Let it go!

Yesterday I met my close friend (who happened to be my college roommate) for lunch and thrift shopping....we had such fun......

LOOK what we found!  Solid wood!






Look what I bought!


 Good old Salvation Army!!!!!

Look what made it home today!

 

Now we have room for 8 people around the table!  Our kitchen is small and even tho it doesn't look like it, we have enough room with it in the kitchen.  I'm looking forward to when we move and have a large dining area! 

 

Steve went with me to pick it up today, wasn't sure if we needed our trailer but we managed to get all of it in our van.  I figured if we could get three kayaks in there, we could get this in there!  We only had to take the leaf out to do it, very easy.  I enjoy doing things with Steve, I realize that all too soon he will have his own life/family and we won't have as much time together. 

 

 

So I'm really going through our house as I have time and simplifying.   After working today, I was able to take a bunch of stuff to a thrift store that supports missionaries.   My kids hate when I get in this mood....but I hope to have everything gone through and thinned out long BEFORE we move!   My goal is to keep our home as clutter free as possible.  It's hard with the kids, they get given something or they hang on to things.  The little ones have various medical things so we have so much stuff everywhere.  The nurse and I worked on Selah's room and de-cluttered it to some degree. 

 

I'm keeping our old table for now, not sure if I'll use it in the new house.  I may have a use for it in the big shed.  Or I may take it to a furniture consignment shop. 

 

There is also  a consignment shop I take kids stuff to and have made quite a bit of money over the past year.  A few days ago, I just took a load there too. 

My thing is if something hasn't been used, worn or played with for a year....it needs to go! 

 

So in the famous line of the famous song....."LET IT GO"  

 

Steve's Grad!

Steve's Graduation Video!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkFf7d-cKPk

Steve's graduation video......  very meaningful to me!

Just another day in Paradise!

Well this has been a busy day for me.  Shad's next to the last day at school and Steve went to work at Habitat for Humanity Restore (working on our family hours)  Sam decided to go buck wild:)  He was into everything.  Spilling juice, grabbing things out of Selah's room....so after lunch I put him in the tub.  Sarah was playing quietly in the living room and I sat on Selah's bath chair and read while he was playing in the tub.  Oh was he happy & laughing.....I found out why in a minute....he pooped in the tub!  Needless to say, he got a shower and I put him  in bed for a nap!

Once he was in bed, I felt obligated to go through mine & the church's mail.  We get so much junk mail it is pathetic!  It hadn't been touched for over a week1  So I got all of that done by the time the boys got home.  Then it was time to go grocery shopping.  At the grocery store, me and my "Bag Boy" (sorry Sam don't know the correct term) got a "civic lesson" in the parking lot.  LOL  I was wearing one of my Ukraine t-shirts and an older man began telling me why Ukraine was in so much turmoil.....  BTW, I'm sure he'd never been to Ukraine nor knew any Ukrainians!  Anyhow poor Sam (who goes to our church) he looked like a deer caught in the headlights! 

Selah has been "off" a little lately.  Generally she's had great oxygen levels.  But lately she's had lower oxygen levels and an elevated heart rate.  Usually when her heart rate is up so is her oxygen levels.  This is just different for her, and it worries me that something is wrong.  She also was making grimaces today which is so unlike her.  We think she may have had some muscle spasms from physical therapy.  We took her leg braces off early and that seemed to make her happy.  She doesn't usually mind the braces so that's why we think   it may have been spasms.  It's so hard to tell with non verbal children.  Sam, Sarah and Selah are all non verbal.  Selah was also before the accident, you just have to watch them and learn them for clues. 

Selah also has a few little cold sores.  She always gets a bump on her cheek, by her nose and in the corner of her mouth.  We've tried so many over the counter remedies but nothing seems to help.  I called the doctor told and he gave us a prescription.  If this doesn't help then he will culture it.  Sarah often gets cold sores too.  We think it is something that is in their system from Ukraine. 

Tonight I made a big salad!  YUM! I've been hearing NOT to buy prepackage salads, they just are not clean.  So I bought an organic head of lettuce, added onion, green pepper, tomato, and the thinnest sliced cucumbers....then I made the best dressing!  We are trying to avoid any vegetable oil that is not Expeller Pressed.  The research I've read, leads me to think that normal vegetable oils are not good for the heart because of the high heat that they get processed at, seems it changes the monocles.  I'm sure I'm not explaining it very good.....but you can research it if you are interested.    Anyhow almost every salad dressing, even "organic"  is made with some type of vegetable oil that is not expeller pressed.  And since oil makes up the majority of salad dressing, I certainly don't want to be ingesting that much non expeller pressed.   Well a friend of my son's gave me the best homemade salad dressing.....

