will be most difficult but after that, it will have to be a God thing as to what I am suppose to do. I'm just looking at my schedule right now and trying to figure out how I am going to do these classes and working what I work at present. It's very nerve racking and a little upsetting. What to do? Isaiah talks about the Lord making the path straight and smooth. That is what I am asking Him to do.
For sure something to ponder.
Pam
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Life Is To Short
This will be very short but just wanted to share. We went to Ga. this past weekend and had a great time. Coming home was a bit ruff which included an overnight stay in a hotel which made me "ill" (not physically but attitude) because I just wanted to get home. Traffic, accidents, road construction and just to many cars in general made a simple 5 hour trip into 9+ and we stopped at a hotel. I was ill. Bo was ill. Kaleb was exhausted!!!!!!
I pouted.
I whined.
I even stood in the bathroom and cried.
I slept and got over it.
Just exhausted when we finally got home.
Unpacked and then got ready for work.
And then IT happened........
I got a text. I won't share the exact words but it made me feel so much better. So much more needed. So much more valued. It was what I needed. Thanks to my sweet hubby!!!!!! He knew it!!!! I needed it!!!!!!!
Sometimes we get so wrapped up in life and the circumstances that we forget to say things to one another. Working in the hospital I have discovered and been reminded....we are not guaranteed tomorrow. If you haven't told your Sweetie something....TELL THEM TODAY!!!!!!!
Pam
I pouted.
I whined.
I even stood in the bathroom and cried.
I slept and got over it.
Just exhausted when we finally got home.
Unpacked and then got ready for work.
And then IT happened........
I got a text. I won't share the exact words but it made me feel so much better. So much more needed. So much more valued. It was what I needed. Thanks to my sweet hubby!!!!!! He knew it!!!! I needed it!!!!!!!
Sometimes we get so wrapped up in life and the circumstances that we forget to say things to one another. Working in the hospital I have discovered and been reminded....we are not guaranteed tomorrow. If you haven't told your Sweetie something....TELL THEM TODAY!!!!!!!
Pam
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Can You Believe It.....
Well, can you believe it is almost time for Thanksgiving? And then before we know it Christmas will be here and in a blink we will have a New Year!!!!!! What a year this has been!!!!!!
We are having the blessing of going to Ga. for an early Thanksgiving with my parents and my brother will be there with his wife and we will all be together for the first time in almost 5 years for a holiday. I'm so excited I could bust. I am sure that I will have plenty of pictures to share when we get back and of course we will filling up on all the good food. And yes, there will be food pictures to post on the other blog which I am very thrilled about.
I am still adjusting to working 3rd shift. That has come with some very strange changes.
For instance.....
Sleeping during the day
Being awake all night
When are you suppose to eat?
What meal is it when you eat at 3am? Lunch, dinner or breakfast.
When are you suppose to exercise?
I have learned to take naps.
I've also learned that there is no one on Facebook at 3am....hahahaha
I have learned that I can text-chat with my brother at that hour.
Lots of changes. It's all good!!!!!! Stay tuned!!!!!!!
Pam
We are having the blessing of going to Ga. for an early Thanksgiving with my parents and my brother will be there with his wife and we will all be together for the first time in almost 5 years for a holiday. I'm so excited I could bust. I am sure that I will have plenty of pictures to share when we get back and of course we will filling up on all the good food. And yes, there will be food pictures to post on the other blog which I am very thrilled about.
I am still adjusting to working 3rd shift. That has come with some very strange changes.
For instance.....
Sleeping during the day
Being awake all night
When are you suppose to eat?
What meal is it when you eat at 3am? Lunch, dinner or breakfast.
When are you suppose to exercise?
I have learned to take naps.
I've also learned that there is no one on Facebook at 3am....hahahaha
I have learned that I can text-chat with my brother at that hour.
Lots of changes. It's all good!!!!!! Stay tuned!!!!!!!
Pam
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
It's Up and Here We Go!!
I have to admit I am VERY excited about the new blog. It is what I would call a labor or love. Alot of my passions all rolled into one website. Actually, I was convicted today about the fact that scripture is NOT in the title. I will be fixing that tonight. It was just one of those things that I wanted to share with as many people as possible. I would love to hear from you.
I also wanted to share a few other things that have been happening....and that I am thankful for. I hope you are continuing to be in the Attitude of Gratitude!!!!!!
Thankful for...
Freedom to write a blog or 2
For the gift of writing
For the gift and ability to share
For friends that encourage me on the journey that He has laid out for me.
For a computer that allows me to share via blogs, Twitter and Facebook.
For other Fellow Bloggers that encourage me.
For safety during the Trick-Or-Treating on Monday evening.
For a box of old Lego's found that are the delight of a 4 year old.
For food in my pantry
For the warm coat(s) that we have in this chilly weather.
For great people to work with who encourage me and tell me "I was a delight to work with" (How that just made my day)
For a hubby that allows me to sleep and rest when I need to in order to work.
For beautiful weather that allowed me to go for a great run on Monday.
For 2 legs that can carry me on a run.
For the beauty He has created that He allows me to experience on a run.
For energy to do what is needed.
For a roof over my head.
I hope you are having a great day!!!!!! I know I have been so blessed. For sure, something to ponder.
Pam
I also wanted to share a few other things that have been happening....and that I am thankful for. I hope you are continuing to be in the Attitude of Gratitude!!!!!!
Thankful for...
Freedom to write a blog or 2
For the gift of writing
For the gift and ability to share
For friends that encourage me on the journey that He has laid out for me.
For a computer that allows me to share via blogs, Twitter and Facebook.
For other Fellow Bloggers that encourage me.
For safety during the Trick-Or-Treating on Monday evening.
For a box of old Lego's found that are the delight of a 4 year old.
For food in my pantry
For the warm coat(s) that we have in this chilly weather.
For great people to work with who encourage me and tell me "I was a delight to work with" (How that just made my day)
For a hubby that allows me to sleep and rest when I need to in order to work.
For beautiful weather that allowed me to go for a great run on Monday.
For 2 legs that can carry me on a run.
For the beauty He has created that He allows me to experience on a run.
For energy to do what is needed.
For a roof over my head.
I hope you are having a great day!!!!!! I know I have been so blessed. For sure, something to ponder.
Pam
IT IS UP!!!!!!!!
I DID IT!!!!
I HAVE A NEW BLOG!!!! (I guess I could say a do-over)
I tried about a year ago or so to do a cooking blog. Well, life happened and it just wasn't the time.
Well, NOW IS THE TIME!!!!!!!
Name- Pam's Pantry Ideas.
Website- www.pamspantryideas.blogspot.com
Followers- PLEASE JUMP IN!!!!!
Start Date- TODAY!!!!!!!!
I even have 26 days worth of reipes scheduled for posting already.
Page for favorite websites on food and nutrition.
Page for "Mass Cooking" and how to do it.
Page for "About Me"
Soon-to-Be Page for Food Pictures (makes me hungry thinking about that one)
Its exciting. PLEASE COME AND CHECK IT OUT!!!!
BE A FOLLOWER and subscribe by e-mail if you want.
I HAVE A NEW BLOG!!!! (I guess I could say a do-over)
I tried about a year ago or so to do a cooking blog. Well, life happened and it just wasn't the time.
Well, NOW IS THE TIME!!!!!!!
Name- Pam's Pantry Ideas.
Website- www.pamspantryideas.blogspot.com
Followers- PLEASE JUMP IN!!!!!
Start Date- TODAY!!!!!!!!
I even have 26 days worth of reipes scheduled for posting already.
Page for favorite websites on food and nutrition.
Page for "Mass Cooking" and how to do it.
Page for "About Me"
Soon-to-Be Page for Food Pictures (makes me hungry thinking about that one)
Its exciting. PLEASE COME AND CHECK IT OUT!!!!
BE A FOLLOWER and subscribe by e-mail if you want.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Almost Here......
This has been the most fun.
I have posted on Twitter.
I posted on Facebook and even on the sidebar here.
NOVEMBER 1st is coming!!!!!!!
I have had several ask me..."What's up?"
Now, if I told everyone, that wouldn't be a surprise now would it?
Right now I believe that only my Hubby knows what is coming and he won't tell!
No, I won't give you any hints.
No, I won't send you an e-mail
No, I won't text you either or send you a Tweet.
You will just have to wait and see what's coming........
Any guesses?????
Any thoughts or ideas??????
Most of you will not be shocked.
If you know me at all, you probably have an idea anyway.
I'm so excited I could bust!!!!!!!!
Not much longer.............
I have posted on Twitter.
I posted on Facebook and even on the sidebar here.
NOVEMBER 1st is coming!!!!!!!
I have had several ask me..."What's up?"
Now, if I told everyone, that wouldn't be a surprise now would it?
Right now I believe that only my Hubby knows what is coming and he won't tell!
No, I won't give you any hints.
No, I won't send you an e-mail
No, I won't text you either or send you a Tweet.
You will just have to wait and see what's coming........
Any guesses?????
Any thoughts or ideas??????
Most of you will not be shocked.
If you know me at all, you probably have an idea anyway.
I'm so excited I could bust!!!!!!!!
Not much longer.............
Friday, October 28, 2011
Writing Continued.....
Now before everyone starts having a fit...I am not quiting my job. I'm not even thinking it. I just like to write. I have a great friend named Peggy and another named Marsha that have always encouraged me to journal. WRITE IT DOWN!!! Well, that is what I do. I LOVE IT!!!! Yes, and even some of my blog post are just an example of what you might find in my journal. Sometimes things are a bit to personal so you won't find them here.
What about life experience? Have you experienced something in your life that you never saw coming? Something that shook you to your core and wondered "What in the world is happening?" Oh, I have!!!!! Life is not a bed a roses and He never promised us an easy life! He did promise that He would never leave or forsake us. He promised that He would walk through the fire and the flood with us. He would lift our chins as only He can. He would love us unconditionally! So what have you experienced? What is an experience where you can look back on it now and think "Praise Jesus, He brought me through and this is what He showed me and taught me." Those are the things that we like to put on a mask and NEVER tell anyone about. We go through life acting as if things are just wonderful and on the inside, we feel like we are totally drowning. We would never take off that mask and be transparent! Heaven forbid that we do such a thing! Yet, most of the time, we have those close friends that would come along side and pray with us, direct us to the Word, encourage us and listen. We all have those kinds of friends. Some may have MANY and some may have just 1 or 2 but we have them. We never know that if we would share, there may have been someone that has been there and can encourage us and we can see what the Lord did in their life.
