"My Husband Rocks" Friday

Ok, call me a theif if you want...I got this idea from Katie's blog. I think it is an awesome idea! To learn more, click here.

I don't have to think too hard as to why my husband rocks. He rocks because he puts up with my endless criticism. Also, he cleaned the whole house today by himself (which he does pretty often), and did the laundry, so I wouldn't have to do it when I get home. You rock, Baby!

I love free stuff!

One of my things to do on my 101 in 1001 is to read more (specifically to actually finish 5 books). I'm typically not a reader, but check this out!

Thomas Nelson is giving away FREE BOOKS! Yup, you read me right...free books! Of course, there is a small catch. All you have to do is agree to read the book and write a review on it. You pick which book you want to review, they send it to you, you read it, and write a 200-word review on your blog and on any sellers' website, such as amazon.com, walmart.com, barnesandnoble.com, etc. Then the copy is yours to keep! Pretty cool huh?

Intelligent Design

I was posed with this question on intelligent design by my friend Ashli. I found it quite interesting.



Here is what Ashli said:

Did you know that a U.S. District Court has ruled that a school board's policy to present intelligent design to 9th graders in a biology class violated the Establishment Clause? So, what do you think: Is presenting high school students with the intelligent design theory an establishment of religion?



Do you think it is? I don't believe it is because intelligent design is a theory that "certain features of the universe and of living things are best explained by an intelligent cause, not an undirected process such as natural selection." (Wikipedia) So, basically, it is a loophole in the system to teach creation without preaching Christianity or religion in the school system. It simply says that something or someone created us...we didn't just fall from the sky or come from a monkey's baby momma. I think that if they are allowed to teach such crazy things as evolution and Darwinism, that they should at least be allowed to teach an alternative such as Creation. If they are NOT allowed to teach Creation, they should be prohibited from teaching Evolution as well.

What are your thoughts?

What's For Dinner?

Friday: Cheeseburger foldovers
Saturday: Chicken Pasta Chowder
Sunday: Chili!
Monday: Leftover Chili
Tuesday: Frozen pizza?
Wednesday: Probably McDonalds's *sigh*
Thursday: Who knows?

Words of Wisdom 10/30

"Dear friends, don't be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad - because these trials will make you partners with Christ in His suffering, and afterward you will have the wonderful joy of sharing His glory when it is displayed to all the world." 1 Peter 4:12-13

In case you were wondering, these are the sayings on my daily calendar. Interesting how they seem to fit with what I am going through at any given time. :-)

God gave me this scripture to read the day before I was laid off from my previous job, and now He has given it to me again, while Brandon and I struggle to find the light at the end of the tunnel.

Speaking of which, things are better for us. This particular issue is going to take some time to "get over" and heal, but I am thankful that God has shown mercy on us and helped us both to be understanding and forgiving. All marriages have rough spots, and if you are married and deny that you do, then you're a liar. I have finally gotten over trying to make everyone think I have a perfect marriage. I have come to realize that most married couples are just like us...even if they don't admit it. So, when your marriage sees trials, hang in there, and don't be afraid to talk to someone. :-)

Words of Wisdom part 2

"Testing is reserved for those in a covenant relationship with God. Even though it is painful, testing is an act of love. Suffering serves to test our faith."

Words of Wisdom

"You may know what it is to walk in darkness. Sometimes faith is walking in darkness and refusing to quit. Sometimes faith is just hanging on."

Marriage...the good, the bad, and the ugly

Brandon and I have officially hit our first real "rough patch." The last two years have been very hard as it is, but we have officially joined the "The Honeymoon Is Over" Club. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my husband, and wouldn't trade him for the world, but this is definitely a sign that Satan wants to get a hold of my marriage and rip it to shreds. Since we have been married, I have thought that it was no one's business what our marital problems were, and to a point I still do, which is why I'm not disclosing exactly what the problem is. However, I have learned that it is OK to admit that we have problems. I don't have to post them on the internet, but we do not have to make people think we have a perfect marriage. I've learned that all of my married friends who don't talk about their marital problems are just like us...they DO have problems and obstacles they face. This particular obstacle is one which is very hard, and, in today's society, could have a fatal effect on our marriage. But I am reminded that that is exactly what Satan wants! He WANTS me to walk out and give up. God, on the other hand, does not. He reminds me that these things are going to come our way, and I must fight like h-e-double-hockeysticks to work it out. So, that's what I will do. I can't make Brandon do the same, but I hope he finds me important enough to, and I believe he does. So, when you say your prayers, please mention us and ask God to rescue us, and to show each of us the proper way to handle this...don't worry, He knows exactly what we need.

