Ugh.

I have so many things to post about.  

However, I am working full days every day this week plus have two major events at the church.

This equals no time......and no brain power.   

So, I will most likely be posting this weekend.  

Let's pray that I can remember all those things I need to post about by then!

Project 365 - Week 48

Week 48

Wow, we are almost finished!!!!  Four weeks left in the year.....can you believe it?!

Several people have asked if I will do this again.  And to be quite honest.....I'm not sure.  I feel like I have had a hard time keeping up with the pictures the last few months and yet, I know I will be sorry if I don't. So, I am still trying to decide.

Are any of you interested in hosting it if I decide not to?

 We had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday and I hope you did to.  I am rushing to get this posted so that I can spend a little more time with my kids......they will be leaving tomorrow and it will be a very sad day for me......luckily I only have to wait 3 weeks to see them again!!!

Here's my week:

Sunday

 We finished our curriculum this week on the Hall of Faith

 
Today we learned about Tim Tebow, his faith and his story.  The kids all got eye black with our scripture verse on it.  Then the little kids made medals for running the race!

 Monday

This is a VERY bad thing......

..it's Monday morning and the coffee jar is EMPTY!!!

Tuesday

My son is home and it looks like his closet exploded in my laundry room.  This picture is after 3 loads have already been done!!!  Really?!!

Wednesday

My kids are home!!!!!!!  

Whoopie!!!!

Thursday

Alyssa made my great grandmother's yeast rolls all by herself this time....and they were the best ever!!!  so proud of her!

Friday

Now this is a Thanksgiving sandwich!!!

Turkey, dressing, potatoes, gravy and wasabi sandwich spread

Saturday

We got Christmas all up today!!!

Gotta love my crazy kids!

So how was your week?

Cookie Recipe Exchange

Many of you commented and said you would like to do the Cookie Exchange so here goes....

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Grab the button so word gets out and we can have lots of great recipes to choose from.

Take a picture of your favorite cookie

Type of the recipe in a post

post it on December 8th

then come here and link up!!!

Can't wait to get some new tried and true recipes for my arsenal!!!!

Let's get baking!

judging or discerning?

We just finished studying 1 and 2 Thessalonians in my bible study last week.  

And we had a fairly long discussion on this verse:

"In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you brothers and sisters, to keep away from every believer who is idle and disruptive and does not live according to the teaching you received from us" 2 Thess 3:6

Paul goes on later to say to not associate with those believers that are idle so as to make them feel ashamed and change their behavior.

The questions came up.....what does it mean to be idle?  Isn't that judging?  We can't judge others, we don't know what is in their hearts.

I believe Paul is talking about freeloaders in these verses.....those that are capable of working and feeding themselves but choose to live off of everyone else.

But a bigger issue that came up is....are we to judge others or not? 

I believe there is a big difference between judging and discerning. 

The dictionary definition of each is:

judging: to pass legal judgment on; pass sentence on (a person)

discerning: to perceive by the sight or some other sense or by the intellect; see, recognize, or apprehend 

 

We can not know a person's heart, this is true.  Only God knows what goes on in there.  However, we can see their actions and how they live their life and perceive whether they are living out what Christ taught. 

This morning, my devotion was all about this and I think Blackaby laid it out so clear:

"There is a significant difference between judgment and discernment.  God sees people's hearts and knows their motives.  God commands us not to judge others, but He does want us to be discerning.  Jesus said we would know people's spiritual condition by the fruit of their lives.  He said grapes are not produced by thorn bushes.  If a person's life produces thorns, we can assume that person is not a grapevine!! Are we being judgmental? No, we are being discerning.  Scripture commands us to avoid associating with scoffers or fools.  Unless we are able to identify scoffers and fools, we cannot obey God's command.  That is not being judgmental, it is being discerning. "

This is such a hot topic in our society.  We are being told and taught to tolerate differences.  However, the bible is pretty clear that we are to make distinctions.  

I pray that God helps me not to be judgmental (which is sometimes my tendency), but I also pray that He gives me discernment.....

.........and the ability to know the difference.

Project 365 - Week 47

 Week 47.

 This was a great week for me.  A lot of fun going on and building up to my kiddos coming home!!!  Just 2 more days and they all start rolling in......I can.not.wait!!

Alyssa is bringing a friend home for Thanksgiving and then we have several people from church, that don't have family in the area, coming over for dinner on Thursday.  I can not tell you how much I am looking forward to it all!!  I hope you have great plans for Thanksgiving too!!

Here's my week:

Sunday

No picture.

I actually didn't have to work in children's church and was able to go to the main service!   It is missions month and my husband wasn't preaching.  I was so excited to be able to sit WITH him in a service, I completely forgot about a picture!!!

