That's one bad hat Harry

Here is the baddest hat ever. Tibetan Sherpa ear flap hat. The hubs decided he needed one too. Starting one for him now. And we shall rock!

Didn't think I could do it today...

Well I though it would be so bad that I wouldn't be able to walk today, let alone run. well, praise God i walked with Herb for a mile this morning and then just got on the treadmill for 1 min of running and 1 min of walking. I did that on/off for 15 mins! I got 7 mins of running in.

On the hook - I just got my swap box sent off to my swap partner on Crochetville. Now the nerves!!!! I sure hope she likes what I'm sending! I'll post pics after she gets it.

ok - working on a bad hat to walk in for those cold mornings. It's gonna rock...oh yeah. Photo to follow.

Be blessed!

Isaiah43:18,19 - "Forget the former things;
do not dwell on the past.

19 See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the desert
and streams in the wasteland.

okie dokie

So I walked 1 mile each day since Monday. Now I've started the 'Couch to 1 Mile' challenge. I have added 1 mile and during that mile I jog fast 1 min and walk fast for 3 mins.

Oct
18 - walked 1 mile w/ Herb (DH)
19 - " "
20 - " "
21 Walked 1 mile w/Herb, 7am @ townsquare.
Jogged for 6 mins, walked for 14.55 mins. on treadmill
I have a feeling tomorrow is gonna be rough. I'm a hurtin' buck-a-roo.

Ok God...

I am a physical mess. I started walking. I got 1 mile done yesterday and this morning. I've been reading the Couch to 5K plan. Now, I don't want to run a 5K but I made a promise to myself that I will be able to run 1 mile by Dec 17th. That is the day I turn 50. Wow....even seeing that number looks strange.

So, My faith in God is gonna be stretched a little.
Father - hold me up.

10 days down!

I have just passed the 10 day mark on the OCM and No-Poo.

My skin has never looked better, my hair has never felt better. I hope I never have to put soap on my face or shampoo on my hair again.

On the home front - we've shown the house 5 times and today we had a couple come back for a second time! I hope that's a good sign!

On the hook right now - Just finished an ami for a swap over at the Ville. I'd love to put up a picture but I can't until my swap partner gets it. Ohhhhh....the anxiety. I hope she likes it.

I'm way behind on Christmas stuff and on squares for swaps. My brain has been here there and everywhere. I have to get focused.

Well, it's pouring rain and gloomy today. Maybe that's contributing to my fogginess.

Off to hook for a bit.

Give'um heaven!

Voluntary Simplicity -

It's Saturday. Today my DH and I are going to tackle the bedroom closet. I started my side this week and got brutal about what to keep and what to give away. It was liberating! Seeing all those clothes that I wanted to keep just in case I dropped 10 lbs and could wear them again go to Goodwill was like a sigh of relief. Every time I looked in my closet those items would jump out at me and remind me of past failures. Life is too short to walk through it feeling like you've failed!!!

I'm flippin' that script! Instead I can say that I win! I win because I gave someone some new clothes, a job and a chance to feel good. I win because I just let go of the negative feelings. I win because my journey to simplicity just took a giant step forward!

Matt 10:9,10 -Do not take along any gold or silver or copper in your belts; take no bag for the journey, or extra tunic, or sandals or a staff; for the worker is worth his keep.

I like Burgundy and gold together.

WOW!

Ok - I had to post - my hair is super soft. There are no tangles!!!!! Hear me! I have at least 4 products for detangling on my shelf right now. I am wild about this! Tomorrow is a purge day for sure! I can yard sale all the hair products that claim to soften, defrizz and do miracles. YA-HOOOOOOO!!!!!

Time to get serious

After boxing up many things and preparing a little here and there for the move I thought we may have to be inconvenienced by having to 'make do' with less things. Well guess what? We haven't missed anything!

For weeks my head has been in the get rid of it mode. I despise clutter! But I'm always afraid to get rid of too much because DH like things...lots of things. Well, I'm on the downhill slide to turning 50 and moving into a new house and starting a ministry. All these new beginnings have opened my heart. In the quiet times when I am crocheting the Spirit tells me and shows me how much can be stripped down. Simplicity is the motto now.
When Jesus called His disciples He told them to just come. Don't pack a suitcase, don't go by the ATM, don't make elaborate preparations - just come. Simple, so simple.