I apologize...

So, I have been a bad blogger lately (I like to tell myself that people actually do read my blog). The truth is, nothing remotely exciting has happened lately. We've been broke and haven't been able to do much, so I have no idea what to write about.

Let's see... I did some Christmas shopping tonight. I can't believe Christmas is only 2 months away. I'm looking forward to the holidays this year. Usually we dread them because "our" family is so stinking difficult when it comes to fitting everyone in. But, this year we have decided that we will go where we want, when we want. I know that sounds awful, but meet our family and you'll understand. We want to enjoy the holidays, not be stressed out about who is mad that we aren't spending Christmas Day with them.... we've talked about actually staying HOME on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day and having a small dinner just the two of us, that way we do all of our family stuff on other days, and no one gets jealous because someone else got the actual holiday.

Anywho, I didn't post my weekly menu this week because, well, it's not very good. I went for cheap and easy this week, so it's lasagna, sloppy joes, and chicken. Woo hoo...

Brandon has been doing really well with going to the gym, and I'm proud of him...I'm thinking I should join him...

That's about it for now folks. Goodnight, sleep tight.

Amen!

THIS LETTER MAKES MORE SENSE THAN ANYTHING I HAVE SEEN, HEARD, OR READ,
CONCERNING THE UPCOMING ELECTION...
IT'S A LETTER FROM A U.S. CITIZEN... WHO LIVES IN ILLINOIS ... AND
OBVIOUSLY IS A "SELF-THINKER"... NOT JUST A "FOLLOWER"!!!
IF YOU ONLY READ ONE THING, REGARDING THIS ELECTION... LET THIS BE THE ONE
THING!! AFTER READING IT, YOU WILL PROBABLY WANT TO FORWARD IT TO OTHER
AMERICANS WHO ARE "SELF THINKERS"!!
An impassioned letter from a "nobody." But he gives his telephone number
and e-mail at the end.
Sent: Monday, August 18, 2008 3:19 PM
Subject: FW: A letter from Illinois
Dear Friends:
My name is Joe Porter. I live in Champaign , Illinois . I'm 46 years
old, a born-again Christian, a husband, a father, a small business owner, a
veteran, and a homeowner. I don't consider myself to be either conservative
or liberal, and I vote for the person, not Republican or Democrat. I don't
believe there are "two Americas " but that every person in this country can
be whomever and whatever they want to be if they'll just work to get there
and nowhere else on earth can they find such opportunities. I believe our
government should help those who are legitimately downtrodden, and should
always put the interests of America first.
The purpose of this message is that I'm concerned about the future of
this great nation. I'm worried that the silent majority of honest,
hard-working, tax-paying people in this country have been passive for too
long. Most folks I know choose not to involve themselves in politics. They
go about their daily lives, paying their bills, raising their kids, and
doing what they can to maintain the good life. They vote and consider doing
so to be a sacred trust. They shake their heads at the political pundits
and so-called "news," thinking that what they hear is always spun by
whomever is reporting it. They can't understand how elected officials can
regularly violate the public trust with pork barrel spending. They don't
want government handouts. They want the government to protect them, not
raise their taxes for more government programs.
We are in the unique position in this country of electing our leaders.
It's a privilege to do so. I've never found a candidate in any election
with whom I agreed on everything. I'll wager that most of us don't even
agree with our families or spouses 100% of the time. So when I step into
that voting booth, I always try to look at the big picture and cast my vote
for the man or woman who is best qualified for the job. I've hired a lot of
people in my lifetime, and essentially that's what an election is - a hiring
process. Who has the credentials? Whom do I want working for me? Whom can
I trust to do the job right?
I'm concerned that a growing number of voters in this country simply don't
get it. They are caught up in a fervor they can't explain, and calling it
"change."
"Change what?" I ask.
"Well, we're going to change America " they say.
"In what way?" I query.
"We want someone new and fresh in the White House," they exclaim.
"So, someone who's not a politician?" I say.
"Uh, well, no, we just want a lot of stuff changed, so we're voting for
Obama," they state.
"So the current system, the system of freedom and democracy that has
enabled a man to grow up in this great country, get a fine education, raise
incredible amounts of money and dominate the news, and win his party's
nomination for the White House that system's all wrong?"
"No, no, that part of the system's okay we just need a lot of change."
And so it goes. "Change we can believe in."
Quite frankly, I don't believe that vague proclamations of change hold any
promise for me. In recent months, I've been asking virtually everyone I
encounter how they're voting. I live in Illinois , so most folks tell me
they're voting for barrack Obama. But no one can really tell me why only
that he's going to change a lot of stuff "Change, change, change." I have
yet to find one single person who can tell me distinctly and convincingly
why this man is qualified to be President and Commander-in-Chief of the most
powerful nation on earth other than the fact that he claims he's going to
implement a lot of change.
We've all seen the emails about Obama's genealogy, his upbringing, his
Muslim background, and his church affiliations. Let's ignore this for a
moment. Put it all aside. Then ask yourself, "What qualifies this man to
be my president? That he's a brilliant orator and talks about change?"
CHANGE WHAT?
Friends, I'll be forthright with you. I believe the American voters who
are supporting barrack Obama don't have a clue what they're doing, as
evidenced by the fact that not one of them - NOT ONE of them I've spoken to
can spell out his qualifications. Not even the most liberal media can
explain why he should be elected.


