What am I expecting in 2009?

To expect: to regard something as likely to happen.
I had a list of several things I wanted to see improve or happen in 2008 and many of them came to pass. Some are a work in progess. A new year is here and I've made a new list. I am expecting God to answer them. The bible talks in James about expecting. James says to ask in faith without doubting. He says further that if you doubt you shouldn't expect to receive anything from God. Wow. If you don't BELIEVE and EXPECT, you won't receive from God.
I am expecting God to bring salvation and deliverance to my family and friends. I am expecting God to work through me. He will be Psalm 91 for me. I am expecting to absorb more of the Word, becoming closer to Him. My relationships will flourish and I will walk in the favor of God. Big expectations you say? I serve an even bigger God. He is able to do "...far over and above all that we dare ask or think (infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts,hopes or dreams)." eph 3:20
Here's to what God will do in 2009!!

Psalm 91

1 Those who live in the shelter of the Most High
will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 This I declare about the Lord:
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
he is my God, and I trust him.
3 For he will rescue you from every trap
and protect you from deadly disease.
4 He will cover you with his feathers.
He will shelter you with his wings.
His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
5 Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night,
nor the arrow that flies in the day.
6 Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness,
nor the disaster that strikes at midday.
7 Though a thousand fall at your side,
though ten thousand are dying around you,
these evils will not touch you.
8 Just open your eyes,
and see how the wicked are punished.

9 If you make the Lord your refuge,
if you make the Most High your shelter,
10 no evil will conquer you;
no plague will come near your home.
11 For he will order his angels
to protect you wherever you go.
12 They will hold you up with their hands
so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.
13 You will trample upon lions and cobras;
you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!

14 The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me.
I will protect those who trust in my name.
15 When they call on me, I will answer;
I will be with them in trouble.
I will rescue and honor them.
16 I will reward them with a long life
and give them my salvation.”

End of 2008

Another year has passed and a new one begins. I encourage you to take a minute to evaluate what you place as priorities in your life. What matters most? A sure way of knowing is to look at your schedule and your checkbook. I encourage you to simplify your life next year. Turn off all technology of an evening to have time as a family without distractions or mark out a saturday to not have any plans-find a way to simplify life. As pastor Floyd taught, we have to keep margin in our life. Keep is an active verb requiring action. We won't have it unless we cause it to be. You want a new year's resolution? Learn to create margin in your life next year. You and your family will be better, calmer, happier because of it. Happy New Year!

Living Simply

Have you heard of the movement "voluntary simplicity"? It is a growing trend! People realize they don't NEED so many things and they choose to live a simple life- small home, growing veggies, only having necessary items. Really, after reading about it, I became more than intrigued. Sure, part of me would enjoy an enormous home with fabulous trim and new furniture...yeah, I'd like some furniture...anyway, the other side of me sees the real benefit of living your life simply. No striving for a certain level of "success"-who decides the definition of success any way? Shouldn't that be defined by each of us according to our OWN life, not society?
In ways, we have chosen to live simply. It isn't that we can't afford to "have more" but we don't want to spend so much of our money on "stuff". Sometimes, in an effort to be successful and happy, we end up stressed out, too busy to know which way we're going and ultimately 'sleepwalking through the possibility of joy'. Joyce taught this morning that happiness is a decision-a choice. She is right. The only way someone or any circumstance can steal your joy is if you allow it to. Choose to be happy today. Let go of whatever has you weighed down. Enjoy simplicities in life, after all, if you can take a hot shower, sleep without fear for your life, and read; you are more blessed than billions of people on our planet. See, you've got it good. Go and be happy.

Merry Christmas

I hope everyone's had a very merry Christmas! We had a restful day with lots of cooking. We're thankful our friends and loved ones are healthy and we're saved no matter what tomorrow brings. Jesus is the reason for the season! It's been a blessed year!

spreading Christmas cheer

Stacy had two spare christmas trees and wanted to give them to families in need of one. A group of us girls-Stacy, Sheri, Me, and Debbie had a blast delivering these trees. One little boy said this was his first christmas tree. What a blessing...future ministry?

Financial Freedom

Today was the last day of our financial ministry's seminar at the Springdale campus. I know God will use this to to bring to people's mind the state of their finances and spur them to change their behavior. Our involvement with this ministry has been a great blessing. This is only the beginning. It is the spark igniting a wild fire that will spread.

