Picture of the Day 59

February 28th: Matthew 8:1-13; Exodus 39-40; Proverbs 18

The name of the Lord is a strong tower;
the righteous run to it and are safe.
Proverbs 18:10

Days of March

March
1	Beer Day
	Be Positive - Do Something Day
2	Namesake Day
3	Fun Facts About Names Day
4	Courageous Followers Day
5	Learn What Your Name Means Day
6	Nametag Day
7	Middle Name Pride Day
	World Day of Prayer
8	Genealogy Day
	International Working Woman's Day
9	Check Your Batteries Day
10	Napping Monday
11	Organize Your Home Office Day
	Dream 2008 Day
14	International Ask a Question Day
	Pi Day (3.14159265)
15	Maple Syrup Day
	True Confessions Day
16	Lips Appreciation Day
17	Freedom of Information Day
18	Awkward Moments Day
	Forgive Mom and Dad Day
19	Act Happy Day
	National Chocolate Caramel Day
20	Companies That Care Day
	Great American Meat Out Day
21	National Common Courtesy Day
	Memory Day
22	As Young As You Feel Day
	International Goof Off Day
	World Day for Water
23	O.K. Day
	National Puppy Day
24	National Chocolate Covered Raisins Day
25	Pecan Day
26	Make Up Your Own Holiday Day
27	Education and Sharing Day
	Kite Flying Day
	Quirky Country Music Song Titles Day
29	National Mom & Pop Business Owner's Day
30	Grass is Always Browner On The Other Side Day
	Pencil Day
31	National "She's Funny That Way" Day

9 Lists

Can you recall the items that belong in the 9 lists below?

• 8 planets in the solar system (formally known as the 9 planets)
• 7 dwarfs
• 7 (widely accepted) natural wonders of the world
• 8 reindeer
• 5 oceans
• 7 deadly sins
• 7 continents
• 13 major deserts
• 10 Commandments

Answers to follow in a day or 2...

Picture of the Day 58

February 27th: Matthew 7; Exodus 37-38; Proverbs 17

A cheerful heart is good medicine,
but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
Proverbs 17:22

Solutions

Have you ever wondered what random things you can do with random items. Well, here's a few ideas from Real Simple's January 2009 magazine.

Rubber Bands

1. Open jars with ease.
2. Decorate Easter eggs.
3. Bring order to your dishwasher.
4. Wrap a gift (in place of ribbon).

Toothpicks

1. Label meat.
2. Find the end of the roll.
3. Glue beads and sequins.
4. Sew a button better.
5. Press a gadget's reset button.

Salt

1. Clean up a cracked egg.
2. Dust a wreath.
3. Remove tea stains.
4. Shine brass and copper.

Post-it Notes

1. Clean a keyboard.
2. Navigate the roads.
3. Mark containers.
4. File away.
5. Play tic-tac-toe.

Felt Circles

1. Secure slinky garments.
2. Anchor a cutting board.
3. Prevent tabletop scratches.
4. Keep your kitchen quiet.
5. Protect the walls.

Clear Nail Polish

1. Keep an eyeglass screw in place.
2. Secure buttons.
3. Avoid rust stains in the bathroom.
4. Seal an envelope.
5. Extend the life of jewelry.

There you go. For more info on the tips, just google.

I can't give away all the details now, can I...

May She Rest...

Izzie Boo

December 14, 2006 - February 20, 2009

After an extremely short battle with pneumonia, Izzie Boo left this earth to play fetch with her Eternal Father. Izzie was survived by her mother, Riley, her brother, Monty, and her "daddy", Skippy; as well as her human people: mother Courtney, grandparents Allyson and Ed, and aunts and uncle Chris, Paige, and Kaitlin. We will forever miss endless hours of throwing the ball for our dear beloved pet, as well as her (not so gentle) love and affection. Izzie's youthful, playful spirit will greatly be missed.

May you run your heart out in heaven.

Picture of the Day 57

February 26th: Matthew 6:19-34; Exodus 35-36; Proverbs 16

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:33-34

All a man's ways seem innocent to him,
but motives are weighed by the Lord.
Proverbs 16:2

Commit to the Lord whatever you do,
and your plans will succeed.
Proverbs 16:3

Pleasant words are a honeycomb,
sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
Proverbs 16:24

Picture of the Day 56

February 25th: Matthew 6:1-18; Exodus 33-34; Proverbs 15

A happy heart makes the face cheerful,
but heartache crushes the spirit.
Provers 15:13

A cheerful look brings joy to the heart,
and good news gives health to the bones.
Proverbs 15:30

The fear of the Lord teaches a man wisdom,
and humility comes before honor.
Proverbs 15:33

Picture of the Day 55

February 24th: Matthew 5:1-21; Exodus 30-32; Proverbs 14

A patient man has great understanding;
but a quick-tempered man displays folly. Proverbs 14:29

Oh happy day!