Political experience? Negligible
Foreign relations? Non-existent.
Achievements? Can you name one.
Single piece of legislation as a Senator? Zero
Any Reform Bill as a Senator? Zero
Someone who wants to unite the country? If you haven't read his wife's
thesis from Princeton , look it up on the web.
This is who's lining up to be our next First Lady? The only thing I can
glean from Obama's constant harping about change is that we're in for a lot
of new taxes.
For me, the choice is clear. I've looked carefully at the two leading
applicants for the job, and I've made my choice.
Here's a question - "Where were you five and a half years ago? Around
Christmas, 2002. You've had five or six birthdays in that time. My son has
grown from a sixth grade child to a high school graduate. Five and a half
years is a good chunk of time. About 2,000 days. 2,000 nights of sleep. 6,
000 meals, give or take."
John McCain spent that amount of time, from 1967 to 1973, in a North
Vietnamese prisoner-of-war camp.
When offered early release, he refused it. He considered this offer to be a
public relations stunt by his captors, and insisted that those held longer
than he should be released first. Did you get that part? He was offered
his freedom, and he turned it down. A regimen of beatings and torture
began.
Do you possess such strength of character? Locked in a filthy cell in a
foreign country, would you turn down your own freedom in favor of your
fellow man? I submit that's a quality of character that is rarely found,
and for me, this singular act defines John McCain.
Unlike several presidential candidates in recent years whose military
service is questionable or non-existent, you will not find anyone to
denigrate the integrity and moral courage of this man. A graduate of
Annapolis , during his Naval service he received the Silver Star, Bronze
Star, Purple Heart and Distinguished Flying Cross. His own son is now
serving in the Marine Corps in Iraq . Barack Obama is fond of saying "We
honor John McCain's service...BUT..." which to me is condescending and
offensive - because what I hear is, "Let's forget this man's sacrifice for
his country, and his proven leadership abilities, and talk some more about
change."
I don't agree with John McCain on everything - but I am utterly convinced
that he is qualified to be our next President, and I trust him to do what's
right. I know in my heart that he has the best interests of our country in
mind. He doesn't simply want to be President - he wants to lead America ,
and there's a huge difference. Factually, there is simply no comparison
between the two candidates. A man of questionable background and motives
who prattles on about change, can't hold a candle to a man who has devoted
his life in public service to this nation, retiring from the Navy in1981 and
elected to the Senate in1982.
Perhaps Obama's supporters are taking a stance between old and new. Maybe
they don't care about McCain's service or his strength of character, or his
unblemished qualifications to be President. Maybe "likeability" is a higher
priority for them than "trust." Being a prisoner of war is not what
qualifies John McCain to be President of the United States of America - but
his demonstrated leadership certainly DOES!!

