Baby, its cold outside!

Its cold. FINALLY. And just in time for the 1st of December. The storm rolled in around 5am this morning - I watched it beat mercilessly at the ginormous gym windows as I beat my fatique to lame music videos. Shortly after I returned home, I discovered that our internet connection wasn't working. Oh well. I think around 10 am, I realized how much I pathetically depend on the internet to clue me in on the latest in everything going on.
Back to being cold - this bundling up business makes me happy. I've decided that I would much rather be cold than hot. I would like to turn off the ac for the season, might that be a possibility now?
Well, we just finished season one of LOST. Huge applauds - we are officially addicted. No, we didn't run out to get the next season yet. You might say that we are practicing self-control, as H reads and I finish a thank you note.

Stay warm :) MMmmm, MMMmmm; HOT- CHOC -OH LOT!!!

Cinderella-style sanctification

I have yet to go one week without being enriched and encouraged by a lecture at BSF. Last night was no exception.

We've moved to Romans chapter 6 this week.

1What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
2God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
3Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
4Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
5For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
6Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
7For he that is dead is freed from sin.
8Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:
9Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.
10For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.
11Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
12Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
13Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.
14For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
15What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.
16Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?
17But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.
18Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.
19I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.
20For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.
21What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.
22But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.
23For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

~Nancye focused particularly on the first two verses this week, beginning with a question "Are you failing to live in the truth of who you really are?", "If you are saved, why are you still living in sin?". -The practical living out of faith always follows Christ.- Now that you are in Him, live for Him, and 'reckon yourself dead to sin'.
In verses 11-14, Paul seems to give 4 simple commands - two are positive & two are negative.

1. Do not let sin reign in your mortal body. Do not let it steer you.
2. Do not offer your body to sin.
3. Offer yourselves to God (Romans 12:1 - as a living sacrifice, give yourself to Him)
4. Offer that parts of your body as tools for Him.

How do we let sin reign? Through our preoccupation with sin, the world, our flesh, enslavements to sin and bad habits, looking for approval from man, serving of self, etc.
How can we offer ourselves to God? We have to believe that we are saved, and that we are dead to sin, giving ourselves to God. *Sin shall not be your master, for you are under God's grace. The devil has not made you do anything, how you use your body as a Christian is your choice. We are not forced to believe against our will - there are no victims in the new life in Christ. We are victors over sin through Christ, and it has no power over us.
Oh yes, and Cinderella. . . Nancye brought her up as an example for sanctification. Cinderella was the despised girl in her household, the maid, clothed in rags and neglected. Through a whimsical sort of 'grace', she was transformed, clothed in a splendid dress and favored by the prince. The 'Cinder' became 'Ella'. his was her new life, do you think she would go back to the fireplace?
I actually never really thought of this story like that - and I love fairy tales. . . We are taken from rags to riches and given a new name, a new heart, and a new mind. We are no longer slaves to a tyrannical sin, but now we serve a loving and faithful God, who delights in us.

I think of this hymn, that I love so dearly. . .

1. How sweet and awful is the place
With Christ within the doors,
While everlasting love displays
The choicest of her stores.

2. While all our hearts and all our songs
Join to admire the feast,
Each of us cry, with thankful tongues,
"Lord, why was I a guest?"

3. "Why was I made to hear Thy voice,
And enter while there's room,
When thousands make a wretched choice,
And rather starve than come?"

4. 'Twas the same love that spread the feast
That sweetly drew us in;
Else we had still refused to taste,
And perished in our sin.

5. Pity the nations, O our God,
Constrain the earth to come;
Send Thy victorious Word abroad,
And bring the strangers home.

6. We long to see Thy churches full,
That all the chosen race
May, with one voice and heart and soul,
Sing Thy redeeming grace.

Especially in verse three - would I rather starve than come to the table? Would I rather go back to my sin and die in that misery than come to my Father where there is life?

Hardly, I want to be like Cinderella

Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas . . .

I was fiddling with my Christmas decor yesterday -

Phase One :)




I am not quite finished yet - I want to place 2 tall red candleholders on each side :)


And, on another 'Christmasy'note, I thought that this was intriguing. . . I don't necessarily agree with everything here, but this was the first I had heard of religious symbolism in the song.