This is obviously turning into an entry so please allow me to share a couple of experiences that I have had.
-Infertility
-Adoption of "The Older Child"
-Being Obese
-Miscarriage
-Divorce
-Rebellion
-Healing of hurts
-Loneliness
-Financial Issues
-Surprise Pregnancy
-Re-married
-Teenagers
-Father with Open Heart Surgery
-Mom diagnosed with Breast Cancer twice
-Loss of a job after almost 15 years with the same company
-Rebellious Child
-Friends diagnosed with "incurable" diseases
-Friends leaving for the mission field. Feeling lost without them.
Now, someone may look at such a list and think......Are you bragging? ABSOLUTELY NOT!!!!!!!! I am making the point that I can stand on this side of these experiences and say PRAISE JESUS!!!! LOOK WHAT HE BROUGHT ME THROUGH!!!!!! Now, everyone that I go to church with probably knows most of this. Most that read this blog probably already know but some may not. Yet, I know without a shadow of a doubt when someone is talking about one of these trials in there life, I can say "Yes, I understand, I have been there and I can pray from experience. Let me tell you what He taught me...."
Well, there you have it. Now the question is for you. What has He brought you through? What did He teach you? Are you still in the middle of it? How can I pray for you? For sure something for you to ponder today. The comment section is open and unlimited.....feel free to share!!!!!!! I would love to hear!!!!!
Thanks for pondering today!!!!!!
Pam
PS- My 10 Attitude of Gratitude are the experiences listed above!!!!
What about life experience? Have you experienced something in your life that you never saw coming? Something that shook you to your core and wondered "What in the world is happening?" Oh, I have!!!!! Life is not a bed a roses and He never promised us an easy life! He did promise that He would never leave or forsake us. He promised that He would walk through the fire and the flood with us. He would lift our chins as only He can. He would love us unconditionally! So what have you experienced? What is an experience where you can look back on it now and think "Praise Jesus, He brought me through and this is what He showed me and taught me." Those are the things that we like to put on a mask and NEVER tell anyone about. We go through life acting as if things are just wonderful and on the inside, we feel like we are totally drowning. We would never take off that mask and be transparent! Heaven forbid that we do such a thing! Yet, most of the time, we have those close friends that would come along side and pray with us, direct us to the Word, encourage us and listen. We all have those kinds of friends. Some may have MANY and some may have just 1 or 2 but we have them. We never know that if we would share, there may have been someone that has been there and can encourage us and we can see what the Lord did in their life.
This is obviously turning into an entry so please allow me to share a couple of experiences that I have had.
-Infertility
-Adoption of "The Older Child"
-Being Obese
-Miscarriage
-Divorce
-Rebellion
-Healing of hurts
-Loneliness
-Financial Issues
-Surprise Pregnancy
-Re-married
-Teenagers
-Father with Open Heart Surgery
-Mom diagnosed with Breast Cancer twice
-Loss of a job after almost 15 years with the same company
-Rebellious Child
-Friends diagnosed with "incurable" diseases
-Friends leaving for the mission field. Feeling lost without them.
Now, someone may look at such a list and think......Are you bragging? ABSOLUTELY NOT!!!!!!!! I am making the point that I can stand on this side of these experiences and say PRAISE JESUS!!!! LOOK WHAT HE BROUGHT ME THROUGH!!!!!! Now, everyone that I go to church with probably knows most of this. Most that read this blog probably already know but some may not. Yet, I know without a shadow of a doubt when someone is talking about one of these trials in there life, I can say "Yes, I understand, I have been there and I can pray from experience. Let me tell you what He taught me...."
Well, there you have it. Now the question is for you. What has He brought you through? What did He teach you? Are you still in the middle of it? How can I pray for you? For sure something for you to ponder today. The comment section is open and unlimited.....feel free to share!!!!!!! I would love to hear!!!!!
Thanks for pondering today!!!!!!
Pam
PS- My 10 Attitude of Gratitude are the experiences listed above!!!!
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Writing......
Are you a writer?
Do you journal?
Have you ever thought about being a writer?
Have you ever thought about starting a journal?
Have you ever thought about writing a book about your life experience?
Have you ever thought about writing study guides, devotionals and the like?
I know I have. I think , "I hated English in school. Every paper was marked with red pen". At the same time, now at the age of 40-something, I remember those things and find myself asking those red-pen questions when I am writing.
Where would you start?
What would you write about?
What and who is your audience?
Trust me, I am throwing the questions out. I am thinking and praying through how I would answer them. How would YOU answer them?
For sure something to ponder today.......
Do you journal?
Have you ever thought about being a writer?
Have you ever thought about starting a journal?
Have you ever thought about writing a book about your life experience?
Have you ever thought about writing study guides, devotionals and the like?
I know I have. I think , "I hated English in school. Every paper was marked with red pen". At the same time, now at the age of 40-something, I remember those things and find myself asking those red-pen questions when I am writing.
Where would you start?
What would you write about?
What and who is your audience?
Trust me, I am throwing the questions out. I am thinking and praying through how I would answer them. How would YOU answer them?
For sure something to ponder today.......
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Wordless Wednesday....almost
CUTIE!!!!!!
Grateful for a 4 year old.
Grateful for a 22 year old.
Grateful for boys.
Grateful for their honesty.
Grateful for the hugs from Kaleb
Grateful for lunch-times with Kyle
Grateful for the laughter between 2 brothers.
Grateful for the men they will grow to be.
Grateful for the blessing.
Grateful for the quiet times even with 2 in the house.
psst........5 more days.....
Oops almost overslept!!!!!!
Working 3rd shift and trying to figure out my sleep pattern has been a little more difficult than I thought but I think I am getting the hang of it. Last night was a 12 hour night. It was a bit long but it was good. I am actually doing great til about 4 or 4:30am when I would really like to go to bed but get some coffee and I can make it through.
You know how you almost over sleep?
You get caught with every light?
The person in front of you is going 10 mph slower than the speed limit?
Well, that was me today. I did almost over sleep which made me a few minutes late leaving. Then of course every light was red and yes I got stuck behind someone who wanted to almost come to a stop on 40 because the car in front of them was going a bit slow. It was just frustrating!!!
I made it!!! On my way back I saw why I might have been late. Maybe the Lord was protecting me. There was an accident on 40 coming back that had just happened and had I not been slightly late, it could have me. I was just so grateful. So very thankful! It didn't appear anyone was injured and I was grateful for that as well. He knows my days! He knows when I rise and when I sit. Oh thank you Jesus!!!!!!
How has your day been?
What have you been seeing Him do in your life?
PLEASE DO SHARE!!!!!
Have you stopped long enough to ponder it???
You know how you almost over sleep?
You get caught with every light?
The person in front of you is going 10 mph slower than the speed limit?
Well, that was me today. I did almost over sleep which made me a few minutes late leaving. Then of course every light was red and yes I got stuck behind someone who wanted to almost come to a stop on 40 because the car in front of them was going a bit slow. It was just frustrating!!!
I made it!!! On my way back I saw why I might have been late. Maybe the Lord was protecting me. There was an accident on 40 coming back that had just happened and had I not been slightly late, it could have me. I was just so grateful. So very thankful! It didn't appear anyone was injured and I was grateful for that as well. He knows my days! He knows when I rise and when I sit. Oh thank you Jesus!!!!!!
How has your day been?
What have you been seeing Him do in your life?
PLEASE DO SHARE!!!!!
Have you stopped long enough to ponder it???
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Back to Work
Well, I had 3 days off and it's back to work tonight. That's OK but I enjoy being home so much. Well, I thought I had better get this posted because between trying to actually make it to the gym, being at work at 6:30 for a "Health Evaluation", trying to take a nap as well, I will probably not have enough time.
Here are my 10 for today.
- Blogger.com
-computers
-spell check
-formatting
-cell phones
-great friends
-food in the pantry that can turn into something super special
-being able to share the Gospel on my blog
-friend that has returned to her blog
-friends that share thoughts and ideas on Facebook
-Little one celebrating his 3rd birthday and I was there that special day
(OK, so I had a bonus for today)
What have you been pondering lately?
Here are my 10 for today.
- Blogger.com
-computers
-spell check
-formatting
-cell phones
-great friends
-food in the pantry that can turn into something super special
-being able to share the Gospel on my blog
-friend that has returned to her blog
-friends that share thoughts and ideas on Facebook
-Little one celebrating his 3rd birthday and I was there that special day
(OK, so I had a bonus for today)
What have you been pondering lately?
Monday, October 24, 2011
What a Weekend
What an awesome and busy weekend. Saturday night was AWESOME!!!!! We try to get together with my brother Jeff and his wife Ashley when we can. We are busy or he is driving or going camping. So this time we planned a couple of weeks out and said that we would meet up and go to dinner. Well, I thought about that and chose to just have them over instead.
IT WAS A BLAST!!! Kyle was even home, which is VERY unusual. We had enough food to feed an army and plenty of left overs but the fun of just having them here was just GREAT!!!!! We ate until I thought we would all explode!!!! You have to understand, my brother is an AWESOME cook. He cooks what some would call "real food". Cast iron pans, fatback, bacon, "real seasoning". You get the picture. He made the most awesome Mexican cornbread that I have ever eaten!!!!! I will for sure get the recipe for it!!!!
So, on the menu we had the following....
White Chicken Chili (Mama's recipe)
Buttermilk Chicken
Bo's Specialty Meat
Mexican Cornbread
Plain Cornbread (for Kyle)
Apple Cobbler
Egg Custard
Of course, all homemade!!!!!! I could have just eaten the Mexican cornbread and forgotten the rest!!!!! I am the worlds worst at inviting people to our house. I always feel like its not clean enough, to many toys, the carpet has stains or any other excuse I can think of. Well, I have decided that life is just to short and that needs to change. We are going to have people over!!!!!
Do you have people over?
Do you worry about your house?
Do you worry about the kids?
Any idea's for get-togethers?
Fun foods that you like to eat?
PLEASE SHARE!!!!!!
Pam
Top Ten Monday (thankfulness)
1. Resting today
2.Caring Director that called to see how my job was going and if I needed anything.
