Wow 8 Things!!

Ok, I've been tagged by my friend Jensmere over at Count It All Joy! She would like to know be better.....So here goes.....

8 Things I look Forward To...

#1.) Each new day.

#2.) The weekend.

#3.) Spending time with Hubby.

#4.) Taking a vacation trip.

#5.) Reading a new suspense book.

#6.) Spending time with the kids.

#7.) The start of baseball season.

#8.) Christmas.

8 Things I Did Yesterday

#1.) Worked in the yard.

#2.) Went to lunch with Hubby.

#3.) Talked with my Mama on the phone. (which I do everyday)

#4.) Made supper for Hubby.

#5.) Did some grocery shopping.

#6.) Did a little laundry.

#7.) Bought some candy from some kids selling it door to door. Which is probably why I can't achieve #7 in the list below!! lol!!

#8.) Blogged. :)

8 Things I wish I could do.

#1.) Play the piano.

#2.) Write a novel.

#3.) Have a baby.

#4.) Sing a solo in church. (I have done this in the past, but I get soooo nervous)

#5.) Travel the world.

#6.) Win the Lottery.

#7.) Lose about 40 pounds.

#8.) Play the violin.

8 Shows I watch.

#1.) NCIS

#2.) Cold Case

#3.) Law & Order Criminal Intent

#4.) The Closer

#5.) Monk

#6.) House

#7.) Burn Notice

#8.) The Odd Couple

8 Bloggers Tagged

April at Say it On a Sign

Carey at Life in The Carpool Lane

April at Delta Kids

Mrs4444 at Half Past Kissin Time

Alicia at More Than Words

Shelia at Manic Mom

Lolli at Lollipop and Pearls

Sparkette at Our Lil Kilowatts

Here's the rules:

1) Mention the name of the person who tagged you.

2) Do the lists of 8

.3) Tag 8 Bloggers.

4) Let them know that they have been tagged!

Also let me know when you post your 8 so I can read them. I haven't quite figured out how to work the Mr. Linky Thingy.

You guys are all great!! Have a great evening.

And Leave me Comments!! I love hearing from you.

Harriet at I am Harriet is doing this great little thingy for the month of May. Hop over to her blog to read all about it.

In Christ,

What a Great Movie!!

Don'tcha hate it when critics say a movies not very good? You may have wanted to see it, but hey, they are the critics right? They should know what a good movie is. Duhhh.....I doubt they really know. I mean look at the movies that win the awards. It seems like half the time, I haven't even heard of the Oscar winner!

Over the weekend Hubby along with Amber and Jacky, watched the newest Will Smith movie, Seven Pounds. I admit it was a little confusing at first, but IT WAS SO GOOD!! The girls both cried at the end. (Because it was sooo sweet, not because it was bad) I love Will Smith. He usually has such good clean movies. I didn't notice any bad language. No nudity. A very nice movie.

So if you have a Red Box close to you, you can rent Seven Pounds for $1.00. Or go to Block Buster or wherever you rent movies from. I recommend it. Again the story line is confusing at first, but it is a very moving movie.

Friday it's suppose to be a rainy day and Hubby and I are both off work. I think we might take in a matinee, I have been dying to go see State of Play. It starrs Russell Crowe and Ben Alfeck. Seems like a good Suspense movie.

I hope everyone has a great night. And I just have to say, Wash your hands! Don't get the FLU!! :)

In Christ,

Friday Flashback Photo!!!

I know, I know, it's Monday, but I have been wanting to participate in this great meme that my blog friend Alicia at More Than Words has started. It's called Friday Flashback Photos. Go to her site to read more about. She also has a great button you can get. So here goes, time to walk down memory lane.

I am the girl holding the beach ball. We had a great beach theme party. It was a group of us from the BSU (Baptist Student Union) I was very active in that group in college. Those were the days! LOL!!!

I hope everyone had a terrific Monday!! Oh and Stellan has been discharged from the hospital! Praise God!!

In Christ,

Ahhhh!! Will I Survive The Drama Queen Years?????

Write now this very minute, while I am writing this bit of a post, Hubby and his oldest daughter are arguing over going to a youth program thingy at our church. They already go to one on Wednesday nights at their mom's church, but we are working really hard with Bio-Mom and Step-D to blend this family of ours together.