Paige's Apple Cider Dressing
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Garlic Powder
Onion Powder
Dried Basil
Lemon juice
Dijon Mustard
salt & pepper
Olive Oil or Expeller Pressed Vegetable Oil
pinch of sugar
Apple Cider Vinegar (organic)

How much of each?  That's what I asked and she told me to just half & half the Oil and Vinegar, maybe a little less oil than vinegar. ( I think she will grow up to be like my grandmother who could never tell you a recipe since she measured nothing! LOL)   Everything else I just used a baby spoon to measure it out, except for the lemon juice, I put a lot in.  I like lemon juice.   I added Non nitride ham and it was so good.   That's my other thing, we don't eat anything with nitrides in it unless we eat out.  I figure a little is ok but we don't buy any lunch meat with it in it. 

Well I'll finish this discombobulated blog with some pictures I took today

 

 

Sam's going to be happy with that watermelon!

 

 

 

I call this sister cats....these two love each other. 

 

 

 

 

I love sunflowers, they make me happy!

 

Just another day in Paradise ........

Judge Not

This morning I am sitting in the car dealership waiting for our van to be serviced.  I have free, fast Wi-Fi, a Pepsi, a bag of Cheetos, and Fox news...no kids....this is a mini vacation:)   Before last week, I had not had any Pepsi for over 3 weeks but that record is shot now! 

All weekend I was off internet, it was great!  Last night I relaxed by catching up on FB and emails.  I'm in a few groups still and there was a discussion going on in one of them.  Basically saying that someone who was gay had been treated bad by some Christians or by their family who were Christian.   I usually don't say a lot in this group, as many times I don't' know the situations or people being discussed.  But as most people in the group are Christian, I shared that we should always love but we should never ever compromise what the bible says either.  Of course I was attacked by everyone on last night and made to look as if I hated everyone who were not fundamental Christians.   Anyone who knows me, knows that is far from the truth.  It doesn't bother me about myself, I know who I am and how I love & care for folks without compromising the word of God.  But what bothers me is when so many Christians want to rewrite the Bible.  I don't' mean just that conversation, I mean in general.   That conversation got me to thinking.  Lately I've been shocked by some of the "cultural war "I've seen on FB.

It amazes me how far and how fast the Christian evangelical church has changed in the past 25 years.  Before that time, we evangelicals expected non-Evangelical churches to be liberal in their view of scripture.   But we (evangelicals) pretty much "kept the faith" as it had been for hundreds of years.   But throughout my adult life, I've seen how fast we have fallen from that. 

I'm not just talking about just views on homosexuality.....but there is a fast fall from believing the Bible is the infallible, authoritative rule of faith and conduct to now people want to rewrite, reword and reinterpret the word of God.   From evolution to abortion..... to adultery & fornication.....now it's no big deal for people who profess Christianity  to live together without getting married.  

It bothers me!  Just for the record, I believe the Bible is correct, even if I don't like it!  For example, the bible teaches that there is only two causes for divorce.  One is adultery and the other is if an unbelieving spouse walks away.  That's it.....   That's hard for me.  I want to add abuse, child abuse, and extreme miserable marriages.....   And I'll be honest, I'll even tell people who are in situations like that what I believe, BUT I will tell them there is not anything specific in the bible that would uphold what I am saying.    (Not to get sidetracked here but I don't believe in separation in cases of abuse BECAUSE the victim in the case is still legally bound to the one who is doing the abuse.  And if a child is involved and the victim dies (from others things besides abuse) , then the abuser might have legal right to the child )  So I am probably wrong.  BUT I don't' try to rewrite the Bible to make it fit my world view. 

There was a time when I was "out there" I had chosen to walk away from God and be involved in some things that were wrong.  While I was in that time, I knew I was wrong.  I didn't try and justify my sin, I didn't try and rewrite the bible to fit my situations.  It's hard for me to understand why people feel they most try and change the bible to fit their lifestyle choices. 