Dear friends, it is time for us to stand. It is time for thinking
Americans to say, "Enough." It is time for people of all parties to stop
following the party line. It is time for anyone who wants to keep America
first, who wants the right man leading their nation, to start a dialogue
with all their friends and neighbors and ask who they're voting for, and
why.
There's a lot of evil in this world. That should be readily apparent to
all of us by now. And when faced with that evil as we are now, I want a man
who knows the cost of war on his troops and on his citizens. I want a man
who puts my family's interests before any foreign country.
I want a President who's qualified to lead.
I want my country back, and I'm voting for John McCain.

Dogs and Cats

Dog's Diary:
8am- Dog Food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am- A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am- A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 am- Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12 pm- Lunch! My favorite thing!
1 pm- Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3 pm- Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5 pm- Milk bones! My favorite thing!
7 pm- Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8 pm- Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11 pm- Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!


Cat's Diary
Day 983 of my captivity. My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something to keep up my strength. The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape.
In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet. Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a 'good little hunter' I am. There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could clearly hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of 'allergies.' I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage. Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow - but at the top of the stairs. I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously delirious.

My Fitness Pal

My friend, Bekah, told me about this site, so I decided to go check it out. I'm quite impressed. It's called www.myfitnesspal.com, and it works almost just like Weight Watchers Online, which I did for a while, except this site is completely FREE! You create a profile, enter your height, current weight, goal weight, current daily exercise routine (sedentary, slightly active, very active, etc.), and it will give you a custom plan...how many calories, fat grams, and carbs per day to consume, and how often to exercise and for how long. It will also tell you how long it should take you to lose a certain amount of weight. For instance, if I stick to my plan, I could lose 10 lbs by November 15th! That's neat because it gives you something to work towards. But the cool thing is, you don't have to count calories yourself, you just put in the foods you eat and it calculates your calories FOR you! It is very similar to WW, and very easy to use. I'm going to try it for a week and see if I can stick to it. We'll see what happens. There is also a community thing on there where there are message boards and forums where you can talk to others and get support and encouragement, and they'll even send you recipes. I'm pretty excited that it's free. Brandon and I are both trying to make better choices, so maybe this will help.

Walden Farms and old friends

We went to Walden Farms Pumpkin Patch this afternoon. We had a good time. We had planned on going with our small group, and meeting an old friend that I haven't seen since high school, Jennifer, and her little girl and boyfriend there, but our friends weren't able to make it due to a two-week old=no sleep, and Jennifer's boyfriend didn't make it, but Brandon and I still got to go hang out with Jennifer and Abby, her daughter. It was really nice to see her and meet her little girl. I've watched her daughter grow up on Myspace (literally...ever since Jennifer was pregnant!), but I had not gotten to meet her yet, and it was nice to visit and catch up with Jennifer. Although our Pumpkin Patch is nothing compared to Honeysucke Hills in Springfield, we had a good time watching Abby play...she was so cute! Being around kids always makes me realize just how much I want one of my own (and that is often, since I keep kids twice a week!). I look forward to getting together with them again soon, and meeting Buddy (her boyfriend) this time!

Sloppy Joe Pot Pie

Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
1 can sloppy joe sauce
1 c. shredded cheddar cheese
1 c. Bisquick mix
1 egg
1/2 c. milk


Preheat oven to 400(F). Brown ground beef in a skillet. Add sloppy joe sauce and stir. Pour mixture into a small casserole dish (I think mine was an 8x8, it was a small square one). Sprinkle cheese over top of meat. Mix remaining ingredients together until moist. Pour over top of meat. Bake on 400 for 30 minutes or until golden brown on top.

I thought this was pretty tasty, and very filling. Brandon apparently liked it too (and he is PICKY), because we ate the whole pan. Although the baking mix doesn't add much flavor to it, so I think next time I am going to try to pour Jiffy mix on top. But, it was still yummy.

Are you kidding me?

OK, so I know I said I never really talk politics, but since this is such an important election, I suppose I'll voice my opinion.

