Since our adoption is done.
I'm moving back to my original blogsite.
Please join me at:
http://thebarefoothomeschooler.wordpress.com
Blessings.
Monday, July 9, 2012
Friday, May 18, 2012
This Photo will change your life:
As I turned on my computer, I saw that heading. Curiosity got the best of me and I clicked on the heading that would "change my life"....this is what I got
REALLY? I mean....a piglet, leaning up against a plastic strawberry is going to CHANGE MY LIFE? I must say, it is cute, it is not, however, "life changing."
If you want a "life changing" photo (or video, in this case) Click below:
These are not just random pictures. I've touched these people. I have held their hands, wiped their childrens' noses. My heart has broken for them and my prayers are constant. If you would like to help, please go to http://www.hopearising.org and read the stories of these families. Pray for God's guidance in how YOU can change YOUR life by helping OTHERS!
Blessings.
REALLY? I mean....a piglet, leaning up against a plastic strawberry is going to CHANGE MY LIFE? I must say, it is cute, it is not, however, "life changing."
If you want a "life changing" photo (or video, in this case) Click below:
These are not just random pictures. I've touched these people. I have held their hands, wiped their childrens' noses. My heart has broken for them and my prayers are constant. If you would like to help, please go to http://www.hopearising.org and read the stories of these families. Pray for God's guidance in how YOU can change YOUR life by helping OTHERS!
Blessings.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Slow Week
This is going to be a "slow" weight loss week, for me *sniff* I know I shouldn't weigh until my regular, weekly, weigh time, but I can't help myself. That scale sits in the corner and laughs at me, it is humiliating. I hate that thing. I should just go "scale free".....base my weight loss on how my clothes fit. My OCD won't allow that, either.
I splurged, yesterday....not a bad splurge, just a small blizzard splurge and then I *know* I ate too much supper. I could feel my body saying "enough, you are full" yet my fork wouldn't stop. I hate it when that happens. I should have made a salad (which I normally do), but yesterday....I was lazy and didn't do it. We didn't all sit together, as a family, so I didn't have to put the supper on the table. We were all sprawled out, all over Marshall Cty. Excuses....I know....
Anyway, I really want something smothered in cheese, pasta, cookie dough, a 64 oz. coke (preferably from Sonic...with little ice), a greasy burger with cheese, curly fries, an alfredo pizza, steak.................
Okay, I'm good........not really, but good enough to start schoolwork, finish my almonds, put chicken in the oven to bake and continue on my healthy lifestyle eating plan.
Blessings.
I splurged, yesterday....not a bad splurge, just a small blizzard splurge and then I *know* I ate too much supper. I could feel my body saying "enough, you are full" yet my fork wouldn't stop. I hate it when that happens. I should have made a salad (which I normally do), but yesterday....I was lazy and didn't do it. We didn't all sit together, as a family, so I didn't have to put the supper on the table. We were all sprawled out, all over Marshall Cty. Excuses....I know....
Anyway, I really want something smothered in cheese, pasta, cookie dough, a 64 oz. coke (preferably from Sonic...with little ice), a greasy burger with cheese, curly fries, an alfredo pizza, steak.................
Okay, I'm good........not really, but good enough to start schoolwork, finish my almonds, put chicken in the oven to bake and continue on my healthy lifestyle eating plan.
Blessings.
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Weight Loss for Week 1
Me: 11 lbs.
Big Daddy: 12 lbs
Total: 23 lbs.
Our goal is 30 lbs, combined (not each) in a month. Looks like we are well on our way.
I have been logging my foods (most days) on loseit.com and I have been trying to walk, at least, 3 times per week.
I have cut down to 1 coke per day, no sweets, and watching my portions. Making wise choices.
Eating healthy is EXPENSIVE! I will be *so* glad when our garden is put in and I can start reaping what we have sown. Food just seems to taste a bit better when you grow it yourself.
Blessings.
Saturday, April 21, 2012
For ONE WEEK ONLY
Buy ANY combination of $31 and you will get ANY PURSE for 1/2 off!
Once your order is placed, it takes about 10 days for it to be delivered to your doorstep!
ANYONE can order, whether I know you or not :)
Please click on this link http://www.mythirtyone.com/59728 and place your order TODAY
Party will be closed 4/28/12
Thanks!