Religious symbolism of The Twelve Days of Christmas (The 12 Days of Christmas)

1 True Love refers to God
2 Turtle Doves refers to the Old and New Testaments
3 French Hens refers to Faith, Hope and Charity, the Theological Virtues

4 Calling Birds refers to the Four Gospels and/or the Four Evangelists
5 Golden Rings refers to the first Five Books of the Old Testament, the "Pentateuch", which gives the history of man's fall from grace.
6 Geese A-laying refers to the six days of creation
7 Swans A-swimming refers to the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, the seven sacraments
8 Maids A-milking refers to the eight beatitudes
9 Ladies Dancing refers to the nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit
10 Lords A-leaping refers to the ten commandments
11 Pipers Piping refers to the eleven faithful apostles
12 Drummers Drumming refers to the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostle's Creed

Found at: http://www.carols.org.uk/the_twelve_days_of_christmas.htm

Blessings!

Photo Miscellany

Here are a a few snaps from these past couple of days. . . Em has some missing pieces on her site



The Prep: my sink, full of turkey and sweet potatoes




A Turkey: fried, and in all of its un-eaten glory




A Husband: diligently working up an appetite :)




Two Sisters: Sassily sweet little angels

Can we turn off the ac yet? after all, its almost December ...

Two bags full of christmas decor are slumped against our coffee table trunk . . . has the season really begun?
I think I was a little dazed and blinded as I made my way slowly through the aisles at Michael's, only interested in finding a plain full, christmas wreath. It took more than 10 minutes to find what I was looking for. . . sans the glittery finish, the pinecones, the frou frou fluffity-doo-dah trimmings. . . I managed to hit some bargains with my own selections of trimmings. I am a cranberry decor fanatic - gold ribbon and cranberry strands are my christmas staples.

And, to not completely buck the Black Friday trend, I hit one store - not the mall, (thank heavens) but Payless shoes where I found an affordable pair of tall black boots. :) And then I promptly went back home to safety from the vicious shoppers. I am being a computer junkie for a while.

H's half day went a little longer than I expected, but he should be home pretty soon. Leftovers are brimming in my fridge. . . extra pie slices are oozing, set atop the stove top. It twas a very happy day indeed. Parts of the family are here for a few days. :)
So, off we go into the Christmas season. I think I would be a little more 'in the spirit' if it was colder. . .oh well :)

Cheers, jingles, ho ho ho's, and all that jazz. . .

Ugghh, Black Friday - Is it really worth it?

Happy Thanksgiving!

Psalm 148

1Praise ye the LORD. Praise ye the LORD from the heavens: praise him in the heights.

2Praise ye him, all his angels: praise ye him, all his hosts.

3Praise ye him, sun and moon: praise him, all ye stars of light.

4Praise him, ye heavens of heavens, and ye waters that be above the heavens.

5Let them praise the name of the LORD: for he commanded, and they were created.

6He hath also stablished them for ever and ever: he hath made a decree which shall not pass.

7Praise the LORD from the earth, ye dragons, and all deeps:

8Fire, and hail; snow, and vapours; stormy wind fulfilling his word:

9Mountains, and all hills; fruitful trees, and all cedars:

10Beasts, and all cattle; creeping things, and flying fowl:

11Kings of the earth, and all people; princes, and all judges of the earth:

12Both young men, and maidens; old men, and children:

13Let them praise the name of the LORD: for his name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven.

14He also exalteth the horn of his people, the praise of all his saints; even of the children of Israel, a people near unto him. Praise ye the LORD.


I have felt so blessed this year. God has been incredibly merciful and and an abundant giver to us.

I am thankful for His Love, His mercy and His faithfulness.
I am thankful to be in a loving marriage.
I am thankful to have all my needs provided for.
I am thankful for the sweet church that He has placed in our lives.
I am thankful for the love and the encouragement of family & friends.
I am thankful that He knows all the plans for each of His children.

Lickity Split

Its been one of those busy busy weeks again - I am trying to get myself together to go do some things at the big house for company coming tomorrow. I am so sleepy, I didn't want to get up this morning. . . I just wanted to snuggle and be warm.But somehow, H got shoved out the door with coffee, newspaper & a cooler full of lunch in hand. I made the bed and there will be no more sleep till tonight. :(

Its cold today! I love it when it is cold enough to see your breath - we always called that 'dragon's breath" growing up. The best is when you put an altoid (or a mint of some sort) on your tongue and then breathe in and out - sooo fresh :) - Okay, so I am weird. . .
I should scoot -

yesterday is a wrinkle on your forehead

Or the paint on your hands, the ache in your shoulders, or bags under your eyes. . .

