I'm still around

Can't believe it's been so long since my last post, but life goes on doesn't it?

Not sure what is going on with me....but lately I don't feel like I have a whole lot or anything of any merit to write about.  I seem to have a blogging block and I just need to take a bit of break I guess. In case, I am not around for a bit you will know what is going on. My hope is that this is short lived.  I am on Facebook so feel free to look me up there.  Sometimes it is easier for me to write a sentence than a post.  Would love to add you to my friends list.  When doing your search to add me as your friend, use the email addy  cindybazzy@gmail.com

 I am dealing with some personal family issues, so if you think of it when your praying....please pray for me and my family.

Hugs!
Cindy

The Concert

I received this from a good friend this morning, and it has a powerful message. See if it speaks to you as it did me.

When the house lights dimmed and the concert was about to begin, the mother returned to her seat and discovered that the child was missing Suddenly, the curtains parted and spotlights focused on the impressive Steinway on stage.

To her horror, the mother saw her little boy sitting at the keyboard, innocently picking out"Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star." At that moment, the great piano master made his entrance, quickly moved to the piano, and whispered in the boy's ear,"Don't quit .. .. . keep playing."Then, leaning over , Paderewski reached down with his left hand and began filling in a bass part.. Soon his right arm reached around to the other side of the child,and he added a running obbligato.

Together, the old master and the young novice transformed what could have been a frightening situation into a wonderfully creative experience.

The audience was so mesmerized that they couldn't recall what else the great master played.Only the classic," Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star."Perhaps that's the way it is with God. What we can accomplish on our own is hardly noteworthy.We try our best, but the results aren't always graceful flowing music. However, with the hand of the Master, our life's work can truly be beautiful.

The next time you set out to accomplish great feats,listen carefully. You may hear the voice of the Master, whispering in your ear, "Don't quit .. . . Keep playing."

May you feel His arms around you and know that His hands are there, helping you turn your feeble attempts into true masterpieces.
Remember, God doesn't seem to call the equipped, rather, He equips the 'called.'

Life is more accurately measured by the lives you touch than by the things you acquire. So touch someone by passing this little message along.

May God bless you and be with you always and remember ,

Don't quit . .. . Keep playing."

So glad that I have

another day at home. I really enjoy three day weekends. Just wish that it happened every week. I took the time on Saturday to just lounge around most of the day. Doing little things here and there, but nothing major. Actually I got out for a bit in the freezing frigid temperatures to go watch the cheer competition. I would love to tell you that they placed, but they didn't but they did awesome. Actually I felt they should have won, but apparently the last stunt they performed was illegal (it disqualified them). After that little adventure we headed off to the mall to check on my boys and see what was up with them. I mean, I was going through withdrawals, hadn't seen them all week. Plus I wanted to give Wes his birthday present since I didn't get to do it on Friday. That was the first time I hadn't seen him on his day. :( While I was still at the mall I hit one of my favorite stores to see what was on sale. Found myself 2 sweaters on sale and got to use my gift card. Thinking that I would have to put some money with it, I was surprised when she returned my card with approximately 15.00 still on it. Woo Hoo!

Yesterday, we finally got things back in order in the house since the holidays. You know, moving things back to their assigned spots (if there is such a thing). Basically I had to make about four furniture moves to get my computer back down to it original spot. So with all that movin and shakin going on, I was pretty tired last night. Calgon, take me away. We took the time to vacuum and dust things real good while we were in the process, and my body just isn't equipped like it was when I was younger. Can you say aches and pains. Well anyway, I had them last night. But I am NOT complaining because I am glad it is done.

Since I have today off I have several errands that I need to do. My car is having a few problems, so I am going to take it into the shop and pick up a rental for this week. I also plan to meet my friend and have "our Christmas". With our schedule we didn't get a chance to do it yet. I'm also thinking about hitting the antique shop and getting my hair cut. I need a new look. So that is a few things I want to do today. That is if I can stand the cold weather long enough.

Once I get back home I want to do some reading, I have to get caught up on a bible study as well as some reading for my own pleasure. I am so glad that we cooked a big pot of chili yesterday, because we will having leftovers tonight.

This week my goal is to find my Valentine goodies and start decorating the house a wee bit. Now where are those boxes? Do you have any decorating ideas for the holiday? Got any plans with the hubby?

As you can see I have lots going on today. How bout you?

