lol,rofl, What are your thoughts?

I was talking to my friend the other night about the abreviations we see all the time. I told her I thought it was time for some new ones. So, here are my thoughts for laughter suggestions.

sl=snorty laughter
ll=little laugh
al=almost laugh
sh=stomach hurt
bl=blast laugher
ng=nutty grin

I know that I am Not the most creative person so would you guy help me out? Just think, we could start a whole new trend just by using our own abbreviations. I would love to see your ideas and then we will give it a drum roll and a top ten!!! You could be on a top ten list!!!
(can you tell I need some sleep?)

Remembering Amber and Aunt Helen

This weekend last year was a sad one for us. My cousin's daughter, Amber, was killed by a drunk driver. She had graduated high school but had her life to look forward to. It has been a year of many tough moments and more to come. Grief doesn't just go after one moment...such a process. I have communicated with her Mom throughout this year and have been amazed at how God has brought her through such tough sorrow. I can't even come close to understanding fully. I am still praying for their family. The main comfort is knowing that she was a follower of Christ and can enjoy her wonderful Lord and Savior.

My Great Aunt Helen passed away last Sunday. She lived a long life. She was gracious and a complete lady. A teacher and had a passion to teach others. We will miss her but appreciate her legacy.

We never know the hour when our time will come to leave this earth. I am so glad there is hope and that hope is Christ Jesus!

Big Angry Eyes

Today we were eating lunch and hubby hopped home to eat with us. He was stating that he did not think the rice was done enough. I disagreed. The kids chimmed in with him. I turned back to something I was doing while feeling a bit irritated (ie, "Be grateful for what you get already!"). My daughter saw me and exclaimed "Oh no, now Mommy's really mad at us, she has those big eyes that are angry!" I couldn't help it, it was So funny that I burst out laughing hysterically along with son and hubby. It evolved into much snorty laughter. Ohhh, why must they noticed so well when I am having a bad attitude. Well, at least the big angry eyes turned into squinty happy eyes.

My son on the other hand came to me a few minutes ago and said "Mommy, did you know that your my Mommy but also my sister?" (honey, I know we are originally from Arkansas but that doesn't mean...) I said, "Really?" He said, "Yes, you're my sister in Christ!" HOW CUTE!!! Whewl sure I am!!

More Info.

I got tagged by my sweet friend visiongirl to do a more informational tag.

The 4 Things Meme

4 Jobs:
1) Counselor
2) Kelly, Hart, Hallman law firm Receptionist
3) J.B. Hunt telecommunications
4) McDonald's cashier

4 Movies I Could Watch Over and Over:
1) Pride and Prejudice
2) Anne of Green Gables
3) Narnia
4) Lord of the Rings

4 Websites I Visit Regularly:
1) blogs of friends or fellow women I enjoy
2) Ways to Market yourself/Stay at home opportunities
3) e-bay
4) news

4 Favorite Foods:
1) chips and salsa
2) cheese enchiladas, refried beans and rice
3) fettecini chicken and pasta
4) brownies (my favorites are so healthy! L)

4 Places I Would Rather Be Right Now: Really I am quite content being just where I am but if I had to choose another place...
1) at my sister's house with our kids playing and she and I talking and planning.
2) playing at the beach with my three sweeties, hubby and kids!
3) visiting my parents/grands
4) with a group of women I love in a bible study/share/prayer time

4 Books I Could Read Over and Over:
1) the Bible
2) Cindy Rushton's Homeschooling the Easy Way and Marilyn Howshall's Wisdom's Way of Learning, basically any homeschooling books that I like
3) home organization books....love to study this!
4) home decorating books....love to study this too!

4 Songs I Could Listen to Over and Over: this is a tough one, I love so many and it changes from time to time.
1) Selah - Anything they sing
2) All I want for Christmas...such pep. tune
3) Natalie Grant - most of her stuff but love song "Held" and "Believe"
4) Josh Groben and Charlotte church "The Prayer"

4 Reasons Why I Keep a Blog:
1) Love having input/output from home at times I have available
2) Explore others thoughts and write more
3) I've only lived in area 6 months and have gotten to know some people deeply but still....feel lonely for true, Godly friends
4)journal happenings with my kids/family

4 Places I’ve Lived: (this could be a long one...will only list 4)
1) Columbia, SC
2) Athens, TN
3) Fort Worth, TX
4) Bella Vista AR

4 TV Shows I Love:
1) What not to wear
2) SuperNanny
3) Divine Design with Candice Olsen
4) American Idol (only I only have seen a few of these this season.)