The thing is, the girls say our church is soooo boring. (even though we have been to their church that they attend with mom and it's the same style as ours) Everyone at our church youth group is a snob....They all wear abercrombie clothes.....blahh, blahh,blahh. They say, "Mom says we don't have to go if we don't want to go." (which I sincerely hope is something she didn't say) and well, you get the picture.

They have only been once. Who can make a decision on something after only once. I mean it took me a few dates to even decide on Hubby!! :)

Since my nieces are now living here too, we are thinking, maybe that would help them, they would have other kids there that they know. But, that still doesn't seem to make a difference. On, and on and on the drama goes. When will it be enough already? I understand how confusing and difficult being a 12 and 13 year old girl can be. Hey I was one at one time too.

Well enough about drama. We had a really good weekend otherwise. The kids didn't come over on Friday night, because Niko had a practice game and so Hubby decided that we would just go to the game on Saturday morning and then all come home together.

That worked out pretty well. (Especially since I wore myself out in the garden on Friday) We all were at Niko's game, he is so cute in his little baseball uniform. He needs some help in the batting department, but all in all he looks good. Little League is interesting. I've never paid attention to it before. I played softball growing up and I am a huge MLB fan. But I have never been to a Little League game. But once I got in the groove of the game, I was REALLY into it. I was cheering like a maniac. All the other parents were soooo hum drum. WHAT'S UP WITH THAT??? That's your kid out there people!!

Also, today is God Answer's Prayer Sunday!! This was started by Ruby Red @ Lions, Tigers, and Boys, Oh My!! So please if you have any prayer request, let me know and I will pray for you all week.

Have a great week!!

It's Small Talk 6 Saturday!!!

Small Talk Six Saturdays is a weekly Meme created by MomDot to engage conversations during the “slower” Blog Saturdays.Every week, those participating respond to a different topic. The response is done in 6; either 6 words, 6 paragraphs, photos etc…

Hummmm, today's topic is....6 things other people do that make me personally uncomfortable.

This could be interesting....

#1. Talk about other people in a negative way in front of me.

#2. Curse in front of me....especially the really bad words. You know what those words are right...

#3. Couples that do tooo much PDA. A smooch is ok, but come on, get a room already....

#4. When Hubby messes up the bed sheets. I like to keep them all nice and smooth. He likes a big mound of covers...Totally get on my nerves, this one. I should put it first.

#5. Whisper in a group of people. It's rude alright!

#6. When someone is rude to a sales clerk, and they are in front of me in line. I some how feel responsible for the whole thing....and it's not even my deal.

Wheeww. That was hard for me.

Today, I worked more in the garden. It was a beautiful day in Chicagoland. I promise I will post picture soon.

Here's something interesting. Hop on over to Lolli's blog at lollipop and pearls, she is doing this neat sentence thingy. Leave a one sentence comment and she is going to put all the comments together and write a story. My sentence wasn't very bright, but I did try. You should try it too, if you get a chance.

I hope everyone has a great Saturday. We are off to Niko's first baseball game of the season. He's never played before, so it's a really big deal.

In Christ, Renee

Friday Fragments Are Here Again...

So many fragments, so little time. That's why, if you write them down and save them all for a Friday Fragments post, you will find it very satisfying. Welcome to Friday Fragments, the home for those tidbits from your week that entertained you, puzzled you, or just made you happy. To find out more about Friday Fragments and how you to can be apart of it on your blog go to Half Past Kissin' Time.

***You may have read my last weeks Friday Fragments post about the goose that was nesting in the mall parking lot...Well this week she has 4 goslings. Hubby and I stopped by to take their picture, she didn't like it to much. Who knew that geese could hiss????

***My niece tells me she is confused...since they moved up here to Chicago, from Mississippi, she doesn't know which baseball team to root for. She really likes the Braves...I told her, that's ok to still like the Braves, but now she can like the Cubs too. She asked me "What about the White Sox?" WHAT!!! I said to her, not the White Sox....Oh No, not them.....but I will still love her if that is the team she chooses.

***This past week, I went dumpster diving with Hubby. We drove around some neighborhoods on trash day and found some great stuff. I used to be afraid of what people would think if they saw me taking something off their curb, but now, Who Cares....Trash to Treasure!!

***Did anyone know that the number, that is inside the triangle on plastics, actually means something?? I didn't until I learned it on the Today Show.