I always thought that our house was pretty simple, not too cluttered, etc.. but.. when you start opening closets, looking in the basement, pulling out drawers and looking in cabinets you see how much junk you've pushed out of sight and out of mind. I realized that I have over 20 pairs of socks. WHY!?! Some of them are ratty but I won't part with them. They take up a whole drawer in the dresser. This makes no sense because I only wear them in cold weather and I only wear the ones I like. So that means that about 12 pairs that need to go.

I tried the No Poo method of washing my hair today. Incredible! It's soft and had the least amount of tangles that it's had in years! Right now, I probably have 15 hair products. I didn't like any of them but I kept looking for the Holy Grail of hair care, buying more things that didn't work and watching the shelf in the bathroom closet fill up.

I'm on day 3 of the OCM for my face. Fantastic! Skin is releasing blackheads, whiteheads and feels super soft. That being said, I don't even want to tell you how many facial lotions and potions I have accumulated.

A huge purge is coming!

Voluntary simplicity, Minimalism, Minsumer, Purgist - Call it what you want, that's what my spirit tells me that I need. It feels good.

OCM and No Poo

I read an article about cleaning your face with the Oil Cleansing Method. So I started researching it and I was impressed. The other thing I came across was the No Poo method of hair care. Both of these are going to be implemented and tried for 1 month.

1. OCM - A mixture of Castor Oil, EVOO and Jojoba oil. Rub a quarter size amount of the oil onto face and massage for at least one minute. Wet a face cloth with very hot water and wring out. Lay the cloth on the face and let steam until cool. Rinse face with warm water and towel dry.

This is day 2 of the OCM. I had a few white heads and a black head on my chin. They have come up and are coming out. My face is a lot softer and I didn't need moisturizer.
*************

2. The No Poo method of hair care.
My hair is wirey and dry and the more stuff I try the worse it gets. There has been a bunch of hair fall and breakage.
Ok - the no poo method.
too lazy to type it out so here is the deal...
http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Go-No-Poo/

I'll do oil treatments once a week and the no poo twice a week. I'll start this tomorrow. Was going to start today but had a house showing and it messed up my afternoon.

I am so ready to get rid of things and stuff and just all the clutter and junk in our lives. I'm reading about the Clothing diet, Simple Living and Declutter/Destressing.

My crochet is coming along and there is no desire to pare down my giving away squares, making things for others or relaxing with a hook in my hands. Those are the things that make life grand.

Stay tuned for the OCM and No Poo trial.

Even in my dreams.

For the third time I dreamed I was frogging a piece of crochet. Three times I've had that dream and have no idea why.Anyone want to weight in on that?

In real crochet I have been in such a funk. I make a square and then not like it. Make something different and then not like it. I want to make myself something but I don't know what to make.

I got my kit swap partner over at Crochetville. Now that is going to be fun! I can't wait to decide on what to make her. I'm pretty sure I know what tote to do. Maybe if I start on that it will un-funk-a-fy me. :)

Well today I get to go to a coffee with some ladies from church. It'll be good to get out and be with some friends.

Still waiting to sell this house...getting a little blue about it not selling. But it will come.

It will come.

I am patiently impatient! The For Sale sign glares at me from the front yard. I see cars slow down and sit in front of our house examining it. Inside I'm begging them to come in.
We must wait for the Lord to bring us a buyer. Even though He tarries - He's never late. All things in His time and to His glory.

In crochet news - I've discovered felting. Mercy! Have mercy! It's so fun!


Habakkuk 2:3
...Though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.

What a mess!!

We're starting to box up, pack up give away, throw away and sell for the move. There is stuff pulled out of cabinets and closets and cubbies everywhere!!!!! It's making me crazy. I hate clutter. Too many things in a room and I get nervous. It's like it's pushing in on me. Today I have to get so much done. I have to get this mess down to the basement.

I'm so eager to move. My heart is so ready to begin this new stage of our lives.

God rewards a step in faith. Like Simon Peter I'm casting a net and obeying His voice.

Our Anniversary

Today is our 28th year of being married. WOW! Time just blitzes by. this year we start a new chapter by selling the house we've been in for 17yrs and moving to a new place. There we will be able to get the couples ministry started. A new page, a new chapter, a new day.

Song of Solomon - I am my beloved's and he is mine.

Troxaway Ct - Great family home in terrific neighborhood. Quiet dead end street. Great house for entertaining!
Less than 2 mins to Lewisville Elementary School.
Nearly 2000sqft of comfortable living.

-3 bedrooms
-2 bth
-Recently remodeled kitchen
- Sun room
- Extra large hot tub on patio
- Deck is less than 2 yrs old.
- Huge playroom downstairs
- W/D hookups
Central A/C, Heat pump
-Fenced backyard
- 2 car garage
- Fire place in Great Room with gorgeous hand made mantle

GOD IS SOOOOOOO GOOD!

