Meeting, Cell Phone, and City Cop......

Okay so I'm ahead of schedule.....(should have known by that, something would happen).....to a meeting, the cell phone rings, I'm digging for the phone, all the while approaching an intersection making a right turn, trying to miss the curb, happen chance I look in my rear view and what do my wandering eyes see......a city cop chasing after me:)

Blue lights and all!

Right at the red light for all to see!

Wonder how long he had been behind me?

I scramble for my insurance card...now which billfold did I put that thing in?

Bingo...found it and my license...whew!

Mr. City Cop asks me if I knew my license plate would expire in a day. Sure I knew that. Added bonus...the tags receipts and license plate were laying in the passenger seat. Last time I checked it wasn't a felony to wait until the last day to actually put them on my car:) So, I ask him what I was doing wrong. To which he replied I was doing 55 in a 35. Oh well, I'm so sorry. You see I'm trying to get to a meeting and I needed to be early, and I'm a little nervous about what I'm getting myself into at this meeting, yata, yata, blubber, blubber.

I sit and wait.

For what I thought would be an enormous ticket....for several minutes he had me wait.

Whew.....a warning!

Thank you sir!

I made it to the meeting. On time.

And what a blessing it turned out to be.

What a lesson it taught me......the meeting that is. Warning Ticket was just another speed bump in the road, saying slow down Carrie.....not saying I'm not thankful it was just a warning. 'Cause I am thankful!

But Faith that God is in control....not only in my spiritual life, but he wants it all...work too!

It's not easy. I'm not promised that all my problems will evaporate because I have it. What faith gives me is the endurance needed when a cop comes my way:), when I hear bad news, when the money runs tight, when car breaks down, when sickness comes, when job situations arise. Anything life throws at me, I can face it knowing I have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. He is my everything. All I need to do is breathe it in and exhale the good news about Him.

Like the good 'ole song says, "I'm trusting, trusting in His word, He promised me a home above, I'm trusting, trusting in His word......"

Ya'll that's all that matters!

Carrie

Hoodwinked

In case you were wandering, doubt that, but just in case.....we had us a little trip this past week.....hence my reason for not posting. We actually pulled one over on the boys. Our original plans were to just get in the car and drive. I couldn't quite get settled on that. Plans seem imperative for me. So in last ditch efforts I scramble on the web for the perfect 4-day get-a-way, close to home, and something the boys really love to do.

Golf.

I find a deal and forward to hubby, he approves and off we go. All the while the boys think we are on this horrid road trip with camping gear and golf clubs (just in case:). Amish country....yeah that's where we'll go. To that, they both stick their ipod ear buds in and roll their eyes:) lol!!! "Just great" they proclaim.

Hubby is having a blast with this one.

After about 2 hours of driving we reach our destination. Boys are clueless. One thing we didn't count on....son #1 is MapQuest. He knew we missed our exit to the Amish country. We deter them by stopping by our fav-o-rite Krispy Creme for a early morning snack. Again, we make another wrong turn according to MapQuestSon. Our wrong turn drove us straight to our place of stay. They both instantaneously say, "boy, this would be a nice place to stay and hey, there is a RTJ Golf course...man that would be awesome." I busted, could not contain myself any longer. We told them this is our place of stay and yes, you get to golf here. They were like, "no way."

Oh what fun!

I'll post some pics later.

Just checking back in.

Having blogging withdrawals:)

Ahhhh...I feel better now.

Carrie

P.S. I was the DH for golf. I drove the cart and was instructed on when to speak etc. I got a lot of shushing and be quiets:) Finally after the 3rd day.....3 very long, hot, 4 hour days......I managed to understand this game they call golf. They even let me keep score....well sometime. Par for the course:) I understand that statement alllllllll tooooo wellllllll:) now:)

Vacation 2008

Eggless.....

Let me start by saying I'm on vacation this week.....and still at home:) Yeah, the boys are loving this:) We had so much fun yesterday! With their help, we shucked, silked and bagged 80+ gallon size freezer bags=around 500 ear of corn:) I'm still :) However, they are not. This is the usual pilgrimage to some hot, sandy beach where we sit under an umbrella and apply sunscreen, noxema, gold bond powder, and make a ER visit:) We decided to chill this year and just be:) Well, at least for a couple of days anyway. We will do something! Just let me recuperate from what the boys believe was straight from the movie, "children of the corn." Oh please:)

What does eggless have to do with today's post? Vacation brings on lots of things.