3. Kyle
4. Hubby getting Little Man dressed this morning.
5. Kyle doing his laundry
6. Getting little things done that I usually don't have time for.
7. Watching Kaleb dance in the backseat to a fun song about Jesus
8. Kyle having a second interview on Thursday
9. Planning early Thanksgiving with Mom and Dad
10. Giving up my calendar to the Lord and allowing Him to arrange it!
IT WAS A BLAST!!! Kyle was even home, which is VERY unusual. We had enough food to feed an army and plenty of left overs but the fun of just having them here was just GREAT!!!!! We ate until I thought we would all explode!!!! You have to understand, my brother is an AWESOME cook. He cooks what some would call "real food". Cast iron pans, fatback, bacon, "real seasoning". You get the picture. He made the most awesome Mexican cornbread that I have ever eaten!!!!! I will for sure get the recipe for it!!!!
So, on the menu we had the following....
White Chicken Chili (Mama's recipe)
Buttermilk Chicken
Bo's Specialty Meat
Mexican Cornbread
Plain Cornbread (for Kyle)
Apple Cobbler
Egg Custard
Of course, all homemade!!!!!! I could have just eaten the Mexican cornbread and forgotten the rest!!!!! I am the worlds worst at inviting people to our house. I always feel like its not clean enough, to many toys, the carpet has stains or any other excuse I can think of. Well, I have decided that life is just to short and that needs to change. We are going to have people over!!!!!
Do you have people over?
Do you worry about your house?
Do you worry about the kids?
Any idea's for get-togethers?
Fun foods that you like to eat?
PLEASE SHARE!!!!!!
Pam
Top Ten Monday (thankfulness)
1. Resting today
2.Caring Director that called to see how my job was going and if I needed anything.
3. Kyle
4. Hubby getting Little Man dressed this morning.
5. Kyle doing his laundry
6. Getting little things done that I usually don't have time for.
7. Watching Kaleb dance in the backseat to a fun song about Jesus
8. Kyle having a second interview on Thursday
9. Planning early Thanksgiving with Mom and Dad
10. Giving up my calendar to the Lord and allowing Him to arrange it!
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Sunday-----Best Day Of The Week
This morning was a bit hectic. We thought we had childcare at 8am. We overslept and showed up at 8am but woke up at 7:20am. It was a bit nuts. We ended up in church for worship. We evidently were suppose to be there last week. Confusion but that's OK.
We worshipped!!!!! Casting Crowns Song- Who am I. Video was shown as intro to sermon based on Psalm 8. I just loved it!!!!!! It's one of those songs that you could either do one of 2 things. On the floor with your face in the carpet or on your feet with hands raised. Just a powerful message.
We went to Sunday School and had a great lesson and conversation about John 3. Just a wonderful day!!! It is cool outside. Sun is shining. Leaves are falling. Trees are beautiful. Just a perfect time of the year!!!!!!!
I hope you made it to worship today. I plan on napping and spending some time in The Word this afternoon. I am sure I will be back with more later this afternoon. Enjoy your day and we will talk again soon.
Top 10 Sunday......
1. Pastor that preaches the word without sugar coating it.
2. Scripture that speaks volumes to my heart.
3. Christian music
4. Church family that loves me.
5. Kaleb loves his class.
6. Godly men and women that teach.
7.Worship
8. Attending with persecution
9. A Heavenly Father that speaks to me.
10. A Savior who died for me.
Ponder this!
Pam
We worshipped!!!!! Casting Crowns Song- Who am I. Video was shown as intro to sermon based on Psalm 8. I just loved it!!!!!! It's one of those songs that you could either do one of 2 things. On the floor with your face in the carpet or on your feet with hands raised. Just a powerful message.
We went to Sunday School and had a great lesson and conversation about John 3. Just a wonderful day!!! It is cool outside. Sun is shining. Leaves are falling. Trees are beautiful. Just a perfect time of the year!!!!!!!
I hope you made it to worship today. I plan on napping and spending some time in The Word this afternoon. I am sure I will be back with more later this afternoon. Enjoy your day and we will talk again soon.
Top 10 Sunday......
1. Pastor that preaches the word without sugar coating it.
2. Scripture that speaks volumes to my heart.
3. Christian music
4. Church family that loves me.
5. Kaleb loves his class.
6. Godly men and women that teach.
7.Worship
8. Attending with persecution
9. A Heavenly Father that speaks to me.
10. A Savior who died for me.
Ponder this!
Pam
Super Saturday
Top Ten Saturday
1. Brother Jeff
2. Wife is Ashley
3. Coming to dinner
4. Kyle is home for dinner
5. House full of family
6. Laughter
7. Chickens-he has 60 of them
8. Fresh eggs in the refrig.
9. Home cookin'
10. FAMILY!!!!!
Pam
1. Brother Jeff
2. Wife is Ashley
3. Coming to dinner
4. Kyle is home for dinner
5. House full of family
6. Laughter
7. Chickens-he has 60 of them
8. Fresh eggs in the refrig.
9. Home cookin'
10. FAMILY!!!!!
Pam
Attitude of Gratitude
Ten for Friday.........
1. Kaleb's Awesome Day Care.
2. Restful sleep (actually overslept)
3. Great night at work.
4. Delicious dinner
5. Scripture that is living
6. Breezes blowing through the condo.
7. Planning for dinner guest.
8. A job to go to tonight.
9. Coffee-help keep me awake
10. Clothes to chose from for work.
Pam
1. Kaleb's Awesome Day Care.
2. Restful sleep (actually overslept)
3. Great night at work.
4. Delicious dinner
5. Scripture that is living
6. Breezes blowing through the condo.
7. Planning for dinner guest.
8. A job to go to tonight.
9. Coffee-help keep me awake
10. Clothes to chose from for work.
Pam
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Sharing
I posted my "Challenge" on my Facebook and sent messages to a lot of people and heard from 1. I'm not taking it personal. Kind of surprised me but everyone is so busy. Anyway, one of my friends, Marsha sent hers in a message. I asked her if I could share and she said "Of course". I loved reading it!!!!!! Thank you Marsha for sharing.
I'm thankful for:
1. A WONDERFUL new hubby!
2. A cozy home
3. Great neighbors
4. A Ministry in which I can give out His Word and lead others to Jesus
5. A new church family that is beyond friendly
6. Being encouraged to use my gifts and talents in the AWESOME music ministry
7. Having enough food for us and extra to share with friends and family
8. Children that are doing well in their work
9. Living in NC, where each season is beautiful!
10. Last, but not least...Having God at the center of all of the above!
So, here is what I'm thankful for today......
1. An exciting new job.
2. The smell of chocolate muffins coming out of the oven.
3. For a Christian Preschool that Little Man goes to and LOVES!!
4. For a brother and his wife that are coming to have dinner here on Saturday.
5. Planning for a couple of friends to come over for a movie and snacks in 2 weeks.
6. For great friends.
7. For an active and alive church.
8. For an oldest child that is seeking employment and trying to do what he can to further his career.
9. Planning for the holidays.
10. Facebook. Connection with friends from high school that I haven't seen in YEARS!!!!!!
Now, it's not to late....jump on board. This is not difficult!!!!!!
Pam
I'm thankful for:
1. A WONDERFUL new hubby!
2. A cozy home
3. Great neighbors
4. A Ministry in which I can give out His Word and lead others to Jesus
5. A new church family that is beyond friendly
6. Being encouraged to use my gifts and talents in the AWESOME music ministry
7. Having enough food for us and extra to share with friends and family
8. Children that are doing well in their work
9. Living in NC, where each season is beautiful!
10. Last, but not least...Having God at the center of all of the above!
So, here is what I'm thankful for today......
1. An exciting new job.
2. The smell of chocolate muffins coming out of the oven.
3. For a Christian Preschool that Little Man goes to and LOVES!!
4. For a brother and his wife that are coming to have dinner here on Saturday.
5. Planning for a couple of friends to come over for a movie and snacks in 2 weeks.
6. For great friends.
7. For an active and alive church.
8. For an oldest child that is seeking employment and trying to do what he can to further his career.
9. Planning for the holidays.
10. Facebook. Connection with friends from high school that I haven't seen in YEARS!!!!!!
Now, it's not to late....jump on board. This is not difficult!!!!!!
Pam
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Work and Home
Well, it is official. I am done with training at work. I have enough notes to choke a horse but feel pretty good about what I have learned. I had 2 GREAT cheerleaders/trainers at work. Gail worked and trained with me during the day time and Amber was my night time trainer. It was a lot to take in but I feel REALLY good about it. Of course, I am sure something totally unexpected will happen Thursday night and I'm ready for that. Kind of expecting it.
Home front is good except for me. Trying to manage sleep and working nights is a bit more difficult for me than I think anyone else. I come home and go to bed. Literally! Wake up, get Kaleb and then it's usually almost time for work. I think I am just missing all that time we had together this summer. Not being here at bedtime is a little hard because that is "snuggle-time". Kyle on the other hand is up into the early morning hours and that is just awesome. I can text/chat with him when I go on break at 1:00am. There are not a lot of people up at that hour. The other part that I miss so greatly is my Doula "business" and teaching Childbirth Classes. There is just no way of doing that right now. I do good to get done with what I need to. That was the hardest thing to stop doing!!!!!!! On the flip side of that the Hubby has kind of taken over making sure the laundry is done and said that I don't have to worry about dinner on the nights I have to be at work at 7pm. ABSOLUTE BLESSING!!!!!! I just need to be willing to give up that control and for me, that is a huge STRUGGLE to do because I feel like I'm not doing what a Mom/Wife should be doing. It's a lot of adjustment but the 4 day work week and the once a month (and sometimes twice) 3 day weekends, sure are a sweet bonus!!!!!!!!
Time Management is key for me.
What is important?
Do I have to do it right now?
Is this something that can wait for the weekend?
Those are the key questions.
How do you manage your time? Please feel free to share your thoughts.....ideas and how you do it ALL.
Thanks for stopping by. See you tomorrow!!!!!!