LifeSong is about to happen! They accepted our offer and we sign papers today.

It's a contingent offer...contingent on selling our house but I KNOW that God has a buyer waiting for us. I'm going to start boxing things up today.


Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

This may be the one!

After looking (every day) for 2 yrs, we are going to go look at a house that may be the one!

We have been looking for a place that is one level, in the country, private, quiet and either has another house on the property or has enough land for a second house. The place we are going to look at is all of those things!
I'm trying to temper my enthusiasm but this just feels like ....well....God's will be done.

For those that do not know - My hubs and I own a couples retreat ministry and we have been trying for so long to get a place for the retreat. We wanted it to be close to us because I would be the one cleaning the cabin/cottage and prepping it between folks staying there.
Oh and here's our ministry -
http://www.lifesongretreatministries.org

On the crochet front -
I joined a friendship squares group over at the 'Ville. I'm so excited! I have a few squares ready to go out and am crossing my fingers hoping for some to come my way.
Also, I am giving away a TINY TOTE. So fun giving stuff away!!!



I'm still trying to finish my son's girlfriend's afghan. I think I can get it done this weekend.

Well - the mountain of laundry is calling me. I better get moving.

Have a great day and don't forget to praise God today!

No Whiners!

I read a wonderful article today, from Bob Perry, called How to Sabotage Your Church. It was pure dynamite! I would LOVE to print it out, circulate it in church, and make it mandatory reading. My heart has been hurting for my church. We have endured much and still the whiners, the complainers, those with chips permanently attached to their shoulders, those that are divisive and those saintly ones that are 'only trying to help' by giving their opinion are running rampant. They are like the prowling lion that circles it's prey waiting to make their move to destroy and divide God's family.

Mr Perry had a selection of scenarios and caricatured examples of ways people can sabotage their church. I've found that the church has many more saboteurs that have yet to be named. Here I will speak to a few that I have encountered.

***Please note that all truths must be held up to the Word of God. If it can't be backed up in scripture then it won't be listed here.

The Lip Serviced - Find something to be dissatisfied with and run to the Pastor or a church leader and dump it on them.
We all have things that we may be dissatisfied within a church. That's fine. But when your dissatisfaction bleeds over into whining and complaining to the Pastor or leaders of the church and you offer no solutions or give offers to help fix the problem, then that is when your mouth needs to shut.

Now...let's take it to the Word!

Ephesians 4:29 - Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

Eph 4:3 - Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

Now, if you are whining and complaining then I think that falls into the 'unwholesome talk' category. Did your verbalizing your dissatisfaction help, build up, benefit or fulfill a need? If you really think so then read verse 3. Now, can you honestly say that you made every effort to fix the problem? Did you make every effort to unify the body, keeping peace?

Ask yourself – Did I get up off my blessed assurance and DO something to help? Did I volunteer to work to fix the problem? Did I offer to be the solution?

Christian – if you cannot answer yes to those questions then you are not keeping the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. I speak this truth, in love.....Put up or shut up.

It's a gift to be simple - Find contentment, stop trying to impress people, rid yourself of status items, consolidate your lifestyle, release excess possessions that pad your ego, know the difference in stockpiling and hoarding. Find peace.

Matt 6:19 - Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust
destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.

Crochetville is having a charity crochet weekend and I'm in! I'm so excited to participate!



I have 3 dishcloths done and am going to finish the blue Country Looms prayer wrap today. Had to go get more yarn. That thing is so crazy....1 skein makes hardly any progress. Right when I think - ok, this will be the end - I run out of yarn and have to get more.


I love the dishcloth pattern. It works up in less than an hour and I really like the pattern. I got it at MyrecycledBags.com and it's the Open Mesh Magic Dishcloth pattern. And, using my sale stash of Sugar & Cream cotton I can get 3 cloths out of one ball. So, 3/$1 isn't too bad!

My prayer for me and all those making items for charity is that God will bless the work of our hands and may all things made be a blessing to those that receive them.
I will make 2 Corinthians 9:7 my scripture to stand on this weekend as I work.

Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

Be blessed!

She selects wool and flax ...

In Proverbs 31:13 it says - She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. Several times in Proverbs it says that the good wife makes things. She uses her hands and her ability to bless others. That is my prayer today. Lord, let me bless others with what I can make with my hands.