December is here

The Christmas season is underway! The financial seminar begins this Sunday at church. We are excited about it, not only because we had our hand in it, but also what God will do for His people through this! Even alex is reading how to manage his money! ha ha (look at pic) Alex's ear infections have improved somewhat but he is still taking ear drops and returns to the vet in two weeks. This has been quite a battle for him- one I am determined to win.

Alex

Well, the little guy has a severe ear infection and now has a tube in his ear. He has lost 25% of his total weight even though he's been eating. We're trying to take good care of him. We return to the vet on wednesday to remove the tube.

Another surgery? Really?

Alex's swollen ear called for yet another surgery. I've inadvertantly neglected an ear infection causing a hematoma. I feel terrible the little guy is having to go through this because of me. I'm calling as soon as the office opens tomorrow to check on him. I've not heard anything yet. Dr Jack assured me they would take good care of him.

Well...

Last week I had to get a DMX to see if there are any changes in my spine injury. Doc said if he saw anything that appeared to be worse he'd request a specific MRI to look more closely. I truly thought it wouldn't come to that, however, I received the call this morning that I've been scheduled for an MRI this wednesday. I don't know that it'll confirm progression or not, either way I'll be o.k. about it.
Steven and I are excited about the financial ministry at church. We've been a part in planning the upcoming seminar, hoping that would whet the appetite of our people to not give up and to sign up for the class coming in January. I've enjoyed being a part of this and I look forward to what God will do through this ministry. I firmly believe it is urgent that we take seriously our walk with God. Pastor Hagee's prophetic messages further convince me that these are the last days. I don't know what the future holds, but I know Who holds the future.

America Owes Who?

Reading the Sunday paper I ran across an interesting article "Who America Owes". This list bothered me for two reasons. First, our leaders, not just one president either, have ran our nation into the ground. We are supposedly the world's leader- a superpower. Yet, our government overspends and doesn't care what tragedies that cause. Don't say it can't be done without debt! The Mayor of Mississigua, Canada runs her city without debt- so can we. It's a matter of self-control and accountable congressmen. Secondly, this article bothers me because some of the nations that own U.S. debt don't like us and we are positioning ourselves to be ripe for destruction. Here's the list on the countries that own the most U.S. debt:
Japan $585.9 billion
China $541 billion
United Kingdom $307.4 billion
OPEC nations* $179.8 billion
Caribbean banking centers $147.7 billion

*OPEC include: Algeria, Angola, Ecuador, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, libya, Nigeria, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Venezuela.

Contact your congressman and tell him or her that you want to drill for oil here and start developing wind, solar, nuclear power.

Gift

Friends, Steve and Judy blessed Steven with a 4-wheeler! Steven is really enjoying it. He used it to haul stuff down for the hay ride and also to carry his chainsaw to cut up the tree that fell on the other side of the property. He'll enjoy this gift immensely.

hay ride

We held our second annual hay ride and it was great. We had about 50 people over for a hot dog & marshmallow roast, hike, and hay ride. It was a cold day so the hot cider and cocoa really hit the spot! The kids enjoyed finding walking sticks in the woods and playing outside. We gave glow bracelets out after dark. The kids loved them and it was much easier to keep an eye on them. It is a blessing to have so many friends in our lives.

Looking for mice in the hay

Bee Trauma

Our strongest bee hive disappeared in one week. They abandoned the hive. We are perplexed and disappointed. Steven has sent an email to a state level "bee guy" to have him examine the hive and see if it is safe to extract the honey left behind.

Beekeeping

I helped Steven check the bees for the first time. It was scary for the first minute, but very interesting after that. It is fun to be able to share this with Steven. I don't know how much help I will be, but I'll enjoy it!

Wow!

I've had the privilege to join in a small prayer group once a week. I've enjoyed it so much! It is more than just praying together. I learn and grow each time I go. I truly see the importance in fellowship with other women who are more mature in their faith in order to draw from their wisdom and guidance. My spirit, soul and mind are hungry to learn more- grow more. It is such a blessing that I was asked to join in to pray for a revolution. I'm excited about what God is doing and wait expectantly to see His glory revealed.

Pumpkin Patch

Yesterday, I met Nancy and her boys at Vanzant's fruit farm to show her boys the pumpkin patch. I love autumn! I love the hundreds of pumpkins and ripe apples. Just thought I'd share some photos of this beautiful season!

