A Lesson From A Fire Ant

Have you heard the story of the ant and the grasshopper? Well, there's more to being an ant then just being prepared. What happens when tragedy strikes?

Take a look at this post, I discovered today, and find out what fire ants do when their life depends on it! Visit  The Up Beat and see what you can learn, from this tiny, sometimes annoying, piece of God's creation!

God Bless!

Why Easter?

This Good Friday I want to share a poem written by a very special woman - my husband's Grandmother. I couldn't say enough about this amazing woman, whose unfaltering faith in Christ has set the example for our family over and over again. She has been a willing instrument for Christ and has blessed so many and continues to do so as, even in her nineties, she ministers to and cares for all those that come in contact with her. I hope you enjoy one of the many poems that has overflowed from this tender and full heart!

Why Easter?
by Anna Anderson

Things were going on as usual
The day that Jesus died
The world was hustling all about Him
But He was alone denied!

He was just another criminal
To the throng that saw Him there
They saw -- But shunned involvement
Who was He, that they should care?

Some were sad to see such treatment
And they wondered what He'd done,
His face was sad, His eyes so lonely,
Could He really be God's son?

his face showed anguish pain and heartache
His form was stooped beneath the load
But no one cared enough to help Him
As blood dripped freely on the road.

Where were Peter, James and John
As he trudged this path alone.
Surely someone would stand by Him
Surely someone -- but there was none!

Where were the blind, the lame, the lepers
That were so thankful He'd passed by?
It's been only days since He healed them
He had listened to their cry.

Then I heard the blow of a hammer
Then I heard a sudden thud
Then it seemed I heard faint moaning
I saw blood stains in the mud

Then a loud cry resounded
As the thunder shook the sky
As the whole world, trembling in darkness
Saw our lovely Savior die.

Some thought that it was over
When He hung His head in death
But it was only the beginning
When He ceased His earthy breath.

And so, our life is just beginning
When we are laid away
Our soul goes to God who gave it,
Our body goes back to clay.

But our soul lives on forever
That's why Jesus came
He made it so simple, that none need to be lost.
We are "His" by just taking His name!

God Bless, and may you all have a beautiful Easter as you reflect on God's most precious and merciful gift.

Mommy Dementia

Well, I suppose you are wondering if this is an actual diagnosable illness. Well, it's not. Do I believe it's real? Yes, I do.

Up until I became pregnant with my first beautiful child I was a smart woman. Yes, it's true, I was. And then it started. The drain on my short-term memory began. It didn't creep up unexpectedly, working it's damage on my mind unnoticed. No, it hit - like a two-by-four - leaving a permanent hole where random information comes and goes as it pleases.

It turns out there are many triggers for the instant flare of forgetfulness. A room change sends errands to the abyss, and talking ensures the use of unrelated words, or, God forbid, the combination of those same words. And, my children's names? I shan't even go there!

And then, after blundering through several mis-corrections, the information seeps back only to embarrass all the more! Am I right? I know I'm not the only one who suffers with this! I've heard you mommas talk!

So, is there hope? Well, no. Not really. But there IS comfort in numbers. So who's with me?

Wait... what was I talking about...?

Easy-Peasy, My Non-Secret Recipe

I've mentioned in a previous post my aversion to cooking. Definitely not my choice of hobbies, though I do wish somewhere deep inside I could pull out a tiny shred of interest. For my family's sake, of course. Yes, I do cook; not well, and not much, and in as little time as possible.

Now baking is a little different. I'm not even sure why. Maybe I prefer baked goods to cooked goods (they sure do smell good cooking). Or maybe it is because I seem to have much better luck with something that cooks SSLLOOWWLLYY?

Well, whatever the reason, one of my favorite recipes (and one that gets the most raves) is my banana bread. It is easy (bonus!) and delicious! And best of all, I am willing to share! Are you ready?

Easy-Peasy Banana Bread
Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Beat together:
1/4 cup shortening
1 cup Sugar

Add and beat in:
2 eggs
1 cup mashed bananas (about to medium bananas)
1 cup flour
1 cup Bisquick (you can also substitute the flour and Bisquick for 2 cups Jiffy Mix.)

Pour into greased and floured bread pan
Bake for 50-60 minutes.
For muffins: Makes 12. Grease or paper line muffin tin. Cook for roughly 22 minutes. Insert toothpick to check. 

That's all there is to it! Well, I've got to go get mine out of the oven! Enjoy! :D

Stylish Blogger Award

What a surprise to turn on my computer a week or so ago and find that I received the Stylish Blogger Award! I would have never expected it since I have always felt myself lacking in the department of style. And even more of a blessing to me was to receive it from someone I look up to, author Tracy Krauss. You can view her own blog at Expression Express. Please stop by and visit her!

Well, the next step in accepting this award is to pass it on to seven other bloggers and list seven random facts about myself. So lets start with the latter since it will be the most difficult for me. :)

1. I love fog. No matter which season brings it, fog is magical.
2. My hair is actually curly, though few have been unfortunate enough to see it. :)
3. I was married at the very young age of 19.
4. I don't like to cook... at all. But I still do. I consider it a labor of love. :)
5. I think the best Robin Hood movie ever made was the 1938 version with Errol Flynn.
6. I've always had a love for history and carry a secret desire to become an archeologist. There, I spilled it!
7. Lastly, I am a morning person and am up between 3:00-5:00am each morning. I've been called crazy for it, but I love the peace...

So there you have it. :)

Now the following list are some of my favorite blogs. I am sure you will like them as well! Stop by and congratulate them! These are in no particular order.