Hugs,

A little something I threw together this morning.

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

I know what I did 25 years ago today. Do you?

Hello ladies, Before I do anything else, I MUST say "Happy Birthday to my son, Wesley.  He turns 25 today!  Happy Birthday sweetie, I love you!

An Award, for me (blushing)
Tracey at Buttercup Hill  has given me the Proximidade Award. Thank you, Tracey!

This blog invests and believes the PROXIMITY - nearness in space, time and relationships. These blogs are extremely charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give attention to these writers! Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly written text into the body of their award.”
I am passing this award on to:

Danna - Living Between the Lines
Pam- The Country Homemaker
Nicole - Our Cozy Nest
Shannon - Bless our Nest
Elise- Nest Sweet Nest
Carolyn - Cranberry Crossings
Kathi- Feathering My Nest
Lea- Farmhouse Blessings

Please take the time to check out these lovely ladies.  They really are some of the sweetest gals on the net.
Have a blessed Friday.

I need a little fun

Hey everyone.  Wow what a morning. I am glad it will be lunch time soon.
My morning started off with delayed school openings, and my typical 1.5 hour commute into work in this morning ended up taking 2.5 hours...so needless to say I am looking for a little fun.  So a friend sent me this yesterday and decided I would post it here.  Feel free to grab it and play along.  If you do, let me know so I can read your answers. 

TYPE ONLY 1 WORD,  IT'S HARDER THAN YOU THINK.

    1. Where is your cell phone? car
    2. Your significant other?Michael
    3. Your hair? Long
    4. Your mother? Louise
    5. Your father? Grover 
    6. Your favorite thing? reading
    7. Your dream last night? none
    8. Your favorite drink? Tea
    9. Your dream/goal? Heaven
    10. The room you're in?  Office
    11. Your fear?  sickness
    12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Kentucky
    13. Where were you last night? home
    14. What you're not? Mad
    15. Muffins?   Blueberry
    16. One of your wish list items? balance
    17. Where did you grow up?   Kentucky
    18. The last thing you did?  Smoke
    19. What are you wearing?  Clothes
    20. Your TV?   Off
    21. Your pet?   sleeping
    22. Your computer?  Compaq
    23. Your life?  Full
    24. Your mood?  good 
    25. Missing someone?  no
    26. Your car? Volvo
    27. Something you're not wearing? frown
    28. Favorite Store? Book
    29. Your summer? Hot
    30. Your favorite color? Red
    31. When is the last time you laughed?   Today
    32. Who will/would re-post this? Everyone
    33. FOUR PLACES I GO OVER AND OVER:
          A. work   B. Wal-Mart  C. Home   D. Meetings
    34. FOUR PEOPLE WHO E-MAIL ME: 
          Mom,Michael, Anne, Don
    35. FOUR OF MY FAVORITE FOODS:
          A.Mexican  B. Shrimp  C. cheese  D.Wings
    36. FOUR PLACES I WOULD RATHER BE RIGHT NOW?
         a.Home
         b.Beach
         c.Europe
         d.Shopping
    37. FOUR PEOPLE I THINK WILL RESPOND:
        A.Mom, B. Michael, C. Terri, D. Rachel

Laughter is great medicine

Got these in a email from my mom and wanted to share.  Can you relate?

  

Hope your having a Wonderful Wednesday

New Christmas Toy!!!

I got to share with you a new toy  I got for Christmas.  My son gave me a gift card for a local Christian Book Store and since I was pretty much up to date on purchasing  all my reading material I decided I would get something I have really been wanting for awhile now.
When I finished reading my bible in a year at the end of last year, I decided it would be a great idea to have a bible on audio so that I can listen anytime that I want too, plus continue to read along at that same time. But I was running into a problem, you see,  I could only find either the OT/or the NT, but not both.  And both is what I wanted.  In comes my new toy, let me share with you a bit about the product.