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
loseit.com
Losing weight is NEVER fun. It isn't near as fun as gaining the weight eating copious amounts of glorious things like cheese, drinking coke, pasta.... It never dawns on me, how big I've gotten, until I see pictures. Until I realize that I'm winded walking up my stairs, or cleaning the house.
I am fat. Period. The end.
So, in an effort (and inspiration from my friend Jen Harris who is also on a quest to drop the excess) to lose weight, I have started logging all of my stuff on a FREE website, http://www.loseit.com You fill in the blanks (height, weight, your goal weight) and it does its thing and tells you how many calories you can have, in a day and it also allows you to document your eating and your exercise.
I logged in Big Daddy's food, yesterday, and we were shocked that he didn't eat much, but he was still over his target caloric intake because of what he ate. He wasn't much over and we didn't log in his factory work, for burning calories, but still....once you write down every little thing that you pop in your mouth, it adds up.
I have been trying to exercise every other day. Somedays are better than others, but I walk either 2 or 3 miles. I'm going to start using those zumba DVDs that I bought last year and have never looked at. I'm tired of looking bad. I will never look like I did when I was young, I just want to feel better in my clothes and be able to breathe when doing small things. My goal is reasonable.
We are starting with a SMALL, attainable, goal between us. We want to lose 30 lbs in 30 days, between the both of us. Realistically, he will lose more of the 30 lbs then I will because he loses super fast and I lose super slow. That's okay. If he loses 25 lbs. and I lose 5, then it is still meeting our goal and then we will set another goal for the next month.
We are not going to stop eating what we love. I don't think that is realistic for us, we like to eat too much. We are just going to limit it, use portion control, be wise. We are not using magic pills, shots, starving or any other strange methods. We are using exercise and making healthier choices. Hopefully, it will soon be no more "logging" what we eat because we will just know how to properly eat and what to eat.
Wish us luck :/
Blessings.
I am fat. Period. The end.
So, in an effort (and inspiration from my friend Jen Harris who is also on a quest to drop the excess) to lose weight, I have started logging all of my stuff on a FREE website, http://www.loseit.com You fill in the blanks (height, weight, your goal weight) and it does its thing and tells you how many calories you can have, in a day and it also allows you to document your eating and your exercise.
I logged in Big Daddy's food, yesterday, and we were shocked that he didn't eat much, but he was still over his target caloric intake because of what he ate. He wasn't much over and we didn't log in his factory work, for burning calories, but still....once you write down every little thing that you pop in your mouth, it adds up.
I have been trying to exercise every other day. Somedays are better than others, but I walk either 2 or 3 miles. I'm going to start using those zumba DVDs that I bought last year and have never looked at. I'm tired of looking bad. I will never look like I did when I was young, I just want to feel better in my clothes and be able to breathe when doing small things. My goal is reasonable.
We are starting with a SMALL, attainable, goal between us. We want to lose 30 lbs in 30 days, between the both of us. Realistically, he will lose more of the 30 lbs then I will because he loses super fast and I lose super slow. That's okay. If he loses 25 lbs. and I lose 5, then it is still meeting our goal and then we will set another goal for the next month.
We are not going to stop eating what we love. I don't think that is realistic for us, we like to eat too much. We are just going to limit it, use portion control, be wise. We are not using magic pills, shots, starving or any other strange methods. We are using exercise and making healthier choices. Hopefully, it will soon be no more "logging" what we eat because we will just know how to properly eat and what to eat.
Wish us luck :/
Blessings.
Monday, April 16, 2012
Chicken/Broccoli/Rice Recipe
CHICKEN/BROCCOLI/RICE
Chicken (however much you desire)
Seasoning
2 cans cream of chicken
2 cans cream of broccoli
2 chicken bouillion cubes
2 cups water
24 ozs. frozen broccoli
4 c. cheddar
3 c. cooked rice
Put all in the crockpot (except the rice and cheddar until the last 30 min). Cook on low for 4-6 hrs.
The kids thought it was gold in a pot....LOL....
Me, Jude, go to Ethiopia???
After almost 6 mths of my son being home, this is the first mention we had of ET.
