Sunday Morning Scripture

Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name;
make known among the nations what he has done.
I Chronicles 16:8

Thankful

I am thankful for my sink of dirty dishes because it means we have plenty of food to eat.

I am thankful for the pile of dirty laundry because it means we have plenty of clothes to wear.

I am thankful for our unmade beds; they were so warm and comfortable last night. I know that many have no bed.

I am thankful for our mortgage payment I just paid because it means we have a roof over our heads.

I am thankful for the seemingly unending trail of toys I pick up each day because it means there are happy children playing in my home.

I am thankful for the dirty bathroom with it's streaked mirrors, toothpaste splattered sink, and damp towels lying on the floor. Many are not as blessed with such a convenience.

The presence of all these chores awaiting me says my family is richly blessed. Lord, please remind me to do them cheerfully and to do them gratefully.

Christmas Garland Project

I have a little project for us just in time for Christmas decorating. What?! You're not already decorating for Christmas?! What are you waiting for, woman...Christmas is barely 4 weeks away!

The Nesting Place has posted pictures and detailed instructions for making the MOST FABULOUS Christmas garland you've ever seen. I tried to "borrow" a picture to share it here on my blog, but she's got those things locked up tight. You'll just have to follow the link below to see her post. This is one definite to-do thing on my Christmas decorating list! Of course, I'm sure mine won't look as magnificent as hers, but it will surely beat what's been on the mantle in the past. I'll be sure to share pictures when I get mine done!

Here's the link to the Nester's post: http://nestingplacenc.blogspot.com/2008/11/most-wonderful-chirstmas-garland-and.html

A mom's work is never done...

Anyone that is a mom or ever had a mom can appreciate this one:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYZ7EMoMu64

Abby's First Dentist Visit

I've been putting this off for sooooo long, but decided it was definitely time for Abby's first visit to the dentist. Our pediatrician had given us a list at her 2-year check-up for local pediatric dentists. Last Tuesday, I picked a name off the list and gave them a call. Figuring that it would probably take at least a month to get in as a new patient, I was shocked when the receptionist said they had an opening on Monday at 10:20am. I eagerly took it and started downloading the new patient forms from their website. Don't you just love the internet? I always hate filling out new patient forms when I go somewhere. This was SO convenient to be able to do them at home! Anyway, Monday morning arrived and we started getting ready. I did not tell Abby where we were going until we were ready to leave. Then, I simply told her that we were going somewhere to let someone see her pretty teeth.

When we got there, the waiting room was empty so Abby had a blast for the entire 3 minutes we had to wait. She was not at all ready to go back when they called her name! With some coaxing, we went back and they had me sit with my legs out to the side of the chair. Abby straddled by lap and laid back on my legs with her head in the dental tech's lap. She quickly brushed her teeth with a regular toothbrush and YUCKY toothpaste. Abby made lots of faces while she brushed, but didn't clamp her mouth shut as she does with me. After she finished brushing, she wiped off the excess and asked Abby if she wanted some water...which she did. She then scraped her teeth a little with that pointy thing they use. Again, Abby obviously wasn't thrilled, but hung in there until she finished. Next was flossing. I couldn't believe how well Abby did while she flossed her teeth! We bought some of those flossers and will begin doing it at home too. I just hope she will cooperate with me as well as she did the dental tech. After that, she got to sit up and we made the mistake of telling her we were all done. Well, that wasn't exactly the truth. The dentist hadn't checked her out so she had to lay down again. She was not happy about it either. After we bribed her with a balloon and a sticker, she finally laid down. Opening her mouth again was another story! She had it clamped shut with her hand over it for extra protection. The dentist, dental tech, and I were all talking to her at the same time when I noticed that she seemed to be getting upset. I quickly told the dental tech to get her a dental mirror to hold so she could watch what the dentist was doing. Thankfully that did the trick. I just love it when those good mommy skills kick in and avoid an oncoming meltdown! She VERY relunctantly opened her mouth a TINY little bit, but with continued talking, me pulling down her chin a little, the dentist prying her mouth open with his fingers, and the aid of that little dental mirror for her to monitor what he was doing, he managed to check her teeth. Whew! I think I was as ready as she was to be over with it too! We go back in May for another cleaning and x-rays. Yeah...I'm NOT looking forward to that one either. Especially since Abby will now quickly tell anyone that asks "I not wike the dentist!"

showing off her shiny teeth in the dental chair

(that white thing over her face is the string to her balloon)

at home holding her balloon and dental report card

(obviously not wanting to have her picture made)

Bethune Elementary UPDATE!