Then I shared an article I found interesting/unusual on my FB wall. 
http://www.charismamag.com/entertainment/tv/20476-oprah-tackles-charismatic-christianity-s-belief-in-casting-out-demons and I wrote something sarcastic (no not me LOL) and was told I was judgmental.  It was no biggie, and made me laugh because I know my friend was picking at me but it made me think about the whole "Judge not"

You so often hear that "Judge Not"  "Don't be judgmental" Or "Christians are so judgmental"  But is that true?  Is that really what the bible says?   Jesus told others how to live and specifically told them not to sin or continue in sin.  Paul admonished the church at Corinth for not judging sin in their midst.  There are plenty of scriptures that tell us to judge righteously. 

http://twerkzerker.hubpages.com/hub/What-Does-the-Bible-Really-Say-about-Judging-Others
this is a great article that explains the difference between having a judgmental spirit and judging righteously.  There is a difference, a big difference!

It seems many today are so quick to quote "Judge Not', as soon as they disagree with someone. One thing I will NOT do is use that verse or that small part of the verse ever on anyone.  When I see it used, a warning bell goes off in my head.   In my opinion, it is used as a total cop-out and that's why I'd never use it.   Go ahead and judge me....with a righteous judgment using the bible, rightly divided.   The bible tells us to judge what we hear and are told. 

We need to judge ourselves first and foremost.  I judge myself and often find myself in the wrong.  My goal is to bring myself under the Lordship of Jesus in all areas, and some of the time, I fail.  However that does not mean that the word of God changes.  There is no one who is completely righteous and without sin.  So if you say that NO one is perfect, then that makes you automatically free to do whatever and no one can speak anything into your life. 

I think as in so many areas...it comes down to BALANCE!  Balance is so lacking in the church world.  It seems either we are Puritans who put people in the stocks for missing church or we are telling everyone "you are going to heaven regardless of your lifestyle"  How about let's have balance, share the word of God in love.  Love people where they are at and love them whether or not they ever change.  But let's never compromise the word of God.  

I don't like mean spirited people who use the Bible to hate others, can NOT stand them but neither do I like when people are spineless and fail to use the bible correctly and teach that grace covers everything with no personal responsibilities.  Both ways are dead wrong based on the Word of God.  

I don't fit in with the Bible thumpers, I love people where they are at.  That's not to say I want share truth with someone but I can love a person whether they change or not.  Also I don't fit in with "we are all ok" group either.  I believe in personal responsibility  & the Bible.....

The reason I tell people what the bible says is because I love them.  I don't want anyone to go to hell.  If a person is not a Christian, then I only share with them that SIN separates them from God.  It doesn't matter what sin, for we are all sinners.  Once a person says they are a Christian then it's time to gently guide someone about what the bible says.  Hey, I don't try to get into deep points, I tell people to go read the bible for themselves.  But we as Christians, especially ministers have a responsibility before God to tell the truth.  The bible warns ministers to tell the full story to others.  I believe in a real Hell, and I believe the bible teaches us how to avoid it.  I also believe the bible teaches us we are in trouble if we do not share the whole counsel of God, or you could say, both sides of the story.  Yes God loves with an everlasting love, He is calling people to Him.  But the human race is sinful and we find it hard to lay the sin down, discipline ourselves and live holy.  As Christians we should encourage each other to live as close to God as possible no matter what temptations come our way. 

I'm in the middle....which is fine with me.  Both sides think I'm on the other side.....it's ironic....wish I could get the two groups together to discuss ME, that would be funny:)   Oh that's right.....both groups DO discuss me just not together....and both find me wrong.  LOL

Anyway I love everyone....where ever you are at, where ever you stay and no matter what you think of me!  And I want to see everyone in heaven (except Hitler and a few more awful people!)

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Thanks for your prayers for my father in law, he seems stable today.  They ran some tests on him, haven't' heard the results yet.  Please continue to keep him in your prayers.

yes we are alive:)

WOW what a crazy busy few days!

Steve's graduation and party was just perfect....except I cried "ugly tears"  LOL  I'll put the video my friend did of Steve  up tomorrow, it's on youtube but on "private" so you can't see it.  It was perfect:)  Another one of my friends took pictures too but hasn't had the time to post them yet. 

Today was my niece's birthday lunch after church.  We had a wonderful time but got a call saying my father in law was back in the hospital.  Please keep him in prayer that the meds will work and he'll have relief from the congestive heart failure.  His body really needs to respond to the meds quickly.  He seems to be comfortable and very peaceful.   He has dementia but seemed to know me.  he was so cute with the doctor, she asked if she could listen to his heart and he said "yes if you'd like to", it was just so his personality coming through.  He is a great guy, thank you for your prayers for him!