1) No grocery shopping the week before.

2)Packing.

3)Vehicle maintenance.

4)Checking the many lists off.

5)So on and so on....you know the drill.

No problemo.

Well, one slight problem. The guys don't take to kindly to being without some grub. Okay me too:) But, I won't break vacation rule #1.

Which leads me to being eggless. I never knew how much I needed them. Every scrap of food left in the cupboards required an egg. What do I do? Google it of course:)

And to my surprise these were two suggestions given:

1) banana

2) sour cream

So far I have used a banana as a substitute in my peanut butter cookie recipe and sour cream in the brownies.

Son #2 refused to eat the cookies even though he made them because of the naner. I think if he didn't know it was in there he would have eaten it, 'cause son #1 lapped them right up...never quenched.

The brownies were divine too!

It's amazing what you can trump up with remnants of this and that:)

If all else fails...WE WILL EAT SOME CORN!

Ya'll have a good week!

Until next time....May God Bless you,

Carrie

They're Back!

With lots of noise. Together again. Reunion. Come back tour. Making any sense to you? Guess

not. What I just described was our evening last night. Mama singing and playing the pInaner,

Daddy playing the bass, and sons playing the guitar to "Glory to His Name!" The back slapping

good time we had! Funniest part of it all....we are not musicians.....yet! To say the dog was

howling is an understatement.

Quiet is gone!

I'm glad!

The boys have a vision....playing the guitar. I hope and pray that I will never interfere and always support any God given vision they have. Even if it means wearing ear plugs:) JK! I pray that whatever gift/talent God gives them, they will use for His glory!

Joel 2:28 (King James Version)
28And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:

Have a blessed weekend!

Carrie

Today is a very Thankful Thursday for me. My kids are returning home! Let me say, the first couple of days were nice.....no cooking, picking up after them, etc........but then I heard quite. I didn't like it. Very strange. Empty nest syndrome. Mom tells me you get over it:) lol!!!....quick:) I guess so after 4 leaving the nest!



Thank you Jesus for:



~Your love and forgiveness



~Salvation full and free



~Saving my boys



~Hubby



~Safe trip home for the grandparents/boys (en route now)



~Rain



~Family and Friends



~Health



~Fresh Veggies



~Roof over my head/shoes on my feet



Singing again....."Thank you Lord for your blessings on me." Join with me in song and praise on this beautiful day that God has made.



Verse I



As the world looks upon me, as I struggle along They say I have nothing, but they are so wrong In my heart I'm rejoicing, how I wish they could see Thank you Lord, for your blessings on me



Chorus



There's a roof up above me I've a good place to sleep There's food on my table And shoes on my feet You gave me your love Lord And a fine family Thank you Lord, for your blessings on me



Verse II



Now I know I'm not wealthy, and these clothes , they're not new I don't have much money, but Lord I have you And to me that's all that matters, though the world cannot see Thank you Lord, for your blessings on me



Repeat Chorus, then: Thank you Lord, for your blessings on me



Thanks to Iris for hosting Thankful Thursday!



Blessings to each of you,



Carrie

I stumbled upon this blog. Stumbled may not be the right word to use, because I've been praying and asking God where He wanted my blog to be going. So for a better word, lead, seems more fitting. Remember when you ask, you may not like what you get, but it is what you need. And this involved some work and thinking. Hum.....those are not my strong suits. Knowing God knows best, I dove head first into Becoming Me's Mission Tour. She asked that we write a mission statement for our blogs. No wonder my blog wasn't feeling complete....I had left out the mission. I work for a non-profit agency, so my first thought went to our motto which states, "our mission is to eliminate the paradox of poverty in the midst of plenty." Wow! I could never come up with such a profound statement as that.

I'm going to try. Here it goes.