After finally arriving at the "primer stage", we looked around the dimly lit room and felt somewhat satisfied. It will get there - finished I mean. This is the bedroom that was once occupied by my sibling. Since her absence, the walls have been stripped, the furniture moved. Towels, dropclothes, and plastic coverings make the rugs and carpet. And yes. . .
those walls. Oh where do I begin with those walls.

Plastered and spackled. Grind lightly. Plaster again, dry then plaster once more, grind lightly. This never-ending process to prevent air bubbling in those walls. Paint the primer. . . watch the primer bubble. Strip the primer. Wipe the sweat. Grab the plaster. Scrape and smooth. Grind. Paint primer again. . . so so so carefully.

Smooth . . . Smile. . . fan goes on high, shut the door. Wipe the sweat. . . 1st step is done . . . well, almost.

Oh, all the sights for these tired eyes to see . . .

The end of the week always is fun to see in pictures. . .

We celebrated with a chipotle dinner and an exploration of the new Pro Bass Store northwest of us. To say that it was amazing doesn't seem to do it justice. . . it was quite an experience. We will take anyone who ever visits us there as part of their 'San Antonio tour'.

And then the sun let up and it split the night

With bright rays, and golden light . . . Its a jack frost morning. I wish that one Friday would come without the blowers and the weedwackers. It sort of has a way of destroying your peaceful mornings. Oh well. I bundled up and took a walk - legs are stretched and I feel really energized. I finally got sick of my shaggy 'do - so I got it trimmed up again. I suddenly feel lighter :) When I have the money, I need to get some highlights again. Until then, I am my natural self.
I feel happy today, lifted. I feel like the Lord is really giving me peace through all circumstances. I have realized that it takes so much effort to fight the will of God. In fact, its exhausting. Once you give yourself up, He enfolds you in His arms and is your rest. That's when you wonder, 'now why was I fighting this again?'

Good question . . . ;)

Dress me in it

A chocolate fashion show? What will they think of next?

"The List"

Because this list made us blue, here's the "good list" for you :)

• 1. the way the air smells right before it rains
• 2. The way the air smells right after it rains
• 3. Cranberry juice with some sprite mixed in & crushed ice
• 4. Roses - in hues of burnt orange, creamsicle orange, yellow with reddish magenta-ish tips, red velvet.
• 5. Ferns - the very delicate and lacy kind
• 6. Fairies
• 7. Fairy dust
• 8. the cookie monster
• 9. fireplaces
• 10. fires in the fireplace
• 11. tree forts
• 12. hiking
• 13. adventures
• 14. dark chocolate kisses(that's a given)
• 15. hugs
• 16. Kisses
• 17. Meringes
• 18. Angel food cake and fresh strawberries
• 19. Snowflakes
• 20. Gift Wrap bows
• 21. Easter eggs
• 22. sunsets
• 23. Sunrises
• 24. Sunshine
• 25. Shade on a hot day
• 26. ice cubes
• 27. bare feet
• 28. pedicures
• 29. haircuts
• 30. angels
• 31. losing weight
• 32. eating
• 33. baking
• 34. clean sheets
• 35. road trips
• 36. the ocean
• 38. perfume
• 39. being a girl
• 40. gel pens
• 41. horseback riding
• 42. baby animals
• 43. dolphins
• 44. bonuses
• 45. church fellowships
• 46. grace
• 47. compliments
• 49. laughter
• 50. rain
• 51. rainbows
• 52. promises that are kept
• 53. violets
• 54. cellists
• 55. babies
• 56. back scratches
• 57. eskimo kisses
• 58. stars
• 59. diamonds
• 60. grapevine decor
• 61. vanilla candles
• 62. clean hair
• 63. black and white movies
• 64. slippers
• 65. pretty stationary
• 66. friendship
• 67. lip gloss
• 68. the shape of a question (?) mark
• 69. the wind
• 70. rain
• 71. whispering
• 72. "I love you"
• 73. photo albums
• 74. chocolate chip cookie dough
• 75. baked lays chips
• 76. fresh baked bread
• 77. the smell of spices
• 78. weeping willow trees
• 79. rubbing a horses' velvet- like muzzle
• 80. snuggling
• 81. loyalty
• 82. surprises
• 88. paychecks
• 89. dinner out
• 90. the color red
• 91. tears of happiness
• 92. chick flicks
• 93. sneezing
• 94. a good burp
• 95. U2
• 96. fast internet
• 97. oscillating fans
• 98. the California coastline
• 99. snow
• 100. being on top of a hill
• 101. where you grew up
• 102. comfort food
• 103. black coffee
• 104. movie nights
• 105. birthdays
• 106. Thanksgiving
• 107. Christmas
• 108. Christmas stockings
• 109. falling in love
• 110. getting married
• 111. people who have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary, still head over heels for eachother.
• 112. brand new toothbrushes
• 113. journals
• 114. finishing your homework
• 115. 'stickable' stamps
• 116. green lights
• 117. smiles from strangers
• 118. blogging
• 119. fall leaves
• 120. sleep
• 121. gnomes
  