Pam
Home front is good except for me. Trying to manage sleep and working nights is a bit more difficult for me than I think anyone else. I come home and go to bed. Literally! Wake up, get Kaleb and then it's usually almost time for work. I think I am just missing all that time we had together this summer. Not being here at bedtime is a little hard because that is "snuggle-time". Kyle on the other hand is up into the early morning hours and that is just awesome. I can text/chat with him when I go on break at 1:00am. There are not a lot of people up at that hour. The other part that I miss so greatly is my Doula "business" and teaching Childbirth Classes. There is just no way of doing that right now. I do good to get done with what I need to. That was the hardest thing to stop doing!!!!!!! On the flip side of that the Hubby has kind of taken over making sure the laundry is done and said that I don't have to worry about dinner on the nights I have to be at work at 7pm. ABSOLUTE BLESSING!!!!!! I just need to be willing to give up that control and for me, that is a huge STRUGGLE to do because I feel like I'm not doing what a Mom/Wife should be doing. It's a lot of adjustment but the 4 day work week and the once a month (and sometimes twice) 3 day weekends, sure are a sweet bonus!!!!!!!!
Time Management is key for me.
What is important?
Do I have to do it right now?
Is this something that can wait for the weekend?
Those are the key questions.
How do you manage your time? Please feel free to share your thoughts.....ideas and how you do it ALL.
Thanks for stopping by. See you tomorrow!!!!!!
Pam
Attitude of Gratitude
Attitude of Gratitude
11.-Hubby that will do the laundry.
12. Change in the seasons.
13. Discussing Fall with a 4 year old.
14. Praying for my 22 year old on his job search.
15. Scripture available to read when I want.
16. Listening to the rain.
17. 2 GREAT new FRIENDS at work. Amber and Gail.
18. Excitement over going solo at my new job on Thursday.
19. A night off to spend at home.
20. Knowing that Jesus loves me.....all the time!!!!
And what about you?
Pam
11.-Hubby that will do the laundry.
12. Change in the seasons.
13. Discussing Fall with a 4 year old.
14. Praying for my 22 year old on his job search.
15. Scripture available to read when I want.
16. Listening to the rain.
17. 2 GREAT new FRIENDS at work. Amber and Gail.
18. Excitement over going solo at my new job on Thursday.
19. A night off to spend at home.
20. Knowing that Jesus loves me.....all the time!!!!
And what about you?
Pam
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
It's a Challenge.......
OK, so I have been thinking. Ever since Sunday and the message that I heard about an attitude of thankfulness. They say that it takes 30 days to create or form a habit. So why not make this a habit?
Here's the challenge......
Every day, come up with 10 things that you are grateful for.
Rules- can't repeat the same thing over and over and over. Yes, you maybe grateful for the same thing every day but let's look beyond. Look at what He has done, is doing and going to do in your life that you are thankful for. By the time that Thanksgiving (the holiday) rolls around, you should have a lot on your list.
Of course, putting off a challenge is never a good idea. Procrastination does not work!!!!!
So, if you are in on the challenge- leave a short comment in the comment section. You can list your 10 there or just say...."I'm in". You can even challenge others on your Twitter account or even on your Facebook page and see how many you can get to jump in with you.
Hint- THIS IS DAILY!!!!! NOT WEEKLY!!!!!!!
OK, so procrastination gets you no where so I will start.......
Today, I am thankful for.......
1. Restful sleep when I arrived home after a 3rd shift 12 hour night.
2. Smile on my Little Man's face when I picked him up.
3. Beautiful weather outside in this change of season.
4. Mom is getting better everyday.
5. I have a blog that I can journal with.
6. Jesus died for ME!
7. Husband that loves me even when I'm grouchy.
8. Food in my pantry
9. Roof over my head
10. Learning a new career at my age.
OK.....now it's your turn.........what are you thankful for!!!!!!!! Ponder it and get busy with your list.
Pam
Here's the challenge......
Every day, come up with 10 things that you are grateful for.
Rules- can't repeat the same thing over and over and over. Yes, you maybe grateful for the same thing every day but let's look beyond. Look at what He has done, is doing and going to do in your life that you are thankful for. By the time that Thanksgiving (the holiday) rolls around, you should have a lot on your list.
Of course, putting off a challenge is never a good idea. Procrastination does not work!!!!!
So, if you are in on the challenge- leave a short comment in the comment section. You can list your 10 there or just say...."I'm in". You can even challenge others on your Twitter account or even on your Facebook page and see how many you can get to jump in with you.
Hint- THIS IS DAILY!!!!! NOT WEEKLY!!!!!!!
OK, so procrastination gets you no where so I will start.......
Today, I am thankful for.......
1. Restful sleep when I arrived home after a 3rd shift 12 hour night.
2. Smile on my Little Man's face when I picked him up.
3. Beautiful weather outside in this change of season.
4. Mom is getting better everyday.
5. I have a blog that I can journal with.
6. Jesus died for ME!
7. Husband that loves me even when I'm grouchy.
8. Food in my pantry
9. Roof over my head
10. Learning a new career at my age.
OK.....now it's your turn.........what are you thankful for!!!!!!!! Ponder it and get busy with your list.
Pam
Monday, October 17, 2011
The Lord's Supper
On Sunday, a beautiful fall morning, at church we celebrated The Lord's Supper. It was a morning that I knew that I needed to be there. The music was incredible. The soloist was awesome. The celebration was awesome. The message.....well, I needed it and have been thinking about it ever since we left.
It was a message that was really very simple and very basic. Yet, at the same time it was very personal, very exciting and very convicting as well.
He preached out of 1 Corinthians and talked about Paul writing about the Lords Supper. The word that kept coming back to me was "Remember". One thing that was said and discussed about what we are to remember was that scripture talks about remembering His death. His crucifixion. His blood shed for us. His sacrifice. Jesus died for me! It doesn't talk about remembering His birthday. This was something I had not heard before. I confess that I do not know scripture like I should but I had never really thought about that. Truly something to ponder.
Pastor also talked about coming to His table and realizing what He did. He died for you. He died for me. The question that came to me as I sat there yesterday morning is.....do I really understand that? Do I really think about that? Am I thankful for that? He died for me. Powerful 4 words!
He also talked about being thankful. Yes, Thanksgiving, the holiday, is coming. Yes, we will visit and talk and chat with friends and families that we don't see very often. We will all EAT WAY TO MUCH! (me included) BUT why is it only once a year do we think about the word "thanksgiving"? Why don't we celebrate it everyday. Every moment. If you and I are born again and following after Him.....then EVERY DAY should be Thanksgiving. As Pastor said this morning....no matter what you are going through. It can be an illness, a hardship, financial struggle, a diagnosis, a job loss, managing your time or anything else that you can think of. Yet when you awake in the morning and those powerful 4 words come across your heart and your mind....Jesus died for me..........we can face whatever it is that seems so overwhelming with joy and thanksgiving in our hearts, peace that passes all understanding and a smile on our face. WOW!!!!!!
I thought back to this year and the circumstances that we have encountered.....
Loss of a job out of no-where
Loss of stable income.
Going back to school.
Getting a new job.
Kaleb in a new daycare
Mom's diagnosis of breast cancer again.
Mom's surgery followed by complications
Mom's up coming radiation treatments
Holidays and the stresses that come with.
Did I get up every morning and think.......Jesus died for me......let it sink in, put a smile on my face and walk through the day holding His hand......NO! I did not but I can assure you that my thought process is changing. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength and because HE DIED FOR ME!!!!!!
Because He died for me, I can come before The Throne. What a powerful message. What a powerful set of words that seem so very simple and yet so very profound!!!!!!!!
Jesus died for me. Something to ponder for today!!!!!
Pam
It was a message that was really very simple and very basic. Yet, at the same time it was very personal, very exciting and very convicting as well.
He preached out of 1 Corinthians and talked about Paul writing about the Lords Supper. The word that kept coming back to me was "Remember". One thing that was said and discussed about what we are to remember was that scripture talks about remembering His death. His crucifixion. His blood shed for us. His sacrifice. Jesus died for me! It doesn't talk about remembering His birthday. This was something I had not heard before. I confess that I do not know scripture like I should but I had never really thought about that. Truly something to ponder.
Pastor also talked about coming to His table and realizing what He did. He died for you. He died for me. The question that came to me as I sat there yesterday morning is.....do I really understand that? Do I really think about that? Am I thankful for that? He died for me. Powerful 4 words!
He also talked about being thankful. Yes, Thanksgiving, the holiday, is coming. Yes, we will visit and talk and chat with friends and families that we don't see very often. We will all EAT WAY TO MUCH! (me included) BUT why is it only once a year do we think about the word "thanksgiving"? Why don't we celebrate it everyday. Every moment. If you and I are born again and following after Him.....then EVERY DAY should be Thanksgiving. As Pastor said this morning....no matter what you are going through. It can be an illness, a hardship, financial struggle, a diagnosis, a job loss, managing your time or anything else that you can think of. Yet when you awake in the morning and those powerful 4 words come across your heart and your mind....Jesus died for me..........we can face whatever it is that seems so overwhelming with joy and thanksgiving in our hearts, peace that passes all understanding and a smile on our face. WOW!!!!!!
I thought back to this year and the circumstances that we have encountered.....
Loss of a job out of no-where
Loss of stable income.
Going back to school.
Getting a new job.
Kaleb in a new daycare
Mom's diagnosis of breast cancer again.
Mom's surgery followed by complications
Mom's up coming radiation treatments
Holidays and the stresses that come with.
Did I get up every morning and think.......Jesus died for me......let it sink in, put a smile on my face and walk through the day holding His hand......NO! I did not but I can assure you that my thought process is changing. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength and because HE DIED FOR ME!!!!!!
Because He died for me, I can come before The Throne. What a powerful message. What a powerful set of words that seem so very simple and yet so very profound!!!!!!!!
Jesus died for me. Something to ponder for today!!!!!
Pam
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Cotton Fields.......
We were blessed to go to the beach this past weekend for some rest. When I say rest, we REALLY rested. I believe this is the first time that I have gone to the beach and not bought ANYTHING. I mean we went to the outlets and walked around. We went and had dinner at our favorite places but literally bought nothing. Typically we buy clothes and house-stuff but not this time. It was VERY strange. Going back to work full-time is great but being MUCH older than I used to be makes it a little more physically demanding so to speak. So therefore.....we rested!!!!!!!!!
On our way home, we passed a very interesting sight. A field of cotton. Yes, cotton. I can remember when I was little and going to see my Granny and Daniel and their were cotton fields everywhere. I don't think there was a time, that it was ready for harvest, that we didn't stop and get some so that I could take it to school for show and tell. Yes, I will take those 10 or 20 Extra Credit Points....thank you! It was just amazing to see. We passed where they already had 2 of those huge bales that had already been picked and in a big huge roll. I explained to Kaleb what we were looking at. Not sure he understood and probably really didn't understand when Mommy got out of the car and pick a twig with 2 cotton blooms on them. We talked about cotton balls and Q-tips. I'm sure he was not impressed but I was busy thinking and remembering.