4 Places I’ve Vacationed
1)Branson, MO
2)Pigeon Forge, SC
3)South Padre Island, TX
4)Camping in MO

Whew, if any lasted with me through all those answers consider yourself tagged!!:) It is fun to think about.

Questions!!

Okay, I have always thought it might be fun to be a "Dear Abby" columnist or talk personality. So, wanna make my dreams reality? Sure ya do! L

Think of a good question, maybe one you have or someone else has had and submit it in my comments. If you don't want people to know it is you, feel free to submit anonymously.

These can be silly or serious questions (just not lude or inappropriate for this blog)

I think I'll make up a name for myself...you can give ideas on that as well! I've always loved the name Victoria, so for now, you can call me

Dear Tori!

Tag, I'm it!!

TAG! I'm it! I've been tagged! :) I'm so excited! I enjoy a good blog-game. I've been tagged by www.prayingforaprodigal.blogspot.com. I must list six random things about myself, and then tag six more people. They have instructed me to "First post your six things, then you go to six other blogs and let them know they are tagged and to find the details on your blog." Not one that likes to disappoint, here goes!

1. I got to sing with a 300 person choir behind me backing me up....talk about cool backup.

2. I have an amazing twin sister who I LOVE....http://www.memoirsofaministerswife.blogspot.com aka Literature Lover. I also have a brother who I LOVE who is 6 years younger than us almost to the day...born the day after us.

3. I LOVE my new virtual friends and blogging!

4. I am a Major "Hugger".

5. I have a Masters in Marriage and Family Counseling and Religious Education.

6. I am Crazy about my hubby and kids!!

Since my link is still not working I am going to share the names but it won't link to them. Since I am only allowed six I will let you guys tag the others. :) I tag Literature Lover, Butterfly1976, JulieBohemian, JoyfulJourney, ThisOne'sForThe Girls, Sarah. Enjoy!

Hmm

This morning my son asked me to look something up for him on the computer. I did. While I was doing it sister asked why I liked the computer so much. Then, brother said "If you had to pick between us and the computer which would you pick?" Okay, computer going off.

(btw, when I looked at him and asked, what do you think I would pick? at least he laughed and said "us". )

Stepping away slowly...slowly...

Modern Day Miracle!!

I am so excited I don't even know how to begin this post! I have a friend (BTW - asked her permission to share this) who has struggled throughout her life with not feeling God cared or loved her. She is a christian but much of her belief system was in deep wounds from early childhood. We have stayed in touch for around 12 years. I have watched her struggle in this and tried to help but the struggle continued. Last night God did a work in her!

I have a background in counseling and I have gone to training on a prayer/counseling ministry called theo-phostic. I cannot begin to explain it in a sentence but I will try, it is really coming to grips with wounds in the past, realizing the lies the enemy has crippled them with (i.e. unworthy, trapped, unloved etc), then asking God to reveal His truth to them. Most people feel they will never be able to get past their past. However, God has other plans. His light shines and His truth sets them free. I never know how He will do it with each person but when He does reveal Himself it is amazing!

We talked and the conversation got more serious. She still questioned God's love and mercy, why He would allow such pain and then not be there for her.

I felt Him prompting me to encourage her to bring it to Him. She did. Silence. She felt so much fear, sadness, frustration, betrayal that He wouldn't respond. He led me to encourage her to wait on Him. She did. He brought to her mind a past painful memory. She was letting her pain out. God revealed where He was in that moment.

Picking her up and holding her, rocking her, with her, letting her rest on Him, wiping her tears.

She said to me "I can't believe He was there! He is holding me, all I ever wanted was for him to hold me." God knew exactly what she needed, I had no idea what she really needed....but He did. She didn't want to leave that moment. His presence was evident and the new picture in her mind was beauty for ashes.