That's all I've got for now ;) what's on your list?

I'll walk through the valley if You want me to. . .

What a puddle that was. I am sorry for causing some confusion, and maybe some anxiety. I am a lot better today.
Through the BSF lecture last night, through the lesson this morning that I was reading, through encouragement and prayers of others, through the conviction of the Holy Spirit upon my heart, and the peace that God has given me . . . I feel like I am not fretting as much.

Patience is not a strong virtue in me - I only seem to lack it. I thought I was impatient in only a few minor areas - traffic, crowds, long lines, pet peeves, so forth and so on, and the list only kept getting bigger. It became more apparent to me at how I expect an immediacy in solutions and results to these things that vex me - while they are immediately given to me to strengthen my faith in God, and shape my raggedy character.
I've expected immediacy in the small areas, and now its moved to the larger things, where I am at in life, where we are at with our jobs, with relocating, with family, etc. etc. ect.
God's answer has been "Wait". My response has been "Why?"

Do I think my will is better than God's? My actions and heart attitude say so. . . though I know that He has sovereign plans beyond my imagination. He is not dangling them in front of me either, He has promised that He knows the plans for us, to prosper us.

Last night, Nancy spoke on Grace and Sin as two kingdoms. Tyrannical sin only enslaves its inhabitants, but Grace frees. I have felt enslaved to sin. I have felt cowardly and weak. My joy dried up, my hope gone. I forget that sin has already been overcome, by the power of God's grace, "greater than all my sin". He is reminding me, through all these things, that He is in control. My life is not a chaotic mess, there is a purpose to all this. I just see puzzle pieces. He sees the whole picture.

~*~

The pathway is broken
And The signs are unclear
And I don't know the reason why You brought me here
But just because You love me the way that You do
I'm gonna walk through the valley
If You want me to

Cause I'm not who I was
When I took my first step
And I'm clinging to the promise You're not through with me yet
so if all of these trials bring me closer to you
Then I will go through the fire
If You want me to

It may not be the way I would have chosen
When you lead me through a world that's not my home
But You never said it would be easy
You only said I'd never go alone

So When the whole world turns against me
And I'm all by myself
And I can't hear You answer my cries for help
I'll remember the suffering Your love put You through
And I will go through the valley
If You want me to

When I cross over Jordan,
I'm gonna sing, gonna shout
I'm gonna look into Your eyes and see
You never let me down
So take me on the pathway that will lead me home to You
And I will walk through the valley
If You want me to

Yes, I will walk through the valley
If You want me to
~*~

~Ginny Owens~

The image is cracked, but so is the view. . .

Emptiness. It eats at me today. Yesterday. The day before that.
I am a good liar. My face and words deceive but my heart knows better. The fight for joy seems a losing battle. Everything seems so on hold right now.

I am tired Lord, are You through with me yet? Patience isn't working. Praying is so hard. I am losing sight of what You have promised. I am overwhelmed and anxious.

I sat in traffic with my fists clenched, feeling hatred seep through my hands. It gave me the chills. My heart is so stone cold. How did I become so calloused? "I've mastered feeling nothing".

I look around with digust at where You have put me. Lord, why have You brought me here? I feel so alone here, so unfulfilled, so tempted, so weak. Sin has been my playmate. My heart goes to You unwillingly, heavily. I have scorned Your name. I have dwelled in the shadows. I have not been joyful.
Regardless, You have still blessed me. You have still kept me safe. You have kept me from stumbling headlong into sin and destruction. You have been faithful to me. You have loved me, and I have been unloveable.