Now, I could have taken one at lunch with our missionary or at life group that night, but so goes the trend of me not getting my camera out...ugh!

Monday

Work was crazy busy today.  

This was one of the many lunches I made!!

 Tuesday

My sweet friend, Jessica, had her first baby about a month ago.  I had the privilege of spending the evening with her and holding this precious boy for 2 hours!!!  Be still my heart!!

 Wednesday

Last bible study for this session. 

These ladies have blessed me so much!!

 Thursday

I had a coupon for a shutterfly book that was going to expire, so I made one of my 50th birthday.  It came in the mail today and I LOVE it!!!

 Friday

Today I went to Conway to celebrate my friend, Wendi's birthday!!  I got her one of Rita's husband's butter bells and she was SO excited.  Actually this red one is so awesome, I almost wanted to keep it!!!  You can see Mike's pottery here.

My great grandmother's pound cake.

I got started on my Thanksgiving baking today.  I also made cinnamon apples!!

So how was your week? And are you ready for Thanksgiving?

Would you be in?

One thing I love doing at the holidays is a cookie exchange.  

It is so fun to go somewhere with one type of cookie and come home with an array of types!!!

I was talking about this today with my friend, Angelika.  She lives in Germany and we were chatting on FB.  We talked about how we both love to bake cookies and wouldn't it be fun to exchange recipes with each other!!!  

...and an idea popped into my head!

What about doing a blogging cookie recipe exchange?!!

Would you be up for that?

I thought I would pick a day, have someone help me with a button (I have no idea how to do that) and we could all link up with our favorite holiday cookie recipe and picture!!!

Let me know what you think!!!  

Wordless Wednesday

Had the pleasure of holding this sweet boy for 2 hours last night!

Pure heaven!

Tuesday Randomness

I am still having a hard time getting used to the whole time change.  I do like that it is light soon after I get up, but being pitch black by 5:30 is throwing me off at night!!!  By 6:30, my body says it is time to crawl in bed and I still have to clean the kitchen and go exercise.....ugh!

So happy to see rain today!  You won't hear me say that very often, but we need it here in AR!!

Looking over my schedule for the next 3 weeks is quite literally putting me in a panic!  Seriously, my heart starts racing when I start contemplating all that I have to do and all that I am in charge of.  The Holidays for those in ministry are some of the busiest times of the year.  I am praying that I can have good time management so that I can "enjoy" them and not be stressed out.  

On that note, I would ask you to pray for your church staff a little bit extra this time of year.....they need it, even if they don't show it!!

I am very excited to see my two oldest kids!!!!  Starting next Wednesday, my house will be FULL and LOUD and I absolutely can't wait!!!

Tomorrow I finish my current bible study on Thessalonians, Standing Firm in These Last Days by Kay Arthur.  Wow, this study has been amazing and has completely overhauled my focus and attitude....which apparently was much needed.  I am sad to see this one end.  I have thoroughly enjoyed digging into God's word and am so thankful for the 6 ladies that have ministered to me through their own digging!!!

Laundry is calling......

I think instead I will go get my 3rd cup of coffee!

Chris Tomlin Review

With six records, nine No. 1 radio singles, three GRAMMY nominations, 16 Dove Awards, a platinum and two gold albums to his credit, Chris Tomlin has experienced much success throughout his musical career. Time Magazine referred to him as most likely “the most often sung artist anywhere,” as it is estimated that over 40 million people sing his songs in church each week.  In the midst of selling more than 3.1 million albums and over 3.7 million digital tracks, Chris Tomlin has found time to record a brand new album And If Our God Is For Us... (sixstepsrecords) releasing nationwide on November 16.

As one of the most influential artist in contemporary Christian music, this album is one of the most anticipated projects of the year. Tomlin once again partnered with the legendary Ed Cash  (Caedmon’s Call, David Crowder*Band) and explored new musical avenues with Dan Muckala (Amy Grant, MercyMe, The Afters) and already his debut single “I Will Follow” is proving to be another hit charting at No. 10  on AC Indicator, No. 19 on AC Monitored and No. 16 on National Christian Audience Chart.





I was very excited to be asked to review this album.  I love Chris' music and have always been a fan.  In preparation for this review, I was reading his bio and was so impressed by this:

Chris Tomlin is an interesting enigma. With nine No. 1 songs and over three million album sales to his credit, he’s one of the most successful artists in music. At the same time, he’s one of the least known. Ask anyone about Chris Tomlin and only a few will tell you they know him well.