We were coming home from a soccer game and we approached a stoplight that is near our church. Jude pipes up and says "Me, Jude, go to church?" I said no, that we would be going the next day.
There was a pause....
Then he said "Me, Jude, go to Ethiopia?" and my heart just about stopped. I told me that ET was very very far away and that we would, someday, go back. I told him how much Gaga, Woudneh, Betty, Dagim and all his friends and nannies loved him so much.
Silence.
We got home and he crawled up in my lap, very unusual for a boy who never stops. I hold him and tell him how much I love him and then I ask him if he would like to watch our ET videos when daddy gets home. He hasn't wanted to watch any of them, since coming. He said he did.
I lay him down for a nap and we wait for daddy to come home. Our evening was busy, with lots of friends over. He is normally running, excited, sweating and this time...he did play, but he was solemn. I overheard him telling the other children that he loves ET and that he misses ET.
My heart.
I knew this day was coming, but knowing and being prepared are 2 different things. Watching the movies can trigger emotions and memories that he may not be prepared to deal with.
We did watch the movies and he enjoyed them, I was thankful.
This morning, he seems back to his normal self. He announced that he slept "long" and then he wondered where daddy was. He has never asked where daddy was...he seemed lost without him. I explained that daddy was at work and that he would be home soon. He seemed content with that answer.
The English is coming more and more each day and so are the questions.
Lord, grant me the wisdom to be able to handle all the questions with grace and love.
Blessings.
We were coming home from a soccer game and we approached a stoplight that is near our church. Jude pipes up and says "Me, Jude, go to church?" I said no, that we would be going the next day.
There was a pause....
Then he said "Me, Jude, go to Ethiopia?" and my heart just about stopped. I told me that ET was very very far away and that we would, someday, go back. I told him how much Gaga, Woudneh, Betty, Dagim and all his friends and nannies loved him so much.
Silence.
We got home and he crawled up in my lap, very unusual for a boy who never stops. I hold him and tell him how much I love him and then I ask him if he would like to watch our ET videos when daddy gets home. He hasn't wanted to watch any of them, since coming. He said he did.
I lay him down for a nap and we wait for daddy to come home. Our evening was busy, with lots of friends over. He is normally running, excited, sweating and this time...he did play, but he was solemn. I overheard him telling the other children that he loves ET and that he misses ET.
My heart.
I knew this day was coming, but knowing and being prepared are 2 different things. Watching the movies can trigger emotions and memories that he may not be prepared to deal with.
We did watch the movies and he enjoyed them, I was thankful.
This morning, he seems back to his normal self. He announced that he slept "long" and then he wondered where daddy was. He has never asked where daddy was...he seemed lost without him. I explained that daddy was at work and that he would be home soon. He seemed content with that answer.
The English is coming more and more each day and so are the questions.
Lord, grant me the wisdom to be able to handle all the questions with grace and love.
Blessings.
Roast Chicken
ROAST CHICKEN
1 (or 2 in my case) whole chicken
Seasoning (you can either use the seasoning recipe I have on another post or lemon pepper)
Water
Place chicken (I placed my right from the freezer) in a large pan with a lid. Fill bottom of pan with water and liberally sprinkle whatever seasoning mix you prefer.
Cover, bake at 350 for 6 hrs.
It, literally, fell off the bone.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Chicken/Broccoli Fetticini
CHICKEN AND BROCCOLI FETTICINI
Fetticini, cooked and drained
4-6 chicken breasts, boiled and cubed
2 cans cream of broccoli
1 soup can of milk
Cheddar cheese
Seasoned bread crumbs
Seasoning (separate recipe already list on blog)
Place your boiled, cubed chicken, soups, milk, cheddar and seasoned bread crumbs in a crock pot. Add seasoning.
Put on low for 4-6 hrs.
Serve over hot pasta.
Serve with bread (I make french bread with butter, garlic and parmesan on it).
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Homemade dryer sheets
HOMEMADE DRYER SHEETS
Sponges, cut in half
5 gallon bucket, with lid
1 bottle of fabric softener
Pour fabric softener in 5 gallon bucket, then refill the jug with water 3x and pour into bucket. Throw in sponges. When ready to use, lift lid, get a sponge and squeeze it out. Throw it in the dryer.
