To Ye Faithful Readers

I've got some stuff coming... I think about blogging more on my drive to work than any other part of the day... My brain just starts flowing... too bad I am driving and not typing... I think I need a chauffeur and a laptop

That would definitely help to fix my lack of blogging time lately :-)

humm... too bad

Easter Relevance (the series)

This blog was written by my husband Shawn- last Easter- I couldn't have said it any better myself...

Easter's Relevance...(part 1)
With the Easter holiday on the horizon...I would like to know what Easter means to you personally. Post a comment and let me know.

Easter's Relevance...true story. (part 2)
The Easter bunny, coloring and hiding boiled eggs, a story about a crucified man. What does Easter mean to you? That was the question I asked a little over a week ago. I have always known the true story of Easter, however, I really didn't understand what it meant to me. I feel that even this year I am just now really understanding what Easter is all about. The four gospels all tell the same story, each adding their details. Jesus came to Bethlehem, was betrayed by a kiss for 30 pieces of silver, tortured and beaten, lead to a cross, nailed to it, and died. However, on the third day the stone was rolled away and there was an empty tomb! So what happened to this man Jesus? Matthew says in verse 28:6, 'The angel answered, "...He is not here; for He is risen, as He said."' Then before the book of Matthew ends just 14 versus later, Jesus appears to 13 people. I am pretty sure that 13 eye witnesses would hold up in any modern day court of law. Jesus has conquered the grave, death, and sin! Still, some would like you to believe the tomb was robbed. Some say even if somebody discovered the very bones of Jesus, their faith would not be changed. I completely disagree...

Easter's Relevance...I crucified a man. (part 3)
That would change everything. Romans 10:9 states, "that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." Am I missing the part where it says "if I believe that Jesus died for my sins?" NO. The crucifixion and death is not the whole story. I must believe that Jesus lives. He is alive today just as much as He was alive 3 days after His horrible crucifixion. Only now He is seated at the right hand of God interceding for me...and you!So, Easter is a time of year that I remember that I have been made right with God through one man...Jesus. The man that I crucified. I am thankful for the movie "The Passion". As I watch that movie I can't help but get so mad at the people that spit on Jesus, hit Jesus in the face, flog Jesus for his outlandish teachings, make fun and tease and mock Jesus, and continue to beat him while He is carrying his cross. But I realize that everytime I sin I am doing the same thing to Jesus. When I use His name in vain, I mock Jesus. When I lust, I spit on Jesus. When I don't put Him first, I slap Jesus' face. I wasn't in the movie and I definitely wasn't alive 2000 years ago to see it, but I was there on the heart of Jesus. And I was one of the people that was jeering and beating Him down. Even though I have done all this, Romans 8:34 says, "...It is christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us." The man I helped crucify pleads to God for me. What Amazing Grace and Love! I just want you to know that this same forgiveness that has been given to me, is available for anyone that can recognize and turn from your sin, confess the Lord Jesus with their mouth, and believe that God has raised him from the dead! So, it seems to me that Easter's message is still very relevant today. It can be applied to anyone's life at anytime. It doesn't take some special ritual or even a special place. Just the quietness of your heart. Jesus is risen! Celebrate it with your life. Please, feel free to hit me up with a comment.

You were right...

OK... this is for all you ladies out there who had been pestering me for so long.

I admit... YOU WERE RIGHT!

... and mostly to blame for why I haven't updated my blog since the blog party. I couldn't put the blasted thing down! And I guess I have come to realize that I am a slow reader... which is ok in this case... because I wanted to savor every moment of the book. (the slow reader part is the reason I haven't posted in a while- I have been too involved in the book to do anything else)

This is kind of a silly thing to confess... but I almost didn't want to finish the last few chapters... I didn't want it to come to an end!

This is the first book that I have started, finished, and really enjoyed since my AP English class in high school. Honest! I love books- I love books stores (not libraries so much- there's something about a new book that I love) I love to read- I collect books- I have tons I haven't read but want to- YET- with all that in mind... this is the 1st in a long long time! AND I LOVED IT!!!!!!