1. A Few More Pages - Katy is a college teacher, mother of two young children, excessive reader, and manages to keep up a great blog in the midst of all her busyness. She also has a nice, simple, yet pleasing to the eye, style to her blog. Go check her out! She writes some great book reviews!

2. Our Journey to Ella - This is a blog by Greg and Karmen Bernacchi. They are both in ministry performing skits and singing to help reach people for Christ. They are currently in the process of adopting from China. It has been a long process, so in the meantime they have kept up a blog. They are both people of incredible sense of humor and they write amazing posts, not to mention have a very neat looking blog!

3. browneyedbaker - So, as I said above, I don't like to cook. But, I do like to bake! And this blog is teeming with delicious recipes! A nice looking blog, though I have to admit, the photos of all the goodies sure do help!

4. Choosing Joy - A truly beautiful blog by an Air Force Chaplain's wife and mother of nine children. Their family is currently stationed in Misawa, Japan. It has been a blessing to read their blog! A family who passionately and actively loves the Lord!

5. Sharlene MacLaren -I love this blog! Sharlene MacLaren is an author of Christian Romance. I picked up a book of hers one day at our local Wal-Mart, well,  because it had my name on it, literally. :) Since then I have read, and now own, every one of her books. Her posts are inspirational and fun and her blog has a very welcoming appearance.

6. Write Expressions - Here is a great blog, by Holly Browne, for all you moms. A cute blog and a very talented writer! I enjoy reading her posts. Her last one regarding dressing like a mom had me busting out laughing over the imagery she created.

7. Delightful Dots - Since we are on the subject of style... this is a blog right here on blogspot whose owner creates amazing blog backgrounds. If you are looking to add style to your own blog, go spend a few moments looking through her creations!

So there they are! Don't forget to stop and visit each one! I am sure you will enjoy them just as much as I have!

God's Blessings,

No Matter What Winds Prevail...

It doesn't have to be a major storm to bring about disruption in life.  It seems at times, that all which is needed is the busyness, and stress that comes with just living day to day and sailing that rolling sea we call life. Especially when we find that all we're riding in is the patched up dinghy of human effort.

Yet, when life gets in the way I find myself trusting in my own self-preservation (my sinking dinghy) over the never faltering safety of God's preservation. His ship is unbreachable and most definitely, unsinkable. It couldn't be otherwise with His adept hand on the helm and His heavenly wind in the sail.

Oh, set your sail to the heavenly gale,

And then, no matter what winds prevail,

No reef can wreck you, no calm delay;

No mist will hinder, no storm will stay;

Though far you wander and long you roam

Through salt sea sprays and o'er white sea foam,

No wind can blow but that will speed you Home.

- Annie Johnson Flint

Set sail with Him on this sea of life. The waters are rough and the weather unpredictable, but whatever comes, God remains a refuge for those willing to give up life's dinghys and allow Him control of the helm. And with Him as the Helmsman, what would there be to fear?

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains quake at its swelling pride. Selah. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah. Psalm 46:1-3,7

Put your trust in His very capable hands! No more fear!
God Bless!

Christian Writers Blog Chain: Swirling

I couldn't think of much else this week except the swirling waters of Japan. A terrible tragedy. There are no words to describe it and really no way of fully understanding, short of first hand experience, what the people of Japan are going through. To be honest, it frightens me a little knowing I am not exempt from tragedy. Though I may never experience a tsunami there are countless other disasters, natural and created, I may some day be unfortunate enough to encounter. In this world there seems an infinite number of ways in which to die or suffer loss.

However, though the loss of Japan has touched me I am affected even more by the swirl of emotion mixed with the swirl of human goodness that always seems to come out in times of trouble. People helping people, the way it should always be. Why, for some of us, does it take a hardship to bring it to light? Maybe when we are faced with the instability of our lives, and everything we held dear is gone, we realize there is more. We become one with those who share our circumstance. Caring for them is caring for ourselves.

For us, still here in the perceived safety of the United States, does it wake us just a little to the fragility of human life? Or are we so detached from the situation that we just don't care, or really take notice. Then again, who have we noticed today?

With all the comments floating around the web you may have seen a few "help vs. don't help" discussions. I have, and they all brought to mind the question, "Who is my neighbor?" Who should I love as myself? Jesus' response to this question, when voiced by an expert of the law, was a parable. The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37).

You may have heard the story. A man beaten and robbed, left at the side of the road. He was dying and yet ignored even by those of the church, too busy going about their daily lives to care. But then a man, one who would have probably been spit upon by the beaten gent had he had the strength, stopped, and yes, lent a hand. He did so when no one else would. So Jesus, in his normal manner, ended the story with a question.

vs. 36 "Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?"

Did you catch it? See how Jesus worded it? "Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man?" Being a neighbor doesn't mean you live next door or even in the same town, or state, or country. It isn't even about who your neighbor is, but it is all about who you have been a neighbor to.

vs. 37 The expert in the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him."

Mercy, and we see it in the faces of those who though losing everything, still continue to give. It is the little bit of God that swirls out, regardless of our beliefs. It is the part of Him, whose image we are all created in. And the good news - you don't need to wait for tragedy to be a neighbor. Look around you, opportunity exists everywhere. A neighbor is not only a state of being, it is a state of having done. So maybe "neighbor" is a verb too? :)

So, using the phrase I learned last month... Go verb your noun!! :)
God Bless!

This post was part of the Christian Writers Blog Chain! Please visit the links to the right for more amazing posts on the topic of  "swirling"!