Fabric Softener
Homemade fabric softener
1 gallon white vinegar
- 20-30 drops of essential oil
Just shake well before each use and it’s ready for the rinse cycle. For small or average loads add 1/2 cup to the rinse cycle, for larger loads add about 1 cup to the rinse cycle or place in the fabric softener compartment before running your load.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Taco Ring
Taco Ring
Ground Beef
Onion
Seasoning (prior recipe)
taco mix
2 crescent rolls
lettuce
colby jack (or whatever cheese you like)
**any other taco toppings you like**
Brown ground beef with onion and seasoning. Drain.
On greased cookie sheet, open up each crescent roll and place the wide end in a circle.
Next, spoon the meat onto the wide end of the crescent roll.
Sprinkle cheese over meat.
Lift up the smaller and place over the meat.
Bake at 350 for 10-12 min.
Cool and then layer the inside of the circle with lettuce, cheese and any other toppings you prefer for tacos.
Serve with chips.
Monday, March 12, 2012
Seasoning Recipe
I use this recipe for EVERYTHING I cook.
Seasoning Recipe
1 cup salt
1/4 cup pepper
1/4 cup onion powder
1/4 cup garlic powder
Put in a gallon baggie or a plastic bowl with lid (that's what I do) and shake. Sprinkle on everything that needs it. Love love love this.
Golden Chicken and Noodles
GOLDEN CHICKEN AND NOODLES
4-6 chicken breasts, cubed
2 cans cream of broccoli
2 cups milk
1 onion, sliced
Seasoning (separate recipe)
1 tsp. basil
1 bag egg noodles
Place cubed chicken, soups, milk, onion, basil and seasoning in crockpot. Cook on high for 2 -3 hrs. depending on if you chicken is thawed or frozen.
After that time, place in uncooked egg noodles and stir. Cook on low for another 2 hrs, stirring occasionally to get the noodles covered in the liquid.
Serve with bread.
HE Top Loading Washing Machine
In an effort to "go more green" this year, I'm going to post some of my homemade recipes for housecleaning. The first one is the Duggar family recipe for laundry detergent. You need to get a 5 gallon bucket, with a lid on it. Then, I reused an old fabric softener bottle for putting my concentrate in.
4 cups hot water
1 Fels-Naptha soap bar (found in Kroger, in the laundry aisle)
1 cup Arm & Hammer Washing Soda
1/2 Cup Borax
Essential oils (optional)
*Grate bar of soap and add to saucepan with some water. Stir until it is all melted.
*Fill a 5 gallon bucket half full of hot tap water.
*Add melted soap, washing soda and Borax
*Stir until dissolved.
*Fill the rest of the bucket to the top with hot water
*Cover and sit overnight to thicken
Next day
*Stir concentrate
*Take empty container and fill 1/2 way with concentrate (add essential oils, if you want a scent other than lemony)
*Fill the rest of it with warm water.
*Shake before use
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Blessings.
Friday, March 9, 2012
Happy 11th Birthday, Boo!
My heart overflowth with love on the day my sweet baby boy was born.
We had a great day, yesterday. Well, great AFTER all 6 kids had physicals :) and the torrential downpour.
I had to wake him up because our appts were so early. We got him a basketball and for all the kids, a basketball goal. He was SO excited. We got all ready, did our thing at the drs and then came home so I could get some stuff prepared for supper.
We headed out the door and off to Paducah. We went to eat at Olive Garden (which is my favorite place to eat) and he quickly learned that it was a cheese heaven. He ordered mac and cheese and pizza and he devoured the breadsticks. He told me that he was a "beginner" gentleman, so I was telling him what a good gentleman would do/say to the waitress and how to properly pay the bill (saying credit cards are from hell, always go with cash). He did beautifully. He said that Olive Garden was his *most favorite* Italian restaurant (albeit the only one he has gone too). Love....love love love him.
After lunch, we went to visit Jojo and Papa. That is always fun to pop in on them and get some grandparent love :)
We headed to the pet store to check out all the critters and then we went to the bookstore where he picked out 2 books. I love that my kids love books. Makes me smile. He had some birthday money burning a whole in his pocket and I had to go to Walmart anyway, so we headed there to get what we needed and he picked out a couple of things to get, leaving him some money to stay in his wallet. "All men need a little money in their pocket."