Here is a small summary I found on a review site:

Sold into prostitution in childhood, Angel is a bitter young woman who trusts no man. But when God tells Michael Hosea to marry her, she learns to love and hope---until fear overwhelms her and she returns to her former life. Can she be redeemed? A skillful retelling of the biblical story of Gomer and Hosea, set amid the California gold rush.

Check here to be able to read the first few pages of chapter 1. The cover is different but the book is the same.

Hummm... which one do I want to read next?!? Any suggestions?!?

Blog Party Like a Rock Star

Ok... well, maybe not like a rock star... maybe more like a 28 year old wife who feels about 38 (sometimes)... especially on days when her class of 8 year old's was extremely rambunctious... only to come home to a disaster (mind you - no kids of her own yet)... then sadly realizes that 9 o'clock seems so late anymore... especially to party like a rock star... :-)

Anywho... :-)


5 Minutes for Mom is hosting a bloggy shindig over at their place--I am not a mom... but decided to join in on the party this year.

I am still kind of new to blogging (haven't made it to my 100th post yet) and am definitely interested in getting out there in the bloggy world. Don't get me wrong- I love my current faithful readers... all 4 of you... but I am excited to meet and be met.


So here goes nothing... Let me introduce myself:

~I LOVE my husband and will be celebrating 3 years of marriage on July 30th.
~I am currently reading Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers and can't put it down. *girls... I know, I know... you told me so :-)*
~Photography and pottery are my two creative passions.
~This is my favorite poem.
~Just as that poem stated... I am a Christian. I realized I was a sinner and needed Jesus to forgive me when I was in the 9th grade. It has been a roller coaster ride since...I am not perfect nor will I ever be. But I do know that I am forgiven and I am seeking to serve the Lord with the life that I am leading. (with His help of course)
~I love flip flops... especially the ones from Old Navy!
~This video makes me cry. (a good cry)
~This video makes me laugh. (hahaha)
~I love ... (yeah...) ya know... the little dots :-) If you read any of my posts... well, lets just say it's an obsession

If you have stopped by, and are joining in on the Blog Party... please leave me a comment and let me know something interesting about you! Yay! I am excited to have new blog friends!

Ok- now for the yummy part!

I have decided to share with you... my new bloggy friends (the old ones as well)... a 'secret' family recipe!

Let me start by sharing with you how this recipe came about... many, many moons ago, when I was a little kid... my mom was attempting to make broccoli casserole... she forgot the rice and whaa-laa! fabulous Broccoli Cheese Soup :-) It is very good... let me know what you think! Ok- that was a good story.

~Melt 1 stick of butter/margarine (yes I know- I didn't lie!?! I never told you it was healthy- I just said it was GOOD!)
~Saute 1 small chopped onion {more or less based on your preference-my preference=the more the better}

~Stir in a bag (12-14oz.)of frozen chopped broccoli- let it cook down a bit. {This past time, we couldn't find chopped broccoli- I mean seriously... I even went and asked one of the ladies stockin' the freezers. She said she didn't think they carried it any more. What??? They had every other vegetable chopped... but not the one I needed- Go Figure! Therefore- my hubby had to use his mad choppin' skills for me... Thanks Hun!}~Once the frozen broccoli isn't completely frozen anymore, stir in 2 (or 3 depending on how cheesy you want your soup- I would wait until after the next step to see if the 3rd can is needed) cans of cream of celery soup (I use the cheap stuff).
~Now here comes the good stuff...stir in a 15oz jar of Cheez Whiz®. The real stuff... not that no-name imitation cheese spread... that won't cut it. Trust me- I've tried...and it isn't worth it just to try to save 50 cents.~Next comes Shawn in a b... oh wait... got a little side tracked. Next comes evaporated milk. How much you ask? Well... it's a taste and see kinda thing. The soup is really thick and rich... so use your own judgement. :-)
Th-th-th-that's all folks! Add a little pepper to taste (or garlic powder like me) and serve it hot with bread. Enjoy!

Thanks for stoppin' by! Go Check out my prize listing...