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Here's our picture at lunch today....Sam is behind Steve.  Sarah ate 3 bowls of soup, she was quite happy!

 

 

Later at the hospital lobby....these two fell asleep:) 

 

 

we didn't' have a stroller with us, luckily there were some wheelchairs.  Sam doesn't like to walk far distances, especially at nap time! 

 

Hope everyone had a great weekend.  Hope to post lots of things tomorrow!

 

!!!!!!  I got some emails/posts saying that the handicapped van contest is STILL not over as far as there are new winners to announce next week.  I've not even been on line all weekend long so I've not looked in to it, we will find out more tomorrow...

 

Getting Ready for Graduation!

This has been a very busy week for me!

A Graduation ceremony and party is time consuming!  The last couple of days, I've spent most of the time focused in someway or another on it or on Steve...  Today I've been running since this morning, and   I tracked down a tassel for his cap!  YEAH!  Finally printed out all our beautiful pictures that my friend took and I put some pictures on canvas for Steve, that took hours.  Then he helped me clean our whole house, and do a bunch of things today. 

Can't help but think of my high school graduation.  No one attended it just to come for me.  I had no family that attended, my great aunt didn't really leave the house at that point and no one else cared enough.  Of course I had friends who were graduating  and some of their families who loved on me but it's unreal to think I graduated with no one there for me.  Back then I took it in stride, I felt like I was an adult and didn't need anyone anyhow.  Looking back, I was so young, just 17 years old and really for the most part alone in the world.  It's very sad to me to think about all of that. 

My college graduation was also very odd.  My "birth mother" who I'd only seen a few times in my life came to it.  At that time I was dating a guy who was a youth pastor and several people came from the church for both of us.  (In fact the SAME church that we now pastor....."it's a small world")    But we just went out to McDonald's afterwards and then my mother took me and my boyfriend out to eat....it's was a bit surreal to me.  I didn't want her there but he had invited her.  Back then, I was a bit  nicer so I didn't say what I thought like I do now.   Any ceremony or big occasion is stressful, even if it is a good thing so to add the stress of having her there, really bothered me on top of the stress of the graduation.  Can we say awkward????

What a difference for Steve, surrounded by his family and friends.....

Thank God that He is a restorer.....

I determined that I was going to walk in God's ways, and be faithful to raising my family in God's truths.  In my heart, I was determined not to see my children toss around like I was.  Living for God not only affects YOUR life, but it affects your children too. 

In my growing up, I reaped the harvest of bad decisions my mother and father made.   They sowed to the wind...and I reaped their whirlwind.  But even in all of the pain, God showed me that things didn't have to stay the way they were.  I'm not sure I had a clear picture of just how I wanted my life to be but I knew I was going to make decisions to follow after Gods ways.  And God was faithful to give me a husband who knew what a "normal" family was like, he'd had good examples in his parents. 

After a pretty disastrous relationship with a guy who had a MESSED UP family, I KNEW I'd never ever get serious with anyone who was in the "same boat as me".   So when I met Jon, I wanted to meet his folks right away.  I met them the week after Jon & I met!  As soon as I met them, I breathed a sigh of relief!  I could tell there was no "funniness" about them....just good southern folks who'd worked hard and raised their boys.  No secrets in their closets, no problems hidden, just nice normal people.  Then I was ready to get serious with Jon, I'm not kidding, that was the most important thing to me. 

So I think of the contrasts, and the blessing that our children have because of the decisions we've made to live for God.  Every action has a reaction.....whether Good or Bad. 

So tomorrow is the BIG day and I'm already tired:)  It's going to be great and I'll be posting the video my friend made for Steve.  It has pictures on it set to music that really show Steve's heart.




Shad had his field trip today to Disney Quest.  He had a blast!  Disney Quest is a game room.  I've never been to it but the boys have and love it.   The good thing about living in Florida is many field trips involve Disney....and I don't' have to go LOL  One of my close friends rode the school bus with the kids, she works for the school.  She had a good time, I'd have probably jumped out a window LOL!  Me, kids and unair-conditioned school buses do NOT mix! 

 

 

 

 

I told him I had to take a picture for his fan club:)

 

 

Well I'm guessing we did not win the handicapped accessible van.  We didn't' get a call or email and today was to be the day.  Oh well, I still appreciate ALL the effort you all put into voting for us!  It meant a lot to me, that folks would take the time to vote!

Well just wanted to jump on here and say HI and let you know all was well with the Clanton family, just a very busy time!