***It's not easy being green, but we all gotta try to do our part!

***Today in Chicagoland we are supposed to hit 80 degrees. The first time since November. Wooo Hooo!!! Break out the sunscreen baby.

***The kids are coming this weekend. Niko has ball practice tomorrow night and then a game on Saturday. It's his teams first one. I am going to try to take pictures. I have to use the old fashioned 35mm. Digital one is broken:( It will probably take me a few days to post any pictures I manage to get. How did we survive with the old camera's anyway?

***While watching the 70's TV show The Jefferson's last night, I started wondering, "Why does Louise Jefferson need a maid anyway?"

***And on a slightly sad note, Hubby's favorite pair of boxers finally had to be laid to rest. He is soooo said. He brought them to me and asked me if I could patch them up. I told him, "Honey, they've paid their dues, let them rest now".

(He gave me permission to add this little tidbit)

I hope you all have a great day today!! This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Writer's Block.....Not Exactly....Just Denial....

I have been having a little writer's block lately. Today I had the great idea that I would go to Mama's Losin it because she does this really great writer's workshop that I like to do from time to time. But today, her topic was, I will never forget. Wow, here I am, trying to find something to write about, that's a diversion of what I really want to write about and BAMMM, there it is. So I am writing about what I will never forget, just not necessarily the way she suggests to write it.

You see I didn't want to have to think at all about what today is.....The 2nd Anniversary of when my Daddy went to see Jesus! I do rejoice in this fact. He's not here on this earth to be in pain, worry about whatever and suffer the way all the rest of us are. But I am sad. I miss him. I loved him sooo. I was Daddy's girl.

I hadn't even thought about Daddy this morning, but while I was making Hubby breakfast, (Pancakes and bacon) He just popped into my mind. Isn't it weird how the littlest thing can bring forth a memory? Anyway, I reached over to pick up the bottle of veggie oil, to pour in the skillet, and POP, there was a memory flash.

I remembered, how on the rare occasion, my Daddy would make me and my sister breakfast. Sometimes, he would make us pancakes. But I didn't like his pancakes. I used to complain to my Mama, that Daddy's pancakes tasted greasy, hers were much better! (I think Daddy used a little tooo much oil) I don't think I ever complained to my Daddy though. (At least I hope not)

Ohhh, how I wish I had Daddy's pancakes today! As time goes on, I am less and less sad about my Daddy's passing. I rejoice more and more in the fact that He is fishing with Peter and the rest of the disciples in that big fishing pond in the sky. But, I haven't even been able to call my Mama quite yet today, I am sooo afraid I will cry. I don't want her to cry either.

So I will never forget these things about my Sweet Daddy. How he loved Jesus and he was an example of Christian Manhood to my sister and myself.

How he loved me and my sister and Mama.

How he was a gentle, sweet daddy. He hardly ever raised his voice, never raised his hand. Kind, sweet and gentle.

How he loved to play his guitar.

How he loved to go fishing.

I will never forget his laugh, and smile and blue eyes.

And how he loved to wear overalls! He worked tirelessly to provide for us.

Ohhhh, how I miss him, But I will never forget to the love he brought into our home!! I thank God for giving such a loving Daddy.

70's Woodsy Owl PSA Give a Hoot, Don't Pollute

Happy Earth Day! Here's a look at an early Public Service Announcement from the 70's. I guess even back then we cared about the environment, we just didn't realize it. Even though we have come along way.

I would love to hear ideas on ways you and your family are helping to save the earth! We are planning to switch over to windmill power this summer. That should be interesting. I haven't really done research on windmill power, but it sounds good.

Do you remember these commercials? Give a hoot, Don't Pollute.

Click over to Show My Face to find out some more wonderful ideas to help save the earth.

I Am Getting My Garden Together!

Some of you May remember in an earlier post I asked for some gardening advice. Well, I got a little, from several readers and now I am off to try out my green thumb!

I went with my Mama to Lowe's on Saturday and decided on what plants I am going to use. I have a really pretty tree that is planted along the edge of our yard close to the street, right by the mail box. I am going to by some of the edger blocks and build up the area around the tree.

Last summer, I planted a few things around the tree, but all the soil I put there washed away when it rained. So Mama gave me the great advice to build up the area, so the soil can't wash away. Have any of you ever used these brick edgers? But I was excited to see that a couple of my plants that I planted, did survive the Chicago winter.