111 — Arbonne Baby Care Herbal Diaper Rash Cream

Prize details: Rebecca is an Independant Consultant for Arbonne - Pure Swiss Skin Care. Arbonne uses only the best herbal and botanical extracts, oils, fragrances and vitamins. Arbonne’s Herbal Diaper Rash Cream is excellent for sensitive skin. Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, avocado and peach. (Retail Value- $14.00)

&

93 — An original 5×7 matted print

Provided by: Rebecca’s Originals (my other site)

Prize details: Rebecca’s Originals is happy to contribute a 5×7 print of the winners choice. Available prints have been uploaded for viewing. Visit http://rebeccasoriginals.blogspot.com/ to visit, comment, and make your selection.

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As for the giveaways... hummm there are so many good ones.... I don't know! I like prize 106... and...101...110...90... 124

Paid the Price

I received this as an e-mail forward the other day... typically I don't read, let alone open forwards... but I am glad I did this time...


DON'T LEAVE IT ON THE DESK

There was a certain Professor of Religion named Dr. Christianson, a studious man who taught at a small college in the western United States.

Dr. Christianson taught the required survey course in Christianity at this particular institution. Every student was required to take this course his freshman year, regardless of his or her major. Although Dr. Christianson tried hard to communicate the essence of the gospel in his class, he found that most of his students looked upon the course as nothing but required drudgery. Despite his best efforts, most students refused to take Christianity seriously.

This year, Dr. Christianson had a special student named Steve. Steve was only a freshman, but was studying with the intent of going on to seminary for the ministry. Steve was popular, he was well liked, and he was an imposing physical specimen. He was now the starting center on the school football team, and was the best student in the professor's class.

One day, Dr. Christianson asked Steve to stay after class so he could talk with him. 'How many push-ups can you do?'

Steve said, 'I do about 200 every night.'

'200? That's pretty good, Steve, ' Dr. Christianson said. 'Do you think you could do 300?'

Steve replied, 'I don't know.... I've never done 300 at a time.' '

Do you think you could?' again asked Dr. Christianson.

'Well, I can try,' said Steve.

'Can you do 300 in sets of 10? I have a class project in mind and I need you to do about 300 push-ups in sets of ten for this to work. Can you do it? I need you to tell me you can do it,' said the professor.

Steve said, 'Well... I think I can...yeah, I can do it.'

Dr. Christianson said, 'Good! I need you to do this on Friday. Let me explain what I have in mind.' Friday came and Steve got to class early and sat in the front of the room. When class started, the professor pulled out a big box of donuts. No, these weren't the normal kinds of donuts, they were the extra fancy BIG kind, with cream centers and frosting swirls. Everyone was pretty excited it was Friday, the last class of the day, and they were going to get an early start on the weekend with a party in Dr. Christianson's class.

Dr. Christianson went to the first girl in the first row and asked, 'Cynthia, do you want to have one of these donuts?' Cynthia said, 'Yes.' Dr. Christianson then turned to Steve and asked, 'Steve, would you do ten push-ups so that Cynthia can have a donut?'

'Sure!' Steve jumped down from his desk to do a quick ten. Then Steve again sat in his desk. Dr. Christianson put a donut on Cynthia's desk. Dr. Christianson then went to Joe, the next person, and asked, 'Joe, do you want a donut?'

Joe said, 'Yes.'

Dr. Christianson asked, 'Steve would you do ten push-ups so Joe can have a donut?' Steve did ten push-ups, Joe got a donut. And so it went, down the first aisle, Steve did ten push-ups for every person before they got their donut. Walking down the second aisle, Dr. Christianson came to Scott. Scott was on the basketball team, and in as good condition as Steve. He was very popular and never lacking for female companionship. When the professor asked, 'Scott do you want a donut?'

Scott's reply was, 'Well, can I do my own push-ups?'

Dr. Christianson said, 'No, Steve has to do them.'

Then Scott said, 'Well, I don't want one then.'

Dr. Christianson shrugged and then turned to Steve and asked, 'Steve, would you do ten push-ups so Scott can have a donut he doesn't want?' With perfect obedience Steve started to do ten push-ups.

Scott said, 'HEY! I said I didn't want one!'