In the midst of seeing the cotton fields, my mind left and went to the scriptures for a while.
He told them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. Luke 10:2. I thought about my friends that have left the country to be missionaries. One couple has returned and another just left. The Lord made it clear that they were to go. The harvest is plentiful and they answered His call.
Yet we here in the states, in our neighborhoods, on our streets, in our homes, in our groups of friends.....is the harvest plentiful? Are you busy being a worker for the harvest? As we drove along the road, I couldn't help but wonder if the Lord sees groups of people as those cotton plants.
Ready! Bloomed! White fields! Just Waiting! for that harvester, farmer, to come and harvest. Is He waiting for me in my "field" of influence to harvest? It was almost an overwhelming thought as we drove a long. What am I doing?
Where am I busy working and planting, watering and sowing and preparing ground for the one who may do the harvesting? Just because I took part doesn't mean I that I will see the final bloom. That is OK. As long as I did what He ask of me. That is what is important!
What about you?
Do you see or live in a field of white?
It was truly something to ponder.
On our way home, we passed a very interesting sight. A field of cotton. Yes, cotton. I can remember when I was little and going to see my Granny and Daniel and their were cotton fields everywhere. I don't think there was a time, that it was ready for harvest, that we didn't stop and get some so that I could take it to school for show and tell. Yes, I will take those 10 or 20 Extra Credit Points....thank you! It was just amazing to see. We passed where they already had 2 of those huge bales that had already been picked and in a big huge roll. I explained to Kaleb what we were looking at. Not sure he understood and probably really didn't understand when Mommy got out of the car and pick a twig with 2 cotton blooms on them. We talked about cotton balls and Q-tips. I'm sure he was not impressed but I was busy thinking and remembering.
In the midst of seeing the cotton fields, my mind left and went to the scriptures for a while.
He told them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. Luke 10:2. I thought about my friends that have left the country to be missionaries. One couple has returned and another just left. The Lord made it clear that they were to go. The harvest is plentiful and they answered His call.
Yet we here in the states, in our neighborhoods, on our streets, in our homes, in our groups of friends.....is the harvest plentiful? Are you busy being a worker for the harvest? As we drove along the road, I couldn't help but wonder if the Lord sees groups of people as those cotton plants.
Ready! Bloomed! White fields! Just Waiting! for that harvester, farmer, to come and harvest. Is He waiting for me in my "field" of influence to harvest? It was almost an overwhelming thought as we drove a long. What am I doing?
Where am I busy working and planting, watering and sowing and preparing ground for the one who may do the harvesting? Just because I took part doesn't mean I that I will see the final bloom. That is OK. As long as I did what He ask of me. That is what is important!
What about you?
Do you see or live in a field of white?
It was truly something to ponder.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
It's a MAKE-OVER!!!!!!
Well, it was time. Time to clean house and make some changes and see what happens. I've been doing this blog for a while and thought that today was as good as any to make some changes.
Things that have changed.....
1. New Name (same web-address)
2. Clean lines
3. Narrow column for writing
4. Pages are now listed at the bottom.
5. Twitter is gone. (I don't have time to Tweet)
6. I'm not good at putting Labels on my post so the "search" wasn't working to well.
7. The "Tickers" are gone (i.e. school, running etc). Those will just be in the post as we go.
8. Thanks to Hot Bliggity Blog for the background. I just love it!!!!!!!
So, now it's your turn to chime in. What do you think? Any suggestions or ideas? I would love to hear them!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for stopping by!!!!!
Pam
Things that have changed.....
1. New Name (same web-address)
2. Clean lines
3. Narrow column for writing
4. Pages are now listed at the bottom.
5. Twitter is gone. (I don't have time to Tweet)
6. I'm not good at putting Labels on my post so the "search" wasn't working to well.
7. The "Tickers" are gone (i.e. school, running etc). Those will just be in the post as we go.
8. Thanks to Hot Bliggity Blog for the background. I just love it!!!!!!!
So, now it's your turn to chime in. What do you think? Any suggestions or ideas? I would love to hear them!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for stopping by!!!!!
Pam
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Update....it's about time...right????
Well lets just say that life has been turned upside down. I started my new job, which by the way, 4 weeks in and still loving it. We have been so busy and trying to remember how I worked full time and and did everything else. Not to mention, learning how to have the energy to work 2-12 hour days and balance everything has been such a challenge.
Funny how being out of work for 6 months can spoil you and cause you to forget how to do the simple things. Such as trying to figure out when to go to the gym. The what? Yes, the gym. I haven't been there in 6 weeks. I could find myself not running in February if I don't get it together and soon.
Mom is now doing better. She had a bit of set back and had to have an additional procedure done so we are getting there but it has taken longer than we expected but that's OK. She is recovering beautifully and that is what matters. Planning Thanksgiving in Ga. early which will be great!!!!!!
Start 3rd shift this week on Thursday. Excited and nervous all at the same time. A bit overwhelming and what am I going to do if I can't read their writing or I forget everything? I know that won't happen but it makes me worry at the same time.
Spending some much needed time to rest this weekend and enjoying the beach and the sun. LOVED today so very much. Little Man played on the beach for hours and it was just wonderful. LOVE the beach and the sun. I could sooooo live here!!!!!!!!! It's up to the Lord for that. I don't see that happening but you never know what He could have planned. I have for sure learned that in the last year!!!!!!!
I have some down time while we are hear and have somethings I want to write and share about so I am hoping for time to sit and use the computer and blog a bit if the Little Man is busy about his playing.
I am working on 2 different studies and some changes have occurred and want the time to share.
Stay tuned!!!!!!!
Pam
Funny how being out of work for 6 months can spoil you and cause you to forget how to do the simple things. Such as trying to figure out when to go to the gym. The what? Yes, the gym. I haven't been there in 6 weeks. I could find myself not running in February if I don't get it together and soon.
Mom is now doing better. She had a bit of set back and had to have an additional procedure done so we are getting there but it has taken longer than we expected but that's OK. She is recovering beautifully and that is what matters. Planning Thanksgiving in Ga. early which will be great!!!!!!
Start 3rd shift this week on Thursday. Excited and nervous all at the same time. A bit overwhelming and what am I going to do if I can't read their writing or I forget everything? I know that won't happen but it makes me worry at the same time.
Spending some much needed time to rest this weekend and enjoying the beach and the sun. LOVED today so very much. Little Man played on the beach for hours and it was just wonderful. LOVE the beach and the sun. I could sooooo live here!!!!!!!!! It's up to the Lord for that. I don't see that happening but you never know what He could have planned. I have for sure learned that in the last year!!!!!!!
I have some down time while we are hear and have somethings I want to write and share about so I am hoping for time to sit and use the computer and blog a bit if the Little Man is busy about his playing.
I am working on 2 different studies and some changes have occurred and want the time to share.
Stay tuned!!!!!!!
Pam
Monday, September 19, 2011
WHAT A WEEK!!!!!!!!
I am not sure that I can even put into words what all has happened this week. It has been like nothing else. It was just another reminder for me that He is ultimately in control and Pam is not!!!!!
Grab a cup of coffee and lets get going on this because there is so much to share.
Monday-9/12- Well, this was the beginning of a wild week. My Mom had her surgery on this day. They were able to get all of the cancer and checked her lymph nodes and they were all CLEAR!!!! I was receiving text all during the day and it was so hard to contain my excitement. I thought I was going to bust out and have church right there in the meeting. I was in Orientation. It was also my first day at my new job and starting a week of Orientation. I was stunned and what an opportunity that I had stepped into. It was absolutely overwhelmingly-amazed (not sure if that is a word or not).Kaleb was also having a big day. He was the new kid in the room at a new day care. I knew he was in good hands and just praying that he was having a good day and behaving. It was all going to be very different and very new and very structured. To top of such a day it was also my birthday and the Facebook messages, the texts, the e-mails and the cards were just unbelievable. It was a Monday that will not be forgotten very soon at all. Even as I sit and type this it seems like it was so long ago.
Tuesday-9/13-I was back at Orientation and learning more and more. There was benefits. There was history of the hospital. There was meeting with all of the new employees of the hospital and all kinds of information on infection, and so very much to remember. Kaleb was having a wonderful day at school. His report from yesterday was wonderful and I was just praying that he was continuing with that. Mom and Dad were home. She was discharged a couple of hours after her out patient procedure and she was recovering well.
Wednesday-9/14- Getting back in the swing of being at work. Orientation was now going to focus on what I was going to be doing. I was so excited. Everyone in this group were training for a NS(Nurse Secretary). Some were already Nurse Techs (NT) and they were transitioning into being NS as well. They already had a lot of the information but some was still new to them. We get a 3 ring binder with so much more information. WOW!!! INFORMATION OVERLOAD!!!!! At the same time, I am so very grateful because in my old position at work I was required to go into the hospital information and retrieve information on our patients, I knew my way around a bit. It made things so much easier. Kaleb had a great day!!!!!!!
Thursday-9/15- Back to Orientation. Meeting at round table talking about charts and how they are put together and where charts go with different scenario's. Most made sense but at the same time I had my notebook sitting in front of me. On the floor I would have it for a while and then not anymore. I had a meeting with my Supervisor after this day. It was a WOW moment and little of "OH MY GOODNESS". A meeting that wouldn't last to long was about 1 1/2 hours of more information. I was totally.....speechless. To see the schedule with the color codes and the abbreviations was just incredible. My immediate thought was...."what if I can't remember all of this when I get home?"
Friday-9/16-Last day of Orientation and we get to have lunch with the VP of the hospital. She was wonderful and very down to earth. Typically you would think that they would be in an office and not be seen but that is so not the case. We got a tour of the hospital. I knew it was big but WOW!!!!! That was amazing. Now if I can just remember how to get from one end to the other.....hahahaha.
Mom went back to check in with the surgeon that did her surgery to get the final path report. They had good clear margins and the lymph nodes were clear. PRAISE THE LORD!!!!!!!!
That was my week. I am tired just thinking about it all over again. I sit and am just amazed and what the Lord did this week. This had absolutely nothing to do with me. NOTHING!!!! It was all HIM!!!!! And to Him all the glory!!!!!!
