Seven Vehicles & a Port-a-Potty

I drove by 'the house' this morning on my way to Walmart. (It's only about 1 1/2 miles from my house and on the way). Here's what I saw:



If you look real hard, down at the end of the vehicles is a port-a-potty. Yesterday there were several cars too, but not the port-a-potty.

Could this mean they plan for several people to be working there in the days to come??? I sure hope so.

Yea! I'm encouraged again.

Birthday Week

Mason & I had a birthday this week. Mine on Wednesday and Mason today. Since Bo & Mason were leaving town on Tuesday, we had cake and ice cream on Monday night with Cody, Jenny, Corbin & Whitney.

Notice my candles say 29. Thanks Bo.

Here are Mason & I blowing out the candles on our cake.



Corbin gave me a little bookmark to use in my bible. He picked it out himself and gave it to me proudly. It was so sweet. The bookmark said 'Grandma.' I said 'Grandma?!' He said, 'sorry they didn't have one that said Grana.' LOL








Yesterday in Washington DC, Bo & Mason went to hear President Bush give a speech to the National Cattlemen's Association. Afterward, they got to shake his hand and Mason got his autograph! Isn't that exciting? --Mason thought so.

I'm enjoying my time at home by myself. They will be home Sunday night and it's back to the old school grindstone on Monday with three weeks and counting left before we're through. Yea!

Discouraged

Well, I'm feeling a little discouraged today about the house deal. I went to several open houses this afternoon. I just like doing that and I like to get ideas for decorating also. When I was out, I drove by the house we are waiting for to be built and saw people going into it, so I stopped and went inside. It looks to me like it is no where near finished, and as slow as those people work, I just don't see how it can be finished in a month (which was the latest estimated date of completion). Here are a couple of pictures I took inside:

It looks like about 3 or 4 months work of work to me with as slow as these builders are. And the other day I was talking to a guy that I planned to have do our hardwood floors. I told him our situation and where this house is and how we are waiting for it to be finished, and that it should be finished by the first of May. He actually began to laugh, and said, 'mam, I know that house & I don't mean to burst your bubble, but I don't think there's anyway that house will be finished by then. I know those builders.'

OK. So it's probably going to be 3 or 4 more months. We've been waiting for this house for a year this month. We thought it would be six months or so, but just kept waiting because each month or so, we thought 'well, we might as well just wait, it's not that much longer.'

Now I think it's getting ridiculous. I don't like the thought of spending another summer in this townhouse with no yard (even though it's really a very nice place). But hey, we've waited this long, might as well wait another few months. --Uh, that's what we have been saying, and the months have turned into a year, and now over a year.

I've booked our remodelers to start May 1st. That will have to be cancelled and rescheduled, rescheduled for when, I don't know. I need to give the remodelers a month, month and a half advance notice.

What do we do? Keep waiting? I like the house. I think we are getting it at a good price. I really don't want to start looking again. And the place we are living now is not bad at all. (except it has no yard). --But as I said, this is getting ridiculous.

OK. I'm through griping and complaining now. Thanks for listening, ....er reading, I mean.

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes

Today was a pretty uneventful day. Probably not one that I will remember ten years from now (that is, unless something drastic happens between now and midnight). I worked most of the day and it rained most of the day too. After work, Jenny went with me to look for granite and tile for our house remodel. I think I've changed my mind about the granite. I'm thinking of going with BLACK granite for the kitchen countertops and butcher block for the kitchen island with beige blacksplash tile and yellow for the wall color. We found a picture in a magazine like that and I really like it. But we'll see.

I took Mason to a barbeque/party tonight for the graduating homeschooled seniors. He will be all done with school in about 3 weeks and will be in a graduation ceremony in May. One week from today he will be sixteen! He and Bo are leaving for Washington, D.C. next Tuesday with the Texas Cattle Feeders Association, so that will be his birthday and graduation present along with a vehicle to drive. He is getting our old 1995 Tahoe. A pretty good ride for your first vehicle, I say. It's been being worked on the last couple of weeks getting it in good shape for him. Many changes are about to happen in his life. I think he will keep his job at Sonic for a while but will begin to get more hours when he turns sixteen. Fifteen year olds can only work about 12 or so hours a week, so he has only been working on Saturday and Sunday. After next week he can work more days with more hours, and he's going to need those hours of work to pay for gas in that Tahoe. It costs $50 - $60 to fill that sucker up with gas.

Well, that's it for me today. TTYL.

Good Reading

I put a list of books I have listened to or want to listen to (or read) in the future on the right side under the 'Blogging Chicks' links. I've enjoyed all of them, if you're looking for a good book to read, you might take a look. Also, if you know of a good book to recommend, let me know and I'll add it to my list.

I think my favorite book on the list is 'Kite Runner.' I loved that book. It was very interesting. I learned alot about life in the country of Afghanistan and the story was so moving. It stayed with me for a long time after finishing the book. I highly recommend it.

I listen to books as I walk or ride my bike and I download them in mp3 format from Audible.com. As far as actual reading, I like to read theological books and articles on the internet.

