Counting Blessings...

Have you ever had that moment when you look back and you know without a shadow of a doubt that God was watching out for you?  I am not writing this post to brag or to give a holier than thou attitude.  I am writing it as a testimony!  God is so good!  And I love Him and want to give Him the Praise He deserves.

As many of you know we just returned home from a trip to Nebraska.  We had a wonderful time!  Time with family is always good…or it should be. We had an issue with one of the back windows on our car; it would not go back up.  Rocky, Stan's brother, messed with it a little and finally got it up.  The rest of the trip was great, a little dusting of snow and cold weather but it was a good week.

We had eye appointments in Kansas City on Wednesday, so we spent the night.  Following the doctor’s visit we had to find a place to stay, we stopped at one motel, but no luck.  So we proceeded to another one.  We thought it was strange when we pulled in to the parking lot and there was a BMW with 3 other cars parked around it, all out in the middle of the lot.  We actually drove around one of them to get a parking spot.  There were several men all over the place, we didn't think that much about it until we seen one with handcuffs and two of the others had a nice dressed man across the front of one of the cars, patting him down.  We went inside and when we got there the woman behind the desk was telling someone on the phone how 3 plain clothed men came barreling through the door with guns in their hands looking for her coworker.  She found out they had him under surveillance for quite awhile, and they finally had enough to get him.  Scary stuff-yeah a little!  I just want to say Thank you Jesus for keeping us safe!  If the timing had been a little different we could have actually been in the middle of all of that.  God is Good!

The weather Thursday was perfect, it was in the low 60’s.  Good thing, cause when we started to pull out of the station to head home the back window went down in the door and would not go back up.  We drove from Kansas City home with it down.  Again I want to Thank Jesus, it could of happened the day before, and then our car would have been sitting with the window down all night, with our stuff in it.  And then there is the weather, it could have been cold, or raining, or snowing but it wasn’t, it was a beautiful day.  God Is Good!

We made it home without any other problems, unloaded the car and pulled it in the garage.  Stan ran to the post office on Friday then returned the car to the garage.  On Saturday we were on our way to church to run the bulletin and realized we had a flat tire as we started to pull away.  After he realized his air tanks needed new adapters we called our Road Side Service on our insurance.  They were out within 30 minutes.

The attendant put air in the tire and used his spray soap solution on it and found a place in the sidewall that was leaking.  He was going to plug it so we could get to Wal-Mart but realized there was another place in the sidewall.  So he put the donut spare on instead.  Looking at the tire he found 3 places on the sidewall and two places in the tread, needless to say we put 2 new tires on, which were the older ones.  It is a wonder that we did not have a blowout.  Thank God it did not go flat while we were on the road.  Once again God was looking out for us. 

God is Good!  You may think that is all just circumstances, but you can think what you want.  I know in my heart that God was watching out for us, and He will watch out for you too, if you only give Him the chance. 

‘For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.’     Jeremiah 29:11-13

until next time…nel     

Happy Birthday to me...

I hope this works cause you can't get much better!

Birthday Greetings


until next time...nel

Hodgepodging Along the 163rd...

Can you believe it is Hodgepodge #163?  Just want to say you do a wonderful job Joyce!  Always ready with a list of questions to make us think. 

1. What's the biggest change since your childhood in the way people think or act?
So many people just don't care anymore, or at least it seems like it.  They are just out there bearing it all.  And kids grow up so much faster now days.  I was still playing with Barbies and dolls when I was 11 years old not worried because a boy didn't call.

2. The Olympic Biathlon involves cross country skiing broken up with either two or four rounds of target shooting. Which part of that would stress you out more? Or would you love them both equally?
Sorry I have not watched any of the Olympics so I have no clue what you are even asking.  Think I will just skip this one...

3. February is National Canned Food Month...what is your most often purchased canned food item?  What was in the last can you opened?
Probably green beans we purchase the most of.  I do not do the everyday cooking so I would have to say mushrooms when I made a homemade pizza a week or so ago.