Here is my latest baby-ghan. It's done in Red Heart Baby Clouds. It's super fluffy and very warm. this will hopefully keep our little Hamsammich nice and snuggly. Can't wait to meet you Tom-Tom!




This is a mini-Babette that I am making for PB. It's still being put together and I have a lot of edging to do but I'm happy with the colors. Hope Pooka likes it.

Have a blessed day - I know I am. :)

(Thank you my husband for blessing me this morning. I love you)

2 down....

One baby blankie done
Giant granny square for son.

(Sam giving it the comfy test.)

Crochetville!!!!!

I found this great forum for crocheters....check it out!

http://www.crochetville.org/forum/index.php

My 'want-to-do' list is getting longer by the minute. SO much talent and love for the age old art of crochet.

PB's mini-babette is really coming along well. I hope she likes it. Son's giant granny square blanket is done. (finally!!) I've got Tom-Tom's baby blankie started using Baby Clouds yarn(total pain)and it's all fluffy and cute.
Oh I could sit and hook for hours but still have a lot to do to get ready. Closets need cleaning out, clothing needs to be weeded out and so many things need to go to Goodwill. Praise God for abundance!

Just a word about a friend of mine - She lost her dad the other day. It makes me sad and I hurt for her. I pray that God will comfort her in her time of mourning. Love you chickie!

All things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation. —2 Corinthians 5:18

June 1st - bring on the color!

In my crochet efforts I am trying very hard to stay on track and start a mini Babette Blanket. I look at them, with eyes glazed over, from the brilliant colors and art like abstract look. They are color on top of color. They are so happy looking! How can you not feel happy when you see all the puzzle pieces coming together in a splash of bright color? I must make one!

Our son's adorable girlfriend told me her favorite colors are green and purple and my brain went into overdrive. I have picked out scraps of yarn and bought some to start my Babette. Every double crochet is one stitch closer to making this fantastic little piece of happiness.

It's wonderful how when you crochet you can quiet your mind and feel peaceful. It's one of the few times when my head isn't buzzing with one hundred thoughts at once. Prayer is easy when I'm crocheting. It's just my quiet mind and God, together, talking.

There is another wonderful thing about crochet, for me. It can be summed up in one word...YARN! Going into A.C. Moore and entering the yarn area makes my heart beat a little faster. All those colors, textures and possible projects - just sitting there - waiting on me. Once I make a square I have to smooth it down, inspect it and touch it. Why does yarn intrigue me? I have no idea.

And speaking of yarn...mine is calling. I have to go answer it's call. Yes, Babette, I'm coming to rescue you.

When it rains it pours....blessings.

So in April I had a small stroke. It was hardly noticeable except my speech was mixed up at times and finding a word was hard for a few weeks. I ended up being alright. I was blessed many times over.

Now we are entering a new season of life. Our dachshund, Lucy, has injured her spine again. This happened 18 mos ago and we spent a small fortune on surgery. The degeneration in her spine has progressed again and now she is paralyzed from the waist down. Lucy will have to be on complete rest for several weeks with NSAIDS until we determine if she will walk again.

My head is spinning. I truly believed that the last surgery would be the cure that she would need for the rest of her life. I didn't think we would have a cart dog with wheels. I never thought I would be manually expressing my dog's bladder so she can pee. My heart is breaking when I look at Lucy. She is a 90 MPH whirlwind of energy. She runs after balls until she is exhausted. She is a bundle of energy waiting to blast off.
Now she is sleeping in a pen, on pillows, and not able to walk. My heart is hurting so much. It hurts for her. Does she understand? Is she confused as to why her legs won't work? I hope she isn't sad.

I will continue to ask God for a healing for her. I would love to see her up on those legs again. I have to hold on to hope.
I hope she does too.

Dream a little dream...

I wanted to get this dream down so I could understand it. I was asking God questions before I went to sleep and I think the answers are in here.

Part 1 - Standing in the living room looking towards the back door. Herb was holding Lucy. She had what I thought was a bird in her mouth. Then it started to squirm. SHe released it and it was a rabbit. It ran off across the deck, jumped off and stopped at the pine tree. It shook off and blood sprayed everywhere. It fell down and died. It's neck was broke and nearly severed by the dog bite.

I ran into the house to get a towel to go grab up the rabbit out of the yard. I couldn't decide which one I would use. I was panicky. Didn't want to use a good one. So I was going to use paper towels but the roll was empty. I finally grabbed a towel and as I turn to run out the door a raccoon was trying to get in!
I shewed him out.