"The Original GoBible® is a hand-held, portable device preloaded with the entire audio version of the Christian Bible.  The Original GoBible® does not interact with a PC; all of its content, over 70 hours of audio, has been downloaded onto the device. This is an audio device only.  The Original GoBible’s interactive on-screen menu allows the user to easily scroll through the Old and New Testaments and select the book, chapter, and verse which the user wants to begin play at.  The user may also, for convenience, scroll through a Story Index of 200 of the most popular Bible stories.  Additionally, the user has the option of following the Original GoBible's "Bible-in-a-Year" plan for listening to the entire Bible in 365 days.  The Original GoBible® provides a “Topic Index” that allows a user to find specific scripture passages of particular spiritual relevance to almost thirty relevant topics.  Lastly, the Original GoBible® can support up to 36 Bookmarks so the user can mark their favorite passages or where they left off listening. Presently, The Original GoBible® is offered with either the New International Version (NIV) narrated by Max McLean, the King James Version as read by Alexander Scourby or the New King James Version narrated by Stephen Johnston.

What makes the Original GoBible® device unique is that no other audio version of the Bible anywhere takes the audio down to the verse level.  All current recordings of the Bible break down the listening option to the chapter level.  We understand that people talk about, think about and study the Bible at the verse level.  Therefore, we have cut the audio to the verse level and indexed it so you may search for and begin play at any verse point in the Bible.  This has never been done before with the audio version of the Bible and the Original GoBible® is the only device in the world with this feature!

The Original GoBible® is operated with one AAA battery that can operate the device for more than 24 hours.  The Original GoBible® is approximately 3.5 inches by 2.5 inches by .5 inch.  The screen size measures 2.4 inches in diameter.  It weighs approximately 3.2 ounces. The box comes with an Original GoBible® device, headphones, a carrying case, a belt clip and a battery.  The Original GoBible® may also be played through two accessories; a set of portable speakers or an FM transmitter that allows audio to play through a car stereo; both may be purchased on the GoBible® website.  The Original GoBible® retails for $99.95.  "

With the convenience of this little bible I can take it anywhere, it's so portable.  I AM LOVING IT! I am going to start using it in my car for my long commute but I need to get a adapter for my car so that it can come through my stereo speakers.  You can find out more about this handy dandy technology by going to the website. 

Hugs and Blessings,

Cindy

My weekend has come and gone.

 

  

The weekend is almost over, and I can't believe it.  I sure would love to have a three day weekend this weekend.  I had a wonderful list of things that I should and wanted to do this weekend, some I finished and others will have to wait until next weekend. 

I have been doing laundry and waiting on it to finish so that it could go into the dryer.   A girl has to have her jeans for work, right?  Anyway,while I was waiting on that, decided  I would tell you what I have been doing this weekend.  I guess by now, you noticed that I have a new header for my blog.  What ya' think?  I am not sure if I will keep it, or if I will work on creating something else, but I wanted to take the Christmas header down. 

I have worked this weekend, on updating and changing some of my content on my blogs,adding some new backgrounds.  I also updated by Facebook (added some wedding pictures and honeymoon pictures,with alot more to do) and Plurk accounts.  On the right sidebar you can find a link to follow me on Twitter. I decided at the first of the year I wanted to get myself organized online and put a system in place (posting system)but still haven't come up with anything definite yet.  Those are a few things that I have done on the web. 

I also have spent time cleaning my kitchen.  It needed it from top to bottom.  I even organized my fridge.  Don't laugh!  It actually looks good but you know it will not last very long.

I spent time today reading and study my devotionals, which is what I want to spend my Sunday's for.  I really do want to reserve Sunday's for quiet time and family time.  No more working on the Sabbath.  Just as it was intended. 

Well guess I will close,  Tomorrow is Simple Woman's Daybook, so check back with me to see what's up.

Hey are you ready?

Hugs!

Studying the Word of God

Hi ladies, if you noticed several post back I discussed some of my goals for this year, and digger deeper in to the word of God was one of them.   I read a wonderful article providing us with some wonderful tips and thought I would share them with you today. 

1. Suit yourself
Pick a course of study that suits you and stay with it. There are many excellent daily devotionals and study guides available. To find one, ask your friends or pastor to recommend their favorites. Also, salespersons at Christian bookstores are happy to help you make a selection.
Spike and I rely heavily on Barclay's commentaries for our teaching. I also find myself returning time and again to Oswald Chamber's My Utmost for His Highest for meditation. It never fails to challenge me to do deeper with God.
A current favorite of mine is a small volume of daily meditations on the four Gospels entitled Becoming Fire. In it, author Jeanie Miley draws the reader into each New Testament drama as an on-the-scene participant, relating our own thoughts and struggles to those of the Bible characters.