Today I am off and reviewing all of my notes and getting a small notebook ready for my first day on the floor tomorrow. I have a great person to work with for the next 3 weeks.
Laundry and ironing is done. Dishwasher has run. Beds are made. Had 2 cups of coffee (Ukrainian of course) and now to review and process and before long it will be time to pick up Little Man. Hope you have a wonderful day and thank you for stopping by!!!!!!!
Pam
Grab a cup of coffee and lets get going on this because there is so much to share.
Monday-9/12- Well, this was the beginning of a wild week. My Mom had her surgery on this day. They were able to get all of the cancer and checked her lymph nodes and they were all CLEAR!!!! I was receiving text all during the day and it was so hard to contain my excitement. I thought I was going to bust out and have church right there in the meeting. I was in Orientation. It was also my first day at my new job and starting a week of Orientation. I was stunned and what an opportunity that I had stepped into. It was absolutely overwhelmingly-amazed (not sure if that is a word or not).Kaleb was also having a big day. He was the new kid in the room at a new day care. I knew he was in good hands and just praying that he was having a good day and behaving. It was all going to be very different and very new and very structured. To top of such a day it was also my birthday and the Facebook messages, the texts, the e-mails and the cards were just unbelievable. It was a Monday that will not be forgotten very soon at all. Even as I sit and type this it seems like it was so long ago.
Tuesday-9/13-I was back at Orientation and learning more and more. There was benefits. There was history of the hospital. There was meeting with all of the new employees of the hospital and all kinds of information on infection, and so very much to remember. Kaleb was having a wonderful day at school. His report from yesterday was wonderful and I was just praying that he was continuing with that. Mom and Dad were home. She was discharged a couple of hours after her out patient procedure and she was recovering well.
Wednesday-9/14- Getting back in the swing of being at work. Orientation was now going to focus on what I was going to be doing. I was so excited. Everyone in this group were training for a NS(Nurse Secretary). Some were already Nurse Techs (NT) and they were transitioning into being NS as well. They already had a lot of the information but some was still new to them. We get a 3 ring binder with so much more information. WOW!!! INFORMATION OVERLOAD!!!!! At the same time, I am so very grateful because in my old position at work I was required to go into the hospital information and retrieve information on our patients, I knew my way around a bit. It made things so much easier. Kaleb had a great day!!!!!!!
Thursday-9/15- Back to Orientation. Meeting at round table talking about charts and how they are put together and where charts go with different scenario's. Most made sense but at the same time I had my notebook sitting in front of me. On the floor I would have it for a while and then not anymore. I had a meeting with my Supervisor after this day. It was a WOW moment and little of "OH MY GOODNESS". A meeting that wouldn't last to long was about 1 1/2 hours of more information. I was totally.....speechless. To see the schedule with the color codes and the abbreviations was just incredible. My immediate thought was...."what if I can't remember all of this when I get home?"
Friday-9/16-Last day of Orientation and we get to have lunch with the VP of the hospital. She was wonderful and very down to earth. Typically you would think that they would be in an office and not be seen but that is so not the case. We got a tour of the hospital. I knew it was big but WOW!!!!! That was amazing. Now if I can just remember how to get from one end to the other.....hahahaha.
Mom went back to check in with the surgeon that did her surgery to get the final path report. They had good clear margins and the lymph nodes were clear. PRAISE THE LORD!!!!!!!!
That was my week. I am tired just thinking about it all over again. I sit and am just amazed and what the Lord did this week. This had absolutely nothing to do with me. NOTHING!!!! It was all HIM!!!!! And to Him all the glory!!!!!!
Today I am off and reviewing all of my notes and getting a small notebook ready for my first day on the floor tomorrow. I have a great person to work with for the next 3 weeks.
Laundry and ironing is done. Dishwasher has run. Beds are made. Had 2 cups of coffee (Ukrainian of course) and now to review and process and before long it will be time to pick up Little Man. Hope you have a wonderful day and thank you for stopping by!!!!!!!
Pam
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Saturday Six
I missed the Friday Five from Sarah so I decided I would do a Saturday Six. Corny-yes but it was as good as I could get......So let's get started......
1. I LOVE being a Doula. The other week I attended my last birth for a while. It was really kind of bittersweet. It was of course a beautiful delivery and I am amazed at everyone. I have chosen to take a brake for a bit while I am getting into my new job. I will miss it greatly!!!!
2. I LOVE teaching Childbirth Education. That is one of the most rewarding things. It is amazing to watch a Mom and Dad find out that they have choices and options when it comes to the birth experience they want for their new baby. You can almost see the light come on in their eyes. Encouragement, Education and Empowerment. Amazing!!!!!!!!
3. I LOVE newborns. There is something so very precious about them. They have "stuff" all over them. They are slippery. They are screaming. They are all wrinkled. They are a gift!!!! They are a new creation. They are a new life. They are just precious!!!!!
4. I LOVE church celebrations. On Sunday this year, we will be celebrating our 25th Anniversary. It is absolutely amazing to me that it's been 25 years. I started attending when Kyle was 1 year old. It has grown and changed so very much. I am blessed to be a part of it. 
5. I LOVE journaling. Thanks to some very precious women, Marsha and Peggy, I became a "Journal-er" numerous years ago. I have at least 1 16-gallon container that has journals in them. They always amaze me to see where I have come from. What a blessing! If you want to know more about it, just let me know. I love to share.
6. I LOVE encouraging others to start running. Sometimes I do really well at it and sometimes people look at me like I have totally lost my mind. It's on of those things that if you just give it a try....you would love it. I run alone most of the time hear lately. Would love to find someone to run with. There is a book that I value so very much. It is an EASY read. It is so very practical!!!!!! I would encourage you to pick it up. I also think it VERY encouraging as well. Check it out!
So, there you have my Saturday Six.......Have a great day!!!!!!!!!!
1. I LOVE being a Doula. The other week I attended my last birth for a while. It was really kind of bittersweet. It was of course a beautiful delivery and I am amazed at everyone. I have chosen to take a brake for a bit while I am getting into my new job. I will miss it greatly!!!!
Monday, September 5, 2011
I Love Trail Mix
At my old job, people would laugh and poke fun at what I would eat. It's funny because I would bring something and they would turn their nose up and the next time they would all want some. GO FIGURE!!!! The big joke was that "Pam will eat anything including grass and twigs." Well, they are partly right. I love trail mix. Hear me clearly.......I love what I make as trail mix. I don't typically buy the kind in the bag. Yes, there are some really good one's out there. They typically cost more than I want to pay but making my own is soooo much better. I get to control what I put in them. It is never the same twice. So I thought I would share what would typically go in mine.
Nuts- MUST!!!! Almonds, peanuts, walnuts and even pecans at time.
Raisins/Dried Fruit - MUST!!!! Cranberries, golden raisins, dark raisins, cranraisins, cherries, blueberries, apricots, figs and whatever else may look good.
Oats-(optional)-the reason I say optional is that it is a time factor for me. If I am making a mix with oats, I like to add honey and toast them slowly so that are a little sweet and crunchy. Eating raw oats is not something I would recommend.
Seeds- MUST!!!!- Sunflower, pumpkin, and any other kind that you might like. Typically I get toasted and unsalted. 
CHOCOLATE- yes I said chocolate. That is not an error. I like that little surprise ever once in a while. It's a different sweet than the fruits. Yes, there is a catch. I buy the ones that are fruit sweetened. I actually like them better. You can find them in bulk at Earth Fare and Whole Foods. They are so worth it. 
So, what I typically do is go to the store that sells all of this in a bulk section. I get a scoop of this and a scoop of that. Get home and dump all the bags into a giant bowl and stir it all up. Then either put it in an air tight container or separate into smaller bags for snacking. If I am doing the oats I would do the same except for the oats. They get mixed with about 1/2 cup of honey for every pound to pound and a half of oats. Spread onto a baking sheet and bake at 325 degrees for a total of 30-40 minutes but you MUST stir/toss every 10 minutes or the edges will burn. It's a food-of-love thing. Once it is COMPLETELY cooled, mix in with the other items and there you have it. Not only is it good for snacking but throw some on top of yogurt in the morning, throw a handful into your salad or even a small handful into tuna or chicken salad ( you might want to pick out the chocolate....I don't, but you can). It's just good!!!!!!!!
Try your hand at it and let me know what you put in yours. You will just love it!!!!!
Nuts- MUST!!!! Almonds, peanuts, walnuts and even pecans at time.
So, what I typically do is go to the store that sells all of this in a bulk section. I get a scoop of this and a scoop of that. Get home and dump all the bags into a giant bowl and stir it all up. Then either put it in an air tight container or separate into smaller bags for snacking. If I am doing the oats I would do the same except for the oats. They get mixed with about 1/2 cup of honey for every pound to pound and a half of oats. Spread onto a baking sheet and bake at 325 degrees for a total of 30-40 minutes but you MUST stir/toss every 10 minutes or the edges will burn. It's a food-of-love thing. Once it is COMPLETELY cooled, mix in with the other items and there you have it. Not only is it good for snacking but throw some on top of yogurt in the morning, throw a handful into your salad or even a small handful into tuna or chicken salad ( you might want to pick out the chocolate....I don't, but you can). It's just good!!!!!!!!
Try your hand at it and let me know what you put in yours. You will just love it!!!!!
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Friday, September 2, 2011
Friday Five
What have you fallen in LOVE with this week?
1. I LOVE this new logo I found. It's the Breast Cancer Awareness Ribbon in the form of a runner. I ran the Women's Only here in Greensboro one year and wrote someones name on it and gave it to her daughter. 2 years ago I ran in it and gave my number to Mama Jean. This year I will run it for MY MOM and her name will be on my number!!!!!!!
2. I LOVE the Women Mentoring Women groups that have started at Cornerstone this year. I can't wait to see all the women that are signed up and doing this. I found out today there are a little over 50 members involved. Small groups. Books to read. Journals to write. Prayer logs to watch the Lord answer. HOW EXCITING!!!!!!
So, these are my Friday Fives. What have you fallen in LOVE with this week????
Thursday, September 1, 2011
It's the "C" Word
I was actually sharing with someone about this. So I thought I would share it here.