Promise of God

There is much anxiety across our nation about the uncertainty of our economy. This scripture describes our hope and safety in the Lord in this "drought".

7 “But blessed are those who trust in the Lord
and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.
8 They are like trees planted along a riverbank,
with roots that reach deep into the water.
Such trees are not bothered by the heat
or worried by long months of drought.
Their leaves stay green,
and they never stop producing fruit.
Jeremiah 17:7-8 (New Living Translation)

Answers!

Today was my appointment with Dr. Maas, endocrinologist. I was very impressed with him. He took his time explaining everything to me. He told me to give him the whole, long story and just a few minutes into it he says, "oh, you're the one Dr. Pruitt called me about that he was so concerned about". Hmmm. I've already received my blood test results from his office and, just as he suspected, my thyroid is healthy! I didn't need to be prescribed that medication this spring and it caused my heart to work too hard. I'm thankful I didn't have a heart attack!

Alex's Surgery

Alex, our mini schnauzer, had surgery today. They removed three tumors. Two looked suspicious of cancer. They said he made it through the surgery and I can pick him up later this afternoon. One tumor was on his heel, so that will be a difficult area to recuperate. It sure has been a quiet day at home today. I'm not used to being alone, since we've had him for 11 years. I'll be glad for him to be home and recovered from surgery.

Wednesday Evening

I sat out on the front porch with a book I'm reading, "Total Money Makeover" (great one by the way) enjoying the evening. I noticed the oak leaves are starting to turn already. I could hear geese in the distance and as it grew darker, an owl nearby the house. I glanced down at the cat curled up into a ball on the corner of the porch and the dog glancing over watching for our deer. With all the craziness in this country right now, it sure is nice to be blessed with a serene moment.

Foggy Morning

This morning we heard a flock of geese coming over our house toward the lake.  We ran out onto the porch and watched them fly just above our roof into the fog.  It was beautiful!

Steven tried to make a split with his bees so he can re-queen, but he couldn't find his old queen and the bees swarmed him.  They got under his bee suit and stung him several times (we quit counting).  He is swollen and sore, especially the side of his neck.  Ah, the adventures of beekeeping.

Tid Bits

Last weekend was very productive. Steven chopped down a dead tree, picked up limbs that had fallen from tropical storm Gustav, worked in the yard and on his truck. My Mom and Dad came over to visit and help figure out what is wrong with Steven's truck. We had a good visit. Yesterday, I met Mom and Sarah in Eureka for the day. It was a really good day. We found some great buys at the thrift stores.
In the next 50 or so days, we have great reason to be seeking God in prayer concerning the presidential election. There is much controversy and two schools of thought on economics and the role of government. I, for one, do not want a society that depends on the government to provide everything for them, for then the government has the power to take everything away. Nor do I want a socialist-minded society where those who earn more money must give to ones who earn less. That is income re-distribution! Do I believe in giving to the poor? Yes! But, giving out of my obedience to God, not required by our "democratic" government. Where would be the motivation for people to work, strive, earn if they will be handed income by the government? Didn't Russia try this? Prayerfully consider your vote.

Labor Day Weekend Project

Steven built our compost bin. He used the cedar privacy fencing giving by our neighbor and designed a hinged top. We've also repainted the large planters at the end of the driveway. Now we need to work in the garden!

Labor Day Weekend

The Schneider's invited us over for a cookout this evening. It was a great night. The Cox girls were there, and the Umbers, too. There was lots of good food, visiting, and several girls giggling. They are such an amazing family and a blessing to know. Tomorrow morning we plan to spend a little time on the boat before it gets hot and busy, then we still have yard work to do. The restaurant at the marina is open now so we may try their breakfast!

God is good- no, He's GREAT!

My nephew, David, had lung surgery yesterday. He was covered in prayer and God answered! It NEVER gets dull to see the work of God's hands. The surgeon said lungs bleed heavily in surgery, but David only bled about a thimble full. Praise God! God didn't stop there! Not only did he not lose much blood during surgery, but also, did so well he didn't need to go to ICU or be put on a ventilator! God truly watched out over him.
Before I left his hospital room yesterday, I knelt down beside his bed as he slept, and prayed over him. I prayed, among other things, for God to send David's angel down to remain by his side, and I know He has because He is faithful!