First of all, I'll go ahead and say that I don't understand why people are swooning over Obama. He's so pro-abortion it's not funny, even partial-birth, which means as the baby is born they stick a needle in the back of its head and suck out its brains (don't say this is painless...let me stick a needle in your neck and suck out your brain and see if it hurts), and he is pro-gay marriage. Obviously, being a Christian, the Word of God says these things are wrong. I am not the one saying they are...these are not just MY views, but God's. What God says goes, and he says these things are wrong, so how can people (Christians, anyway) vote for someone who CLEARLY disobeys and disregards the Word of God, but calls himself a Christian as well?

Also, (and please, do not take this as me saying Obama IS the antiChrist. I just believe maybe all of this is a sign that the AC is on his way.) here are some things the Bible says about the AC:

1) He "shall be different" - Obama is the 1st black man to run for president. Different, right? (again, I am not against him because he is black...I don't have a racist bone in my body)
2) one verse describes him as "Assyrian", or being born in an area near Syria or Iraq...AKA the middle east. Muslim background...
3) The world will view him as a great leader and man of peace. How many times have I heard people say Obama is a peacemaker?
4)He will LIE in order to conceal his true motives. Obama is definitely a liar, and doesn't like to explain himself.
5) He will be a smooth-talker, good with words. Look at Obama...everyone thinks he has it together, when in fact, he doesn't. He's just good with words.
6) He is described as popular and attractive...HELLO!
7) The Bible says the AC will have a partner; he won't be alone. This partner will have seemingly christian credentials and background.
AGAIN, I am not saying Obama is the Anti Christ, but this is a little ironic.

Now, as far as the politics side goes, this was the story that was on wsmv.com this morning about the debate last night.

During Wednesday night's debate, McCain assailed Obama's character and his campaign positions on taxes, abortion and more Wednesday night, hoping to turn their final presidential debate into a launching pad for a political comeback. "You didn't tell the American people the truth," he said.
Unruffled, and ahead in the polls, Obama parried each charge, and leveled a few of his own.
"One hundred percent of your ads have been negative, John," Obama shot back, seated only a few feet away at a round table.
"That's not true," McCain retorted.
"It is true," said Obama, seeking the last word.
McCain is currently running all negative ads, according to a study by the University of Wisconsin-Madison. But he has run a number of positive ads during the campaign.
McCain sought to turn around his fortunes in the final presidential debate with Obama, a forum focused on pocketbook issues and domestic policy Wednesday night.
The 90-minute encounter, at a round table at Hofstra University, was their third debate, and marked the beginning of a 20-day sprint to Election Day.
Obama leads in the national polls and in surveys in many battleground states, an advantage built in the weeks since the nation stumbled into the greatest economic crisis since the Great Depression.
McCain played the aggressor early and often.
He brought up Obama's tie to William Ayers, a former member of the violent Weather Underground who later became a university professor in Chicago. Ayers hosted a meet-the-candidate event at his home for Obama when he first ran for office and served on two boards with him.
Said McCain: "We need to know the full extent of that relationship."
Said Obama: "The fact that this has become such an important part of your campaign, Senator McCain, says more about your campaign than it says about me."
Struggling to escape the political drag of an unpopular Republican incumbent, McCain also said, "Sen. Obama, I am not President Bush. ... You wanted to run against President Bush, you should have run four years ago."
Obama responded that McCain has been a vigorous supporter of Bush economic policies and that the country can't afford eight more years of the same thing.
McCain used the opening moments of the debate to accuse Obama of waging class warfare by advocating tax increases designed to "spread the wealth around."
The Democrat denied it, and countered that he favors tax reductions for 95 percent of all Americans.
"Nobody likes taxes," Obama said. "But ultimately we've got to pay for the core investments" necessary for the economy, he said.
"If nobody likes taxes, let's not raise anybody's, OK?" McCain retorted with a laugh.
The two also talked about the $700 billion bailout for the financial industry.
Both said the bailout was not enough.
McCain said Americans are hurting and they're angry. He said they are the innocent victims of greed on Wall Street.
"We've got to put the homeowners first," McCain said.
Obama said what the nation hasn't seen yet is a rescue plan for the middle class. He said the top focus should be on jobs.
Asked about running mates, both candidates said Democrat Sen. Joseph Biden was qualified to become president, although McCain added this qualifier: "in many respects."
McCain passed up a chance to say his own running mate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, was qualified to sit in the Oval Office, though he praised her performance as governor and noted her work on behalf of special needs children. The Palins have a son born earlier this year with Down syndrome.
Obama sidestepped when asked about Palin's qualifications to serve as president, and he, too, praised her advocacy for special needs children.
But he quickly sought to turn the issue to his advantage by noting McCain favors a spending freeze on government programs.
"I do want to just point out that autism, for example, or other special needs will require some additional funding if we're going to get serious in terms of research. ... And if we have an across-the-board spending freeze, we're not going to be able to do it," he said.

