I wanted to take the opportunity to ask you to pray for a new addition to FBC's Childhood Ministry family. He was born on Christmas Eve ....... 4 months premature. He is a fighter and his parents are troopers. Please join me in praying for Sam. You can follow his journey here !
I would encourage you as you pray and read their updates to also leave them a comment. Many of us have experienced times when we know that God's people are lifting us up. It is also encouraging to hear / read notes from those doing so. So please even if you don't know them or are not a part of FBC........take a moment to lift them up and leave them a note letting them know you have done so.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Friday, December 31, 2010
A Day in the Country
This is one of my favorite spots when visiting North Carolina. It is A Day in the Country (which houses the Veranda Cafe). It has lots of neat gifts in the house and a basement full of bargains. My husband is so sweet to drive over to Hendersonville to visit this quaint little place. We were going to eat lunch at Cafe on the Veranda. He is a real trooper. He even put up with me taking his picture
He thought I was really crazy when I wanted to take a picture of his food- lol. I said I want to blog about this place and he said "oh". Mike had Charleston Tuna with Veranda Potato Salad. He laughed and told me it was really good too. He didn't think he was going to be able to eat dessert (sure honey). He told me he expected it to be "fru fru" food but it wasn't!
I had Sugar Loaf Chicken Salad, chips and soup. I love the chicken salad because it has walnuts and dried cranberries in it! My favorite chicken salad in Cleveland is Jenkins and Rebecca J's. What is yours? By the way we both had dessert- just forgot pictures- Mike had the 7 layer bar and I had peanut kiss cookies.
He asked me how I found this place. I chuckled and told him Paula and I shopped our way there one day. Paula is a friend of mine that works at Lifeway. When we were both at Ridgecrest she shared with me lots of places to shop and eat. I told him I think this was the first time I had chicken salad- well that I remember liking it a whole lot. Thanks Paula! I think of you every time I visit A Day In the Country and the Veranda Cafe. They have lots of goodies. 
Another day I will show you what I purchased this time and my favorite basement bargain from A Day In the Country. You can shop their store online too! In my shopping bag was a coupon - you guys know I am all about coupons- for 10% off from January 3 - May 15. I mean I think I can drive 3 1/2 hours sometime in the next 5 months- anyone for a road trip? Paula if you are reading...............when will you be at Ridgecrest again?
A Little Getaway
Mike and I had planned for some time to getaway a few days after Christmas. The snow delayed our plans a little but we wanted to be safe. After visiting with family on Monday, we ventured to Ridgecrest Conference Center right outside of Asheville, North Carolina. If you are on church staff you should check out their incredible rate. We love this area and it was beautiful with the snow! Now it was a little tricky getting there- one lane through 16 miles of the mountains- so it took a little longer to arrive than we thought. However we were determined to have a good couple of days...... despite the fact I was coming down with a cold.
On Tuesday, we just hung out. We went to a restaurant we like a bunch but don't have near Cleveland- Cheddar's. We shopped a little and went to a movie. The movie was okay but I won't mention the title because we don't recommend it. We headed back to the conference center........ we like staying in Mountain Laurel. It was full of life because of all the youth there for a retreat. They enjoyed all the snow on the ground. It was really, really windy.
Well on Wednesday we had reservations to go over to Biltmore , we just didn't realize so did everyone else. We bought an annual pass when we were at Rec Lab back in the spring. If you plan on going more than one day, you should buy a pass. We did so saying we wanted to come back at Christmas to see the decorations. Well, we had no idea that the week after Christmas is their biggest week of the entire year. Note to anyone even thinking about going that week- just don't do it. I did find the decorations are put up in November - so maybe we should have gone then. Not to mention I am feeling pretty lousy by this time. One positive of the day is that because I had made reservations -that meant we got to go to the shortest line! Yipee! We then wind through the snowy winter wonderland and park. We hop out and head to the shuttle stop. We are told the have not cleared the ice from the over 1 mile trail so they are asking everyone to ride the shuttle. Okay no problem, I prefer to do that anyway. Well, 45 minutes later we finally get to board a shuttle. By this time we have missed our reservation time (as has everyone else). We are all told this is not a problem just to head on into the house. Oh my goodness it was wall to wall people. Not a great experience. Yes the trees and decorations were gorgeous. I think they oversold on this day. You basically were being herded through the house- not enjoyable. We loved our time at Biltmore before and will go again BUT never that week again. Here are some pictures we took (outside the house- since they do not allow pictures, video, etc. of anything inside the house):
Here is this picture from our trip in April .................. big difference huh!