 There’s a reason for the subtle mystery. All the songs---including such anthems as “How Great is Our God,” “Forever,” and “Holy is the Lord,” the sold out concert dates around the world and the millions in CD sales have never been about elevating Chris Tomlin, but about worshiping God.

I love that about him.  You may not know his name or his face, but if you listen to Christian music, you would know his songs if you heard them.  Our church has been singing his title song, And If Our god Is For Us, for some time and it is one of my favorites.  In these days of struggle, when we are seeing everything but Christianity be tolerated, I love being reminded that if our God is for us who can stop us...if our God is with us who can stand against?!!!  

I knew I would enjoy this album, but I wasn't prepared to love every single song......and I do!!!  I honestly have listen to this over and over for the last week. Chris Tomlin has a beautiful way of bringing you into the presence of Christ.


The 2nd song on the album, I Will Follow, completely convicted me.  Do I follow Christ like that?  Do I want to?  YES!!  I want to love who He loves and serve the way He does.  I think this is my new favorite song!!


If you know of Chris' music, then I am sure you already have pre-ordered this album.  But in case his name is unfamiliar to you, go out and buy it tomorrow......you won't regret it!!

Project 365 - Week 46

 Week 46.

 Y'all, we are almost at the end of the year!!!  Can you believe it?  I can not.  This year really seems to have sped by!

I have a confession.  It was SO hard for me to get my camera out this week.  Only 3 of these pictures were actually taken on the day they happened.   They did happened, I just had to go back and "remake" the pictures.  Ugh, I have really got to pick it up and end strong!!!

Here's my week:

Sunday

 Today the kids learned about an out reach program in LR called International Friendship Organization that reaches out to international students at our local university.  The kids spent the rest of Sunday School cutting and tying the meaning of the candy cane to 100 large candy canes to pass out to international children at Christmas.

Monday

Received my replacement Paella pan from CSN today...it's perfect and I can't wait to use it!!

Tuesday

Received this in the mail today.  I have been asked to review it (my review post will come on Monday when the album is being released) and let me tell you.....you will want to buy this album.  It is AWESOME!!!

Wednesday

Color has finally come to Arkansas!!

It seems like it popped out over night!

Thursday

I love this grocery store and am so thankful it is close to my house.  Tonight, Jared was not going to be home for dinner and I didn't feel like cooking.  So I stopped off here and picked up 2 packages of fresh sushi for dinner......yummy!!!

Friday

Things have been a bit busy around here lately and Jared has gotten the short end of the stick.  So tonight I told him that we would do whatever he wanted!  He choose ice cream and renting a movie.  I didn't have my camera when we got the ice cream or you would see that it was Lemon Sorbet with Raspberries......it was gone by the time I got home!  :)

Saturday

The youth at our church had a video scavenger hunt today.

They stopped at our house to fulfill one item on their list....to sing a Christmas carol with an elder of the church. 

So, there you have my week....let's see yours!

 

This is so cool....

Special Gift

 I received a very special gift for my birthday that I wanted to share with you guys.  

My friends all gave me a Prayer Stool.

 My friend, April, makes these stools and her story behind them is this:

In the 1970's my father, Charles Griffin, was a carpenter going to seminary.  He came up with the idea to build prayer stools to give to friends and loved ones, and make extra money.  Unfortunately, he died at 45 years old  At his funeral, the pastor presiding over his service took the prayer stool that my dad had given him many years prior, opened it and read the prayer.  Since this special moment, these prayer stools have meant much to my family.  I decided that I wanted to continue the legacy of my dad's original idea and bless others the way we have been blessed.

 The prayer stools come in different woods and stains and all have this imprint on them.

But the coolest part about it is the little compartment on the lip of the stool.

When you buy the stool, you write a prayer for the person you are giving it to, put it in the compartment and seal it with the plug provided.

All my friends this weekend each wrote me a prayer and placed them inside this stool.  Each time I sit on it or use it, I will know that some very special women love me and are praying God's best for me!! How awesome is that?!!

Who knows, one day my kids may open this compartment and be blessed by the prayers that others had for their mom.

If you are interested in a prayer stool, you can go to April's web site and order one.  She also sells some pretty amazing canvases with the proceeds going to missions!!!

The Winner!

Well, I am still floating on the high of my weekend!

I even woke up ready for Monday!!

And I am excited to announce that the winner of my $65 CSN giveway, picked by random.org is:

#9......KIM STEWART!

Kim said:  

Since my memory is bad, the most recent good customer service I received was with the delivery of a fridge from Home Depot. I didn't have all of the parts for the instillation and the fellow used his own parts without charging me for them. Being new to the area he also gave me a ton of info on the town and good places to eat.

and...