4. What river (anywhere in the world) would you most like to cruise?
The Seine River in Paris.

5. It's the middle of the night and you can't sleep...what do you do? Count sheep? Toss and turn? Watch television? Or do you get up and do something productive?
I always figure when I can't sleep there must be something or someone the Lord wants me to pray for.  So I talk to the Shepherd for awhile then usually right back to sleep.

6. How important is keeping your cool?
I think it is very important.  Important for our health but also for our witness.  You never know who is looking up to you.

7. I've got white stuff on the brain so why not run with it? White lie, wave the white flag, white knuckle it, white wash a situation, or white as a sheet...which phrase could most recently apply to your own life in some way?
White Knuckle It.  Holding on tight cause it's just a bend in the River of Life!

8. Insert your own random thought here.
Yesterday my day started off wonderful.  I was able to video chat with my daughter and my youngest grandson Silas.  He is getting so big!  He is now 4 months old weighs 14 lbs 7 oz and is 24 1/4 inches long.  He is doing wonderful, growing like a weed.  He laughs now and is so dang cute!  Nothing like the grandkids to make your day!

until next time...nel

Catching the Hodgepodge This Week...

1.What makes love last?
I think there are several things that help love last...respect, consideration for the other person's feelings, but most of all putting God in the center.

2. The Beatles made their US debut fifty years ago this week. Are you a fan? If so, what's your favorite Beatles tune?
Not a big fan, I do have a few favorites though... Yesterday;  Long and Winding Road; One

3. Valentine's Day-your thoughts? Do you celebrate in any way? Do anything special for the people you love? Expect anything special from the people who love you? 
We always send my grands Valentine goody bags, mailed them out today.  And Stan & I usually exchange cards and he usually takes me out to eat.

4. Steak or burger...you have to choose. Now that that's settled, how do you like it? 
I love me some steak!  Medium Rare, nothing better!  No steak sauce don't want to hide the flavor.

5. The Hodgepodge lands on the birthdate (February 12th) of Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of the United States of America. Lincoln is quoted as saying,'Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test his character give him power.'  Do you agree? Why or why not?
Never really thought about it but you can tell a lot about someone when they are in power.  Do they become selfish with it, or do they think of others.

6. Honest Abe's image is featured on the US penny (1 cent coin) so I'm wondering...what do you do with your pennies (or your country's equivalent)?  It's been suggested the US stop making the penny, and two bills have been introduced proposing just that, but neither were approved. What say you?
I think pennies would be missed.  And they do add up.  I can remember times in my life where yes I counted pennies too.

7.  Do you think pop culture deserves serious study?
I am not sure it would do any good.  

8. Insert your own random thought here.
I must have been tired last week slept right through the Hodgepodge.  It was Wednesday before I was ready.  I am like a bear, I just want to hibernate during cold weather and we are having our share this year as well as everyone else.   Hope everyone has a great week!

until next time...nel

Hodgepodge #160...

1. It's  been said that one small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day. Do you think that's true? Do you find that an easy exercise most mornings? What's something positive you told yourself today? If you missed that boat, what's something positive you could tell yourself tomorrow?
We do set our mood when we get out of bed.  I have found if I pray and talk to God for a little while and ask him for help to make it through the day, it goes a lot smoother.

2. There will be karaoke at the next party you attend...are you in? Or will you be faking a sore throat?
Sure I'm game!

3. January 29th is National Puzzle Day...what's something you've found puzzling recently?
There is so much in this life that can be puzzling, but I think the one that sticks out is I do not understand any type of racism.  There is no one on this earth that is better than someone else...we are all equal.  And Jesus loves everyone of us!

4.  Jigsaw, crossword, acrostic, logic, sudoku, word search...what's your favorite kind of puzzle, and when did you last work one?
I love any type of puzzle bu my favorite I would have to say is jigsaws.  I work on a jigsaw everyday on my computer

5. Recently a writer by the name of Amy Glass ruffled feathers with a post she wrote saying she looks down on young women with husbands and kids and she's not sorry. Among other things, she says women will be equal with men when we stop saying house work and real work are equally important. You can read the whole piece by clicking here.

