new year-- NEW NEWS

It has been a VERY busy in our house.

We are still grieving the loss of my brother, which brings tears

and up and down emotions. Many many times.

Then, my husband was offered a great job in Alaska.

I, then was browsing the newspaper one day,

something I hardly EVER do.

I found a ad for a larger manufactured home that needs a lot of TLC.

My husband is the best at that sort of thing.

We were torn.

Well the decision was made.

Dec 31st--

he is NOT taking the Alaska position

and we ARE buying the larger home.

TODAY

So as you can see.....life has been busy

I have to pack, and pack and pack.

and what I most covet your prayers for is this:

MY NEIGHBORS

We love them

THEY love US

IT is going to be heartbreaking to tell these sweet people that we will no longer

live next to them. I am thinking I will need to go to 6 different homes to tell

them our news in person.

Am I excited at the prospect of a larger home.

YES

There are many many reasons.

We have a year of living with noise and nail guns etc

but it will be worth it.

The Lord opened and closed MANY doors in the past weeks.

I felt many times so fretful and getting in sin over the stress of it.

I want the Lord's will, that is the bottom line.

So there ya have it.

That is why I have been SWAMPED.

Good REASONS , huh?

I will be in and out.

love,

Deby

Swamped

Swamped

that is the best way I can explain my life right now.

We are anticipating some major changes

and with Christmas over and my wonderful huband's birthday

ALMOST here...

I am busy. I am busier than I, or my body likes to be.

So if I am not leaving comments like a *good blogger*

should, please forgive me. You are not forgotten !!!!

I will sneak some comments or posts in here or there on my *down* time.

I just want to check in and let you know

that all is fine.

I prayed for many of you through this past week.

We had a great Christmas

I have many things to share and look forward to reading yours as well.

As most of you know, I don't sleep well, so who knows

you might find posts of comments coming in at 3:00 am !!!!

Deby

God, knows our specific prayer requests at this time

but sure would love to know that you are upholding us as well.

Lesson from a Afghan

Do you see that yellow lap afghan.

It was a gift from someone I don't know.

At my brother's memorial

there were several of them made for us.

This lady in my sisters church does these for people.

Do you know how much comfort just receiving this afghan brought?

It means this lady, who does not even know me,

prays as she makes these and then gives of her heart.

She included words of comfort and also a little stuffed animal.

I was shamed

WE ALL HAVE THINGS WE CAN DO

with my stitcheries, I have been selfish

thinking "oh they won't appreciate the work put in to it"

or...they wouldn't like it.

So my new goal is to

examine my abilities and bless others with them

NOT to be selective

to pray as I work on such and such.

You don't have to have great talents,

it can be ANYTHING

ANYTHING sent with love and prayers

will be a blessing.

Truthfully, my husband has claimed this yellow one.

IT is his favorite color.

BUT I am the one that is learning the lesson on giving from the heart.

That is priceless.

~deby

Matthew 7:12

Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you,

do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.

2008 Stitching

Some of these are done with friends in mind,

some just to keep my hands busy

and feel productive.

Another view....I am not bragging here
Don't look at the back of them.
I am not the best stitcher out there but,
I do ENJOY doing them

I have a reason for posting them....

It is not to show off

You will have to see my next post to tell you why !!

Deby

~*~*~*~*~*~

Ecclesiastes 9:10

Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do,

do it with thy might;

for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge,

nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.

~*~*~*~*~

Have a great Lord's Day

Merry Christmas--Everyday

It's Christmas, Lord

It's YOUR birthday

What can I give YOU--

YOU have who have given

So much to me?

I search and search

Through my talents

My possessions

My friendships

My loves

But with all my searching

I find nothing new.

Strangely--

Whatever I could offer

Is always that

Which YOU have first

Given me.

And now in the soft silence

I hear YOU say

What I want from you--

Is you.

-------Ruth Harms Calkin

Merry Christmas dear ones.

I am praying for you out there.

I am praying for this dear lady I met

whilst sitting on the bench at the mall

Tuesday night who proclaimed:

"I hate Christmas"

I pray the little I got to share gave her hope.

~*~*~*~*~

You know it is only ONE day....where my Bible says:

Psalms 118:24

This is the day which the LORD hath made;

we will rejoice and be glad in it.

~*~*~*~*~*~

I do believe that to mean EVERYDAY....

Thank you LORD for your birth, death, and Ressurection.

I think that is the most EVERYDAY gift there could be.