Happy 21st Birthday Kaitlin!

(Please note, the beverage above was a virgin pina colada. Tonight, virgin drinks are not allowed!)

Today is Kaitlin's birthday. She's 21 years old. I'll be taking my camera to dinner (to include adult beverages) and will snap away the momentous event.

Stay tuned...

Picture of the Day 54

February 23rd: Matthew 5:1-20; Exodus 28-29; Proverbs 13

Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Matthew 5:4

Pride only breeds quarrels,
but wisdom is found in those who take advice.
Proverbs 13:10

Update...

Alright, alright. So I know many of you are dying for an update on Dennis. And I've been meaning to post one for, oh, a couple weeks now. Life is happening so fast that I haven't had a break or a chance to breath.

More on that later.

So things with Dennis were going along, smoothly too if I might add. We were back to texting and talking regularly. I did not initiate any of the phone calls might I add. I got back from the cruise, after 4 days of no communication with him, and I told him that I missed him. I really didn't expect a response of any kind, and I really didn't get one right away. The same night I got home I got a call. We chit chatted some, then he got serious and asked he we could talk serious for a few minutes, he had a couple questions to ask me. Alright... I honestly didn't know what to expect. Well, he asked/mentioned that maybe he'd come down in a month or 2. Or maybe we'd plan a trip with the kids to Florida. Because you see "the kids" really miss me. They ask about me all the time. Elijah thinks I'm still at the hotel I stayed at up there, and he wants to come see me and have waffles (continental breakfast) with me. How cute! But Dennis, do you miss me? Well, yea, of course I do; I think of you often. Music to my ears.

2 steps forward.

So I thought, let's not get my hopes up too much. Let's not look too much into it. Let's not worry, or get excited, or start planning. Let's let him take care of it all when he's ready. Yeah right! I, within a few days of trying to not plan and worry or get too excited, started tracking and watching flight prices during late March to April.

Things continued as they were. Talking and texting. But never talking again about this potential trip down here or cross country. It was starting to drive me crazy though, cause I'm a planner. I want to plan this. I want to know when to expect him, what he wants to do, what days I should take off from work, where this leaves us. Inquiring minds want to know!

So I finally broke down and asked. That conversation didn't go so well. Dennis thinks maybe he spoke hastily about coming down. He's still trying to figure things out. He thinks I should date 1,000 guys, and can't understand why I'm not taken because I'm such a amazing person. And... Let's not talk for a couple months to give him time to figure out his life and what he wants. Alright, we've tried this before, he cracks within a couple weeks. So the rule is we can only hi every so often. I told him that I'll leave those up to him. Because quite honestly my "every so often" would be every other day. That was about a week and a half ago.

Of course, just the Monday before, I had sent a package of homemade cookies to him and the kids as well as valentines. (I know, I'm too nice!)

3 steps back.

Skip forward half a week later. I sent him a text with a simple question about a specific safe topic. All I wanted, and expected, was a straight answer. Which I got, then he started to tell me about things that are going on. Alright, so he ended up calling because it would take too long to text it all. The next day I re-asked my question hoping for a different, updated answer. I got an answer, and then he started to tell me about something else that's going on. I finally had to put my foot down and tell him that I'd love to hear all about it, but I'm trying to respect his wishes of time and space to figure things out, so please help me help you. That was a week ago.

He finally picked up his package from the post office last Tuesday. After many thanks you shouldn't have, no you really shouldn't have. I got a thanks they're really good.

Since last week, we've been communicating. I don't initiate unless I have a question that needs an answer. These questions have nothing to do with us and a relationship. And he knows that we shouldn't be talking, and he'll even say, "Since we're not supposed to talk, I have a message for you to pass on to Izzie," then he'll proceed with what he wanted to talk about.

And from afar, he's been there for me the past couple days with Izzie's death. But again, I'm not initiating. I'm not prompting. I'm not expecting. I'm respecting.

1 step forward.

So what does one do? Do I need to completely cut off all communication from him? Let me tell you, that would be really hard. Do I just keep at what I'm doing? Do I never mention "us" until he starts it? Do I just be a friend? But how can I just be a friend when I have such strong feelings for him still? I just don't know. I don't want to cut off communication with him. But I'm trying to respect his needs.

But... But wouldn't you think by the fact that he is the one that can't cut it off that that means something...? Why does he not realize that?

I'm afraid of taking backward steps again. I only want to go forward.