A Trip Down Memory Lane

Today was an absolutely georgeous day. Bo & I went to Palo Duro Canyon and hiked 6 miles. It was great and I loved it, but my shoulders are pretty red and sunburned. We were so tired afterward. It's not the same as just walking on the street. There are many hills and valleys, so you really get your exercise. There were so many people out there today and lots riding their mountain bikes thru the trails.



Bo & I rode mountain bikes thru the hills in Colorado one time about 7 or 8 years ago. We were with a group of people that worked for the same company as Bo. One guy fell off his bike and hit his head on a rock. He was knocked unconscious for about 5 minutes. The guide that was with us would not let him move and a helicopter was called because there was no way for a land vehicle to get to him. When we got to the end of the trail, a local news reporter was there and interviewed several people and it was on the news that night. It was quite an ordeal and the talk of dinner that night. (The guy just had a slight concusion and was fine in a day or so).

Mountain biking is a pretty strenuous sport, too strenuous for me, I think. Now here's the way to go. Bo & I took this bike tour down Haleakala Volcano in Maui, Hawaii on our honeymoon 11 1/2 years ago. It was wonderful. Downhill all the way, nice smooth road, beautiful weather and scenery. It was great and a very special memory for me.

In fact, Bo was the one who booked the bike ride in Colorado for the group, because we had enjoyed the bike ride in Hawaii so much. We thought it would be the same as the ride in Hawaii, coasting down the mountain on the pavement, but when we got there, we found out it was on the dirt and thru the hills and valleys. But it was fun anyway, albeit it exhasting for someone not in shape for it, like me. Bo likes mountain-biking though.

Well that's it for me. Have a good night.

Happy Birthday PAJ!

Today is my daddy's 81st birthday. This is him and his wife (my stepmom and a very nice lady), Dorothy.

My daddy is a very hard-working (still), smart, kind, and just all around good guy. I have been very blessed to have him as a dad.

I love him very much!

Activity!

I walked over to the house I'm watching be built today and I about fell over from shock. There were three workers' vehicles in the drive and a dirt-mover-tractor-looking thing in the front preparing for a lawn. I couldn't believe it. That's the most activity I've seen over there since they were roofing it about six months ago.

Do ya think maybe they will actually get industrious and get the house finished soon? They said it would be ready by the middle of April (this time). Well, I won't hold my breath, but it does give me a little hope.

We'll see what happens tomorrow. It's supposed to be a beautiful day here, 80 degrees and low winds. Sounds like a bicycle ride day to me. Yea! I love nice days and riding my bicycle. I'll have to pedal over that way and see if the activity continues.

I'll keep you posted.

I planted some seeds last week in these little expandable sod things and this week I've got some sprouts. Aren't they cute?













I was at Walmart this afternoon and I put a six pack of Diet Coke in my basket. When I got to the register and lifted them up to put on the belt for the checker, I noticed one of the bottles was only about 1/4 the way filled. Oh man, I was going to have to hold up the line and run all the way to the back of the store to get another six pack. Then a man behind me in line spoke up and said, "I'll run get one for you." And off he went.

I thought that was just so kind of him and I really appreciated it. What a nice man.

Our Venture Out This Morning.

You know that Bo, Mason & I (and sometimes Corbin)worship at home each week on Sunday. We have a good study and listen to a sermon tape from one of several gospel churches scattered about, but not within driving distance for us. Bo & I talk very often of how we wish we had a gospel church to attend, how we miss the fellowship of like-minded people, and even entertain the possibility of moving near one someday. Well, there is a Calvinistic Presbyterian Church here. We visited it one time before about 3 years ago, and this morning we decided to visit it again.

It started off well. We sang several hymns and the preacher even expounded on one of the hymns, "Jesus, thy Blood and Righteousness," telling of how Christ is the only way to heaven. Yes, he certainly is. I agree, tell us more.

Then he opened the bible and began preaching on Hebrews 10:23-25.

Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

A good scripture passage, but this is where the focus on Christ was left behind, and the focus on US and what we need to DO, began. By the time we left, I felt like I had been given a tongue-lashing on what I need to and better get to DOING. We were told that even though we would probably prefer to go fishing, or golfing, or whatever on Sunday morning, we must put that aside and go to church. We must love and be there for other believers.

WHAT??

Now, this may be the way that churches that preach law and works get people to church, but it's not the way to get true believers to church, is it? All you've got to do is preach Christ, and believers will be there, because they love Christ and love the gospel. True believers PREFER going to church to fishing or golfing, if the preacher is truly preaching Christ.

I hate hearing the message of do, do, do. I love the message of done, done, done. What Christ has done, that is. And he has done it ALL. There's nothing left for me to do. What a wonderful gospel. A gospel that is new every morning, and never gets old no matter how many times you hear it.

And because of this gospel, I want to go to church (even though I don't have one). I want to hear the gospel expounded upon. I feel a love for and kinship with other believers, but certainly not because I mustered it up myself. No, no.

The gospel truly sets us free. Free to do exactly what we WANT to do.

I guess this morning's excursion was a good experience for us,

but, needless to say, we decided to just continue studying at home.