Obviously, Obama thinks medical research is more important than us being able to keep our homes and not living on the streets. His priorities are all screwed up. He has no money-management skills. Come on, when you have to decide whether to help people avoid foreclosure on their homes or spend billions of $$$ on medical research, and he chooses RESEARCH!?!?
Yes, McCain does like to attack Obama, and that annoys me, but look what he's up against. But at least McCain is Pro-Life and against gay marriage. If you are looking for a perfect leader, then go elsewhere...this is planet earth, and we are all humans. None of us are perfect, but I at least think I want to vote for the person who doesn't blatantly disregard the Word of GOD and call himself a Christian.

It came to my attention last night that many people who are so in love with Obama are only for him because of the color of his skin. Check out this video:
http://www.breitbart.tv/?p=194983
It is scary! People don't even know who is for what on which issues...or even who their running mate is! Come on people, are you kidding me? Just because he's black? Is this the "change" you wanted?

Putting aside the fact that he doesn't know how many states we have and he supposedly doesn't respect our flag (I am neutral on that subject...he said/she said, and an unfortunate picture), I am voting on the issues. He kills babies and calls it ok. He knows nothing about money. His priorities are terrible. He's only in it for the prestige and power (this was proven when McCain wanted to drop the campaign long enough to go to DC to discuss the economy, and Obama refused. That tells me he could care less if I can pay my rent/mortgage/bills or not...he just wants to win). He's for gay-marriage, and, well, that's just wrong.

Ok, I'm done...for now.

I love putting my car in the shop sometimes

Because that means I get to drive a 2008 charcoal grey Mazda 6 with GPS till thursday. Well, it may be Saturday before I can pick up my car, wink wink....SWEET!

Baby (not for a shower) cupcakes

I am making dessert for our small group tomorrow, and since our leaders, Brad and Alison, just brought home their 2nd adopted baby girl, Charlotte (see story and pictures at www.adoptionphotoblog.com), who is their oldest daughter's (also adopted) full sister, I decided to do something to celebrate baby Charlotte. So, I made these cupcakes, and I think they turned out really cute (and yummy, too!). And, if Alison wants to, she can keep the bows for Charlotte (if she can get the icing off of them, of course :-) )

Wow, this is sad

It's really sad when our economy is driving people to suicide.


Woman Facing Eviction May Have Shot Self
Victim's Husband Was Fighting Foreclosure Of Home
POSTED: 12:48 pm CDT October 10, 2008
UPDATED: 1:39 pm CDT October 10, 2008

SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. -- A Sevierville woman apparently killed herself as sheriff's deputies prepared to evict her from her foreclosed home, police said.
Sevier County deputies heard a gunshot Monday shortly after arriving at the home of Pamela Ross, 57, Sevierville Police told Knoxville's WVLT-TV.
Police and deputies entered the home and found Ross suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest with a handgun on the ground beside her.
Police spokesman Bob Stahlke said officers are investigating the shooting as a suicide.

The family's attorney, Herb Moncier, said that Ross' husband was fighting the foreclosure of their home in court at the time, and court records show a judge granted him another 10 days to appeal his case.
Moncier said that means deputies should not have been at the house.
Sheriff's Capt. Jeff McCarter said Friday that deputies were waiting across the street from the house for the results of the hearing when Ross came out and spoke to them.
They were there to serve an eviction notice if the judge decided to issue one, he said, but did not enter the house until after they heard the gunshot.
McCarter said he could not comment further because of the ongoing investigation.
Moncier is asking officials to perform an autopsy on Ross.

I can't see!

Because it's dark! And it's 6:30! What's up with that? While I love Fall weather and festivities, I hate the shorter days...

What's for Dinner?

Here's my menu for the week. In case you're wondering why my weeks start on Thursday, it's because Brandon gets paid on Thursdays, and that's usually when I do my grocery shopping. Drum roll please....