I am planning on planting Creeping phlox under my tree. I also found a the cutest wrought iron wheel barrel that someone left by the curb for the garbage man to pick up. I saved it and I think, but not sure that I will be planting geraniums in it, or maybe impatiens.

My camera is broken, so I am going to have to buy a new one. Sorry I can provide any pictures of the yard.

I am feeling some better today. Not so much tummy problems. But I am still taking it easy. Thanks for the prayers!!

I am just wondering, what's the spring weather like at your house? Here it's 36 degrees, and we are expecting a few snow flakes. Ughhhh!! I want warm sunshine. The weatherman promises that by Saturday we are going to hit 80 degrees. I'll believe it when I see it.

Remember to pray for Stellan, as he is having his surgery today.

Love Ya, Renee

I feelin' a little icky!!

Hi everyone, I hope you are all doing great. I am under the weather. I have some sort of stomach issue and a spring cold! Just great right. I hope you don't mind, but I am copying this email that my cousin Donna sent me last night. It's too funny. Hopefully I will be feeling much better tomorrow, and well be able to do a regular post.

So I hope you read this and enjoy it as much as I did. I certainly got a good chuckle from it.

This one is priceless....A lesson to be learned from typing the wrong email address!!!!





A Minneapolis couple decided to go to Florida to thaw out during a particularly icy winter.





They planned to stay at the same hotel where they spent their
honeymoon 20 years earlier.





Because of hectic schedules, it was difficult to coordinate their travel schedules. So, the husband left Minnesota and flew to Florida on Thursday, with his wife flying down the following day.





The husband checked into the hotel. There was a computer in his room, so he decided to send an email to his wife. However, he accidentally left out one letter in her email address, and without realizing his error, sent the email.





Meanwhile, somewhere in Houston, a widow had just returned home from her husband's funeral. He was a minister who was called home to glory following a heart attack.


The widow decided to check her email expecting messages from relatives and friends. After reading the first message, she screamed and fainted.





The widow's son rushed into the room, found his mother on the floor, and saw the computer screen which read:





To: My Loving Wife
Subject: I've Arrived
Date: October 16, 2005



I know you're surprised to hear from me. They have computers here now and you are allowed to send emails to your loved ones. I've just arrived and have been checked in.





I've seen that everything has been prepared for your arrival tomorrow. Looking forward to seeing you then!!!! Hope your journey is as uneventful as mine was.





P. S. Sure is freaking hot down here!!!!

What's Your Age in Chocolate Years? It's a Puzzle!!

This morning I was blog hopping and I found the neatest math puzzle on A fish's beach wishes. I am by far not the person who usually enjoys math puzzles, but I attempted this one and I was AMAZED! You gotta try it.

This is sooo Cool!!. DON'T CHEAT BY SCROLLING DOWN FIRST! It just takes a minute. Work it out as you read. But be sure you don't read the bottom until you've worked it out! That would be so WRONG, Cheating, tsk, tsk.

1. Ok, first of all, pick the number of times a week that you would like to have chocolate (more than once but fewer than 10)

2. Now, multiply this number by 2 (just to be bold)

3. Ok, now add 5

4. Multiply it by 50 -- You'll probably need the calculator, so I'll wait while you get one.

5. If you have already had your birthday this year add 1759 .If you haven't, add 1758.

6. Now subtract the four digit year that you were born.You should have a three digit number

Now, here's the cool part. The first digit of this was your original number(i.e., how many times you want to have chocolate each week).

The next two numbers are YOUR AGE! (That's Right, it is!!!!!)THIS IS THE ONLY YEAR (2009) IT WILL EVER WORK, SO SPREAD IT AROUND WHILE IT LASTS.

Please leave me a comment if you have

a prayer request. I will lift you up in

prayer every day this week.

"Carry one another's burden..."

Gal 6:2

Have a great week! I have a prayer request too. Please pray for Caroline. She is a very sick little girl. She has ITP. You can visit her Mom's blog to find out more. Just click here Murray Mayhem.

In Christ's Love, Renee

It's Small Talk 6 Saturday Again!!

Small Talk Six Saturdays is a weekly Meme created by MomDot to engage conversations during the “slower” Blog Saturdays.Every week, those participating respond to a different topic. The response is done in 6; either 6 words, 6 paragraphs, photos etc…

This weeks Small Talk 6 Topic is......6 animals (domestic, wild, or exotic) you think would be fun to own as pets.