LOVE and HUGS to YOU ALL.....

Jesus is the Reason I CHOOSE to celebrate the Season !!!

~~deby

Dog fun

My husband sent me this link

We both thought it was so cute:

http://www.dogwork.com/dogsnow/

Hope you think so too.

O Holy night

Do you have a favorite?
Deby

A Christmas surprise

Our son Matt and his wife Gina flew in for

a wedding they had to attend in our area.

They had little free time, but we did get about 45 minutes with

them for a Hot Cuppa coffee in front of the Fireplace at Denny's

WHAT a blessing....

The neat thing is that Matt was the Pilot on the Southwest Flight

and his wife Gina, was one of the passengers.

The proud dad and mom with Matt and Gina.

A short visit, BUT it was worth it
just for the hugs and seeing them.
We miss them, living so far away.

2 tried and true recipes

Does this post look familiar...it is..

but truly these are fast yummy recipes...even if you just want to make the CHEESE BALL which we think is the best.....

Just wanted to re-share it with you.

First time I have posted recipes....with the Holidays right around the corner...thought that it was *about time*....I am a simple cook.

The 2nd recipe I have been making for over 30 years...it is our oldest son, Matt's favorite..or one of his. IF someone doesn't not like cranberries, it does work to call them Fruit Bars..most of the time they will never know.

Easy--EASY Cheeseball

great for a gift

2 large packages cream cheese

1 pkg Good Seasons Dressing Mix

1 package REAL Bacon bits

Soften cream cheese...mix in dressing mix(try different flavors)

Shape into ball or log..or even stuff into celery...

Roll in bacon bits....Voila'....serve with crackers etc...

I have been maing this for almost 20 years...where has the time gone

Cranberry Bars
2 cups flour
2 cups oatmeal
1 1/2 cups brown sugar,packed
1 tsp. baking powder
1 cup margerine(butter) melted...
1 can WHOLE cranberry sauce

Preheat oven to 350. Combine all ingredients EXCEPT cranberry sauce to form crumbs.
Reserve a heaping 1 1/2 cups of crumbs.
Press reaminder into UN-greased 13x9x2 pan.
Spoon and spread cranberry sauce over crumbs in pan.....Sprinkle with reserved crumbs and press gently.
Bake 20-30 minutes.....COOL....Cut into bars ...store in refrigerator. In my oven these take 35 mintues.
NOW...they are delicious when warm with vanilla ice-cream...trust me

~~~~*~*~*~~~~

Christmas Prayers for YOU !!!!

How sweet the name of Jesus sounds

In a believer's ear;

It soothes his sorrows,

heals his wounds,

And drives away his fear.

~John Newton
~~~ooOoo~~~

I know for many reasons this is not

a easy time of year for many people

I want you to know

that this blogger is praying for you

EVEN if I don't know who you are

JESUS DOES

With Love,

Deby

I need this---maybe someone else does too

I hope this brings comfort or encouragement

to someone out there.

It sure did to me.

how I display my Christmas Cards--2nd post today

Two posts in one day.

Is there any BLOG rule about that?

Anyways, don't know if any of you will

like this idea, but thought that I would share.

This idea is from my sister, Susie

it is easy. I will adjust them as more come in.
My husband bought the pointsettia last weekend
I am so thankful for him.

The greatest gift

I am so thankful

There is no better gift, than Salvation.

It did not cost me anything,

it cost JESUS EVERYTHING.