Thursday- Brandon's sleeping...Kelly's eating a sandwich or something
Friday- Taco Salads (with Fritos instead of taco shells, YUM!)
Saturday- eating at mom's. Hey, it's free food, AND she cooks whatever I ask for :P
Sunday- Not sure just yet, depends on if I am cooking for small group or not (I'm letting you down so far, aren't I?)
Monday- Ravioli Bake
Tuesday- Sloppy joe pot pie
Wednesday- N/A...church nights=fast food or cracker barrel
Thursday- Chicken in a skillet w/ veggies and red potatoes

And just for the record, I am in love with bettycrocker.com

Purpose Driven Life...the Finale

I have finished The Purpose Driven Life...for the 3rd time. I must say, I definitely recommend this book to anyone who is wondering why they are here, whether or not they matter, or even just looking for a good read. God has shown me so much, and I have grown a lot since picking up this book. I think what was so different this time was doing the study along with the church and being involved with a small group as well. It was wonderful to talk about what we were reading, and to hear others' thoughts on it. So, here is my summary of the book.

What Am I here For?
1. I am here for God's pleasure, and because He wants me here!
2. I am here to be a part of God's family. He wants me to be His child!
3. I am here to become like Christ. Although I will never BE Christ, I should constantly strive to take on His characteristics and His heart...loving what He loves.
4. I am here to serve God, not the other way around. Often we think God is here to answer OUR prayers and give us what we ask for, when the contrary is true. He does want to bless us, but only if we serve Him FIRST. He is not my servant! How are you serving?
5. I am here on a mission. We all have specific talents, and we are all unique, and God wants us to use those talents/passions to glorify Him and bring the lost to Him. My mission is to save the lost! How will you reach the lost?

Some things I have learned:
The world's idea of success and God's idea of success are two totally different things. The world says you've made it if you have the best cars, house, job, kids, spouse, education, etc. God says you've made it if you have reached the lost and followed His purpose for your life.

God did not create me out of boredom or loneliness. He did not NEED me here. He simply wanted me here.

I live for a little of the following: Guilt, resentment, anger, fear, materialism, and need for approval. I should be living for God instead.

The reason I am not satisfied with my life is because I'm not supposed to be. God has intended so much more for me in Heaven. If I were happy with what I had here, then I wouldn't feel the need to live as if I needed Heaven.

God doesn't give us stuff so we can be happy. He gives us stuff so we can make others happy in Him.

Worship/church is not about me. I cannot go to church wanting to hear my favorite songs and feel a special feeling. It is about me giving a wonderful gift to God. I must go ready to sing ANY song of praise to God as if it were my favorite. It's not about a feeling. I can "feel" the music and still not worship.

God doesn't care as much about WHAT I do as He does that I do it to glorify Him

I thought I saw a putty tat...

I did! I did! He got stuck! Codi is a very loving and needy cat, and he gets jealous of the computer, so when I get on here to check my emails and Facebook, etc, he always tries to climb up on top of the desk and lay down or walk on the keyboard, but I usually pet him and put him back on the floor before he makes it. Well, this time he was a little too quick for me and he climbed behind the monitor...and then he fell behind the computer desk (it's a corner one so there is a small slot diagonally from wall to wall...just big enough for a kitty).

There he is!

"Mommy?"

"Do you think you could put the camera down long enough to get me outta here?"

"Well, if I'm gonna be stuck I may as well play with feet"

"Hey, wait! I got it....here I am! I made it! I'm ok! Don't worry about me, Mom!"

"FINALLY! I get to interrupt your computing!"

Worth Fighting For

I fell in love with this song the first time I ever heard it (and it's also in the movie Fireproof, and quite fitting). I think it is an awesome song, and very powerful. It talks about what marriage is really about, and how you're not supposed to be able to just walk out. Personally, I think it is legally way too easy to get out of a marriage today. We should fight for our marriages, even when we don't feel "in love" anymore, because marriage is worth fighting for.