#1. Chimpanzee

#2. Parrot

#3. Pot Belly Pig

#4. Banty Rooster

#5. Seal

6. Rabbit=floppy ears and long haired.

Of course, I already have 2 of the best pets around, Elvis and Lizzie, 2 Maine Coon cats. They are soooo entertaining. They are like children, they are constantly making us laugh! I don't think I have any pictures of them to post. I'll have to check.

Sorry so late in getting this post out. I spent the day shopping with my Mama and 2 nieces, Kaydee and Kayla. We had a great day. I hope each of you had a great day as well!

Friday Fragments!!

So many fragments, so little time. That's why, if you write them down and save them all for a Friday Fragments post, you will find it very satisfying. Welcome to Friday Fragments, the home for those tidbits from your week that entertained you, puzzled you, or just made you happy. To find out more about Friday Fragments and how you to can be apart of it on your blog go to Half Past Kissin' Time.

***The other day I saw the strangest thing. A Canadian Goose was sitting on it's nest, which was in the middle of a busy strip mall parking lot. I wonder what made the goose decide to lay eggs there?

***Easter at our church was awesome. We had Kirk Cameron give his testimony. He was there with his wife and 6 children. He is a remarkable guy.

***The Cubs are off to a great start. They are on track with their last years season. But yesterday they did lose to those Dang Cardinals!

***This weekend at Hollywood Blvd Movie Theater Gone With The Wind is playing. I am trying to talk Hubby into going to see it with me. Can you believe he's never seen it? I told him, I sat through Dawn of the Dead with you, you can sit through GWTW with me! We'll see. Stay tuned....

***This past weekend we had the children here. It was an awesome weekend. No bad attitudes. I have really been praying for the children. Progress is being made. Thanks for all yu prayers as well.

***On Easter Sunday, we had 20 people at our house. This was the first Easter in 5 years I got to spend with my family.

***My Mom called this morning, someone, we don't know who, has had a tombstone placed on my Daddy's grave. My Hubby and I have been saving up to purchase one. We were planning to place it in May, but some anonymous person has placed one already. Thank you, whoever you are.

***I am getting ready to go pick up my nieces and my Mama. They are spending the night with me tonight. Hubby has to work late and we are going to have a great girls night.

***I recently read an article in the Chicago Tribune about a young woman who has decided to wear skirts or dresses for an entire year. She said it was tough to make it through the Chicago winter, but she did it. Wow, I don't think I could do that one. I have to say "More power to ya, sister!"

***Wow, I have 31 followers. I am honored that you are interested in what I have to say. I hope you all have a great weekend. Come back tomorrow for Simply 6 Saturdays.

Christ the Lord Is Risen Today!! Alleluia!!

My Heart is overflowing with the magnificence of Christ Jesus!! He is Risen!! I want to shout it out at everyone on the street. I ran into Wal-Mart this morning to pick up a last minute thing and I wanted to walk up to the greeter and give her a big hug and say, HE IS RISEN FROM THE DEAD AND HE IS LORD!!!. But I restrained myself and I simply told her Happy Easter. I think I should have maybe done the former. She may have thought I was crazy, but Oh Well. I am going to try harder to let my exuberance for the Lord Shine Out. I would for a rock star or movie star. Why not my Lord Jesus? I hope everyone has an awesome Easter!! For He has Risen!!

Christ, the Lord, is risen today, Alleluia!

Sons of men and angels say, Alleluia!

Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!

Sing, ye heavens, and earth, reply, Alleluia!

Love’s redeeming work is done, Alleluia!

Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia!

Lo! the Sun’s eclipse is over, Alleluia!

Lo! He sets in blood no more, Alleluia!

Vain the stone, the watch, the seal, Alleluia

!Christ hath burst the gates of hell, Alleluia!

Death in vain forbids His rise, Alleluia!

Christ hath opened paradise, Alleluia!

Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia!

Where, O death, is now thy sting? Alleluia!

Once He died our souls to save, Alleluia!

Where thy victory, O grave? Alleluia!

Soar we now where Christ hath led, Alleluia!

Following our exalted Head, Alleluia!

Made like Him, like Him we rise, Alleluia!

Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia!

Hail, the Lord of earth and Heaven, Alleluia!

Praise to Thee by both be given, Alleluia!

Thee we greet triumphant now, Alleluia!

