Eyes of Hope w/ 4Ever

"Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen (with the eyes). For by faith our ancestors were approved."

Hebrews 11:1,2

Go ahead, Make my day! Ask away.

Hi, virtual girl! Glad to see you.

Faith is very important to me. I never would have made it through this life without His presence and guidance. He was with me even when I didn't really believe....even when I turned away from Him.

Sometimes I hear from Him and He seems to ask me to say or do things that seem outrageous or senseless....and I "hope" that He won't ask me to do crazy stuff, but then here He comes again.

Living by faith is what Abraham did. I only hope to allow God to increase my faith a small fraction of those we read of in Hebrews and all over the bible! Just think, the Old Testament people really did not have a bible, or very few scriptures available except through the priests, if that.

I want to become a more positive person, no matter what is going on around me. I hope to let God use me in this thread to look at life His way.

H-mmm...when I was growing up...it would have been my friend Linda. She was funny, loved God and wasn't afraid to be different than others. She could really run fast and could jump over hurdles, gates, anything! I always looked forward to going to Sunday School, youth group...everything that was offered...because Linda would be there. Her family also took me on vacation with them and had me over to their house in the country many, many times. I thought they were like the Waltons.

Linda married a guy I used to have a crush on. They are Wycliffe missionaries in Oxacha (sp>) Mexico.

My other mentor: Lynn. I have known her since 1998. She is in her 70's now. God has used her in a big way to show me what it is to live for God, yet not be walked on and abused. She is the most awesome lady I have met or will ever meet. I still talk to her often. She is very close to being like a mother to me. She can get kind of strict with me when she sees I'm going the wrong way. She knows me really well, but more importantly, she knows the Lord well and talks to Him on a daily basis.

It used to be writing. Now it's reading and learning new things. I enjoy volunteering at shelters and charities very much. Time stops when I'm doing that. Eight hours can go by, and it can seem like one hour instead. I think it's my calling. No, I know it's my calling.

homemade pizza with lots of veggies
pasta pepperoni salad
green beans
baked chicken breast
vanilla ice cream

faithmom said:

Yummo....sounds like a good meal as a matter of fact.

Do you enjoy cooking...and if so, what is your dream kitchen?

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I didn't used to enjoy cooking, but I'm enjoying it more as I try new recipes. Also, my husband does make a big fuss with compliments.

My dream kitchen...would have lower cupboards and countertops, as I am 5 ft. 2 inches. It would be blue, a nice pastel blue. It would have an automatic dishwasher. That's all.

BarbBlessed said:

Hello!

Have you got any special plans for the summer?

Will you take a family vacation?

Will the price of gasoline affect your summer plans?

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Hello!

Michelle will swim over at her friend's house often, but we can't afford a family vacation right now. We will have fun doing things at home. We go to the city park alot.

Oh, my goodness...the price of gasoline is affecting us right now. It would be really scary, if I didn't have the Lord to comfort and guide. I think it's another sign of the end times.

marezee said:

What is your best high school memory?

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I can't pinpoint one in particular, but I would say in general that my best high school memories would be activities with the youth group at church...attending football games, going out to eat, being crazy in harmless ways, having car washes, etc.

BarbBlessed said:

We're really feeling the pinch of gasoline prices, too.

So, how was your birthday?
Did you do anything special?
Did Michelle (or someone) bake you a cake?
Do you feel any older?

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It was great!

Didn't do anything special, but it was nice.

Didn't get a cake this year, but then again, I didn't want one

I don't feel any older at all! I feel quite happy

Thanks for the questions, ladies, I enjoyed answering them.

BarbBlessed said:

Are you not a cake eater? Or are you watching your waistline?
(I know you like to exercise - I'm not implying that you NEED to watch your waistline! )

For the past 12 years I've baked a rhubarb pie for Joanna's birthday. She doesn't care much for cake.

Do you take summer classes or are you able to take the summer off?
I loose track, exactly how old is Caleb now?
What does he do to keep busy?

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Lol...I love cake...they forgot it was my birthday and I didn't say anything It's okay though, because, well..I've been real focused on Michelle and her treatment and well-being. In the last few months, I forgot Jim's birthday, got appointment times confused, forgot other essentials, and even forgot it was Father's Day. On Easter I forgot to plan an after-church dinner and I cooked hamburgers. That sort of thing.

I did tell them after church yesterday that the day before had been my birthday. Michelle rushed to me and gave me a hug and said, "Why didn't you tell me? I could have made you a cake or gotten you something!" Just that alone, and the look on her face was way better a birthday present than any material thing!

Jim, looked sheepish and took us all out for ice cream

I didn't tell them in a way that made them feel ashamed and nobody's the worse for it.

Oh, did I tell you I also forgot our 4th wedding anniversary this March???

____

Rhubarb pie is great! M-mmm. Can you Fed-Ex that? Just kidding! Please don't do it, it's too much trouble! Remember when you tried to buy me protein bars at CF? You are too precious!!! I felt so guilty about that.

Well...my waistline is doing...okay. I did lose the weight I wanted. I might stay right where I am. My pride wants me to be one size smaller, but it probably isn't practical or even God's will. I went hungry a lot all spring just to lose 10 pounds. I'm not sure if that was a very good example for Michelle. But I don't know if she knew I was hungry or not and I did stop saying, "I'm so fat," years ago because I sensed it was bad for her. I'm rambling, eh?

No summer classes. This fall is going to be different. Instead of full time at state university, I'm doing an adult program classes at a private Christian University. I attend only one evening a week and do the assignments/papers at home. This leaves me with much more time with Michelle, Caleb, and Jim.

Caleb is turning 3 years old very soon! He keeps busy with everything. It's sort of funny that at my advanced age, my last child ended up being the most active and impish. He's lovable, bouncy, and he actually amazes me with his wide vocabulary.

Well, I was feeling chatty this morning, but I think I've fully answered the questions now!

Bless you, Barb