Dr. Christianson said, 'Look!, this is my classroom, my class, my desks, and these are my donuts. Just leave it on the desk if you don't want it.' And he put a donut on Scott's desk. Now by this time, Steve had begun to slow down a little. He just stayed on the floor between sets because it took too much effort to be getting up and down. You could start to see a little perspiration coming out around his brow. Dr. Christianson started down the third row. Now the students were beginning to get a little angry.

Dr. Christianson asked Jenny, 'Jenny, do you want a donut?'

Sternly, Jenny said, 'No.'

Then Dr. Christianson asked Steve, 'Steve, would you do ten more push-ups so Jenny can have a donut that she doesn't want?' Steve did ten....Jenny got a donut. By now, a growing sense of uneasiness filled the room. The students were beginning to say, 'No!' and there were all these uneaten donuts on the desks. Steve also had to really put forth a lot of extra effort to get these push-ups done for each donut. There began to be a small pool of sweat on the floor beneath his face, his arms and brow were beginning to get red because of the physical effort involved.

Dr. Christianson asked Robert, who was the most vocal unbeliever in the class, to watch Steve do each push up to make sure he did the full ten push-ups in a set because he couldn't bear to watch all of Steve's work for all of those uneaten donuts. He sent Robert over to where Steve was so Robert could count the set and watch Steve closely. Dr. Christianson started down the fourth row. During his class, however, some students from other classes had wandered in and sat down on the steps along the radiators that ran down the sides of the room. When the professor realized this, he did a quick count and saw that now there were 34 students in the room. He started to worry if Steve would be able to make it. Dr. Christianson went on to the next person and the next and the next. Near the end of that row, Steve was really having a rough time. He was taking a lot more time to complete each set.

Steve asked Dr. Christianson, 'Do I have to make my nose touch on each one?'

Dr. Christianson thought for a moment, 'Well, they're your push ups. You are in charge now. You can do them any way that you want.' And Dr. Christianson went on. A few moments later, Jason, a recent transfer student, came to the room and was about to come in when all the students yelled in one voice, 'NO! Don't come in! Stay out!' Jason didn't know what was going on.

Steve picked up his head and said, 'No, let him come.'

Professor Christianson said, 'You realize that if Jason comes in you will have to do ten push-ups for him?'

Steve said, 'Yes, let him come in. Give him a donut.'

Dr. Christianson said, 'Okay, Steve, I'll let you get Jason's out of the way right now. Jason, do you want a donut?' Jason, new to the room, hardly knew what was going on.

'Yes,' he said, 'give me a donut.'

'Steve, will you do ten push-ups so that Jason can have a donut?' Steve did ten push-ups very slowly and with great effort. Jason, bewildered, was handed a donut and sat down. Dr. Christianson finished the fourth row, and then started on those visitors seated by the heaters. Steve's arms were now shaking with each push-up in a struggle to lift himself against the force of gravity. By this time sweat was profusely dropping off of his face, there was no sound except his heavy breathing; there was not a dry eye in the room.

The very last two students in the room were two young women, both cheerleaders, and very popular. Dr. Christianson went to Linda, the second to last, and asked,

'Linda, do you want a donut?'

Linda said, very sadly, 'No, thank you.'

Professor Christianson quietly asked, 'Steve, would you do ten push-ups so that Linda can have a donut she doesn't want?' Grunting from the effort, Steve did ten very slow push-ups for Linda. Then Dr. Christianson turned to the last girl, Susan.

'Susan, do you want a donut?'

Susan, with tears flowing down her face, began to cry. 'Dr. Christianson, why can't I help him?' Dr. Christianson, with tears of his own, said,

'No, Steve has to do it alone; I have given him this task and he is in charge of seeing that everyone has an opportunity for a donut whether they want it or not. When I decided to have a party this last day of class, I looked at my grade book. Steve here is the only student with a perfect grade. Everyone else has failed a test, skipped class, or offered me inferior work. Steve told me that in football practice, when a player messes up he must do push-ups. I told Steve that none of you could come to my party unless he paid the price by doing your push ups. He and I made a deal for your sakes.'

'Steve, would you do ten push-ups so Susan can have a donut?' As Steve very slowly finished his last push-up, with the understanding that he had accomplished all that was required of him, having done 350 push-ups, his arms buckled beneath him and he fell to the floor.