Hail, the resurrection, thou, Alleluia!

King of glory, Soul of bliss, Alleluia!

Everlasting life is this, Alleluia!

Thee to know, Thy power to prove, Alleluia!

Thus to sing and thus to love, Alleluia!

Hymns of praise then let us sing, Alleluia!

Unto Christ, our heavenly King, Alleluia!

Who endured the cross and grave, Alleluia!

Sinners to redeem and save. Alleluia!

But the pains that He endured, Alleluia!

Our salvation have procured, Alleluia!

Now above the sky He’s King, Alleluia!

Where the angels ever sing. Alleluia!

Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia!

Our triumphant holy day, Alleluia!

Who did once upon the cross, Alleluia!

Suffer to redeem our loss. Alleluia!

Small Talk 6 Saturdays!!

Small Talk Six Saturdays is a weekly Meme created by MomDot to engage conversations during the “slower” Blog Saturdays.Every week, those participating respond to a different topic. The response is done in 6; either 6 words, 6 paragraphs, photos etc…

This weeks topic is 6 breakfast food that you love or hate...

#1. Blueberry Pancake or Buttermilk Pancakes yum, yum.....

#2. Orange Cinnamon rolls

#3. Grits==of course, what good southern girl doesn't like grits.

#4. Oatmeal

#5. French Toast

#6. Bacon.

That whole list just makes me hungry. Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day.

Thanks for everyone who participated in the 10 commandments list. Rebecca Jo and Walking on Sunshine, & The luckiest Mrs. all got the total 10 correct.

I hope everyone has a Wonderful Easter!!

Can You Remember All 10 of God's Commandments?

When driving into work I usually listen to Moody Christian Radio. This morning was no different. While I was crusin' down the I-55, toward Chicago, I was engrossed in the topic this A.M. A Pastor (I can't remember his name) was speaking about, how it seems that the generation of today, does not know the Bible as past generations have. He went on to say that Doctrine students of a recent college class, did not even know all the 10 commandments or where they were located in the Bible.

I thought to myself, "Well I know where they are located, let's see if I can name them." I started mentally counting them off. 1-2-3-4-5-6-7....I got only to 7! I couldn't remember all 10. I started counting them on my fingers out loud. 1-2-3-4-5-6-7....I still could only get 7.

The first thing I did when I went into the office was pull out my Bible from my desk. I looked them up. I can't believe that I couldn't remember all 10. I got the obvious ones, Thou shalt not Steal, Kill and so forth, but I am aggravated that I could not remember all 10.

I am going to write them out and post them on my refrigerator. I'm wondering, can any of you remember all 10? Now don't cheat & look them up first, but leave me a comment, just to let me know which ones you remember, just off the top of your head. Tomorrow I'll post the list of all 10 and the name of the one that got the most right!

Good luck, I know you probably can all remember more than I did. :) I hope you all have a Blessed day. Also the children are coming this weekend. Please pray for continued family progress, with the kids. We have all been doing really well, but bio-mom hasn't been encouraging the blending of the entire family. God is in control I know, and I pray that everyone will leave all bad attitudes at the door. It maybe futile, but I am praying that eventually, we will all truly love one another and get along. I told my Hubby the other day, we have a lot of years ahead of us together with these people. Graduation, ball-games, weddings, births of grand babies. Wouldn't it just be so much easier, if we loved one another? I know that this well not happen without God's help.

I recently came across a woman who blogs and she has 3 step-daughters and 2 nieces just like me. She gets along with the bio-mom. I am planning to ask her what her secret is.

Remember, This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

My Nieces Made Their First Snowman!@!

As you know, I my family recently moved up to Illinois from Mississippi. About 3 weeks ago that is. This past weekend, we had a snow. For those of us who have endured the long Chicago winter, we didn't think much of it. But for my nieces, this was their first substantial snow EVER! This snow isn't that much for those of us who are old hands at Chicago winter weather. But they were so excited. Here's a picture of their first snowman.

Snow: Something the rest of us have taken for granted, are SO tired of seeing, that something is wonderful and beautiful to someone else! How marvelous is that? I guess it all depends on your perspective. I hope everyone had a great day! Rejoice in the Lord!

The Greatest Commandment is to "Love One Another!"