Part2 - The show girl in pink and purple with a feather headdress. Coming down. there were two male dancers on each side - maybe in tuxedos. She was singing.
"One love, looking for one love...only for one love...only for me."


Part 3 - We were getting out of an airship. I was given a hovercraft looking vehicle to drive out in space. I knew I didn't know how and I wasn't going to leave the ship until I learned how. I would fall into space! I was afraid.
I practiced on a course. Was challenged by some brown furry creatures...maybe a test?
I think I finally got out of there.

What a day...

Today was the most unusual day. Church was amazing. The Holy Spirit was thick in the room. We felt His presence in every moment. My soul was uplifted and riding high. At then end of the service two very special people said their goodbyes to us all. Our music program that is of the highest caliber will be lacking now. I was so shocked. Never saw it coming. Oh how I will be praying for that family as they are off to work for the Lord. Keep them safe Father and bless them.

Just as I was able to catch my breath from that shocker it was told to me that another family is leaving and this was their last Sunday. That completely knocked the wind out of my sails. My husband knows the gentleman better than I do. But seeing the woman leave is very difficult for me. She is a prayer warrior that can do battle to the bitter end! She is gifted and operates in those gifts with such a sweet spirit. Again - my hope and prayer is that they will all be blessed in abundance.

Where is everyone going....

We were given what we needed

Our church has been through a hard road. When it looked like our ship was set adrift God sent a leader to us to get us through. He sent us an interim pastor that was not just the spiritual leader of our congregation but also a mother to us, a cheerleader, a hand holder during trials, and all with a glorious laugh that you can't help but laugh along with. So today I want to pray for her and ask God to bless her every day of her life. I ask you Father to heal her back and remove all the pain. Free her from that thorn today. This I ask in Jesus precious name.

Prayer Tracking

So many times I have thoughts about those in need of prayer, requests for prayer and just random thoughts that I want to write down. I usually get busy doing something else and then the request, or random thought gets lost in the wash of the day. So today I am starting this blog to put those who are in need out there and maybe others will feel compelled to join me in tracking the successes of my prayers. Please note! I didn't say successes and possible failures of my prayers. Why? Because ANY prayer lifted up to the throne of grace is a success. The act of lifting up someone that is in need is 99% of success. A prayer can only be answered if it is offered up to God. Once it is in God's trustworthy hands, then we are able to, by faith, believe that they are answered.

I guess now is as good a time as any to put in "THE DISCLAIMERS".

Disclaimer #1 - In order for me to blog about the things on my mind then I may use descriptions or even names of those who God has laid on my heart. So please don't be angry with me.
Disclaimer #2 - I have opinions on just about everything. They may not be your opinions and we may have to agree to disagree. The beauty of living in a country that celebrates it's freedom of speech is being exercised right here.

1. Today my heart is breaking for a family at church. I fasted and prayed for the miraculous healing of the dad. I will continue to pray and begin another fast to storm the gates of heaven with the belief that he will be healed.
You see - He has lung cancer and it is in a place that will not allow for surgery. Even though the devastation of hearing the "C" word and the turmoil that must be racing through each member of the family, I will continue to believe that this will be a testimony of God's power. The unbeliever will be amazed at God's mighty healing touch. This will be the beginning of a story that will be handed down through many generations to come! Praise God!

2. Lately I have been praying for my church. So many times there seems to be a void there. It seems as though we are pleading the Holy Spirit into people. Our interim pastor pleads with the church to bend it's knee at the alter and receive the blessing that God has for them. Oh how I pray for a Day of Pentecost for Family Tab Church. In my mind's eye I can see the flames of fire dancing above the heads of the members there. I can almost feel the rush of angels as they flood into the sanctuary. I pray for a rushing wind to blow through there and clean out the temple. Clean out the comfortable pew warmers! Blow out the pride and prejudices. Melt away the anger and the secret sins. Come Lord Jesus and remind us all of the model church that was originally conceived after you ascended into heaven. Revive our leaders and bring forth the elders to adjudicate the needs of our church. We are moving into a new season and in that season I pray for the model church to be be reborn.

3. Father, I want to thank you for a special lady in our church who touches my heart. Her name is Cathy. She is brave beyond measure and a true servant of your kingdom. Her spaghetti sauce is awesome and she feeds our bellies and our spirits through her service! What a kind and gentle spirit she is. Even though her husband is thousands of miles away serving our country, she keeps a smile and keeps on serving. Again - thank you Father for this dear member of our church. I pray she feels loved and supported during this time.

So until something else comes to mind I will close this, my first page, of my blog and wait on the Lord.

Sabrina