2. A fresh word
Try reading a favorite passage of Scripture in a translation you are not used to. See how fresh insights spring to life. Try, for instance, reading 1 Corinthians 13 in the J.B. Phillips translation: "Love has good manners and does not pursue selfish advantage. It is not touchy." The meaning here is so accessible! (Overall, this is a beautiful and poetic translation of the New Testament--worth adding to your library.)
Pam, my Bible teacher, teaches from the Amplified Bible, which is excellent for providing additional adjectives and expanding meaning.
Or try one that our whole family is enthusiastic about, the Bible paraphrase by Eugene H. Peterson entitled The Message. Though a paraphrase is not meant to replace a translation, it can bring invigorating new insights to familiar passages.

3. Praying your way through the Scriptures
"Pray your way through" a chapter or book of the Bible. This is one of the best ways I know to appropriate the truth of God's Word for our everyday lives. Verbal or written prayer can be used (I prefer to write). Here's how it works:
As I read through whatever book of the Bible I'm studying, I stop at every verse that speaks personally to me and write out a prayer pertaining to that verse. I try to make these prayers as personal and relevant to my own life as I possibly can.
Here's an example, using Romans 8. First, read the verse or verses:

For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace (Romans 8:5-6).

Next, write a prayer in simple, conversational words of your own, pertaining to what you have read:

Lord, it's real easy to tell when I'm living "according to the flesh" by what my thoughts keep returning to--what my mind keeps dwelling on. If my thoughts return time after time to anything other than You, I'm usually not "in the Spirit." Sometimes I get totally stuck on shopping for clothes, or redoing the house or something like that. Then, before I know it, I have squeezed You right out of my mind. There's nothing wrong with clothes or wallpaper-- I know that. It's just that when they take over my brain like that, they start competing with You. Father, teach me to live "according to the Spirit." Everything else is dying. Only You are life and peace. Those are the qualities I hunger for! Amen.

4. Character study

Do a study of one particular Bible character. Trace that person's life in Scripture. Read other books and commentaries on his or her life. Try to "get inside this character's head" and figure out how he thought and why he did the things he did. In what ways is he or she like you? Different from you?

5. The acts of your life

Realize that though the Bible is complete, the Book of Acts (the story of God's church) is still being created in the lives of each one of us who follow Jesus. Write out your own story. Who are you and how is your life affecting the coming of God's kingdom on earth? Don't over glamorize yourself, but try not to be too hard on yourself, either. Make your story as factual and complete as possible. Someday you will be asked to give your testimony, "to give an account for the hope that is in you (1 Peter 3:15), and you'll be prepared!

6. Consider the benefits

Go through Psalm 119 and make your own inventory of the benefits mentioneed that are available to the man or woman who studies God's Word.

This tips can be found at Christian Woman Today

You Decide

I decided that today I would repost something that I posted a while back but saw it again recently and it made me smile/laugh just as it did before.  See if you remember this...





Now here is one you may not have seen.

Dad Sense

Now which one do you think is the best? 

It's been a year

since I went from wearing glasses to being glassless.  That's right, one year ago I had my Lasik eye surgery, and I thought I would just give you a little update.  I still LOVE it.  I still have a hard time believing that I can actually see without glasses.  You would think that by now, it wouldn't be a big deal, but for someone that relied on her glasses for everything I did, it is a big deal.
I am very grateful.  I still feel that it is one of the best things I ever did for me.  Basically I just thought if there was anyone out there that is contemplating it I wanted you to know that after one year I am still happy with the results. For the first time in my life I have 20/20 vision, instead of seeing everything like this....
I can see everything clearly.  What a gift!
If there are any questions feel free to ask.

Where to start?

This is what I woke up to this morning.  I'd say Winter has arrived!

That is how I feel.  I don't really know where to start. Here we are in a new year 2009, and I can't seem to get my thoughts down.  I have been taking things a bit slower and also starting a new system.  I guess you can say that is one of my new  goals for this year.  There are many things that I want to achieve and work on this year that will benefit me and my family.  Most of which are simply personal.  Here is a small portion of some of the things that are rolling around in my head.

1. One, being a better blogger buddy.  I haven't been doing all that great.  Life seems to have  a mind all it's own.
2. More quiet time with God.
3. Spend time with God daily in prayer.
   