Adolescence is a hard period in life, especially for girls. Boys do not seem to really strive on the acceptance, of their peers, that girls do. But thankfully, we grow up and leave all that childish behavior behind us. (Most of us that is) Some of us go to college and others start a job and/or family. We grow as people, (or we should!) and hopefully become productive members of society.

This past weekend, I had the opportunity to observe that this isn't always the case. Let's just say, I was quite surprised in fact, to find out that this was not the case. My sister had her 20 year class reunion, and well, it seems some things never change. Within an hour of the festivities Saturday night, one of Those girls, had posted on Facebook, some not so nice pictures of girls at the reunion. There were not so nice comments made under the photos. I can't believe it. Aren't we all supposed to "love one another"? Even if we aren't all bestie, best friends, is it really necessary to put unpleasant material regrading a classmate (or anyone for that matter) up on the Internet for the world to see? I mean we are all supposed to be grown up right?

I just keep thinking, of the girls that were unfortunate enough to have their pictures posted, they were at one time, friends of ours. We rode the bus together, we went to youth group together, we played softball together, we dreamed together, and then life happened. We all have circumstances that effect the way we look today. Stress, is a real thing. Depression is a real thing. These things can all cause our appearance to drastically change.

I do not understand why people have the need to bring others down to make themselves look good. I have never understood that need. But truthfully I must admit, that to myself, I may have been thrilled that the Prom Queen looks old, or well you get the picture. I am ashamed of this fact. I just refuse to participate in mean girl behavior. I wouldn't want someone to do that to me, so I choose not to do it to someone else. I am going to try to do better. I vow to try to always look beyond the surface, to the beauty that everyone (everyone!) has on the inside. We are all "fearfully and wonderfully made" Psalm 139:14; and we are "all created in God's Image" Genesis 1:27. It should make my life easier.

This is a venting post and I apologize. I just had to get this out and said. If we all would just look at people beyond the surface of a person, to the heart on the inside, the world might just be a better place!

So a thought would be, if we choose to make fun of someone, are we in a sense making fun of God? After all, He created everyone of us. It's something to ponder.

Thanks for letting me vent! You guys are awesome.

Secret Keeper Girl and The Steve Fee Band!!!

This weekend was an awesome weekend at our church. Friday night we had the Secret Keeper Girl Fashion Show and then last night we were surprised at the worship service, to have the Steve Fee band!

As you know we go to church on Saturday nights. Our church has 3 services, and that is the one we choose to attend. We attend Harvest Bible Chapel and it is pretty awesome. It's a big church though and we are just now starting to feel comfortable.

Friday night I had tickets to go to the Secret Keeper Girl Fashion Show. I had tickets for myself, bio-mom, my 2 s-daughters & their half-sis, and my 2 nieces. I figured it could be an opportunity for all of us to bond with one another and it would be a step in blending the family. (I guess I was wrong) I had spoken to bio-mom about this event several times and even gave her an info sheet from our church. I thought all was well. Guess what, No phone call, no nothing, just a no show. But GOD is ultimately in control of this entire situation and me and my nieces had an awesome time! God uses everything to HIS Glory. I know this. I praise God for His wisdom and compassion in every situation.

I have this little booklet that I got at our church book store. Freedom Through Forgiveness. By James MacDonald. (He's our Pastor) I have to pull it out from time to time and read it. It is so worn, (I've had to read it a lot) It's very on point with how we need to have forgiveness in our hearts. God forgives us and we MUST forgive others if we are to live fully in God's Will. It goes on to say that forgiveness isn't a feeling, it's an action, a choice, an act of will! It's a great little booklet and here's the link if you would like to pick one up. Walk in the word is our pastor's ministry. I can not allow someone else's hang ups, or the fruits of the injustice I may feel to destroy my joy that I feel in the LORD.

These are the fruits of unforgiveness:

#1=Bitterness

#2=Wrath

#3=Anger

#4=Clamor

#5=Evil-Speaking

#6=Malice

"Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and evil speaking be put away from you with all malice" Ephesians 4:31

So even though I or you may fill hurt from time to time or for some on a daily basis from past hurts from our childhoods or whatever, We are commanded to forgive. And with forgiveness comes forgetting. This is the really hard part. I ask God almost daily to take away from me a thought that pops up in my head regarding a past hurt. satan, loves for us to be in discord with one another, doesn't he.

