This Thursday is a special edition of Thankful Thursday. I had to go ahead and post yesterday about my kids being saved....some things just can't wait!




So, I'll begin my Thankful list with:




1) Singing with my friend KT..."There are new names written down in glory, and it's J&J, oh yes it's J&J, with a white robed angel singing glory, 2 sinners have come home" This is KT's yesterday's version of this song:)




2) God is still in the saving business!




3) God is still answering prayers!





4) Though undeserving, He still loves us!





5) I can call my family and friends in the middle of the night, and they still love me:)






6) I can call on my family and friends to pray...and they do!






7) God gives us the right words to say to a questioning child.






8) My Pastor and Church! Kids do listen!





9) Tears!





10) Voices to Sing!






11) Beautiful Smiles!





12) This one is from Mom, "Thank God for His unexpected blessings!"




13) Another one from Mom, "God works in mysterious ways."




14) Health!

http://www.rocksinmydryer.typepad.com/
Thanks for hosting WFMW!

How to De-Stem Strawberries!

Don't you just love strawberries!! Hubby and I do!! My sweet SIL stopped at my cousin M's Strawberry Farm and picked me up some.

So here is what WFMW tip I got from them:

As we...yes Hubby helped me...... prepare these berries.....the tip was a success. And here it goes:

Items needed:

1) Drinking Straw

2) Freezer bags

How to:

1) Don't wash them. Wipe dirt...if needed.

2) Push straw from bottom of berry up through the stem. Tada!

3) You are now ready to put them in a freezer bag for future use!

Now for the bestest part:)

1) I fried up some frozen waffles this morning in a tid bit of olive oil;

2) Poured some warm syrup over them (2 that is);

3) Squirted some cool whip in a can on top of the syrup, that was on top of the waffles;

4) Throwed some strawberries on top of all of that;

5) Garnished with some walnuts!

I was going to show you a picture of that scrumptious breakfast we had this morning....but, I had it ate before I could take the pic. Sorry:) lol!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now, if you need some of these berries....Gilbert Strawberry Farm - Strawberries Hwy 40 East, Henagar, AL 35978. Phone: (256) 657-5581. Directions: Approx 1/4 mi. east of the Henagar red light on Hwy 40 E, Co Rd 134. Open: Mon-Sat, 7 am to until dusk. We pick April 20 to May then we open for U-Pick in June. Call for pricing.

Now go and get 'em while they are fresh!

Happy Day to you!

Carrie

Angels Are Rejoicing!

Over what you ask? Two lost souls are now saved! My two sons! Yes, after what seemed to be a normal ballgame night, turned into the most wonderful, sweetest time with my children. Words cannot express what I feel today. As you know, there is nothing greater than salvation...and it is something I've prayed for, for a long time now, for them.

Due to the time crunch of getting ready this morning for an award ceremony at school, I will post more details of this glorious night later today. I just had to Praise the Lord for His Saving Grace! Ain't God Good! He is always on time!!

Check back later today for more.......

Thank you Jesus, thank you Jesus, thank you Jesus, thank you Jesus, thank you Jesus!

**************************************************************************

I'm back! I just came from son #1's awards day at school. I'm proud of him, but none of that compares to the Heavenly Award his received last night from our Heavenly Father. For those of you who have prayed for him, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. He is 13 and I had such a burden for him, but low and behold my 9 year old, out of the blue last night, had been burden down with a feeling of needing to be saved. I knew he had asked several questions lately, but had no idea just how concerned he was. I tell you we had a Hallelujah Happy Spell last night right in his bedroom. You can't tell me that God isn't real! He shows up at the most unexpected places and times....just when you begin to give up.....he comes in and does the unexpected! Let me tell you right now, the Holy Spirit was real last night in my house, in my PJ's, in the middle of the night! I'll will never be able to thank Him enough for what he has done and is gonna do!

What I thought was a broken heart over a couple of strike-outs, was in fact a broken spirit and a contrite heart! No way was he upset over such trivial things as strike outs, no, it was a need to be saved. Praise the Lord! What I learned last night from a 9 year old, I will never forget! God can use children in a mighty way! His testimony spilled over to my 13 year old and he also accepted Jesus as his Saviour too. See what I mean....you think a 9 year old can't be a witness...think again:) lol!!!!!!

As parents, J and I, will forever treasure last night....it is one of the greatest moments a parent can experience with their children. Oh what a mighty God we serve! The grandparents came over, and we had another good time in the Lord! Ain't God Good!

My 9 year old made several phone calls last night to aunts and friends. Sorry he woke you from your slumber, but I knew you wouldn't mind. We love you all so much!!

I'm trying to get myself straightened up, but I think the smile on my face and swollen eyes will be around for awhile.

Love you,

Carrie

Today is vent day......

Update: Thanks to Lisa, she cleared me up on how to keep my post and delete the nasty comment. So for those of you who haven't read the post that drove the commenter to such audacity...it's back on. click here.