Next off, we had to go and pick up his cake. It was a "Spy" cake and my friend, Teresa, again outdid herself. It was so cool and SO good. Then I promised him ice cream, so we did that too. Headed home and started cooking his meal o choice. He wanted fried chicken, mac and cheese, and I wanted potato soup (best EVER).
After a bit, my MIL came, then my mom and my other mom and my dad came. It was so much fun. He enjoyed every minute.
As we were ending the day, he said "mom, this was the best birthday ever."
Ahhh, success :)
Blessings.
We had a great day, yesterday. Well, great AFTER all 6 kids had physicals :) and the torrential downpour.
I had to wake him up because our appts were so early. We got him a basketball and for all the kids, a basketball goal. He was SO excited. We got all ready, did our thing at the drs and then came home so I could get some stuff prepared for supper.
We headed out the door and off to Paducah. We went to eat at Olive Garden (which is my favorite place to eat) and he quickly learned that it was a cheese heaven. He ordered mac and cheese and pizza and he devoured the breadsticks. He told me that he was a "beginner" gentleman, so I was telling him what a good gentleman would do/say to the waitress and how to properly pay the bill (saying credit cards are from hell, always go with cash). He did beautifully. He said that Olive Garden was his *most favorite* Italian restaurant (albeit the only one he has gone too). Love....love love love him.
After lunch, we went to visit Jojo and Papa. That is always fun to pop in on them and get some grandparent love :)
We headed to the pet store to check out all the critters and then we went to the bookstore where he picked out 2 books. I love that my kids love books. Makes me smile. He had some birthday money burning a whole in his pocket and I had to go to Walmart anyway, so we headed there to get what we needed and he picked out a couple of things to get, leaving him some money to stay in his wallet. "All men need a little money in their pocket."
Next off, we had to go and pick up his cake. It was a "Spy" cake and my friend, Teresa, again outdid herself. It was so cool and SO good. Then I promised him ice cream, so we did that too. Headed home and started cooking his meal o choice. He wanted fried chicken, mac and cheese, and I wanted potato soup (best EVER).
After a bit, my MIL came, then my mom and my other mom and my dad came. It was so much fun. He enjoyed every minute.
As we were ending the day, he said "mom, this was the best birthday ever."
Ahhh, success :)
Blessings.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
The fear of dentist
I have a fear.....a terrible terrible fear of the dentist. I try not to show it, but the hives that pop up are a clear give away that I'm feeling some stress, on the inside.
I panic even when I get my teeth cleaned...now that's bad.
My mom and I were talking about Dr. Habacker, from Paducah. He was my dentist when I was a child. We were so.very.poor. but my mom insisted that we go to the best dentist and one that will do a good job. Kudos to mom. He was gentle and kind. He was patient and wonderful. I have no idea where this fear comes from because Dr. Habacker was the quietest, most gentle dentist EVER.
I worked up enough courage to schedule an appt to get my teeth cleaned (after way too many years). I did good, it didn't take long, but I could feel the tension in my body and I realized that I was griping the handles of chair and that my breathing was incredibly fast. I was telling myself to relax and calm down. Then, it was over.
Alas, I had to have all these old fillings replaced :/ Panic. I had to have a crown. Panic central. I resolved myself to the fact that it had to be done, so I wanted as few appts as humanly possible to get them finished.
Today, was my right side. 2 fillings, very deep, that had to be replaced. One on top, one on bottom. My new dentist, Dr. Lebaron (amazing) was so kind. He knew that I was panicking and he literally talked to me the whole time telling me what he was doing. He allowed me to shut my mouth, to relax my jaws every few minutes. It was painless, yet...I panicked. I could feel myself getting hot, my feet started sweating, I couldn't breathe, my head was hurting...the beginning of a full blown panic attack. Again, I talked to myself and reassured myself that I was fine, it didn't. He was doing good, not harm. He was nice, the hygienist was nice...I was fine...over and over and over, till the magic words of YOU ARE DONE. Less than an hour and I was so tense and worked up I didn't know whether I was washing or hanging out.
I decided that getting 2 more fillings replaced and a crown was not in the cards for me, so I separated my appts up. I have them timed down to the second of how long I will be in that chair and I actually like my dentist. I can do that...next appt is the end of this month.