I know some of you may not be believers in Christ Jesus, but as we enter into this Holy Week, celebrating Christ death and resurrection, KNOW this, HE wants to forgive us for all of our sins. Every little thing you can think of that you do, that you may think, "God can never forgive me for this" YES He can!!! All you have to do is invite Him into your heart and ask Him to forgive you of all your sins. Please know that once you do this, you aren't going to miraculously be perfect, (After all, we are all human) We will sin every day, we will hurt those we love, we will fail, but how wonderful to know that Jesus still loves us and will forgive us, if we just ask! He really makes it so simple. I will be happy to talk to you further about this is you wish. Just let me know.

Wow, that little bit certainly took a direction I didn't foresee. Isn't God awesome. He can turn anything into good. I mean anything!!!!

And as I mentioned we had the Steve Fee band in concert at church last night. They were amazing. I have a clip here you can get a little sample of them. The song is It's all because of Jesus Hope you enjoy it. Just click on the link here. I can't get the video embeded in my blog. Sorry! Amber usually helps me with this computer stuff and well, she's not here.

I want to start something new this week. Starting today I will do God Answers Prayer Sundays. I saw this on a wonderful blog I love to visit Lions, Tigers, and Boys, Oh My! and I love it. I want to become a stronger prayer warrior and I want to pray for you. God calls us to pray for one another and lift each other up to Him.

Please leave me your prayer request. I hope you all have an awesome week! I love hearing from you, so please leave a comment.

In Christ Love, Renee

Small Talk 6 Saturdays!!! 6 Lies? Oh My!

Small Talk Six Saturdays is a weekly Meme created by MomDot to engage conversations during the “slower” Blog Saturdays.Every week, those participating respond to a different topic. The response is done in 6; either 6 words, 6 paragraphs, photos etc…

This weeks Small Talk 6 Topic is......6 of the worst lies you've ever told.

Wow, let me think. I try not to lie very much these days, I am a pretty blunt person. What you see is what you get. I guess I probably lied the most when I was in college. I could never lie to my Mama, she always saw through it. Basically my life has always been an open book. But here goes.....

#1. I was of legal drinking age at 18, but when I was 19 the age became 21 and we were not grandfathered in. I was no longer legal. I used my roommates ID to get into a club.

#2. Did the cat really run away? or did he mysteriously disappear? Maybe I had something to do with that disappearance, or maybe not. I'll never tell.

#3. Officer I didn't mean to speed, I was praying and really talking to God, I didn't notice the speed limit. That didn't work, but I tried.

#4. Oh, I love that piece of art! My MIL has a piece of art (?) that's questionable! lol, and I have said that it's very nice. ha!

#5. Yes I can tell you've lost some weight. I mean, come on, I don't want to discourage someone and when they ask you and you said NO I can't tell. How mean is that. Sometimes a little white lie is.....well not OK, but you know.

#6. When I was 5, the little boy down the street said to me "I'll show you mine, if you show me yours" I said OK! I saw his, but he didn't see mine. I think I was in total shock, Wow what is that thing anyway?

What a hard post to do. I am so glad that I am no longer insecure and that I feel the need to lie. Age does give you a certain wisdom and I feel empowered with the strength and knowledge that I am Woman!

Once Again, This Could Be The Year!!

I am forever optimistic. I just know the Chicago Cubs are going to make it to the big dance this fall. The biggest dance of all the World Series. Never mind that I say this every year. This year is the year. I can feel it in my bones. Ha! That may just be arthritis. :)

My neighbor down the street has his Cubs flag flying. He has a big flag with a (W) on it for win they win the game. Life is good.

We are really big Cub fans in our neighborhood. So much so, that back in the fall, the house right next door to us was for sale and one of the people that looked at it had on a Chicago White Sox cap. Nope, they can't be moving on our street can they. The kids were concerned. But they didn't buy it and it's still up for sale. I guess if they had moved in we would have gotten along just fine, except maybe just a little rivalry.

I know there are so much more important things happening in the world today, but it's good to just sit back and welcome Opening Day. Go Cubbies!!!

On a more serious note, I have a couple of prayer request. My new blog friend Sarah, is asking for prayer regrading her day tomorrow. You can find out more by clicking on her link. Also, my friend and neighbor, Nikki, had surgery today. She had a lymph node removed. They are going to have to do a biopsy on it. Also please continue to lift our kids up in prayer as well. My sister has been released from the hospital. Thanks for your prayers!

Go Cubs Go!!