There is just something I've got to get off my chest. Apparently even blogland is not exempt from Satan's attacks. This is probably no surprise to you. However, I received a comment on a previous post that I did on National Prayer Day, May 1. I can't link this post to you, because I removed it due to the comment that Satan left. You know the school-yard rhyme..."sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me"......well, he may as well have thrown stones at me! It was the most abhorring comment...apparently written by an atheist. I couldn't even read the whole long thing, it made me sick. Then I had to stop and think how God must feel. To know that He died for everyone...even those who do not believe in him. I had to stop and pray for this individual. Maybe through something he/she reads on this blog or other Christian blogs...the Holy Spirit's convicting power will be so that he/she cannot bear it any longer and accepts Jesus as their Saviour.

I began this blog to help my Mom. So, why in the world can't people keep their rude and insulting comments to themselves. This is not a mandatory read! Come on, give me a break here. I'm not any better to receive criticism, and I welcome it...keeps me in line....but to talk about God they way this person did....offends me to know end!!!! I reserve the right to praise God in any way shape form or fashion I please. I want His name proclaimed as the mighty King He is. The Bible tells me if we don't praise Him...the rocks and mountain's will! If you just look around they scream....look how wonderful and beautiful God's creation is!

My point being.......I don't read blogs that are dirty and certainly don't comment on them...so please refrain from commenting on My Life....it's just that..... My Life....My personal journey on God's green earth! I belong to Him!! Thank you Jesus! If you don't agree......I'm praying for you anyway....but please don't leave your comments.

To fellow bloggers....has this happened to any of you? I wanted to just delete the comment, but couldn't figure out how, without deleting the whole post. I want to keep the post. Help? For the future, I've changed my comment form, allowing me to review/approve the comments.

That's all for today:)

This is a must read! Our pastor reads this to the congregation every year on Mother's Day. And every year it gets sweeter! Get your kleenex box...you are gonna need it!

Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Happy Mother's Day!

If I had to choose two words to describe my Mom, they would be, "simple love." When I look back on my life, all I want, all I need to give, is that same simple love my Mom gives to me. The kind of love that always gives and never asks back. A lifetime of love that permeates to the very depth of your being. One I will carry with me to my grave.

This "simple love" came from the love of God and how she has kept him the center of her life. I've watched her experience death of loved-ones, how she stood by them until the end, taking care of their every need. Listened to her prayers and testimonies, thanking God for His blessings. Asking how to accept the miracle he performed in her life, that allowed her to live through a massive heart attack. How unworthy she felt for such a blessing. How humbling this experience has been. How she doesn't like to be the center of attention. How selfish she feels when she needs to ask for assistance. These "simple acts" are indeed great.

Now that she is waiting for a heart transplant, I've considered all the times she has put others before herself, and now ask myself, "can I return the simple love?" Yes, with the Lord's help and every ounce of my being, I will! My prayer is that I will pass it on, and my children will know the "simple love" that I know.

When we can do nothing else, we can "simply love."

Love you Mom!

I have the greatest MIL, Charlotte. She too, has this simple love. I love her dearly and will never be able to repay her for all she has done for me and the boys. She instilled that same kind and gentle spirit to her son, my better half. For that I am grateful! She has lost so much this past year, but through it all she stood steadfast to her faith in God! I still have this penny with a cross cut out of it, in my wallet. She gave me this before our trip to NY, for her heart surgery. I will never forget what God did for her back then! The penny is a reminder of what that trip symbolized! I keep it in with my license and when I'm asked to show it, people always ask about it. What a good opportunity to slip a little Jesus in, and tell just how big He is!!

There are so many women in my life that are such roll models. My grandmother, sisters, friends, aunt, sil, cousin....you all mean so much to me! I love you all dearly!!!

Ruth received the annual Mother's Day Bible at church yesterday. It goes to the oldest Mother present, that has never received it before. Another deserving Mother. She and her husband are the pillar of our community! I love them so much!

Love,

Carrie

Pucker Up and Get Ready For A Lipsticky Kiss!!

Ain't he cute!

The perfect pout!

It even tastes good!

Guess who found Mawmaw's lipstick?

Thanks to my Brother J and SIL M for providing me blog material:) lol!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

LYL!!

Carrie

Leaving you with a couple of pics of what I came home to yesterday evening......can you guess what's planned for the weekend:) lol!!! Gotta love 'em!!!

Thanks Iris @ http://www.eph2810.com/ for hosting Thankful Thursdays! Check her out and see many more Thankful Hearts!

It Is No Secret What God Can Do!

That's what my Mawmaw said. And boy is she ever on target. Last Thursday was a good visit with her. I always come away feeling blessed from visiting with her. Even though her dementia limits her to keeping with conversation, she always knows just what to add to it. She knows something is not right with Mom, and she regularly requests prayer for Mom at her church every Sunday she gets to go.....which BTW is my sweet Aunt who gets up that extra hour and makes the trek to get her and take her. Thanks Auntie M for all you do...we love you! God is gracious enough to us that he has allowed her to recognize us so far and help her sense certain things...and one being her concern for Mom. I believe as long as we Mothers have one ounce of strength and mind about us, we will forever worry about our children.