Just some thoughts

“Whatever fate befalls you, do not give way to great rejoicings or great lamentation; partly because all things are full of change, and your fortune may turn at any moment; party because men are so apt to be deceived in their judgment as to what is good or bad for them.” --Schopenhauer.

I read this quote on a blog I read regularly called The Happiness Project, and I started thinking (dangerous, I know). But I think this quote is very true. We don't know what is good for us or even what is bad, really. Now we know what feels good or bad at the moment, but that's about it.

I think and have said, I feel the same way about praying. How can we possibly know what to ask for, short of asking for someone's eyes to be opened and the gospel revealed? (And even then, only if it's God's will). When we pray for someone to be healed of sickness, how do we know it is not in their best interest to remain sick? Maybe the Lord will use their sickness to bring them to himself. Maybe someone's death will deliver them to heaven and persuade someone else to seek the Lord. --Maybe not.

I do believe that God is in control of every little thing that happens, so really what need is there to pray requesting anything, except that his will be done in each situation, as it says in the Lord's prayer. 'Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.'

I guess I think prayer is mainly for praising the Lord, thanking him, and agreeing with him that we are dreadful sinners in need of his mercy. Also lifting up others and praying for God's will in their lives. --But we know his will, WILL be done regardless. He's sovereign and in control of all that happens. Still, he tells us to pray.

To be honest, many times when I pray, I feel so hypocritical because my prayers aren't said in earnest. My prayers are shallow, dead and lifeless, repeating the same old lines day after day. Often my thoughts are wandering and I know I am just doing 'my duty' as a christian. What a waste of time. I hate this.

Other times when I am just thinking of the Lord and his great mercy, reading a scripture, or listening to a sermon about the Lord Jesus, I feel such joy and gratefulness in my heart to the Lord. For just a short period of time, I get a glimpse of Christ. And what a wonderful blessing from the Lord.

I wonder, could this be a form of prayer?

Here is the granite countertop I really like (the one on the right) and am thinking, at this point anyway, we will put in the kitchen at our new house, if we ever get to take possession of it. The granite color is called Crema Gianti. I like the splash of red in it.


If the owners of the house don't call and say the date their new house should be finished is moved back AGAIN, we should be able to take possession the middle or end of April.

That's not that far away. Yea! Time to start making plans.

A New Look

I got a new bedspread yesterday (from Walmart, no less). But I like it. First here's the old one I've had for 13 years. I'd say it was time for a change.














And here's the new one:




A little more sleek, I think. Sleek? Is that the right word? Yes, to me, it is. Now I don't know if sleek goes with the antique-look in the room, but oh well.

You know, the "experts" say your bedroom should be your safe haven, your refuge from the hectic world, your oasis, your special place, your ......, well you get the idea.

Worthy?

I heard someone pray last night at a meeting I was at. It was a nice prayer. Then, he said, "thank you for dying on the cross for our sins. I just hope we can be worthy of that sacrifice." He finished and everyone said 'amen.'

How in the world can we ever be worthy of Christ's sacrifice on the cross? I don't believe we can.

Romans 7:18 For I know that in me that is, in my flesh, dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.

Isaiah 64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

Genesis 6:5 And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.

Thank the Lord and praise his wonderful name that he, in his gracious mercy, died on the cross for his people, who are so very UNWORTHY.

God's Love

I keep hearing that God loves everyone. Smile, God loves you & such. I do not believe this to be true. ~Shocking, I know. I believe God loves his people, his elect. He loves them with an everlasting love. He loves them so much that he sent his son to die for them and everyone of them will go to heaven.

If God did love everyone, then what would God's love have to do with anyone's salvation? Apparently, nothing. Because some people will die and go to hell. Will God still love them when they're in hell? Or will he change, and hate them then?

As much as we love our children, would we let one die and go to hell, if we had the power to stop it? Would we say, "You have sinned and you did not choose to follow me, so you must go to hell." Or would we grab them up, change their heart, and take them to heaven anyway, knowing what is best for them, even if they don't. Is God's love less than ours? I don't believe so. It's more, much more.

God loves his people so much that he would not let even one go to hell. He did all that was needed to insure that ALL the elect go to heaven. He sent his son to die to pay for their sins, and that IS enough.

What a wonderful, merciful, loving, God!

Bo's dad, Corky went home from the hospital today after having a port-a-cath put in, so that he can take his chemotherapy without having to get a new IV each time. He will start chemotherapy next Wednesday. They have decided to give him chemotherapy only and not radiation since the cancer is so advanced, and they don't think they can cure it anyway, just hopefully prolong his life some. We will have to wait a couple of months to see if he is responding to the treatment.

I did laundry, went to the grocery store, and made up next week's school lesson plans this morning, and then went to work this afternoon. As I was coming home from work, and sitting at a red light, the car in front of me had a man and a boy who looked to be around 10 or 11 in it. All of a sudden the boy started hitting and yelling at the man, and the man started punching back and yelling back at the boy. You could tell they were both very angry. Then the light changed and they drove off. Strange and very sad.