I am not about emotionalism but I am of the mind that God still does miracles in our modern day and I am so happy to have been part of one!! My friend re-visited her earlier negative beliefs...they were gone. Her new fellowship with Him was so sweet. The truth He gave her in that memory had set her free! I think because I had been with her through some of these tough struggles it was extra sweet!

Thank you, Lord of all! for touching and healing my beloved friend!

Did I Judge her?

Over the weekend we had various committments and fun gatherings. When I was at one of these gatherings a discussion came up about a relationship between one of the ladies daughter and a guy(not growing christian) that she was going to prom with. She was telling how she felt she should show love to him with the love of Christ. I was sitting next to a another lady who is very good to voice her opinion and stated her stance "Well, I could love the guy with the love of Christ but not allow him to date my daughter." I really agreed with that statement and although I said nothing the first lady seemed to want to justify all the more...as if trying to convince me she was right.

Later we left to go to another party.

Today I got a call from the lady with the daughter. She was wounded. After I had left the previous day, more discussion ensued about Easter Egg Hunts and those who agreed with it and those who did not. Other things had also been discussed like teenagers dress code and parents lack of following through.

Okay, enough of all the details. Anyway, I am on the phone with this lady who feels hurt and judged. I Listened. I empathized. I realized. She felt judged....and I think I had judged.

There are many times that I feel passionate about something and really want someone to see the truth and see my point of view...especially if I have more experience or if I just feel I'm right and they would benefit from my knowledge. L You know, mentorship.

I do think mentorship is invaluable and we all need to be humble enough to accept it including me. However, is there a difference between mentoring and judging.

My friend said something that hit me hard....she said "I mean, God did give me my children to raise so why do other people have to judge me for it!" I like that statement when it comes to my kids but not so much when it comes to kids whose parents don't seem to care if they are being considerate of other people or not! However, if I think negatively for them am I judging? Am I being honest? What?!

I felt in this instance that I had to admit I had judged. I have not walked in her shoes with her kids and she has kids that are older so I should respect her decision even if I don't agree with it.

So, it is a hard one to resolve. I mainly listened on the phone and encouraged. You know, we mothers already feel like failures in our job a LOT of the time and I think the enemy capitalizes on that. So, I am realizing that I really need to walk a far extra mile to ensure that I love and not judge.

I felt for her today, my friend, and I wished I had not judged.

The Tomb Is Empty! HE IS RISEN!!!!

Mat 28:1 Now after the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first {day} of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to look at the grave.
Mat 28:2 And behold, a severe earthquake had occurred, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled away the stone and sat upon it.
Mat 28:3 And his appearance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow.
Mat 28:4 The guards shook for fear of him and became like dead men.
Mat 28:5 The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified.
Mat 28:6 "He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying.
Mat 28:7 "Go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead; and behold, He is going ahead of you into Galilee, there you will see Him; behold, I have told you."
Mat 28:8 And they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy and ran to report it to His disciples.


I love it!! "...with fear and great joy and ran to report it..." Wanting to do the same!! Praise Him!!

The Day He Died

Mat 27:45 Now from the sixth hour darkness fell upon all the land until the ninth hour.
Mat 27:46 About the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, "ELI, ELI, LAMA SABACHTHANI?" that is, "MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?"
Mat 27:47 And some of those who were standing there, when they heard it, {began} saying, "This man is calling for Elijah."
Mat 27:48 Immediately one of them ran, and taking a sponge, he filled it with sour wine and put it on a reed, and gave Him a drink.
Mat 27:49 But the rest {of them} said, "Let us see whether Elijah will come to save Him."
Mat 27:50 And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit.
Mat 27:51 And behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth shook and the rocks were split.

Friends

Thank you all for the sweet comments and prayers. I feel God is really showing me that I need to trust him and let my offenses go...forgiving. Anyway, one thing I am completely thankful for in life is friends! I think God gave them as such encouragement! When we moved I really missed my friends and still do, but I am making new ones and as silly as this may sound...I love blogworld!!! and my friends here as well!!! :)

I was reading from another Mom whose son has left for a job far away. It made me cry but also was SOOO sweet you will have to check it out.(http://www.prayingforaprodigal.blogspot.com ) BTW, I try to link, you know where you hit the link button and then are able to put a word and link the address, but it isn't working. Is anyone else having this problem? Let me know if you have a solution!