As we were leaving she thanked us for coming and expressed her love for us and the whole family and thanked us again for all the family does for her. She reminded Mom how good God had been to Mom by allowing her to feel as good as she does and to have come this far. But, what struck my heart string the most was what she said as we left, "It is no secret what God can do." Now what about that?...coming from a lady who lives in the past most of the time and cannot remember if she ate 2 mintues ago or not! I went away having been blessed!

Then she blessed my heart again this past Sunday. She cried. Why is that so special you ask...because I haven't saw her cry since my Pawpaw died 6 years ago. She lost her only son about 3 years ago and couldn't shed a tear. She told me one time she didn't know where her tears were, but she sure wished she could cry. God has answered that prayer. I could not get myself straightened up for love nor money. I guess I needed a good cry too Mawmaw! It was sweet and sad all at the same time.

I'll leave you with some photos of this past weekend's Decoration/Memorial Service at my Mawmaw's church. Here in the south we still honor this tradition.

Strolling along on this beautiful Lord's Day!

Mom with the grandkids!

Gravesite of my Pawpaw and Uncle.....We miss you! (Notice the boot-shaped head stone....Uncle loved horses.)

LR; (Me, Mom, Sister P and Sister C)

Last but certainly not least.....my friend T with my hubby! T's been after me about why she hasn't made the blog.....I had to wait until I got just the right picture.....and I finally did!! Love ya girl! btw.....if you happen to see T out somewhere and she calls you by a name that's not your name....just play along.... :) lol!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Have a blessed day!

Carrie

Breeding place of anything nasty....aka....my home!

I've had waaaaay too many encounters with pesky insects and rodents lately....actually enough to last me a life time:) Yesterday morning, as I was setting in my chair at work, talking to Mom on the phone, I feel something crawling across my leg. First thought...spider...no biggy....then a closer look confirms my worst fear....A TICK! Anything that can suck blood like those things can.....gives me the creeps! Not to mention a disease:) Thankfully it had not attached..yet...and I flushed her down the toilet...why did I just call it a her instead of a him? Anyway....it's gone!

I'm not really a fan of dogs and especially cats....and please don't call the Humane Society on me....I'm not cruel to animals...I just don't love love love them and I'm especially not fond of them jumping on me...which is what Athena did to me that morning. I'm trying to get to the car, which is parked in the freshly mowed grass...hint wet feet and wet feet with grass on them....and she decides to pounce on me:) lol!!!....All the while I'm trying to salvage son #1's shoes she was currently eating:) Now, I'm dressed for work and well the day just didn't start off just right:) if you know what I mean....time is of the essence! And for some reason this dog loves me:) She actually minds me.....the only member of the family that I don't hug and kiss on...actually loves me:) Go figure:) lol!!!!!!!!!!! I know what it is...I feed her good....lots of home made goodies....so every time I'm out the door she attacks me, thinking what good scraps I have for her this time. I bring it on myself....see I am too good to her and she is just trying to repay me:) lol!!! Whatever:)lol!!

Back to Mr. Tick......I figure I got him while Athena was loving on me:) My home has suddenly became this breeding place for insects and rodents! UGH!!! Don't you want to come and visit? We love to share:) lol!!!!!!!! Just wondering if disrupting the ground, like we've done in the backyard...see above link to Athena...to see what I'm talking about....has stirred all these critters up? Just wondering?

I made a trek to Fred's and stocked up on all repellents....wonder if they have a repellent for dogs:) Just kidding:) lol!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I did see a repellent for snakes....got to go back and get that for sure:) And I bought Athena a big bone to gnaw on, hopefully instead of the shoes, and guess what she did with that? Went and buried it:)

After all I did for her....that heifer woke me up barking in the wee hours this morning! She and I are fixing to have a heart to heart! Because I love her so:) lol!!! Plus, I was dreaming all kinds of crazy stuff....like me and my friend KT were in son #1's decrepit truck....KT was driving us to who knows where, because I couldn't see...which is usually her...and I broke my cell phone...which I have... and we were off for a weekend....and had to turn around because it was in the middle of the night and I had all these problems...and I just was tossing and turning all night trying to solve our problems. Crazy but true.....I must be stressed....again:)

You would think being raised on a farm that I would just love dogs and cats....you think? I'll stick with cows....they don't love on me, just hubby:) lol!!! Another story for another day:)

What does this say about me?

I'm thinking a cold fish loafer!

Got to work on that!

L8R,

Carrie

CGBC Ladies Banquet

This is an updated version.....I knew I had more pictures:) Forgive me, for I know not what I do:) lol!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

CGBC Ladies Banquet

May 4th, 2008

Turn on the volume....music always soothes the soul.

A big thank you and hug goes out to Lori. She so graciously organized this event! And to all who helped her. There ain't nothing better than getting together with Godly women. We had great food and lots of wonderful new memories added to our hearts and minds. Lisa did an outstanding job with inspiring us to rise to whatever occasion life throws at us......just like Paul did! God can give us the strength to face the adversity of everyday occurrences, if we will only ask.

As the song goes..."You Can't Keep A Good Woman Down"....or that should have been the title...had a woman sang it:) lol!!!!!!!!!

Have a great week!

Love ya,

Carrie