Love is not a place
to come and go as we please
It's a house we enter in
then commit to never leave

So lock the door behind you
Throw away the key
Work it out together
Let it bring us to our knees

Love is a shelter
in a raging storm
Love is peace
in the middle of a war
And if we try to leave;
May God send angels to guard the door
No, Love is not a fight
but its something worth fighting for

To some love is a word
that they can fall into.
But when they're falling out
keeping that word is hard to do

Love is a shelter
in a raging storm
Love is peace
in the middle of a war
And if we try to leave;
May God send angels to guard the door
No, Love is not a fight
but its something worth fighting for

Love will come to save us
If we'll only call
He will ask nothing from us
but demand we give our all

Love is a shelter
in a raging storm
Love is peace
in the middle of a war
And if we try to leave;
May God send angels to guard the door
No, Love is not a fight
but its something worth fighting for.

Cause I Will Fight For You
Would You Fight For Me
It's Worth Fighting For.

--Warren Barfield

You Dummy!

This is something that Brandon and I both used to do as kids, and I am not real sure what happened to this Halloween tradition, but we decided to bring it back this year, especially since we don't have a lot of money for seasonal decorations. So, we made a dummy! Yep...he's sitting on our porch watching the traffic, and I think I have decided to name him Al....

Apple pickin Part II

We went on our apple picking adventure today, and I must say that we had a good time. Except for the fact that you have to drive quite a ways to get to an apple orchard...sigh... it was really fun and very much worth it. We visited the Red Chief Orchard in Gallatin, TN. We had the whole place to ourselves except for one other couple that came in right as we were leaving, so it was very peaceful and pretty. We paid $10 and got a 5 gallon bucket that we could fill to the top with apples. We didn't quite fill our bucket, but we still have tons of apples for the two of us, and we would never have gotten them for ten bucks at the grocery store. I think this may be a new Fall tradition for us. It was very nice to enjoy this amazing weather!

Excellent....ME?

Wow...I got an "E for Excellent" award for my blog! How awesome is that? I really didn't think anyone read my blog much, but I enjoy writing it anyway, so I do, but it's nice to know someone likes reading it! :-) Thanks, Katie!! BTW...see Katies blogs below...They're pretty awesome!


http://myfirstyearasawallace.blogspot.com/
http://www.ktinthekitchen.blogspot.com/

EGR

God has taught me a lot lately about character. One thing he has taught me is that a lot of the most annoying people in our lives...you know the ones, they're the ones that you dread seeing in the mornings; the ones you wish would just walk on past and not speak to you; the ones that you honestly wish would get a job elsewhere or move, but you would never say it out loud because it would not be a Christian thing to say. Well, He has shown me that these people are in our lives for a very specific reason (again, I emphasize that God has a sense of humor), and that reason is to develop our character and to help us to become more like Christ. I never really thought about it like that until we did the Purpose Driven Life study, but it is quite true. Although, some of these people I think God puts in our paths just for a good laugh. Rick Warren refers to these people as EGR- Extra Grace Required. Seems all the EGR's are in MY life right now! My husband is one of them :-) And I work with many of them, but there is one woman in particular at work that requires a massive amount of grace....and tongue-biting. I won't elaborate because then I would be gossipping, but just as an example, the other day (remember, this is a 50 year old church going woman), she told me that she went on lunch and saw an old homeless lady and she couldn't get out of her car because she had too much money in her purse. Then she told me that she couldn't walk inside the McDonald's that she was parked at and going into anyways and buy her a burger off the dollar menu because the $200 she had in her purse was for her to get her hair and nails done that night. But it was ok for the lady to starve... So these are the stories I hear EVERY DAY. That's just the type of person she is, and it drives me CRAZY! So, God is showing me that this is my "opportunity" (very funny, God) to develop my character and love her the way Christ does...in spite of her imperfection. It's hard, because she angers me. (My pet peeve: blatant selfishness)It's easy to want to go off on her and tell her how she SHOULD act, but that's not what God wants me to do. Now, in other situations, I may need to confront her and deal with things, but that hasn't come up yet. "God teaches us love by putting unlovely people around us." -Rick Warren. Rick also talks about how you become what you are committed to, which is very true. If you're committed to your job, you become whatever that profession is. If you're committed to drugs, you become an addict. If you're committed to your marriage, you become a good spouse. If you're committed to your kids, you become a good parent. I don't know about you, but I want to become like Jesus. And I'm nowhere near close enough yet. What are you committed to?