Christmas Meme--changed #12

I have see this go around and thought I would join in.
1. Wrapping paper or gift bags - I love the EASE of Gift bags...but do both
2. Real tree or artificial - FAKE...and proud of it.. no mess..reusable and can put it up early
3. When do you put up the tree - EARLY--love the lights, the ambiance,this year 2nd week in November
4. When do you take the tree down - Right after Christmas, most of the time
5. Do you like egg nog - Light Egg nog in Coffee
6. Favorite gift recieved as a child - at 5 years of age, my BRIDE doll
7. Hardest person to buy for - no problems anymore, gift cards..easy and they love it
8. Easiest person to buy for - Daughter, Missy
9. Do you have a nativity scene - Several ,tasteful
10. Mail or email Christmas cards - MAIL ..want one, I have some left email me your address
11. Worst Christmas gift ever - Can't remember, probably RE-GIFTED IT
12. Favorite Christmas movie - I am changing this to the Walton's Christmas specials and Little House on the Prairie Christmas specials..or some sappy Hallmark Movie... I had forgotten about the first two ...oops...
13. When do you start your christmas shopping -ALL year to include Thrift Shops and yard sales...hey got a great NEW Yankee candle for $1.00
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present - OH YES...think it is a wise thing to do
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas -Mexican Wedding Cookies or Lemon Bars (hint for Kristi) or..or..or..
16. Lights on the tree - Yes. This year multi colored
17. Favorite Christmas song - Oh Holy Night
18. Travel at Christmas or stay at home - We travel now that we have grandchildren but really prefer to stay home
19. Can you name all of Santas reindeer- NOPE---how about Rudolph
20. Angel on the tree or star - Star. I don't care for those female "angel" doll characters... that is not how the Bible describes angels at all.
21. Open presents Christmas eve or Christmas- One present Christmas Eve, usually new jammies
22. Most annoying thing about this time of year - people who say *Happy Holidays* also not enough cashiers ..knowing there are MORE drunk drivers on the road.
23. Favorite ornament theme color - no favorites ...love a bit of this and that
24. Favorite for Christmas dinner - anything I don't have to cook
25. What do you want for Christmas this year - my honey already knows
26. Who is most likely to respond to this - not sure if you do let me know, I will visit you

Sleep Apnea-CPAP-Encouragement-more added

I am no authority on CPAP for Sleep Apnea.

Because I got so many emails I thought I would share a few things.

Sleep Apnea, un-treated can contribute to many health problems.

It can cause strokes and heart attacks as a starting point.

The lady I see, has a real burden for people with it as she had a love one that died from it.

Sleep apnea can and does affect your cognitive skills. I know this personally, and was told this from the neurologist yesterday.

I have REAL sleep issues and it has affected my life.

NOW, those masks ARE NOT COMFORTABLE. My recommendations are to try several to see what works best. It takes lots of time to get used to your mask. I am still working on that. I was told each hour you spend with your mask on ,is better than a hour without.Take this seriously. I am trying to.

I say TRYING, it is a process.

IF you know someone who snores, please encourage them to go through the sleep study. It is not hard. I was a nervous wreck and then thought "this was a piece of cake".None of what I have written is medical advice, I am not a expert, but I DO CARE. We are in this together, my fellow-apnea-acs. I wish I had heeded the advice 8 years ago when first diagnosed, I think my health would be better today.Google, SLEEP APNEA, CPAP--get informed.

Enough from me....seek your medical professional.

Because I care...

Deby

btw, I am so aware not everyone is able to have medical insurance. I wish it were not that way.

I do have insurance and many of you do to, but yet we don't take sleep apnea seriously ...I was like that for MANY years. I wanted you to understand that I understand that we all don't have insurance.

CPAP Christmas

I have sleep apnea and had to go to the place where

I get my things I need.

I walked in the office to see the displays all

decorated...thought it was cute and of course

"blog post came to mind"

Funny how that happens

This is the type of mask I wear at night.

(no antlers...LOL)

You do get used to it, you have to work at it, though.

Do you know someone who snores ?Most likely they have Sleep Apnea.

If possible, I truly recommend they have a Sleep study done.

It can save their life.

Musical Nativity

This year my husband bought this for our home.

Your turn it on and it lights up and the bottom row

of people and animals rotate around.

It also plays the scriptures from Luke.

You can turn the words off from going over and over

(bought at Lowe's)

I took some black poster board and curved it in

behind it and stuck some little silver stars on it.

It really does look neat lit up on my shelf.

The pictures don't do it justice.

Just thought I would share it with you.

Deby

~~ooOoo~~

Matthew 1:21

And she shall bring forth a son,

and thou shalt call his name JESUS:

for he shall save his people from their sins.

God's Peace

John 14:27

Peace I leave with you,

my peace I give unto you:

not as the world giveth, give I unto you.

Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
~*~*~*~*~

Have a great weekend and Lord's Day

Rose Angel

This is my little angel

a gift, that came at a perfect time

from my friend, Rose

Isn't this just so sweet how she personalizes it.