The mission of "A New Heart" is indeed just that. The journey of my Mother who is waiting for a heart transplant. The desire to blog, came out of my need to express my thoughts and feelings. But first and foremost, I wanted to proclaim to the world that Jesus Christ is the same today as He was when He walked this earth 2,000 years ago. I want to praise Him for His many blessings. I John 4:19 says, "We love him, because he first loved us." That my friend is my motto.

Statements of Purpose

-If you are looking for an experienced eloquent writer, you are on the wrong blog.

-If you love the Lord our God with all your heart, soul and mind, you are my sister/brother in Christ, nice to meet you.

-If you don't know the Lord Jesus as your Saviour, I'm praying that you will listen to His word and accept Him before it's too late. John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish but have everlasting life."

-I will keep you updated of Mom's journey. I welcome comments directed to her. I will pass your words of prayers and encouragement on to her. Also, leave your comments if you have had a transplant, or know of someone who has.

-Last, but certainly not least, I have to write about the details of my life. Those very important details are my husband and two sons. I love them so! Oh, and my family and friends, they are a big part of my life too!

Thanks to Becoming Me for giving me a shot in the arm. Although I had to think, it was the best medicine!

Blessings to you,

Carrie

Lot of things to talk about......

Update: Doctor told Mom, "no more jumping on the bed", ;) lol!!!, no seriously, he told her that everything seemed okay, except she would have to come off her fluid Rx for a while. So, she is still on the IV pic line and will be until she gets a heart. They didn't move it (IV line) to her chest, and I forgot to ask when they will. So far so good! Keep praying for God's will to do done. I know "it" will happen in His time and for His glory!

Just got off the phone with Mom, and her heart cath, you know the one she dreads, went good! Praise the Lord! We dread this for her every time she is scheduled to have one. So we asked for extra special prayers to make this an easy one, and He doesn't disappoint! She is waiting to see the doctor, so when I hear from that visit, I'll update!

We are childless! No elaboration needed:)

My head is spinning.....sinus....again:)

Well, I can't help but elaborate on the childless thing. The grandparents were so kind to take the boys on a little adventure. They left yesterday morning early and are due back Thursday. What to do? Hubby takes me out to eat and a little shopping:) My new favorite "Abuelos". I don't even like Mexican restaurants. But this place is awesome. I think all the hot foods got my sinuses loose....hince...the head spinning thing:) Joy! We even watched a whole movie..."The Pursuit of Happyness".....cried like a baby......crying + sinus=supercharged head spinning:)

Now, I just miss them:(

Thanks for your prayers,

Carrie

Workaholics!

Another devotion today girls/guys! When it comes to work, the first word/person that pops into my mind is my Dad. This word describes him to a tee! His favorite song in the church hymnal is, "Work for the night is coming!" We always used to grin as children and still do, when he requests this song. I know he is thinking spiritually minded, but we cannot help but think, yeah, this is all you think about....work, work, work! So, it's especially hard to see him at home, asleep, this days:) lol!!! My parents are getting older:( My kids think I'm a big fat liar, because of all the stories I have told them about how I dreaded to see Spring Break or Summer come....I knew it meant...work:) I wasn't abused, like my kids think abuse....chores:)....the boys just flat crack me up over that one! But yes, we did have work to do. I look back now and actually appreciate my parents for making me pick up rocks, hoe sticky bushes out of pastures, garden, mow the yard, rack hay...not in a barn....I'm talking tractor and several acres..etc..you get the picture:)

My pastor mentioned something similar to this in his sermon about how a grandfather had made his grandchildren work all day, all the while they were begging to stop. He wanted them to have the satisfaction of persevering until the end. Seeing that something they began, even though it was tough, being finished and getting the feeling of accomplishment, when wanting to give up seemed the best option at the time.

Lately, I've struggled with work/stay at home tug-of-war. I am in no way a workaholic, but I do find satisfaction in it. I'm one of those Moms who loves her children to pieces, but yet has to work. Not saying we don't need the money, 'cause who doesn't, but we could manage. It's just there is something in me that desires and has a....I just can't think of a word here....need to work. Weird, I know. My Mom doesn't quite figure me out, and neither do I, but it's just me. And that's the only person I know to be. So while having the Mommy blues, I'm asking God to reveal to me the person/Mom he wants me to be. I keep reading/hearing, "stay the course, finish the race, and today He spoke these words to me through the devotion...."Don't just work hard, work for the right reasons!"