What say you? Do you think men and women are equal in the 21st century? Why or why not?
I think it is an individual choice.  Raising a family and keeping the house running is a full time job. I worked when I was raising my family not by choice but I had to, and that was also equally hard.  It was hard to keep everything balanced.  I look back and think there is many things I would of changed, but probably nothing that would have made a difference.

6. What's a product you've noticed in the grocery store that you'd like to try, but haven't yet?

I really cannot think of anything right now.  I am sure I could find something in the frozen section.  lol

7. The author, Charles Lutwidge Dodgson (aka Lewis Carroll) was born this week in 1832 (January 27th).  Which character from his celebrated novel, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, would you most like to meet, and why? Here's a linkto a character list if you need help on this one. 
Probably the Cheshire Cat...he is so intriguing!

8. Insert your own random thought here.
I think I am going to work on getting tax stuff together this next week.  That was random!  That is if I can stay awake long enough.  With this cold weather I want to hibernate like a bear!

until next time...nel

Hodgpodge #159

1. It was decided on Sunday the Denver Broncos will meet the Seattle Seahawks in this year's  Superbowl. So when was the last time you bowled? Not where you thought this question was going is it?  Do you like to bowl? Are you any good? 
It has been a few years since I bowled, which is quite sad because I love to bowl.  At one time I was on a league many many moons ago, and then I was good.  But now not so much!   I have been bowling on my tablet, but I guess that doesn't count. lol

2.   Should sports stars be role models? 
I don't think so, but maybe that's because I am not a sports person.

3. January is National Oatmeal month...are you a fan? How do you like your oats?
Nope you can hold the oats.  I will eat them once in a great while, but I prefer them in cookies.

4. What is one book on your reading list for 2014?
The Bible.

5. What would you like your future self to say to your present self?
Get your act together and quit wasting so much time on the computer.

6. When scrolling through the TV guide, what is one movie title that makes you want to stop, grab the popcorn, and watch for a while?
Hmmm, I am not big on movies and have to stay away from popcorn, but I could settle for some chips and maybe a good chic flick.
 
7. What are two style trends you hope never come back into fashion?
Hotpants and Afro hairstyles

8.  Insert your own random thought here.
This has been a very busy enjoyable week.  My hubby's twin brother is here visiting for a few weeks from Nebraska.  I have spent a lot of time in the office but I can hear them talking and laughing.  Glad they are getting to spend some quality time together.

until next time...nel

Hodgepodge Time...

1.  Are you a force to be reckoned with? In what way?
Not really sure, but I guess you could say I am.  If my mind is made up on something I can be quite forceful, or stubborn.  lol

2. What are two things you love about the wintertime? Or, if love feels like too strong a word, what are two things you 'like' about winter? 
I love how red the cardinals look during the winter, especially if there is snow around.  I also love having a cover on while reading or crocheting.

3. Pomegranate, kumquat, persimmon, kiwi, and guava are all fruits said to have health benefits, particularly during the winter months. Do you have a favorite on the list? Are there any on the list you haven't tried? 
I would say kiwi is my favorite but probably because I have never tried the other.  I know what can I say, sheltered life.  lol

4. I passed a local church yesterday and noticed they had this on their outdoor sign- 'When all else fails, do the right thing.' Your thoughts?
That is kind of a strange sign especially for a church. You should be doing the right thing from the beginning but not as an afterthought of failing.

5. Do you ski? According to one list I've seen, the top 5 ski destinations for 2014 are-St. Anton Austria, Whistler Canada, Cortina Italy, Tahoe USA, and Zermatt Switzerland.  Of the five listed, which would you most like to visit? We can make skiing optional if that helps the non-skiers with their answer. 
I am not a skier, but I love the Tahoe area!  And would love to visit Canada for sure!