I knew the day that Mom and Dad were going back to see the surgeon that had done the biopsy. I messed on the time of the appt. I thought it was at 9:30 but it was later, like 11:30am. Of course in my mind, it was 11am and no one had called me yet and I was going nuts. Praying and pleading to the Lord was what I was doing. It was a clear as bell. It was if He was sitting in the car with me. "I got this Pam, would you please just REST". I can't explain it. I just know WHO it was. Calm and peace like nothing else.
Shortly my "sister" Tami calls. "Your Mom's appt is RIGHT NOW! so let's pray." I explained to her that I couldn't utter a word out loud without just falling apart. I left Kaleb and Kyle at home. I drove down the street and pulled over with her on my bluetooth in the car. She prayed. I cried. And once again that peace was there. I drove on and went for a run. That is what "runners" do during stress. We run. I ran. 3 1/2 miles that morning because I couldn't stop. I rounded the corner when my phone rang. It was Mom on the other end. I stopped and we talked. She sounded great. I knew what was coming.
It is breast cancer. It is VERY treatable. It's a VERY SMALL place. They will do what they did before with radiation to follow, just as before. I guess you call it "bittersweet" news. The alternative to this conversation could have gone something like, "Its large, untreatable and you have 6 months"
I'm SO PRAISING MY LORD!!!!!! He's got this!!!!!
So she's to have surgery........on Sept. 12. My birthday AND the day I start my new job. So the only option is to give it back to HIM again.
Yes, we covet your prayers.
Yes, we need your prayers.
Yes, we love you.
Yes, we still have our moments.
Yes, we still have tears at times.
Yes, we trust in a God that is bigger than Cancer!!!!!!!!!
So, I have made my decision to trust Him again and again.
How about you?
How big is your God?
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
What A Week!!!!!
You know it's always going to be a busy week when it starts off with running errands. I ran on Monday more errands that I thought and then came home. My last "Mom" was going in at 7pm to be induced so I was already "on-call" for that. Well, praise the Lord, she went in on her own. AWESOME!!!!!! They called when they were ready for me about 10:30pm. Off to the hospital!!!! I'm in "The Zone" and ready. Baby girl arrived at 12:58pm the next day. Amazingly I came home and cleaned and the CRASHED at 8pm. I was PAST tired!!!!!!
Today was another repeat. Kaleb and I left this morning at 9am and literally did errands ALL DAY LONG!!!!!Here and there and here and there. What a day!!!!! I'm so grateful he was having a good day. He was PERFECT!!! We went to the "Dinosaur Store" also known as AC Moore and he got to pick something out. Came home and once again, CRASHED!!!!!!
It has been a very full week!!!!!!!! So very thankful for what the Lord is doing and seeing Him in EVERY thing! It just amazes me!
How has your week been?
Today was another repeat. Kaleb and I left this morning at 9am and literally did errands ALL DAY LONG!!!!!Here and there and here and there. What a day!!!!! I'm so grateful he was having a good day. He was PERFECT!!! We went to the "Dinosaur Store" also known as AC Moore and he got to pick something out. Came home and once again, CRASHED!!!!!!
It has been a very full week!!!!!!!! So very thankful for what the Lord is doing and seeing Him in EVERY thing! It just amazes me!
How has your week been?
Friday, August 26, 2011
Friday Five!!!!!
Friday Five!!!!!!!
So, lets get going!!!!
1. I LOVE my Bible. There is no other book like it. It is THE guide on how to live. It is not just a book. It is POWER! Old AND New Testament.
2. I LOVE that I have a new job. I haven't started it yet but I am so excited that at times I could bust!!!!
3. I LOVE new running shoes. It is time for new ones for me and I can't wait to go looking and find the ones I want. I love trying them all on but usually end up with the same ones, year after year.
4. I LOVE my church. We are a family. It amazes me that every time we walk through the doors, there is encouragement, challenge, laughter, prayer, and its just a wonderful place to be!!!!!
5. I LOVE Kaleb's new childcare. It's at a Triad Baptist Church in Kernersville. He will hear the Bible Stories, Chapel Time, Art and Music Class. So excited to have him there!!!!
What have you fallen in LOVE with this week??????
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Just a Quote
Today, I was driving and singing and there wasn't anyone in the car with me. That was probably a good thing. Anyway, JD Chandler from K-Love was on and mentioned a quote. I've heard it a million times but today it was more.
Don't tell God how big your problems are. Tell your problems how BIG your GOD is!!!!!
That was what I needed today. There has been so much going on. So much of this and that and the other. I don't know if I would call it a "problem" but maybe crisis, decisions, choices, options, stress and million other words come to mind. I think it is all about how we face them and the choice in how we deal with those "problems".
"Problems" like....
*Losing your job
*Dealing with unemployment
*Returning to school
*Job searching
*Daycare search
*Planning a trip
*Waiting on last "Mom" to deliver
*Finishing last Childbirth Class ( for a little while)
*Planning a last minute run away to the beach
*Praying about what Sunday School class to attend with adults.
All of these things could be seen as potential "problems" but the key for me in the midst of it all, especially since April 29th, is the fact that no matter how hard I tried to fix it all.....He was ahead of me and already knew the plan. His timing is perfect! There is no other explanation!!!!!!!
What "problems" are you dealing with? He IS BIGGER!!!!!!
Don't tell God how big your problems are. Tell your problems how BIG your GOD is!!!!!
That was what I needed today. There has been so much going on. So much of this and that and the other. I don't know if I would call it a "problem" but maybe crisis, decisions, choices, options, stress and million other words come to mind. I think it is all about how we face them and the choice in how we deal with those "problems".
"Problems" like....
*Losing your job
*Dealing with unemployment
*Returning to school
*Job searching
*Daycare search
*Planning a trip
*Waiting on last "Mom" to deliver
*Finishing last Childbirth Class ( for a little while)
*Planning a last minute run away to the beach
*Praying about what Sunday School class to attend with adults.
All of these things could be seen as potential "problems" but the key for me in the midst of it all, especially since April 29th, is the fact that no matter how hard I tried to fix it all.....He was ahead of me and already knew the plan. His timing is perfect! There is no other explanation!!!!!!!
What "problems" are you dealing with? He IS BIGGER!!!!!!
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
So Now What?
Well, I have accepted a job I think that I am going to love!!!!!
We found a childcare program for Kaleb yesterday that is perfect for the family that has a parent on 3rd Shift.
Kaleb liked it so much, he cried when we left.
Dropping off papers today.
It's 60+ degrees this morning and it is just beautiful!!!!!
Thinking a run is in order for today.
Nursing Secretary/Monitor Tech.....what in the world???? Well, the Nursing Secretary is the one who is at the nurses station that will answer the phone, answer you if you are the patient in the room trying to find your nurse, assist the MD's with orders, answer questions, work on charts...you name it, we do it.
Monitor Tech is the one watching the heart monitors of the patients. If you are on a monitor in your room, it is linked to the nurses station. There is someone there to watch to make sure all is well. If something changes or a lead is loose, I would notify your nurse and she would come and check on you.
The very cool thing is that I get to float. Float all over the hospital. Neuro, Cardio, Med/Surg, ICU, CCU, Stepdown....everywhere. VERY excited about all of it.
So thankful we have somewhere for Kaleb. That was going to be hard but He had it planned and of course, worked beautifully. I will be the one having a hard time once work starts. Being at home for these last months has been really wonderful with Kaleb and with Kyle (when he is at home). Going back will be harder for me than for him but he is excited about his "new school". That makes it so much easier!!!!!
I am just amazed at how He works all things. It's been a roller coaster ride for sure but not one thing would I change. Pastor Forrest preached a few weeks ago about being desperate for the Lord. For me, part of being desperate is being dependent.
I am one who wants to be "In-Control".
I like to know the plan.
What is next?
Where are we going?
What are we doing?
Why are we doing this?
What is the quickest way to get it done?
Do it right or don't do it at all! (that came from my Daddy).
Well, let's just say, that since April 29, 2011 I have learned to be desperate and dependent. There is no other way to describe it. It has NOTHING to do with weakness. It has EVERYTHING to do with being a follower of His!!!!!!
Hope you have a wonderful day!!!! Thanks for stopping by!!!!!!
Pam
We found a childcare program for Kaleb yesterday that is perfect for the family that has a parent on 3rd Shift.
Kaleb liked it so much, he cried when we left.
Dropping off papers today.
It's 60+ degrees this morning and it is just beautiful!!!!!
Thinking a run is in order for today.
Nursing Secretary/Monitor Tech.....what in the world???? Well, the Nursing Secretary is the one who is at the nurses station that will answer the phone, answer you if you are the patient in the room trying to find your nurse, assist the MD's with orders, answer questions, work on charts...you name it, we do it.
Monitor Tech is the one watching the heart monitors of the patients. If you are on a monitor in your room, it is linked to the nurses station. There is someone there to watch to make sure all is well. If something changes or a lead is loose, I would notify your nurse and she would come and check on you.
The very cool thing is that I get to float. Float all over the hospital. Neuro, Cardio, Med/Surg, ICU, CCU, Stepdown....everywhere. VERY excited about all of it.
So thankful we have somewhere for Kaleb. That was going to be hard but He had it planned and of course, worked beautifully. I will be the one having a hard time once work starts. Being at home for these last months has been really wonderful with Kaleb and with Kyle (when he is at home). Going back will be harder for me than for him but he is excited about his "new school". That makes it so much easier!!!!!
I am just amazed at how He works all things. It's been a roller coaster ride for sure but not one thing would I change. Pastor Forrest preached a few weeks ago about being desperate for the Lord. For me, part of being desperate is being dependent.
I am one who wants to be "In-Control".
I like to know the plan.
What is next?
Where are we going?
What are we doing?
Why are we doing this?
What is the quickest way to get it done?
Do it right or don't do it at all! (that came from my Daddy).
Well, let's just say, that since April 29, 2011 I have learned to be desperate and dependent. There is no other way to describe it. It has NOTHING to do with weakness. It has EVERYTHING to do with being a follower of His!!!!!!
Hope you have a wonderful day!!!! Thanks for stopping by!!!!!!
Pam
Monday, August 22, 2011
Get a Cup of Cofffee....this could take a while
Well, I have hinted for about a week that something was up. The road was twisting and turning and going in directions that I didn't see coming. So, it is now time to share. I just didn't feel that it was time to share until I got a phone call on Friday. It has taken me 2 days to get my thoughts together and figure out how in the world to put all of this into words and I may not do a very good job.