"God measures with a different yardstick."

"He won't ask what kind of car you drive, but how many people you gave rides to.

He won't ask the square footage of your home, but how you raised your children and treated your family.

He won't ask about the brand names in your closet, but who you helped to clothe.

He won't ask about your salary, but how much you invested into the building of His kingdom.

He won't ask you about your job title, but if you tried to perform with excellence and integrity. He won't ask how many friends you had, but how many people you were a friend to.

He won't ask what neighborhood you lived in, but if you loved your neighbor.

He won't ask about your politics or the color of your skin, but about the quality of your character."

Lots to swallow!

But I know that if I put God first, He will take care of the rest!

As for the work song, Dad was right on target. No matter what place we are in our lives, time of day it is, season of the year, we have to continue His work until He returns. I want to hear my Heavenly Father say, " well done, my good and faithful servant."

Proverbs 3:6, "Put God first, and He will.....crown your efforts with success."

For His kingdom, I'm praying that I will Work......... for the night is coming!

Carrie

Preview of the new Fall 2008 Styles for Child-Rearing Mom's

My precious son #1 told me that I looked like a pilgrim today:)

Me-Say what?

Son #1-Yeah, what's up with the black and white?

Me-Again...say what?

I love the honesty of teenagers! However, he could have kept that one to himself:) lol!!!

As for the black dress and white cardigan....1) I didn't have to iron it and 2) I was trying to make it look like I wasn't attending a funeral.......guess it didn't work.

I dislike ironing.

I love the fact that my kids care enough about themselves to let me know when I'm embarrassing them by looking like a pilgrim, in the middle of town, standing in front of these statues:) ROFL!

We're having a blast this summer:) lol!!

L8R,

Pilgrim Mom

Prepare for the unexpected

Update: I've had a few requests for a pic....and the sad part of it.......I almost did:) ROFL!!!

My kids refer to my legs as, "bird legs." Well, they might as well change that thought to, "hurt legs." 'Cause they (boys) are constantly stepping on my toes....really.....ouch...you just mashed my foot. No matter if I were to trip and land on top of my head....it's my legs that take the beating....and I have the scars to prove it.

Yesterday, as I was trying to do a good deed, I slashed my leg into:) Before I explain, may I ask why it is that when we try and do something good, some pain comes my way. I am a klutz. Making no excuses here.

So here's the scene:

- Hot

-Decrepit truck

-4 of us in said truck (not built for 4 long legged bodies)

-me and son #2 decide to swap places

-did I mention it was hot

-decrepit truck has no A/C

-trying to swap seats with son #2....and ripped 4 inches of hide off my leg...no lie.

-blood....lots of blood....still bleeding today

-Hubby says it "probably" doesn't need stitches

And I laughed at Lisa and her toe:) lol!!! Not laughing at you, just that I can relate:) ROFL!!!! So, Luke if you are reading this....I'm expecting a get well card!

To add some spiritual revelation here, I thought of what a lady at church said Sunday. After experiencing some health problems, she is praying and asking God to show her what He is trying to teach her through it. After having a fit(anybody besides me have these:)) over a cut leg, I immediately thought of what she had said Sunday. After having me a hissy fit in the hot truck, I began to think of what this lady said. God what are you trying to tell me here? We are trying to do good, I have nothing with me to fix the cut, and on a time crunch.

But I did.

Fix it.

And yes we made it on time.

I think I must be the type of person who needs a painfully visual reminder that I am here to do God's will and not mine! "In all thy ways acknowledge him, and He shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:6

Very trivial thing to cut your leg, should be and it was...not trying to make a mountain out of a mole hill here, just everyday life that happens.....it's how I handle life that makes me stop and think......"God what are you trying to teach me?"

Carrie

Back from a few days of nothing!

Absolutely loved it! Our 4th involved these chairs for the most part. We did get to see a fabulous show on Thursday night and enjoyed some good food with family on Saturday and Sunday. MIL made some great kabobs and I made a stab at some home made peach ice cream/soup:) Slight problem on the freezing end. However it tasted good. And lots more grilled veggies and peach cobbler on Sunday. Couldn't ask for anything better!