Moral: go to the dentist every 6 mths (worth it for the free toothbrush), brush, floss, take care of your teeth and for the love of all that is good...RELAX.
Blessings.
I panic even when I get my teeth cleaned...now that's bad.
My mom and I were talking about Dr. Habacker, from Paducah. He was my dentist when I was a child. We were so.very.poor. but my mom insisted that we go to the best dentist and one that will do a good job. Kudos to mom. He was gentle and kind. He was patient and wonderful. I have no idea where this fear comes from because Dr. Habacker was the quietest, most gentle dentist EVER.
I worked up enough courage to schedule an appt to get my teeth cleaned (after way too many years). I did good, it didn't take long, but I could feel the tension in my body and I realized that I was griping the handles of chair and that my breathing was incredibly fast. I was telling myself to relax and calm down. Then, it was over.
Alas, I had to have all these old fillings replaced :/ Panic. I had to have a crown. Panic central. I resolved myself to the fact that it had to be done, so I wanted as few appts as humanly possible to get them finished.
Today, was my right side. 2 fillings, very deep, that had to be replaced. One on top, one on bottom. My new dentist, Dr. Lebaron (amazing) was so kind. He knew that I was panicking and he literally talked to me the whole time telling me what he was doing. He allowed me to shut my mouth, to relax my jaws every few minutes. It was painless, yet...I panicked. I could feel myself getting hot, my feet started sweating, I couldn't breathe, my head was hurting...the beginning of a full blown panic attack. Again, I talked to myself and reassured myself that I was fine, it didn't. He was doing good, not harm. He was nice, the hygienist was nice...I was fine...over and over and over, till the magic words of YOU ARE DONE. Less than an hour and I was so tense and worked up I didn't know whether I was washing or hanging out.
I decided that getting 2 more fillings replaced and a crown was not in the cards for me, so I separated my appts up. I have them timed down to the second of how long I will be in that chair and I actually like my dentist. I can do that...next appt is the end of this month.
Moral: go to the dentist every 6 mths (worth it for the free toothbrush), brush, floss, take care of your teeth and for the love of all that is good...RELAX.
Blessings.
Friday, March 2, 2012
God is so cool
Yesterday, during our weekly therapy session, G and I headed to Mayfield. I've traveled the road that leads to Mayfield, several times, it is the road that I took to get to my Granny's house. I'm familiar with each house, each side road, each creek....everything. It is a comforting road, to me.
We say little, on the way up. I listen to the radio and she reads a book. On this trip, the Lord spoke clearly to me, very clearly. I was be-bopping to the radio with the windows down, looking at all these homes and thinking about how much I missed my Granny..so much...it hurts, sometimes. While I was thinking, I could smell smoke. The kind of distinctive smell...one of destruction. I looked up and saw that a home that I passed a thousands times had burnt to the ground. For those who aren't familiar with that smell....let me just tell you, there is nothing like it. I drove up on the devastation and I saw the family, just standing there, staring at what used to be a home. Sadness overcame me and I prayed for the family as I continued up the road.
We were in counseling much longer than I had anticipated, the sun was coming down and we headed home. I was just around the bend, of that home, after several hours and the family was still standing there....it appeared that no one had moved. The house was still smoldering and the sadness was overwhelming. I passed by.....then it was like the Lord had taken ahold of my heart, threw it up into my throat and said 'turn around.' I heeded that and I turned my vehicle around. It was placed, so hard, on my heart to give them money, but I never have cash and I rarely have the checkbook because I don't get out much. I pulled into the driveway and started thumbing through my purse and I saw the checkbook, just sitting in there. I whipped it out and wrote out a check. The family must've thought I was a "rubber neck" person who was just curious as to what happened.
I hopped out of my vehicle and I apologized for inconveniencing them and gave them my thoughts and prayers towards the sadness of what had happened to them. I didn't want to know what had happened, I just simply told them the Lord has impressed on me to stop and give them money and see if they had any needs. She stood there, with shock in her eyes. I told her that the Lord had a plan and a purpose for this sadness and that He was there with them during this time. The granddaughter, who was about my age, stated that her grandmother got out safely, but that the grandmothers disabled son, wasn't so lucky and he died in the fire. My heart broke as she was recounting what had happened and tears ran down her face.