I am desperate for You. I cry out to You. Forgive me. Cleanse my heart. Teach me to be patient. Bind Yourself to me. Let me bind my heart to You, that I may never depart again. Be my Joy, my Peace, my Comfort and my Hope.

"and hope does not disappoint"

Don't know much about history

Saturday, we took a mini adventure downtown, to check out 2 of the 5 missions (still standing) in San Antonio - Mission San Jose, and Mission Concepcion. San Jose was pretty much all preserved, safely kept in strong stone walls. We rambled round the spacious square, in awe at the thought of something so old being so well-kept.
I was not as impressed with Concepcion. Going in the chapel gave me the willies for some reason. It was strange for me to see so many lit candles for the virgin Mary and other saints, while Jesus was paled in comparison. Images of Christ on the cross are grim, as if this was the last ever seen of Him - we also must remember that He rose triumphant over death.

Mission San Jose ~ Front face


Under Arches



At the Cross ~ in the courtyard


Windows and Portals








Rosa Window



Compound Gates


Battle Dome


Mighty Fine Architecture


Floral Portal


Good day Sunshine



Shadows and Plaster ~ You can see faint remains of the original plaster on the front face of the chapel


Not my kind of oven . . . or is it a doghouse? Or a trash can? Or . . .


Ancient hydro-power mill






Rainbow of Color



Mission Concepcion



Remains of the side entry



Well




Bellhole

The *Un* List

Thanks Granny, you got me started on a good thing -

- stale chips
-black licorice
-cherry cola
-dirty laundry
-baby powder smell
-candle-waxy lipgloss
-the sun in my eyes with no sunglasses
-traffic
-long traffic lights
-people who tailgate
-rap
-people who play rap way too loud in their cars
-cramps
-being lactose intolerant
-slow workdays
-gossip
-pamela anderson
-the clintons
-the price of gas
-seafood
-dirty bathrooms
-a grimy sink
-mold
-cleaning the toilet
-shaving
-chocolate with nuts
-creme centered donuts
-coconut
-raspberry scent
-hangnails
-abortion
-bad jokes
-cigarettes
-claustrophobia
-large crowds
-busy grocery stores
-shopping for jeans
-mushrooms
-sushi
-garbage
-bad breath
-overflowing toilets
-recipes that don't turn out
-farts
-am radio
-headaches
-weight gain
-models
-brad pitt
-tom cruise
-katie holmes
-oh heck, celebrities!
-zits
-cold feet
-humidity
-feeling bloated
-long lines
-selfish people
-parents who don't discipline their children
-scientology
-getting burned
-ironing
-flat tires
-frunpy outfits
-bloodshot eyes
-bills
-junk mail in your inbox
-democrats
-mr. gatti's
-getting the wrong order
-cute shoes that don't fit
-unintelligence
-ditzism
-being late
-getting lost
-alleys
-south side san antonio
-litter
-computer server problems
-tangley hair
-halloween
-envelopes you have to lick
-the price of stamps at that
-baggers who don't double bag for you, after you have politely asked them to, twice
-baggers who put all the canned food in one bag - undoubled
-yip yap dogs
-owners of YY's (see above)

hmmm . . . I could go on for ages.

To add to the List . . .

TV series update for our little list. . .

We are also 'Lost' people :) (ha, no pun intended)

Such a beautiful disaster

It's Friday. . . I am glad. This week was sort of wearing me down. I think that the last straw was dinner last night. We are unbelievably low on groceries, kinda just eeking it by til Saturday. I am unbelievably low on creative solutions for meals. Poor hubby. Our poor stomachs endured remnants of a past dinner gone awry. Leftovers are usually yummy things. Not last night. It wasn't horrible. It just wasn't good. I had to preface said dinner before prayer with

"babe, if this doesn't taste good, and I don't think that it will, can we just go to McDonald's or something"?

I felt ashamed to say that, me trying to be a good and frugal wife and all, but I am tired of trying to make magic happen from ground turkey meat. I can make delicious turkey burgers, meatballs, meatloaf, spaghetti and casseroles, but I think I just hit a wall. Well, anyway -

He ate it and did not complain, he actually said it was alright. I think I just married a good man. He takes me out on Fridays - AMEN. My kitchen can breathe a sigh of relief.