Dr. Christianson turned to the room and said, 'And so it was, that our Savior, Jesus Christ, on the cross, plead to the Father, 'Into thy hands I commend my spirit.' With the understanding that He had done everything that was required of Him, He yielded up His life. And like some of those in this room, many of us leave the gift on the desk, uneaten.'

Two students helped Steve up off the floor and to a seat, physically exhausted, but wearing a thin smile.

'Well done, good and faithful servant,' said the professor, adding, 'Not all sermons are preached in words.'

Turning to his class, the professor said, 'My wish is that you might understand and fully comprehend all the riches of grace and mercy that have been given to you through the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He spared not His only Begotten Son, but gave Him up for us all, for the whole Church, now and forever. Whether or not we choose to accept His gift to us, the price has been paid.'

'Wouldn't you be foolish and ungrateful to leave it lying on the desk?'

Playing Dress-Up

We have been celebrating Read Across America this past week at school in conjunction with Dr. Seuss' birthday. As part of the week long celebration, we have had a few dress up days at school. In honor of Dr. Seuss' Wacky Wednesday book- we dressed wacky... on Wednesday. :-) The 2nd grade teachers had a little too much fun with this! (One of my students asked me why I dressed up like the tooth fairy- haha)

Then today, everyone was to dress up as a book character. Can you tell who I am? No... try again... no... oh- yup! You got it... Pippi Longstocking! Some of the guesses of my children today were... Ronald McDonald...a clown...The Cat in the Hat... now- mind you that we actually had people dressed up as the Cat in the Hat all week... I don't know what some of my kiddos were thinkin! Only one of my kids guessed it right- and I later found out it was because apparently her mother tried to get her to dress as Pippi.

Anyways... several children in my class came dressed today... and let me just tell you.... one of my students tickled me the most! She walked in with a branch from a bush tied in her ponytail. It had tons of little leaves that hovered above her head. The other kids were making the strangest faces. One student looked at me and asked- "Why does she have a tree on her head?" I just had to laugh. Then she walked right up to me, and as serious as a 7 year old to say... she said.... "I'm the Giving Tree!" It was tooooo cute!!!

Well Hello Storm Season...*UPDATE*

This week, NC recognizes 'Severe Weather Awareness Week'. This includes class discussions on storm safety as well as a state wide tornado drill tomorrow (Wednesday)...

Too bad that that is one day too late! We had (and are still having) some crazy intense storms come through. A tornado watch is still in effect for our area until midnight tonight.

However, the wind and weather was so intense earlier (around 6ish) that we prepared to take cover. All kinds of bells and whistles were going off on the TV. The towns beside and right below us all had tornado warnings and were instructed to take cover immediately. It was scary!

Shawn- being the protector- got out an old foam mattress for us to cover ourselves with if needed. The pic below shows it sitting right outside our bathroom door in case that moment came... luckily- it didn't... and hasn't yet. I will be honest... I don't think I have ever been that scared. At one point- for about 15 seconds- we thought a tornado was coming through... I have never in my life seen rain and wind like that before. Then it just dissipated.

Oh boy... TV just went out... weather channel shows a big cell coming through again.. looks like we are up to a tornado warning now... guess I better go!*UPDATE*

Well...I am still here :-) and as Erin pointed out... I am still connected to the blogging world so everything is going to be just fine.

THEN... as I was going back to add the above update... I noticed that this was my 50th post! WooHoo! (not quite sure what making it to 50 posts mean... but I am excited... maybe some balloons or flowers... or maybe not...whatever :-)

I Won!!! I Won!!!

Ok y'all! I have to brag... I Won!!! I entered my very first bloggy giveaway a few weeks back and I WON! Beginners Luck I guess...Isn't it cute! It is a personalized travel mug. I got to choose the design (pink and green dragonflies of course). Then I got to choose any personalization- initials, name, etc. I have gotten so many compliments...

& it makes me smile :-)

Go and check out ellie bellies for yourself.

You can also enter their giveaways at this blog.

They have tons of cute stuff!!!