I hugged her, asked if I could feed them, I told them of places they could go for clothes, for free and then she mentioned that the place where her grandmother was staying didn't have a working fridge. I told her not to worry, I would find her one. The Lord knew she needed that and He sent me to be His feet. I took her number and told her that I would put my feelers out and see what I could do. I came home, sent out a massive email and placed the need on facebook. No responders. There was one sweet girl, who had a microwave that she was gladly give this lady. How thankful I was for her. I was set out to buy her a fridge, if that's what it took. I let it go and this morning, I got an email from a friend stating she had an EXTRA fridge that she just defrosted and said she would give it to the lady. Oh.My.Goodness. I immediately praised God for His faithfulness and timing.
I called the granddaughter and told her that I had a microwave and a fridge that people were giving her and she sat there....and cried....thanked me over and over. I told her that the Lord deserves all the glory and the praise because He was the One who did all of this, not me. We are now trying to get a truck to deliver these items and I'm certain, we will....it may be tomorrow, but we will get it there.
May the Lord bless those who donated. May He bless those who have prayed for this woman. May He bless the family during this difficult time.
Jehovah Jirah....Our Provider.
Blessings.
We say little, on the way up. I listen to the radio and she reads a book. On this trip, the Lord spoke clearly to me, very clearly. I was be-bopping to the radio with the windows down, looking at all these homes and thinking about how much I missed my Granny..so much...it hurts, sometimes. While I was thinking, I could smell smoke. The kind of distinctive smell...one of destruction. I looked up and saw that a home that I passed a thousands times had burnt to the ground. For those who aren't familiar with that smell....let me just tell you, there is nothing like it. I drove up on the devastation and I saw the family, just standing there, staring at what used to be a home. Sadness overcame me and I prayed for the family as I continued up the road.
We were in counseling much longer than I had anticipated, the sun was coming down and we headed home. I was just around the bend, of that home, after several hours and the family was still standing there....it appeared that no one had moved. The house was still smoldering and the sadness was overwhelming. I passed by.....then it was like the Lord had taken ahold of my heart, threw it up into my throat and said 'turn around.' I heeded that and I turned my vehicle around. It was placed, so hard, on my heart to give them money, but I never have cash and I rarely have the checkbook because I don't get out much. I pulled into the driveway and started thumbing through my purse and I saw the checkbook, just sitting in there. I whipped it out and wrote out a check. The family must've thought I was a "rubber neck" person who was just curious as to what happened.
I hopped out of my vehicle and I apologized for inconveniencing them and gave them my thoughts and prayers towards the sadness of what had happened to them. I didn't want to know what had happened, I just simply told them the Lord has impressed on me to stop and give them money and see if they had any needs. She stood there, with shock in her eyes. I told her that the Lord had a plan and a purpose for this sadness and that He was there with them during this time. The granddaughter, who was about my age, stated that her grandmother got out safely, but that the grandmothers disabled son, wasn't so lucky and he died in the fire. My heart broke as she was recounting what had happened and tears ran down her face.
I hugged her, asked if I could feed them, I told them of places they could go for clothes, for free and then she mentioned that the place where her grandmother was staying didn't have a working fridge. I told her not to worry, I would find her one. The Lord knew she needed that and He sent me to be His feet. I took her number and told her that I would put my feelers out and see what I could do. I came home, sent out a massive email and placed the need on facebook. No responders. There was one sweet girl, who had a microwave that she was gladly give this lady. How thankful I was for her. I was set out to buy her a fridge, if that's what it took. I let it go and this morning, I got an email from a friend stating she had an EXTRA fridge that she just defrosted and said she would give it to the lady. Oh.My.Goodness. I immediately praised God for His faithfulness and timing.
I called the granddaughter and told her that I had a microwave and a fridge that people were giving her and she sat there....and cried....thanked me over and over. I told her that the Lord deserves all the glory and the praise because He was the One who did all of this, not me. We are now trying to get a truck to deliver these items and I'm certain, we will....it may be tomorrow, but we will get it there.
May the Lord bless those who donated. May He bless those who have prayed for this woman. May He bless the family during this difficult time.
Jehovah Jirah....Our Provider.
Blessings.
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