I thought my table looked pretty though (looks can be so deceiving ;)- We got the red roses on sale - one dozen for $7.99



This morning, I got sucked into a vaccum of personality quizzes. Time wasters . . . Yahoo knows how to grab me sometimes. I am such a 'weakie' too, I don't fight things like these, they really are interesting. . .

RED

You have incredible will-power and you are capable of overcoming obstacles that would stop others.
You enjoy a pleasant and colorful environment.
You are capable of bursts of high energy spontaneity, though generally more "laid back".
You are energetic and interested in many areas of life.
You are capable of accomplishment when consciously focused and persistent.

Must have smelled the good deals

Poor thing

No time to say 'hello goodbye' I'm late, I'm late, I'm late!

Ah, that blasted white rabbit in Alice in Wonderland. . .
Welll, here I am getting these notes out finally. We just finished "Family Guy" with Nicholas Cage - it was a sweet chick flick - it kept me on my toes - so much so in fact that I fell asleep, twice - over the period of two separate times trying to watch it. Maybe the bed is just too comfy, or the light was too dim, or I was just too snuggly or something-er-other. . .

Well this ain't no movie review, so on to BSF. It was a really good lecture this week. I felt like the Lord quickened my heart to new things.

A brief outline - Romans 5:1-11 ~ The Benefits of Salvation
1. Assurance of the past 5:1-2a
2. Rejoicing in the present 5:2b-8
3. Hope for the future 5:9-11

In chapter 5, Paul relates to believers in Rome what the benefits of salvation are. In 3:21-25, he pulls out justification and the provision for salvation. Salvation from what? From the power of sin, from death ultimately.
Because we are justified, you can trust that He has credited us with salvation by His perfect grace through faith. Faith is not measured by the quantity or quality, (see how He hearkens us to have a 'child-like' faith, for instance). But just by having faith in Him allows God to impart His grace to us, His wrath having been turned from us. So, we who have been reconciled to Him have been also justified by Him.
What does that mean? Well, first, we have peace with God. Prior to the knowlege of Him, we were at emnity with Him. Openly we rebelled, estranged from Him. We must be reconciled to Him, not He to us. He did no wrong. He is the Holy One, we are the filthy ones.
This is a reconciliation like no other. It is secure and steadfast and will not be lost.
Second, we have access to God. We may approach Him with confidence. We may enter into His holy threshhold.
Thirdly, we stand in grace. We already possess His grace - we are anchored and we will not be moved.

Ever been to the ocean? I remember one of my favorite things to do there was to stand on the beach and bury my feet ankle deep in the wet sand, and then wait for the tide to wash up on my feet. The undertow on the CA coast is pretty strong, so you would have to make sure you were snug. Each time the water splashed me, I felt a little stronger - the sand would harden around my feet and be more fortified for the next current to come. Cemented in sand, I was 'anchored'. But hallelujah that I stand far more anchored in His grace! :)

John 10:27-30 says that His sheep shall never perish. We are secure because He saved us and keeps our salvation safe. Salvation never depends on us. What God has done cannot be undone.

The character of salvation - We have joy :) We rejoice in the hope of the glory of God, knowing that someday, we will see Him and be in His presence. We rejoice in our suffering because we know that God is with us and sees us through our trials to the end. We rejoice because He has promised an end to our sufferings too. We glory in the fact that our suffering is a character shaper. We rejoice because God has given us His Holy Spirit. We are allowed to see His unconditional love, which is like no other love we have ever known. He causes our hearts to become reborn in Him, from spiritual death.

If I had one wish . . .

The outcome of the election is getting me down. I can't help it. I want godly & upright people in the office (can you blame me?) But I know that God has a purpose to this that I don't see. I see so blindly, just the tiny space in front of my feet, that's it.

Well anyway. I am sipping some Starbuck's French Roast (which, I am gleefully glad to say, was on sale at Target last week.) Two IKEA candles are burning. The bakery-like aroma is filling my surroundings. I wish it was a tiny bit colder outside. This day wishes to be a snuggled-by-the-fireplace morning.

Alas, life calls me. Sips of coffee to energize and then off to do housecleaning.
BSF last night was wonderful - I can't wait to get this week's notes posted. They will get here, this I promise to be true.

Please with a cherry on top . . .