I'm new to this whole grilling/baking veggies. Baking/grilling meats I've been doing, but veggies? I've always thought if it ain't broke, don't fix it. And how can fried squash/okra, etc. get any better? Grilling/baking, that's how! KT introduced me to the carrot/sweet potato..aka KT's Jaunders. I just added squash, zucchini, red potatoes, onions, red, orange, yellow pepper, and a new kind of squash. Mom and I were in Wally World making our way around the produce aisle and there was this huge bin of *coyote squash. Being the shy women we are, we asked a guy that was working in that department, "what was this thing that cost $1.25/piece?". He opened his pocket knife and cut it open. Seeing I didn't know where this knife had been, I refuse to try. Not Mom..... she ate it......living on the edge:) She loved it! It's a mixture of squash and some sweet fruit. A good twist to throw in the mix. Add you some olive oil, sea salt and peppercorn on all the veggies and bake/grill until tender. OH MY GOSH!!!




Another first for me. I'm 36 years old and I canned my first green beans last night. Mom has always canned beans. She just didn't want us around while doing it.......possible explosion:) What I thought was some big hairy deal, in fact is not. My only fear now is Hubby is going to want to make a garden next year....gulp!




*not sure of the name....sounded like coyote:) lol!!! I tried to google it...to no avail. Next time I'm at Wally World I'll get some more of them and let you know the correct name.

Have a blessed day!

Carrie

The Cactus Cuties sing the National Anthem at Spurs Playoff

Happy 4th of July!

This weeks WFMW had a theme. The request was for a simple recipe of 5 ingredients or less. First one that popped into my head was my family's all-time favorite.......CHOCOLATE GRAVY.....Mawmaw style that is! When Hubby and I first married, my list of entrees was somewhat....short! I was an outside girl and who needs to know how to cook?

Me...obviously..'cause # 1...... I LOVE TO EAT:) and #2 I married me a man that LOVES TO EAT :)...and #3 I have two healthy boys who LOVE TO EAT:) lol!!!!!!!!!!! So, after a few times of Hubby having to drink his mashed potatoes through a straw.....I had me a little visit with Mom and Mawmaw. Who knew you had to drain the water off the potatoes before creaming them:) lol!!! I've made many a calls to my MIL too...she is an awesome cook!

I've come a long ways since then and have learned from the best. So here goes my secret recipe handed down from Mawmaw. I always looked forward to spending the night with her and waking up to the smell of some good 'ole home made cat-head biscuits with........drum roll.......CHOCOLATE GRAVY! Talk about making you slap your Grandma! This is the best treat! This is our Sunday go to meeting breakfast!

Mawmaw's Chocolate Gravy

Ingredients:

1 cup sugar

4 Tbsp. cocoa

4 Tbsp. flour (all purpose)

2 Tbsp. stick butter

1 cup milk

Directions:

Mix together the sugar, cocoa and flour in a medium size sauce pan. Add milk and butter. Cook over medium heat. Stirring constantly until desired thickness....(my bunch likes it thin).

Now pour this stuff over some hot biscuits! And then go hug the cook!

Go check out http://www.rocksinmydryer.typepad.com/ for more easy recipes!

Enjoy!!

Carrie

Now there...it's fixed! I feel better! Oh, I'm talking to myself.....excuse me.....my picture of Mawmaw's beautiful hydrangea! It's in the center of the page! I can rest now:) Mark that off my to-do list of things to finish:) Just 100 or more to go:)

Back to work I go!

Hope your having a good day!

I am! My head is beginning to feel normal again....thanks to antibiotics...this sinus stuff is dragging me down....and everyone close to me:) Anybody still with me? If so, I think we need to form a sinus support group! 'Cause I haven't been coping very well:)

Do you see me trying to smile through this:)

To date......THIS IS THE WORST POST.....EVER!

I'm going to try and make it better now. My devotion today told me to...."DEAL WITH IT!" Thank you Lord for speaking the truth to me!

L8R,

Carrie

P.S. If this is your first time to stop by, please, please come back....I'm not usually this scattered...usually:) lol!!!!