I love her. I so appreciate the workmanship
involved in handmade thing.
She is so sweet...and pink !!!
She has a spot of prominence on my tree.
I do think I am going to keep her out after Christmas.
Why ?
She is a reminder to me to listen to the Lord
when HE tells me to do such and such for someone.
My friend, Rose, listened and her gift was exactly what I needed that day.
~~~ooOoo~~
ALSO...when I got her, I teared up...
my husband said: " I see a blog post coming"
I think he's got me figured out, that sweet guy of mine.
Deby

dots and more dots

My husband helped me recover the cushions on my kitchen chairs.

TWO have RED dots--TWO have PINK dots

It is oilcloth, hence the shine coming off the picture

I love the look, as I am a lover of polka dots

I just had to sneak a bit of Christmas in this picture...

hmmmm...having some of the oilcloth left,

not sure what I am going to do with it.

Any ideas?

Deby

Visit with our daughter

We started our day with a lesson on make-up

at BareEscentuals-Bare Minerals

This is the kind I use, and now she does.

It was fun for her as she was celebrating her birthday weekend.

I love the natural look you get with their products.

We also did our favorite thing:

THRIFT STORES...sorry no pics

Missy with our "grands" nephew & nieces" friends of the family

It was Missy's birthday and soon our grandson's *Issac*

Melissa and my beloved coming out of 7-11 with

our favorite coffee, or should I say much cheaper than

"4-bucks "

if you know what I mean

It was her birthday, and I got her this silly crown...

not the best picture as we tend to close our eyes

but thought I would share.
These two days went by TOO FAST

for this mom, moi

I miss her already

Thanks to her husband Mark, who let his wife have some

mother and daughter time.

I will treasure it forever.

soup and chili

I love SOUP, almost all kinds.

Good old fashioned Campbells tomato soup was a staple in our house when I was growing up.

My mom would sometimes add, cooked macaroni, or rice....YUMMMMMM

I still love it, HOT...

Another favorite CHILI
Homemade chili, I make a taco soup that is like chili
boy is it good , HOT....

They remind me of this scripture:

Revelation 3:16
So then because thou art lukewarm,
and neither cold nor hot,
I will spue thee out of my mouth.

ooOoo

I pray that I am not a lukewarm Christian,
it is my earnest prayer.
~~Deby

Shame on Washington State

This is the sign that is placed by the Nativity in the Capital building in Washington State. It is from the atheists. This is also the state that passed the assisted suicide law last month. SHAME..SHAME..shame....
You know the Atheists or others can pick their own day. Why is this allowed ???? IT is a shame to our country. IF we did this on a holiday that other middle eastern religions celebrate , can you imagine the world wide comments.
Washington State is one of the most UNCHURCHED states in the country. It is either #1 or #2. Are you looking for a mission field ???? Well, there is one right here in our own country, good old Latte' land, home of Starbucks and Microsoft. We need church planters here, we need pastors willing to help in this state. My state, needs PRAYER and in the meantime...please feel free to call the Governor. Her name is Christine Gregoire and her number is 360 902-4111. Be polite. Or email her here (thanks Cathy)
oh my, this is shameful. I am embarrassed to be a citizen of Washington State.
I will not publish comments that disagree with my post. My blog is my blog and I love the Lord and will pray, just thought you all should know.

The ONLY way

John 14:6

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life:

no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

~~~~oooOooo~~~~

I am sharing this scripture for someone who

reads my blog. Someone who thinks there are other

ways to get to Heaven--or has lost their way

by false theology. Beware, even the elect is being

deceived these days, it is heartbreaking

and YET, more reason to stay in the WORD,

to guard your mind.

Please be careful....

I guess this is a reminder for all of us,

not just a certain blog reader.

Deby

Have you ever?

This is going around and thought it would be a easy blog post.
You BOLD the ones you HAVE done, think I will change the color
on mine.


1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/world
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang/played a solo
11. Bungee jumped(NEVER WANT TO)
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables(tomatoes in Italy, and basil)
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort--I've built lots of snow people but never a snow fort.
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping (stupid teenager)
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse--I always intend to do this and then end up forgetting.
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied..WORKING on this, matter of the heart
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David in person
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted--I haven't, but my animals have! (o;
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies? ate my share too
62. Gone whale watching
63. Gotten flowers for no reason, Saturday from my husband
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp (Dachau, very sobering)
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy--Bride doll
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt,learning now
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job...no I quit first :-(
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle,my husband's in our foolish days.
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem-----No but Ephesus, Tarsus, Antioch
84. Had your picture in the newspaper,.. engagement announcement
85. Read the entire Bible...finished this year, only 3rd time thus far.
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
89. Saved someone’s life...by leading them to the Lord, and therefore having eternal life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one.....yes 4 dear family members are in heaven in the past 4 1/2 years
94. Made a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee

Now if you do this let me know so I can visit yours