WOW! I could hardly believe my eyes this morning when I did my daily check on the 500uniforms.org site. They have raised $10,046!!! When I checked on Friday, it was only at $4400! It more than doubled over the weekend. I also got an email this morning from Shaun King, pastor at The Courageous Church, which said they had enough money to purchase 367 out of 500 uniforms needed. (I'm certain there have been more funds given since his calculation, but it's fairly close.) His email thanked the people that have donated and also asked for three things:

1. Would you pray for the success of our endeavor @ http://500uniforms.org ?
2. Would you spread the word by telling others all about it on your blogs, social networks, and with your friends and family?
3. Would you consider purchasing uniforms and toys for the children of Bethune as gifts for your friends and family?

God is definitely in the miracle working business! Let's continue to PRAY and, if you haven't already donated, please consider doing so!

'Tis the season - Part 2

Still looking for a way to share the Christmas spirit this holiday season? Here's another one for you: Operation Christmas Child sponsored by Samaritan's Purse International.

Here's the link: http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/occ/

Basically, you choose an age group and a gender. Then fill a standard size shoe box with goodies for that child. Wrap the box (if you choose) and put a printable label on it (available on the website). Take the box, along with $7 to cover shipping, to one of the designated drop-off locations. Don't know where to find a local drop-off location? Just enter your zip code on the website and it will give you a list of locations near you.

Let's all bring a little joy and hope to some children living in desperate situations all around the world through the simple gift of a shoe box. This is the perfect opportunity to teach your children and grandchildren about the blessings of giving to those less fortunate. I'm going to have both of my girls each fill a shoe box for a little girl their age and donate it this year. Don't delay though...National Collection Week is November 17-24.

"Tis the season...

Let's be real....you and I both already know that the true meaning of the Christmas has been hijacked and replaced with credit cards and consumerism. I'm sure you don’t need another lesson on the reason for the season, but maybe you do need an opportunity to celebrate it's true meaning. If so, the children of Bethune Elementary in downtown Atlanta are waiting for you. A whopping 98% of these kids live at or below the poverty level and a local church is trying to get enough money to buy each child a new school uniform ($25) and a new toy ($15) for Christmas.

I challenge you to reach out to these children in need. I did and it feels good to know that such a small donation can make a huge difference in their lives. Don't hesitate...make your contribution today! Any amount will be greatly appreciated since they only have roughly $3700 toward their goal of $21,000. The donation drive ends December 2nd so be sure to share the website with others (friends, family, church, blog readers) and together we can make this holiday season something to remember for these deserving kids!

Here's the website: http://www.500uniforms.org/

DISCLAIMER: I do not know these people and I am not affiliated with them in any way. I believe the Holy Spirit led me to find out about them and has laid it upon my heart to share their story. Therefore, if my small efforts helps lead others to participate in God's plan for these children, then I am honored to have been a part.

A new president...

The votes have been calculated and it appears that Obama will be the next president of our country. It wasn't my choice...I voted for McCain and I consider myself to be a Republican. However, I am choosing not to fuel the hatred that this country has bled for this past 8 years. We have been the laughing stock of the world with the disrespect that the general population has shown for G.W. Bush. Regardless of my political affiliation, I will choose to respect this president, honor the system that chose this man to be our leader, and model appropriate behavior towards our country's leader regardless of party until his actions, if ever, warrant the dissolution of that respect. I don't have to agree with him, but I will honor and show respect for him as well as pray without ceasing for our country and it's new leader. I hope you will join me.

My fellow Americans....

Did you???

Abby and I made our way to the polling location this morning around 11:30am. Thankfully, we were not greeted with the extremely long lines I've heard about elsewhere. In fact, we walked in the front door, were immediately greeted by a poll worker, showed ID, voted, and were out the door in less than 3 minutes! Abby didn't care for having to be still while I punched a few buttons on the voting machine, but she loved the sticker she got afterwards as well as the attention of the apparently bored poll workers.

Sunday Morning Scripture

Let us then approach the throne of GRACE
with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and

find grace to help us in our time of need.

Hebrews 4:16