We loved our time away........... although wish I had felt better (got lots of good medicine today from the doctor) and I wish Biltmore had not been so crowded. All in all I enjoyed some time away with Mike........... he gets so little time away!
On Tuesday, we just hung out. We went to a restaurant we like a bunch but don't have near Cleveland- Cheddar's. We shopped a little and went to a movie. The movie was okay but I won't mention the title because we don't recommend it. We headed back to the conference center........ we like staying in Mountain Laurel. It was full of life because of all the youth there for a retreat. They enjoyed all the snow on the ground. It was really, really windy.
Well on Wednesday we had reservations to go over to Biltmore , we just didn't realize so did everyone else. We bought an annual pass when we were at Rec Lab back in the spring. If you plan on going more than one day, you should buy a pass. We did so saying we wanted to come back at Christmas to see the decorations. Well, we had no idea that the week after Christmas is their biggest week of the entire year. Note to anyone even thinking about going that week- just don't do it. I did find the decorations are put up in November - so maybe we should have gone then. Not to mention I am feeling pretty lousy by this time. One positive of the day is that because I had made reservations -that meant we got to go to the shortest line! Yipee! We then wind through the snowy winter wonderland and park. We hop out and head to the shuttle stop. We are told the have not cleared the ice from the over 1 mile trail so they are asking everyone to ride the shuttle. Okay no problem, I prefer to do that anyway. Well, 45 minutes later we finally get to board a shuttle. By this time we have missed our reservation time (as has everyone else). We are all told this is not a problem just to head on into the house. Oh my goodness it was wall to wall people. Not a great experience. Yes the trees and decorations were gorgeous. I think they oversold on this day. You basically were being herded through the house- not enjoyable. We loved our time at Biltmore before and will go again BUT never that week again. Here are some pictures we took (outside the house- since they do not allow pictures, video, etc. of anything inside the house):
Here is this picture from our trip in April .................. big difference huh!
We loved our time away........... although wish I had felt better (got lots of good medicine today from the doctor) and I wish Biltmore had not been so crowded. All in all I enjoyed some time away with Mike........... he gets so little time away!
Happy New Year !
Well I hope everyone has had a wonderful 2010 but it is time to say goodbye and welcome in 2011! Mike and I just returned from a few days of vacation. I will post about our trip when I can also post pictures. Although I am under the weather but hopefully the doctor can give me some meds tomorrow to knock it out of me.
Get ready to celebrate the last day of 2010................ and
HAPPY NEW YEAR'S EVE!
Get ready to celebrate the last day of 2010................ and
HAPPY NEW YEAR'S EVE!
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Is Lottie Moon on your gift list?
It is my prayer that everyone includes Lottie Moon on their gift list for Christmas this year. Some may ask who is Lottie Moon? Well I am referring to the Lottie Moon Christmas offering for missions.
You can go here http://www.imb.org/main/give/page.asp?StoryID=5524 to read more about the lady the offerring is named after.
This offering (100% of it) is sent to Southern Baptist missionaries for the projects, efforts, churches, etc. they are heading to help people all over the world know that Jesus came as a baby, died on a cross and rose again just for them. Did you know if missionaries didn't go and tell some would never know of Jesus amazing love for them?
Mike and I each year have a tradition........................... the person we spend the most money on for Christmas is Lottie Moon. Yes, we add up whatever the most spent on one person and that (at least) is our gift for Lottie Moon.
Would you consider giving an offering to Lottie Moon today? Did you know that we have missionaries who are called and trained to go but haven't been sent? The reason is there is not enoough money to send them all. Help be a part of the love of Jesus being spread all over the world! Here is where you can go to give http://imbresources.org/index.cfm/product/detail/prodID/256
Merry Christmas!
You can go here http://www.imb.org/main/give/page.asp?StoryID=5524 to read more about the lady the offerring is named after.
This offering (100% of it) is sent to Southern Baptist missionaries for the projects, efforts, churches, etc. they are heading to help people all over the world know that Jesus came as a baby, died on a cross and rose again just for them. Did you know if missionaries didn't go and tell some would never know of Jesus amazing love for them?
Mike and I each year have a tradition........................... the person we spend the most money on for Christmas is Lottie Moon. Yes, we add up whatever the most spent on one person and that (at least) is our gift for Lottie Moon.