Our 12th Anniversary

We celebrated our anniversary tonight, despite the concern for my nephew, David, in the hospital with a collapsed lung (he's doing better tonight) AND Steven not feeling well.   We considered going to dinner another time, but we decided to go.  We ate at Carrabbas.  It was good and we got a free dessert that was really good! I'm Thankful for our 12 years together.

Lovin' the Weather

It certainly doesn't feel like August, more like autumn!  Steven and I made 24 pints of wild blackberry jelly yesterday.  It is a beautiful color; I can't wait to try some.   His vacation is nearly over and we still have many things to get done.  I guess you never get done with everything.  Day before yesterday we went to Piney Creek on the lake.  The water was so calm, it was as a mirror.  Stunning.

Livin' in a Wildlife Refuge

Wow!  Steven caught pictures of several 'critters' out beside the house.  He stood in the yard for a while to watch them while they ate, but then he heard a loud noise in the woods so he beat cheeks back in the house.  The weather has seemed like fall this week.  He took vacation thinking he'd be saving himself from the heat, but instead it's been cool and rainy.  Nevertheless, he's got several things done around the house, which is nice. 

Vacation!

The dog days of summer are definitely here and thankfully so is Steven's two weeks of vacation.  I truly don't see how people work all day outside in 104 degree heat and high humidity.  We plan on staying close to home and keeping cool.  Saturday morning we were able to go out on the boat early before it got screaming hot.  

Cardiologist Visit

I returned to Dr Pruitt today.  The visit went well.  He said I had all the manifestations of too much levothyroxin (my thyroid medicine).  He said it appears I'm having hormone issues which point to possibly pituitary function.  I'm supposed to go see Dr. Maas, who can't get me in until December!!  yea.  This is July.  I'm to stay on the heart medicine until I see Dr Pruitt again in October.  I'm thankful I'm feeling better.  I'm hoping a miracle will happen and I can see Dr Maas sooner than December, until then, I'll take it one day at a time!

Girls' Celebration

The girls took me out for dinner to celebrate my birthday.  I was very thankful I felt healthy enough to go after the "heart" trouble lately.  We had a great time and thanks to Stephanie, they brought out a large sparkler with cake and ice cream for us all.  I am truly blessed to have family and friends who love me.  

Birthday Visit

Mom, Landon, Allison, David, and Kayla came to visit me for my birthday today!  We had a great day!  We ate cake, visited, sat on the back porch and grilled burgers.  The guys "hit a few balls" after supper.  I'm glad they came, it really cheered me up and made a great ending to the week. 

Fireworks at the Crosses

Wow!  What an evening!  Karen was kind enough to get a wheelchair for me so I would be able to go to the fireworks at church.  It was an AMAZING evening.  Over 60 people were baptised!  We had a blast!  Great music, food, and fellowship.  I wish I could've taken everyone I know.  GOD IS GOOD!

Unpleasant Surprise

Monday, I went to see my family doctor and my blood pressure was 210/111.  He sent me immediately to the hospital.  After a horrible night Monday night, I was very sick, and several tests; then, a consult with a cardiologist and MORE tests on Tuesday, they STILL don't know why this is happening.   My heart beat is fast and pounding.  I see the cardiologist on July 3.  We're praying for healing.  Even though I don't understand what and why this is happening, I know I'm in God's hands.  Hope to have good news in my next post.

First Produce

The garden is growing.  The rains have made it difficult for the cucumbers to get very far, but we've picked our first zucchini, 1 1/2 gallons of green beans, and a bell pepper.  We've had a great crop of lettuce too! The summer squash is growing and grape tomatoes are turning red; we'll have several ready to pick by next week.  More than ever, I enjoy raising our own vegetables.  Hopefully, next year we'll also have enough blueberries to provide for ourselves.  Yesterday, I was working a little in the garden when a family of foxes strolled by me.  Later, one of them was eating berries in the front yard.

The new member of the family

So, after struggling for the past 2 years with the cub cadet,  not being able to mow the lake home's yard, we found a new member of the Hatttabaugh  family.  We call him John.

A year in pictures

Official Beekeeper

Steven got his bees a couple of months ago.  They are doing really well.  Since he received his initial set of bees, he's picked up a swarm from a home in Springdale.  It's been very interesting learning about them.  I'm not so scared of them anymore.  They don't bother you on the porch or even when your in the veggie garden close to the hives.  I got to taste the first honey and it was simply wonderful!  I'm beginning to be really excited about keeping bees.  Our friend, Karen loves them and came to help feed them one evening.