tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74704867360359905962024-03-13T23:06:00.113-07:00fashionedbyhishandNever has there been and never again will there be another you. Fashioned by God's Hand and perfectly planned to be just who you are, and what He's been creating since the first beat of your heart...is a living, breathing, priceless piece of art.
-Steven Curtis Chapmancarriberryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11558797064359449558noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7470486736035990596.post-30001347896095804832010-05-18T13:06:00.000-07:002010-05-19T07:08:42.325-07:00Out of the Miry Clay<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><u><br /></u></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">lots of rainy days = 1 gigantic, muddy mess.....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S_PRkNedwMI/AAAAAAAAARI/Xh2z_eu_MxY/s400/farm+girls+081.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;">I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Psalm 40:1-3</span></i><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; ">As a child of God I have experienced slime, mud, muck, & mire. It is a aweful place to be. It is the state of a sinner. A sinner who has sunk low in guilt and corruption because that is ALWAYS where his sinful nature will lead. It's a sad situation because apart from God, he is an outcast. It steals all the beauty that he could have in sight of a Holy God. Without Christ, all this life has to offer is pain, sorrow, and a dark state of sin.</span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><br /></span></i></div><div>So to speak, we wallow in sin and the harder we try to "get-out" the deeper we get stuck. We slide from one side to the next. It is miserable as there is no firm footing or stability in sin. And their is no way of escape....</div><div><br /></div><div>It is not until we cry out for our Redeemer to come and lift us from that muddy, icky mess. Salvation comes as a result of us asking for it. It can even be the faintest cry and God will hear and deliver. The great news is that Salvation is free! It is a gift; a gift that God expects every weary and sin-laden sinner to use.</div><div><br /></div><div>It is a beautiful word picture of God reaching down with His strong, loving arms and lifting us out, mud & slime dripping off as He lifts, and then He sets us on a firm place to stay. That is the Rock of Jesus Christ. It is a sure and firm place where we can stand. It is our foundation and on it we build our hope, our life, our character.</div><div>-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</div><div><br /></div></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S_PRkqAehPI/AAAAAAAAARQ/l_kXqyZlaN0/s1600/farm+girls+076.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S_PRkqAehPI/AAAAAAAAARQ/l_kXqyZlaN0/s400/farm+girls+076.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472948399867069682" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S_PRjhQNx1I/AAAAAAAAARA/fd0mft_diXk/s1600/farm+girls+082.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S_PRjhQNx1I/AAAAAAAAARA/fd0mft_diXk/s400/farm+girls+082.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472948380337293138" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S_MC-aK34nI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/LQtfUN6BNKg/s1600/farm+girls+080.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S_MC-aK34nI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/LQtfUN6BNKg/s400/farm+girls+080.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472721243385356914" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S_MC-KRxPmI/AAAAAAAAAQw/9Or7g4Rlbso/s1600/farm+girls+085.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S_MC-KRxPmI/AAAAAAAAAQw/9Or7g4Rlbso/s400/farm+girls+085.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472721239119314530" /></a>On this particular day, my 3 yr. old daughter literally got exposed to mud, muck, and "getting stuck." She had a ball for awhile; until she was sick of the goopy mess. She would come to the back door and holler to come in. <div>I was babysitting for a little boy and at the moment was giving him his bottle; hence the clean-up had to wait. In fact, I encouraged her to "play" some more...I gave her a spoon, old muffin pan, and cupcake liners and told her to go make mud pies for dessert. That seemed to occupy her for awhile longer. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">(and just in case you were wondering, that dress went straight to the trash!)</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S_MC9fqsZ9I/AAAAAAAAAQo/n8W0AjyG0Xc/s1600/farm+girls+087.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S_MC9fqsZ9I/AAAAAAAAAQo/n8W0AjyG0Xc/s400/farm+girls+087.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472721227681130450" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">mud pies...anyone??</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S_MC82AiYvI/AAAAAAAAAQg/Fzf1PAfgzf0/s1600/farm+girls+088.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S_MC82AiYvI/AAAAAAAAAQg/Fzf1PAfgzf0/s400/farm+girls+088.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472721216498459378" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We've had so many rainy days this past week. I slop on their boots and let them go digging for worms & bugs....I know, it's such a girly thing to do!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S_PqfM8wfaI/AAAAAAAAARo/iBpwzxM8nek/s400/fg+003.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S_Pqetio7RI/AAAAAAAAARg/MadsUcQh7zk/s400/fg+001.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">my solution for a mud room....a modern day boot garden</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S_PqeEAqyVI/AAAAAAAAARY/i0lpVJmgymg/s400/fg+037.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">peonies are just getting ready to bloom...ahh, the smell!</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S_Pqfus8pLI/AAAAAAAAARw/TqK_kNGBhjk/s400/fg+035.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">...and these are my favorite flowers in bloom, but don't know what they are called?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S_PqgC7QgQI/AAAAAAAAAR4/gFZiMaWG-hI/s400/fg+007.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Today I'm singing a new song....it's the song of the Redeemed!