Adventurers return

Well, that was fun. We didn't really enjoy the trip out - (got stuck in Friday night Houston traffic - it took us two hours to get through Houston. . . hmmm).
After taking many country and farm roads lined with pine trees, we pulled into a gravel drive and found ourselves in a magical place (is this really Texas?). A serene pond with an island in the middle, numerous pine trees and quiet . . . (no highway noise!)
We had a good time fellowshipping with other brethren and feasting as well (never forget the feasting part, ever!) Among the activities there, they had a ropes course, canoeing & kayaking around the pond, hiking, horseshoes, football and volleyball, frisbees, etc. It seemed like there were about 100 children running around while the adults conversed and took mini vacations.
It was just nice to relax with no strict schedule. Saturday night, they had a beer tasting time which H and I went too - I am not really a beer-lover, but it was fun to try some different kinds of brews. I think I liked nibbling on the peanuts the best. :)
Sunday was a neat time of worship, combined groups of people from 3 churches (or maybe even 4). It was a full body indeed, and the rejoicing was hearty. The feasting afterwards was even heartier. We packed up our things and pulled away from the forest with full hearts and full bellies. . . :) Man, we are getting pretty fat with this church!

Here are some pictures:

Now I get it, Autumn comes to Eastern Texas



Bridge to the dorms





Haven on the ropes course






Canoes, resting

Don't think me too morbid to post this picture. There were many dead turtles all around the pond, and we weren't really sure why they were dead. This was a beautiful dead turtle though.


On the way back to San Antonio, we swung by IKEA and had fun looking at all their goodies. We had a cheap dinner (H had a 'delish salmon dinner for $6!) and then I got stuck in the candle aisle and had to buy a set of three candles that smell so good you could eat them (I am burning a cinnamon roll one right now). Then I got stuck in the Christmas section and had to buy these ornaments :)




Anyway. We had a good time - but its nice to be back, and today, its back to work Monday. . .

Catch a falling star and put it in your pocket, never let it fade away

(I don't know why that song just popped into my head :)

I am procrastinating about getting these BSF notes up - it'll have to wait till Monday now, I am running behind in time.
This is a quickie. I felt very blessed by the little stuff this morning - like getting up happy to find that I had done a lot the night before to prep for our weekend adventures. I just have to finish a couple of things and then we will be ready to go. I am working a few hours this morning for Mar. Getting up early was easier than I thought it'd be. Before I got on the tangled mess of freeway to work, I swung by to get a caffeine buzz at starucks. When I pulled up to the counter, the lady told me that they had lost my order in the system and so my coffee was on the house :) How nice of her :)

Anyway, read this report this morning, and thought it was really interesting. (wouldn't you usually try to send your prayers 'upwards' though?)


Well, that's it - I will return to blogdom Sunday/Monday - ish. Have a great weekend ya'll!

Crowded by the city, all around me

I don't think that I am very good at living in the city. The traffic has been horrible lately, worse than ever. The usual 10 min. drive to my parent's place is now taking about 30 minutes. Chalk it up to road construction, more people, strings of stoplights, and tractors traveling north and south every day. Its getting ridiculous. I am surprised that I haven't popped an blood vessel by now.
But it'll get better, I know. We are on the brinks of relocating soon.

I have my day off today - well, I have a dentist appointment. I am not fond of having metal objects prodding at my teeth. But I am in need of a teeth cleaning. Blah.
We are going to eastern Texas this weekend for a retreat - should be really fun. I have never been to the eastern part of Texas. When we pass through Houston, we thought it'd be fun to swing by the IKEA store in the area. I love IKEA! That's one store I miss so much! The closest one we have here is in Roundrock (up by Austin, roughly, 2 hours from us or so).
I am starting to get stuff together for the trip and trying to stay away from the 80 chocolate chip cookies my hubby made last night (into the late hours). They are for dessert for the retreat, so that is a relief. Its just that he made extra . . . and they are stashed in odd places since the cookie jar is overflowing. Like in zippies in the fridge . . . hmm.
Its been getting chillier here. Relief, finally. It takes a long time for fall and winter to kick in in Texas. When it does, you forget how hot and cranky you were and you can breath. This year, fall seems more like a California spring. That's okay, as long as we keep the humidity off for a bit.
Anyway. I will get to the BSF lesson sometime this afternoon. I am going to take a walk and enjoy the 'fall' here.

Road Rage

ROTFL!

Ink Wink

This busy mommy-of-four is having a contest - you can win some free stationary that she has designed!