Hope you are having a great day!

Hard Day

Sunday we had the vote for the worship leader. It did not go well. The vote was split and the "no's" got it. We were floored. My husband was hurt. He is the pastor and it felt like a slap in the face to his direction. This has not been the case with other things but I think with music people get really touchy. Needless to say, I, as the fill in "volunteer worship leader" was Very disappointed. I thought if I could just make it until they came all would be fine. Now, I am debating giving my 2 weeks notice and letting them find someone else.

My sweet hubby did an amazing job relaying the message to the sweet couple but there is no good way to give that kind of news. They are young but were so gracious...it was tough. Please pray for my husband as he was hit hard by this and wrestling with other thoughts. Pray for me as I want to support him and not take up an offense (although at this point offense is taken). Sometimes in ministry and dealing with this sort of thing you want to just throw in the towell and go live like everyday people, getting to minister how you choose without people's expectations. However, I know spiritual warfare happens and that is more what this is about. I know we have the victory. Sorry this is a downer e-mail but thanks for your prayers.

Victory!

I am loving this song! Especially right here at Easter time...whoo! Sing it Yolanda~

Spiral Staircase/Along Side Us

I was reading another blog from kindredspiritmom and she was addressing a journey on spiral staircase. I felt like she did, that sometimes I am going in circles on my journey...like a merry-go-round. Costantly learning and re-learning the same things wondering if I am ever going to get it. However, her analogy to a spiral staircase was so much more encouraging...going in circles but continually going up a little further.

Today was one of the days I felt God showed me we are climbing a little. Let me start by saying, I have loved Marilyn Howshall's writings for some time. I posted an article about some of her stuff. Anyway, she talks about kids coming along side you and learning what you are learning in your personal walk.

Today my dd was drawing some oranges. She didn't think she did very well. She is 6 and I looked and was amazed! Her oranges had little indentions at the top and really looked great! I admired and encouraged and asked her how she knew how to draw the top of the orange...she sheepishly looked at me and said...."From an artist." I said, "Really? What artist?" She said, "You Mommy!" Then I remembered that a few days earlier I had been sketching some fruit (inspired by sister and carrielouise) and had been practicing on that very thing...along side us.

Then, my son was talking about death and my daughter said, "But Noah, no one has to be scared of death because you would be with your Daddy!" (her arms lifted up to him) I loved it because a few days ago we had been talking of God being Abba, our Daddy. They loved that and she remembered it...Thank you Lord. ...along side us..

I was trying to delve into more scripture and even memorize portions so I was taping myself and listening. My son loved what I had done and wanted to copy me...delving in word...memorization....meditation....along side us.

I am so thankful to my Heavenly Daddy that he takes us along side Him so we can take them along side us.

A Case of the Giggles

The other night my son and I were in the middle of a project that we had been working on for a while. Right at the end for no apparent reason my son got a case of the giggles. He could not stop. Not the irritating trying to be funny kind but the real giggles. He would try to get a grip but then would burst again. I began to get tickled just because of him. We would try to re-focus because we both wanted to accomplish what we had begun but there was no getting it done. The giggles invaded.

Do you remember times like this?

It reminded me of times in my past where something hit me funny and I could not contain the giggles. They like to invade at the most inappropriate times (like when someone falls and is sprawled out on the floor) but when they hit there is no stopping them....oh, you can try but you can't hide....in just a minute....here they come again. You can almost feel it a coming from the depths of your belly and there it is....hahahahaha....

No one can tell me that our God doesn't have a sense of humor.