Picture of the Day 53

February 22nd: Matthew 4; Exodus 25-27; Proverbs 12

An optimist is a person who sees a green light everywhere, while a pessimist sees only the red stoplight...The truly wise person is color-blind.
—Albert Schweitzer

Picture of the Day 52

February 21st: Matthew 3; Exodus 24; Proverbs 11

"There are two kinds of talent, man-made talent and God-given talent. With man-made talent you have to work very hard. With God-given talent you just touch it up once in a while."
— Pearl Bailey

Picture of the Day 51

February 20th: Matthew 2; Exodus 22-23; Proverbs 9

"It is the ability to choose which makes us human." — Madeleine L’Engle

Picture of the Day 50

February 19th: Matthew 1; Exodus 20-21; Proverbs 9

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
Proverbs 9:10

Randomness for the Day

My phone smells funny. Like it's burning. But it's not hot. Hummm...
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My poor little Izzie. She sounds like she's coughing up a lung.
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It's baked potato day up front. I'm excited for lunch...in about...10 minutes!
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Baked potato was yummy! But now I'm full.
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I don't wanna go to the doctor this afternoon!
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Izzie has pneumonia. Do dogs really get pneumonia? Seriously?
----------
I was at the doctor's office for almost 2 hours. Waiting room for 45 minutes. Waiting for doctor 45 minutes. With doctor 10 minute.
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Picture of the Day 49

February 18th: Hebrews 13; Exodus 18-19; Proverbs 8

"Don’t worry about mistakes. Making things out of mistakes, that’s creativity."
— Peter Max

One Sick Dog

No, really, my dog is sick. Izzie, the poor little thing. I took her to the vet yesterday. He doesn't know what's wrong, but here's a prescription for 4 days. She sounds worse today than she did yesterday. And I'm hoping that she'll sound better tomorrow.

It's all in her lungs whatever it is. She's raspy, and hacking, and coughing, and her heart is racing, and she's not very energetic.

If things don't get better by tomorrow afternoon she may have to have chest x-rays. Great! Just what I need to pay for right now.

But she's like my child, and I'll do whatever I can to make her better.

Spiritual Gift Analysis

A couple weeks ago I was reading a friends blog and she mentioned spiritual gifts. She's in a bible study that is currently studying Romans, verse by verse. So, being the internet savvy person she is she found a "quiz" to figure out one's spiritual gift(s).

Now, I know God has blessed me with at least one gift, but I couldn't necessarily tell you what it is. Sure, I could tell you about my character, but I could never tell you biblically what I feel I've been gifted with.

Maybe this quiz would help. Or at least maybe it would enlighten me.

So what am I? First off, here are my options:

• Evangelism
• Prophecy
• Teaching
• Exhortation
• Pastor/Shepherd
• Showing Mercy
• Serving
• Giving
• Administration

I could see 2, maybe 3 things that I tend to lean towards. So what did my results say? My number one is showing mercy. Yeah, I figured that would have been a top. Second, exhortation. What is exhortation? Better figure that out...quickly. And my third top tied between pastor/shepherd and administration. I would have guessed administration would have been one, I picked it for myself. I'm not so sure about pastor/shepherd though...

Next the "Spiritual Gifts Analysis" goes further to describe your gifts. Spiritual gifts are tools God gives Christians to do the work of the ministry - to fulfill the Great Commission... So my dominant gifts are showing mercy and exhortation (I'm gonna learn what that one is).

Showing Mercy:

• The Greek word "ellco" means to feel sympathy with or for others.
• You have the Spirit-given capacity and desire to serve God by identifying with and comforting those who are in distress.
• You understand and comfort your fellow Christians.
• You have the ability to show empathy, which is to feel with others, not just for others.
• You seem to say the right thing at the right time.
• Your personality is likely one of soft-spoken love.
• It hurts you to scold someone; you are very non-condemning.
• People love you because of all the love you give them.
• You find it easy to express yourself and are outgoing with a low-key inoffensive personality.
• You are easy to talk to, responsive to people, a good listener, peaceable, and agreeable.
• You tend to make decisions based on feelings rather than facts, and you like to think about things for a while before making a decision.
• You tend to attract people who are hurting or rejoicing because you identify with them.
• Try not to resent others who are not as understanding as you.
• Refrain from becoming a gossiper when you are around other mercy-showers.
• Do not let your circumstances control you.
• Your gift is best in times of sorrow and in times of great joy.

Exhortation:

• The Greek word "parakaleo" means to admonish, to encourage, to beseech.
• You are a "how to" person.
• You have a Spirit-given capacity and desire to serve God by motivating others to action by urging them to pursue a course of conduct.
• You reach out and help Christians become more mature.
• You are a very practical person, a good counselor, tolerant of others, serious-minded, orderly, and usually impulsive.
• You are comfortable working one-on-one or in groups.
• You are enthusiastic and talkative and enjoy encouraging others.
• You likely place great importance on God's will and believe that His Word has the answer for every problem.
• You tend to make decisions logically rather than on feelings and are very orderly.
• Be careful not to interrupt other people; your enthusiasm sometimes makes you guilty of this.

So there you have it. I feel sympathy then I encourage. Or I encourage then I sympathize. Now I just need to find out more what the bible has to say about these spiritual gifts and how God encourages (parakaleo) them to be used.

So what are your spiritual gifts? How do you feel God is using you?