6.  What's the last thing you looked for online? (Besides my blog!)
I was looking at crochet patterns this afternoon.

7. What saying, slogan, quote, or motto have you seen lately that inspires you for the new year?
"Enjoying What God Has Given Us!"

8.  Insert your own random thought here. 
My mind is blank tonight...  If you have not checked out my craft page on Facebook, check it out here.  NFast Creations  Several things available, if you are looking for something in particular just ask!  There will eventually be other items besides crocheted items.   If you check it out don't forget to like my page.

until next time...nel

GIVE-A-WAY

Ok Everyone Time for a Give-A-Way - Starting tomorrow, Friday 1/10/14 at Noon (central time) and running until Monday, 1/13/14 Noon you have a chance to be entered into the Give-a-way. If you share this picture and post on your blog or like my Facebook page during this time period you will be given an entry for each. If you place an order or have placed an order in 2014 you will receive 2 entries. Remember it has to be between the time period posted. We will be giving away 2 scrubbies and a dishcloth. Good Luck All! Remember has to be between the time period posted.  Please leave me a comment when shared or if you like my Facebook page.

until next time...nel

Hodgepodging in 2014

1. Every January 1st since 1976 Lake Superior University has published a list of words they'd like to see banished from the Queen's English.  Words may be banished due to misuse, overuse or just general uselessness (go here to read more about how the words were chosen).  Here are the words/phrases they'd like to see banished in 2014-

selfie, twerk/twerking, hashtag, Twittersphere, Mr. Mom, T-bone, ____on steroids, the suffixes-ageddon, and -pocalypse added to anything and everything, from the world of politics the words-intellectually/morally bankruptand Obamacare, and from the world of sports the words-adversity and fan base

Which of these words/phrases would you most like to see banished from everyday speech and why? Is there a word not on the list you'd like to add?
I think twerk/twerking.  Every time I hear that word that awful video of Miley Cyrus replays in my mind...so so sad!

2. What one unfinished project nags at you begging to be completed in this new year?
Wow I have several but I think the one thing I want to finish is making copies of my mom's pictures for family.  Then I also have some videos from Janice's youth I have promised to put on dvd's.

3. When did you last have a bowl of soup? What kind? Homemade or from a can? What's your favorite soup?
One day last week - homemade vegetable.  I think my favorite is potato soup.

4. Snowed in, snowed under, snow job...which one most applies to your life in recent days, figuratively speaking.
Snowed in - we have been snowed in since Saturday evening, oh you said figuratively, hmmmm.  Snowed under- I am ready for life to quiet down a little.

5. What's the funniest movie you've ever seen, or at least one of the funniest?
This is terrible, nothing comes to mind.  I do not watch a lot of TV and seldom go to the show.  

6.  In general, would you say you're clumsy?
Not so much, I don't think so.

7. Elvis Presley was born on Hodgepodge Day (January 8th) back in 1935.  Are you an Elvis fan?  What's your favorite Elvis tune? If that's too hard, which Elvis tune do you dislike the least?  Click here for a list of his songs.
Not a big Elvis fan, I never listened to him, however I do remember watching his shows when they would come on TV.  I remember him singing "Are You Lonesome Tonight?"  Always liked that one.

8. Insert your own random thought here.
Hard to believe 2013 is gone and we have started a new year.  The Lord has truly blessed our family.  My grand kids are my greatest blessing.  Silas James is wonderful.  He had his Swallow study today, and they said everything looks great.  Thank you Jesus!  Spent some time over the weekend video chatting with Eden Jade, then we played a game together.  Isn't technology wonderful!  Cain Alan is growing by leaps and bounds.  He is now a head taller than me and wearing a size 12 shoe, he is only in the 7th grade.  He is going to be a big young man.  I looked back through some pictures the other day, pictures when he was 3 years old and joined our family, pictures of Eden when she was in the NICU and now Silas.  Brought tears to my eyes, when you think about how good God is to us and how blessed we are!  Thank you Jesus!

until next time...nel