I would try to buy something fun for myself that I wouldn't ordinarily buy...like a new curling iron, or something for my kitchen...BUT I would end up buying Christmas presents for my family.

So Kim....I will email you your code to use for the gift certificate.  And even though you will be torn to buy something for the family.....step out and buy something for yourself!!!  Listen to your "wild side" like I did!!!  it's fun!!

Have a great Monday everyone!!

Project 365 - Week 45

 Week 45.

I think this has by far been one of the best weeks of my year!!!  Not bad coming from someone who just turned 50!!!

I have to say that my husband out did himself.......A surprise party on my birthday and then a HUGE surprise of bringing in 5 of my closest friends to celebrate and pulling it all off without me finding out any of it!!!  I love that man!!!

I am so blessed.  And let me tell you my heart is very full right now!!

Here's my week:

Sunday

We had the privilege of dedicating our Worship Pastor's twins this morning.  At one point, Britton (the dad) spoke to his son about the meaning of his name and Seth (his son) looked right at him and smiled this huge smile.  It was priceless!!!

 Monday

ugh....didn't have time to do laundry this weekend and the beginning of this week is not looking good either....oh well.

Tuesday

 Happy Birthday to me!!!

50 years....really?

 Wednesday

 playing with some of my gifts today!

Jason designed this great gelaskin for my kindle!!

very fun...yes?!

....and my new phone!!!!

it really is fun to have new toys to play with!  I guess we never really grow up!! :)

Thursday

 Today was a pretty amazing day!!!

First, the Grace Korean staff took our church staff (our youth pastor couldn't make it) to lunch at the most incredible sushi restaurant.  It was so much fun to visit with them in a casual setting and get to know each other even more!! 

 Then my wonderful husband told me to pack my bags for two nights, that we were "getting away" for a couple of days.  What he really had planned was surprising me with 5 of my closest friends!!!  They were waiting for me at a restaurant and Steve had arranged for us all to spend 2 nights at a bed and breakfast here in Little Rock.  These ladies came from CO, TX and GA to celebrate with me!  I love them!!!  

 

 Friday

Today, we got up, packed a picnic lunch and headed up to Petit Jean State Park for the day.

 It is gorgeous up there and the weather was perfect!

We stopped by Fresh Market and got all sorts of cheeses, dips, fruit and crackers.

And we spread a blanket on the edge of a cliff overlooking the park

 These ladies are all amazing prayer warriors.  We have all known each other for over 20 years.  And one of the best parts of the day was spent praying for each other.  I can't even explain how much this ministered to my heart.

Saturday

Sadly, we had to check out today.

This is the front of the B & B

We have a running joke/tradition in our group.  He is called Hunka Hunka.  It's a long story how it got started, but Hunka Hunka is passed around the group each year.  Of course, turning 50, I got him on top of my birthday cake!  How crazy was it when we saw this sign in downtown LR!!!  We just had to get a picture!!

 Before everyone started heading home, we all got some pampering with a pedicure!!!  The perfect way to end a PERFECT birthday!!!

How is that for a great week?!!!

By the way, if you haven't yet entered my giveaway for $65 to CSN.com, head over here...you have till the end of today to enter!!

Now, it's your turn to show us your week!  Link up!!!

CSN is the best........and a giveaway!!!

So, I have told you before how much I love CSN.com.

CSN Stores has over 200 (yes, 200) online stores where you can find everything from stylish handbags, to modern bar stools, or great cookware!!!

Recently, I won a gift certificate for CSN at Rachel's.

I had purposed to be practical and get a new food processor (mine is dying a slow death), but my wild side whispered in my ear......really?  You WON this $$, get something you would never buy for yourself!

....and I listened!  

I got this......

Now you may not know it, but this is a Paella pan.  Paella is a dish that originated in Spain.  I love it!  You cook the dish in this pan and then place the whole thing on the table for your guests to serve from!!  

Well, I received my pan on Monday, but it had a flaw in it.  My first thought was "ugh!  now I am going to have to take this to the post office (it is not small) to return it to them!  I hate going to the post office!!"

But let me tell you that CSN has AMAZING customer service!!!!  

Not only did they ship me a new pan THAT DAY, but they asked me to donate the damaged pan some where where it would get used!!!  How cool is that?!!!

I have been nothing but impressed with CSN!!

And guess what?

They are letting me offer one lucky reader a gift certificate for $65!!!

Here's how you enter......

1.  answer the following question:  What is the best customer service you have ever received?

2.  Visit CSN.com and tell me what you would use your $65 on.  

Separate comments please

The winner will be randomly chosen and announced on Monday, Nov. 8th......just because I think you should get exciting news like that on Monday!!!