Would you consider giving an offering to Lottie Moon today? Did you know that we have missionaries who are called and trained to go but haven't been sent? The reason is there is not enoough money to send them all. Help be a part of the love of Jesus being spread all over the world! Here is where you can go to give http://imbresources.org/index.cfm/product/detail/prodID/256
Merry Christmas!
Saturday, November 6, 2010
My heart is breaking..............
My heart is breaking ............................For several families I know who are walking down the hard road of separation and some even the road of divorce.
Marriage struggles are something every married couple face from time to time. Some continue to struggle because they never resolve the issue. So it keeps occurring. Struggles and issues do not just go away. Yes, you can ignore them and for a season things may seem better. However, more often that not that season ends and the struggle or issue resurfaces. It will continue to rear it's ugly head until the couple deals with it. Yes, it is often painful and not pleasant. BUT if we work through it and find a resolution it helps over the "long haul".
Marriage is something you have to work on- it is not easy. Yes we all think it is all wedded bliss as we walk down the aisle..... and it is lots of fun and happy times. But things change over time...... children come along, money gets tighter, your routine becomes a rut, your schedules get hectic, romance can become a thing of the past and the list goes on. But if you work to see the positive ............children are a blessing, the Lord provides, routines well they are routine, your schedule helps make memories, romance just takes a spark and the other stuff all has an upside too. The two most important things are to keep God at the center and keep your SELF last.
I have cried many tears over, for and sometimes with the families struggling right now. Oh Satan will you LEAVE families alone.............. Lord will you help us all put aside the things that so easily entangle us? Will you keep us so in love with you that our love for our spouse says strong and pure and true? Will you help the pitfalls that want to destroy our marriages away from our path? Will you help us daily say no to self and yes to you and your truth? Will you help us have eyes only for our beloved spouse? Will you help us focus on the strengths in them and not see the weaknesses?
We need you Lord. Our marriages need you. Our families need you. Bring about reconciliation in those who think there is no hope, who have given up and even moved on. Do what only you can do and restore their love for you, each other and their marriage.
Thank you Lord for the incredible gift you gave me in my spouse. Other than my salvation it is the best gift you ever gave me- thank you. His wisdom, patience and constant putting me first overwhelm me. His sense of humor keeps me laughing. His desire for missions, travel, pictures and being together make life interesting. He is my partner in ministry. His love for you makes me love him even more. Thank you he really meant in sickness and health, for richer for poorer, till death do us part! I love you Mike!
Marriage struggles are something every married couple face from time to time. Some continue to struggle because they never resolve the issue. So it keeps occurring. Struggles and issues do not just go away. Yes, you can ignore them and for a season things may seem better. However, more often that not that season ends and the struggle or issue resurfaces. It will continue to rear it's ugly head until the couple deals with it. Yes, it is often painful and not pleasant. BUT if we work through it and find a resolution it helps over the "long haul".
Marriage is something you have to work on- it is not easy. Yes we all think it is all wedded bliss as we walk down the aisle..... and it is lots of fun and happy times. But things change over time...... children come along, money gets tighter, your routine becomes a rut, your schedules get hectic, romance can become a thing of the past and the list goes on. But if you work to see the positive ............children are a blessing, the Lord provides, routines well they are routine, your schedule helps make memories, romance just takes a spark and the other stuff all has an upside too. The two most important things are to keep God at the center and keep your SELF last.
I have cried many tears over, for and sometimes with the families struggling right now. Oh Satan will you LEAVE families alone.............. Lord will you help us all put aside the things that so easily entangle us? Will you keep us so in love with you that our love for our spouse says strong and pure and true? Will you help the pitfalls that want to destroy our marriages away from our path? Will you help us daily say no to self and yes to you and your truth? Will you help us have eyes only for our beloved spouse? Will you help us focus on the strengths in them and not see the weaknesses?
We need you Lord. Our marriages need you. Our families need you. Bring about reconciliation in those who think there is no hope, who have given up and even moved on. Do what only you can do and restore their love for you, each other and their marriage.
Thank you Lord for the incredible gift you gave me in my spouse. Other than my salvation it is the best gift you ever gave me- thank you. His wisdom, patience and constant putting me first overwhelm me. His sense of humor keeps me laughing. His desire for missions, travel, pictures and being together make life interesting. He is my partner in ministry. His love for you makes me love him even more. Thank you he really meant in sickness and health, for richer for poorer, till death do us part! I love you Mike!
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