As you all know, I was let go from a job that I was in back at the end of April. It was a shocker that we didn't see coming but chose to see what would happen and where we would go. That began a journey. Being on unemployment in NC requires that you apply each week for at least 2 jobs via the Internet, e-mail, snail mail etc. Then you have to keep track of where you have sent your resume and what the results were from the e-mail etc.. I was doing exactly what I was suppose to do. I submitted and kept track. Of course going back to school is exactly where I was headed and doing what was required. Of course when I got done with school, Bo and I had discussed numerous times that I wanted to work a Baylor Shift. Third shift on weekends that would free me up during the week for school activities and such. Cone Hospital would be my choice and see what would happen. In my brain, that is where I was suppose to go and what I was to be doing.
Applying at such a place as Cone Hospital, I just kind of took the approach of...."I am doing what I am suppose to and I don't have a chance at getting my foot in the door there." Of course to help that along, I always got the e-mail that said...."Please don't respond to this e-mail"...."We receive over 1000 resumes a week. We will contact you." I can't tell you how many of those I have in my "Cone" file in my e-mail. Anyway, out of no-where my phone rang about 10 days ago. It was a hospital number and I thought....."Who in the world is calling me from the hospital?". To my total shock....it was a RECRUITER from the hospital. OH YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING!!!!!!!
"Lord, Hello......I thought we were going to school? I thought I was doing what you wanted. I thought I was going to finally be what You wanted me to be." This was the conversation that we had on a daily basis and sometimes on an hourly basis. It was so very confusing but I thought that I would just go with the flow and see what happens. I went to meet with this Recruiter. I never dreamed this would be happening. I walked in and was asked to do a Data Entry Test. Passed with flying colors. Then had an hour long interview. Walked out and thought that I probably wouldn't hear from them. Well, I was wrong. Got an e-mail and someone would be calling me. No sooner that the e-mail arrived, the phone was ringing. Another interview. "Lord....have I totally missed the boat?" "Did I completely misunderstand?" I was so very confused.
The interview with the Supervisor went well. I just didn't know what to do. I have always been taught to do my best, be myself and tell the truth. It was exciting I will confess!!!!!!! At the end of the interview, she asked me if I would come in and "shadow" someone for 2 hours. "OK" I walked out overwhelmed and in tears.
In the midst of these appointments and phone calls and emails, we had numerous conversations with the NC Employment Security Commission. Conversations that I didn't like. While on unemployment, even if you are in school, and you are offered a job, YOU MUST TAKE IT and DROP OUT of school. I was angry and hurt and really questioned what was happening but just kept claiming Jer. 29:11. So, let's see what this is all about.
I went to breakfast with a good friend on Wednesday. Explained what was going on. She took me back to scripture. Book of Joshua talks about the Israelites crossing the Jordan. The Jordan River at this point is at flood stage. Waters are high and rushing. The blessings lie on the other side of this river but how to get across it. The Lord says to cross over it. From the human stand point, we would want a boat, a raft, a rope and a million other things. The Lord wanted them to put total faith and trust in Him and step in the water. Well, when you think about stepping in to rushing waters, you would step in with your toes first...right? Yes, just put your toe in and watch what He can do!!!!! Part the waters, for miles, the ground is DRY, you walk across to the blessings!!!!!! I totally understood and knew what was coming.
I went and shadowed. LOVED IT!!!!!!! It was wonderful!!!! I loved who I was working with. I loved what the job was about and what you get to do. It was something that I was familiar with. I knew the terminology. There is a ladder to climb. It was just incredible. Now the problem in this. This is Thursday before I am suppose to start school on Monday. I had explained my dilemma to the Recruiter and the Supervisor. I had worked myself into such a mess for the last 2 weeks that I thought I would just be physically sick. The "River" was raging and I was just standing there waiting for the signal.
Friday was a waiting day. I got myself into such a tizzy that morning that if I didn't go to the gym, I was going to eat everything in the house. I worked myself really hard at the gym. Just waiting for the phone to ring. It was so difficult. I cried. I prayed. I worked. I went to the gym. I cried and prayed more.
THEN THE PHONE RANG!!!! It was the Supervisor. I was a nervous wreck. She explained that she understood about school and wanted to let me know that the Recruiter would be calling with an official offer. I almost dropped the phone. I was just in awe. Sure enough, 2 hours later I got the official offer. It was a wonderful conversation. It was a moment that I don't ever think I will forget . I stood there after hanging up the phone and shouted, cried, danced, you name it and I was doing it. I was not just stepping in with a toe, I jumped in. The water parted. We are moving on!!!!!! It was incredible!!!!!!
So, what about school? Well, I will be returning to school in January for the Spring Semester for on-line classes. Will also be pursuing my CNA 1 which will be great for work and for school.
I can only just stand amazed. I'm trusting Him to work out all of the other details that we are looking at. He is the one in control. NOT ME!!!!!!!! All of that to say......I am now a member of the Cone Health System as a Nursing Secretary/Monitor Tech. for Flexible Resources. AWESOME!!!!!!!! I will change the blog a little so be watching for that. Some of the sidebars will change.
Thank you so much for stopping by. Thank you for coming a long on this journey. Oh what a journey this is!!!!!!
Pam
As you all know, I was let go from a job that I was in back at the end of April. It was a shocker that we didn't see coming but chose to see what would happen and where we would go. That began a journey. Being on unemployment in NC requires that you apply each week for at least 2 jobs via the Internet, e-mail, snail mail etc. Then you have to keep track of where you have sent your resume and what the results were from the e-mail etc.. I was doing exactly what I was suppose to do. I submitted and kept track. Of course going back to school is exactly where I was headed and doing what was required. Of course when I got done with school, Bo and I had discussed numerous times that I wanted to work a Baylor Shift. Third shift on weekends that would free me up during the week for school activities and such. Cone Hospital would be my choice and see what would happen. In my brain, that is where I was suppose to go and what I was to be doing.
Applying at such a place as Cone Hospital, I just kind of took the approach of...."I am doing what I am suppose to and I don't have a chance at getting my foot in the door there." Of course to help that along, I always got the e-mail that said...."Please don't respond to this e-mail"...."We receive over 1000 resumes a week. We will contact you." I can't tell you how many of those I have in my "Cone" file in my e-mail. Anyway, out of no-where my phone rang about 10 days ago. It was a hospital number and I thought....."Who in the world is calling me from the hospital?". To my total shock....it was a RECRUITER from the hospital. OH YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING!!!!!!!
"Lord, Hello......I thought we were going to school? I thought I was doing what you wanted. I thought I was going to finally be what You wanted me to be." This was the conversation that we had on a daily basis and sometimes on an hourly basis. It was so very confusing but I thought that I would just go with the flow and see what happens. I went to meet with this Recruiter. I never dreamed this would be happening. I walked in and was asked to do a Data Entry Test. Passed with flying colors. Then had an hour long interview. Walked out and thought that I probably wouldn't hear from them. Well, I was wrong. Got an e-mail and someone would be calling me. No sooner that the e-mail arrived, the phone was ringing. Another interview. "Lord....have I totally missed the boat?" "Did I completely misunderstand?" I was so very confused.
The interview with the Supervisor went well. I just didn't know what to do. I have always been taught to do my best, be myself and tell the truth. It was exciting I will confess!!!!!!! At the end of the interview, she asked me if I would come in and "shadow" someone for 2 hours. "OK" I walked out overwhelmed and in tears.
In the midst of these appointments and phone calls and emails, we had numerous conversations with the NC Employment Security Commission. Conversations that I didn't like. While on unemployment, even if you are in school, and you are offered a job, YOU MUST TAKE IT and DROP OUT of school. I was angry and hurt and really questioned what was happening but just kept claiming Jer. 29:11. So, let's see what this is all about.
I went to breakfast with a good friend on Wednesday. Explained what was going on. She took me back to scripture. Book of Joshua talks about the Israelites crossing the Jordan. The Jordan River at this point is at flood stage. Waters are high and rushing. The blessings lie on the other side of this river but how to get across it. The Lord says to cross over it. From the human stand point, we would want a boat, a raft, a rope and a million other things. The Lord wanted them to put total faith and trust in Him and step in the water. Well, when you think about stepping in to rushing waters, you would step in with your toes first...right? Yes, just put your toe in and watch what He can do!!!!! Part the waters, for miles, the ground is DRY, you walk across to the blessings!!!!!! I totally understood and knew what was coming.
I went and shadowed. LOVED IT!!!!!!! It was wonderful!!!! I loved who I was working with. I loved what the job was about and what you get to do. It was something that I was familiar with. I knew the terminology. There is a ladder to climb. It was just incredible. Now the problem in this. This is Thursday before I am suppose to start school on Monday. I had explained my dilemma to the Recruiter and the Supervisor. I had worked myself into such a mess for the last 2 weeks that I thought I would just be physically sick. The "River" was raging and I was just standing there waiting for the signal.
Friday was a waiting day. I got myself into such a tizzy that morning that if I didn't go to the gym, I was going to eat everything in the house. I worked myself really hard at the gym. Just waiting for the phone to ring. It was so difficult. I cried. I prayed. I worked. I went to the gym. I cried and prayed more.
THEN THE PHONE RANG!!!! It was the Supervisor. I was a nervous wreck. She explained that she understood about school and wanted to let me know that the Recruiter would be calling with an official offer. I almost dropped the phone. I was just in awe. Sure enough, 2 hours later I got the official offer. It was a wonderful conversation. It was a moment that I don't ever think I will forget . I stood there after hanging up the phone and shouted, cried, danced, you name it and I was doing it. I was not just stepping in with a toe, I jumped in. The water parted. We are moving on!!!!!! It was incredible!!!!!!
So, what about school? Well, I will be returning to school in January for the Spring Semester for on-line classes. Will also be pursuing my CNA 1 which will be great for work and for school.
I can only just stand amazed. I'm trusting Him to work out all of the other details that we are looking at. He is the one in control. NOT ME!!!!!!!! All of that to say......I am now a member of the Cone Health System as a Nursing Secretary/Monitor Tech. for Flexible Resources. AWESOME!!!!!!!! I will change the blog a little so be watching for that. Some of the sidebars will change.
Thank you so much for stopping by. Thank you for coming a long on this journey. Oh what a journey this is!!!!!!
Pam
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