Laughable

I have been reading up on servanthood, including wonderful ways to serve hubby and make him feel cherished and treasured. Anyway, I clean up dinner and he has just come in from a meeting. I offer ice cream to the kids and to him. He takes the offer and enjoys. I stop and take time to visit with him. I go back to finish in kitchen and ask him if he would like some tea to drink. He pauses, says he already has water. Then, I think he is talking to the kids, he says "What's wrong?" He asks again and I realize he is talking to me. I say "Nothing." He says "Do you have some bad news you need to tell me." "No" "What is it then?" I start laughing at this point. I go over and sit in his lap and snuggle him and say "No, I just realized that I need to be letting my very best friend know that he is that special. I just love you." He just looks at me then acts like he is trying to see if I have the Mission Impossible mask on. We both get tickled. I know he likes to jest with me but it hits me that I am not doing near enough cherishing...you know,the little things. I get focused on my agendas or family stuff or kids etc. So, if I was wondering about needing that lesson on servanthood, I think God gave me the message LOUD and clear!

Too Funny!

Okay, this is too funny. This homeschool mom came up with a t-shirt that is hysterical. Tell me what you think and if you would be brave enough to wear it.

http://homeschoolblogger.com/creativehomeschooling/20348

Pearl Gate

I have prayed for a hunger for God's word. I love His word and want to read it, but when I read David talking over and over about how much He LOVES God's words and when I hear Beth Moore talking about how she can't live a day without them I have to re-think my love of them. I definitely feel that there are seasons I feel this way but not a daily consistent longing. Well, I feel God has used some new outlets to begin this longing in me.

It started while reading "A Woman After God's Own Heart"as well as the"Cornerstones" book for girls. In the Cornerstone book it talked about preparing our girls to have work at home so they wouldn't have to work outside the home even if they never married. I thought this was so neat since I have needed to do this from time to time. She gave great thoughts on how to use natural skills and talents and it got me to thinking about what were mine. This started an idea in my head. Then, when reading the other book it talked about imparting God's wisdom to our children all throughout the day. I have read those verses and that has always been a goal but I felt lacking. Anyway, what started as one venture turned into a different venture and it has set my mind a churning. It was contagious because my kids wanted in on what I was doing. I found I was consumed with a passage and trying to memorize it. The more I thought and dwelt the more I wanted to read it again. The more I tried to memorize the more I took home. So, was this the meditating He was talking about? The part I memorized was life in me. Then, in S.S. we were in Revelation. There were parts that related to the part of scripture I had been meditating on. And chewing on throughout the day, and re-visiting, and learning, searching, loving.

Anyway, I was in S.S. and the lesson was on ch.21. I was amazed by some facts I have missed in the past. I always heard the pearly gates but this is neat:

"1Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and first earth had passed away, and the sea existed no longer....16bHe measured the city with a rod at 12,000 stadia...19a the foundation of the city wall were adorned with every kind of precious stone....

21 THE TWELVE GATES ARE 12 PEARLS! each individual gate was made of a single pearl. The broad street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass."

Can you imagine walls as long as 1500 miles and a gate, a single pearl big enough to be the gate. It goes on to say,

"25 Each day its gates will never close because it will never be night there."

Anyway, that afternoon I told my son I had some neat stuff from the Bible but I would tell him a little later. Later he begged me to share what I was talking about. I did and it turned into big discussion and Bible focus. I love those God moments that I already have with my kids but I realized I need to be more intentional about it and help them also be excited about the living truth! I found it really is contagious. When I was excited and focused there so were they. Hmmm, sometimes things I make hard really should be easy. In fact, Jesus addresses that, my yoke easy and burden light.

Wave Therapy

Ocean, originally uploaded by Martina.

(don't know the people in the picture but this is what our beach looks like)
Yesterday was our family day and we took off for some much need wave therapy(As my husband likes to call it...truly it is theraputic). We drove over to the beach! It was so fun to pack a lunch and head there. The water was still very cold to me but that didn't stop my kids. Off they went to swim, splash,make sand castles and play spy games on the sand dunes. Meanwhile, hubby and I sat with the waves crashing, wind gently blowing and sea gulls gawking, reading our books. Mine was "A Woman after God's own Heart"(very good and convicting in a good way....probably another blog) and husbands was a Calvin and Hobbs book. We had fun reading and talking, looking at seashells and just relaxing. Ahhhhhhhhh. Refreshing.