4. Digging deeper in my study of the Word/bible study.
5. Reading more spiritual books for guidance/resources purposes that allow me to dig deeper
   
6. Focus on the simple things in my life and be grateful.
   
7. Spend more quality time with my family and friends.

This year I started reading "The Purpose Driven Life" by Rick Warren,  I am enjoying it greatly.  I am on Day 7 and I am working through th Purpose Driven  Journal too.  It is a great accompaniment to the book.  I have had this book for several years but just couldn't find the time to read it....so decided there was time like the present.  A great way to start off the new year.
As you can see most of my goals  are of spiritual nature but I feel a strong push toward this this year.  Last year my goals were oriented around organizing and even though I didn't master that, I still plan to work on it.  Believe me, there is ALWAYS something to organize at my house. I also wanted to start journaling my simple pleasures so I joined Peggy at the Simple Woman's   Daybook. You can check out my new blog for my Journal. I think it makes it easier to just recognize the simple things that we are grateful for.  This is a just a fun way to remember.

I am running a bit short on time at the moment, but wanted to let you know that I hope to get my blogging pattern down soon.  Since the holidays and getting the Christmas Decorations down, I have kinda like that "sparse" feeling....so I have carried that over to my computer time as well.  I am decluttering my blogs, making some changes, and cleaning and better organizing my computer files.  My inboxes look better than they ever have, and I set myself up a system on responding to emails that I need too, so that things don't get lost.   One of my other helpers, and it is a big one for me is my day planner, I couldn't do anything without it. Everything goes in there, from appts, what's going on with Tori and with whom, dinner ideas, shopping ideas, even blog ideas,  I use it for everything.  I also use one on the computer so if I need to, I can print it out and go.

Possibly soon, I will blog about some of the resources I like to use to keep me on task...but until then, I should go.  I didn't mean to write a book, but it has been awhile since I have posted.  I will try to get around to visit with you all soon.

Hugs!
Cindy
BTW, I still haven't gotten Christmas pictures off my camera, but once I do...I will post them.  Most likely I will post them to my Christmas Blog and then direct you there to see them if you want. 

Are you a Jackie or a Marilyn?

You are a Doris -- "I must help others."

Dorises are warm, concerned, nurturing, and sensitive to other people's needs.


How to Get Along with Me

* Tell me that you appreciate me. Be specific.

* Share fun times with me.

* Take an interest in my problems, though I will probably try to focus on yours.

* Let me know that I am important and special to you.

* Be gentle if you decide to criticize me.


In Intimate Relationships

* Reassure me that I am interesting to you.

* Reassure me often that you love me.

* Tell me I'm attractive and that you're glad to be seen with me.
What I Like About Being a Doris

* being able to relate easily to people and to make friends

* knowing what people need and being able to make their lives better

* being generous, caring, and warm

* being sensitive to and perceptive about others' feelings

* being enthusiastic and fun-loving, and having a good sense of humor

What's Hard About Being a Doris

* not being able to say no

* having low self-esteem

* feeling drained from overdoing for others

* not doing things I really like to do for myself for fear of being selfish

* criticizing myself for not feeling as loving as I think I should

* being upset that others don't tune in to me as much as I tume in to them

* working so hard to be tactful and considerate that I suppress my real feelings


Dorises as Children Often

* are very sensitive to disapproval and criticism

* try hard to please their parents by being helpful and understanding

* are outwardly compliant

* are popular or try to be popular with other children

* act coy, precocious, or dramatic in order to get attention

* are clowns and jokers (the more extroverted Dorises), or quiet and shy (the more introverted Dorises)

Dorises as Parents

* are good listeners, love their children unconditionally, and are warm and encouraging (or suffer guilt if they aren't)

* are often playful with their children

* wonder: "Am I doing it right?" "Am I giving enough?" "Have I caused irreparable damage?"

* can become fiercely protective
 
Have fun and take your test here.
Hugs!

Happy New Years

Just One Request

Dear Master for this coming year
Just one request I bring:
I do not pray for happiness,
Or any earthly thing—
I do not ask to understand
The way Thou leadest me,
But this I ask: Teach me to do
The thing that pleaseth Thee.
I want to know Thy guiding voice,
To walk with Thee each day.
Dear Master make me swift to hear
And ready to obey.
And thus the year I now begin
A happy year will be—
If I am seeking just to do
The thing that pleaseth Thee.

--Unknown Author