</div><div><br /></div><div>cjs<br /><br /><i><br /></i><div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div></div></div>carriberryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11558797064359449558noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7470486736035990596.post-85510921455188365512010-04-13T15:00:00.000-07:002010-04-17T07:56:15.161-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S8UQejbjQPI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/LkBenK5NxvE/s1600/sp+003.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 269px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S8UQejbjQPI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/LkBenK5NxvE/s400/sp+003.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459788240349511922" /></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">April is a good month- it is full of promise and hope.</span> It is newness and freshness all around: couples walking hand-in-hand in the park, softball, the smell of fresh-turned earth, housewives hanging out winter clothes to air out, neighbors calling across fences, rain on the weekends, mud in the kitchen, dirt and grass stains on little girls skirts, storm windows coming out, screens going in, sparrows carrying bits of straw up under the porch eaves, the arrival of baby chicks, gardeners planting pansies, lawnmowers getting a fine tuning, lambs being born, thunderstorms popping up, farmers working the ground, and prepping their planters. April is the great stirring...</div><div><div><br /></div><div>This April has been ups and downs for me. I've had some rough moments.....like the news that my sister is fighting colon cancer; fighting depression, being unmotivated, laying awake for hours with nightmares....and I found myself in the valley of despair! </div><div>God got a hold of my heart and showed me that I can gather unto my heart the thorns of disappointment, failure, dismay in my present situation or I can gather unto my heart the flowers of God's grace, boundless love, and unmatched joy. </div><div>Today I want to gather the flowers...<br /><div><br /></div><div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S8T3zJefThI/AAAAAAAAAOY/Y_l3pQ-jUBM/s400/spring+013.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S8T3yoqLj-I/AAAAAAAAAOQ/-vVJNHGyTmY/s400/spring+010.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S8USFsEpvhI/AAAAAAAAAPg/FDAZpYFi5VY/s200/spring+003.JPG" /><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S8USFYMc8WI/AAAAAAAAAPY/izmVns-aKX8/s200/spring+006.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">life is too short to keep this child's hair combed & shoes on her feet</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S8T3yL3gRxI/AAAAAAAAAOI/VRuS8G6Tvi4/s1600/spring+011.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S8T3yL3gRxI/AAAAAAAAAOI/VRuS8G6Tvi4/s400/spring+011.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459761089830995730" /></a></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">trying to soak up some of that good Vitamin D</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S8T3yL3gRxI/AAAAAAAAAOI/VRuS8G6Tvi4/s1600/spring+011.JPG"></a><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S8T3x1hm6AI/AAAAAAAAAOA/1Oi_o2xtEPk/s1600/spring+016.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S8T3x1hm6AI/AAAAAAAAAOA/1Oi_o2xtEPk/s400/spring+016.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459761083833575426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">my sweet rays of sunshine</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S8UVCLS3eUI/AAAAAAAAAPo/X60zIw6rFtc/s200/spring+024.JPG" /><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S8UVCZp_bfI/AAAAAAAAAPw/dOcReBy3vVI/s200/spring+025.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This month I turned 1 year older. Trust me, it's not a time when I get all pumped up about this occasion, but it is a reminder of how blessed I truly am. Friends out of the corners of the world blessed me with birthday wishes and encouragement, I had a fabulous date night with my one & only, I got pampered, my brother flew home from Haiti & we had a late night hanging out with family. Treasured times.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I have been challenged with the thought: "What do I want my children and husband to remember me for?" This motivates me to give my all, my 100%. This requires me to divorce myself and live a selfless life. To lay down my desires and wants and give, give. Sad to say, I have a lot of divorcing to do....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S8TrqaGZ0hI/AAAAAAAAANw/z2-8vgbGaIo/s400/3vases.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S8T3xBzpNEI/AAAAAAAAAN4/PWzOpKq1M_0/s1600/daffodils.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S8T3xBzpNEI/AAAAAAAAAN4/PWzOpKq1M_0/s400/daffodils.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459761069950579778" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S8Trp_NAMBI/AAAAAAAAANo/jSeWClzMSdM/s1600/spring+097.JPG"></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S8TrpdzRSAI/AAAAAAAAANg/hwYhe2tgp0M/s1600/spring+089.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S8TrpdzRSAI/AAAAAAAAANg/hwYhe2tgp0M/s400/spring+089.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459747745886717954" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">a walk in the park</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S8T6Qbk_XBI/AAAAAAAAAO4/gULt6DEMkrE/s400/sierra.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S8TrpdzRSAI/AAAAAAAAANg/hwYhe2tgp0M/s1600/spring+089.JPG"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S8TroJqmXMI/AAAAAAAAANQ/yGXW0jvOzzo/s1600/spring+108.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 301px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S8TroJqmXMI/AAAAAAAAANQ/yGXW0jvOzzo/s400/spring+108.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459747723301772482" /></a><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S8TrohFyB0I/AAAAAAAAANY/EY9BGSX_kGU/s400/spring+109.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Silliness}</span> this is my daughters joke: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">what flower is between your nose and chin? </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">cjs</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S8TroJqmXMI/AAAAAAAAANQ/yGXW0jvOzzo/s1600/spring+108.JPG"></a></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>carriberryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11558797064359449558noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7470486736035990596.post-33495652976313060322010-02-17T12:43:00.000-08:002010-02-17T15:36:42.271-08:00Heart Issues<div><br /></div><div>This past week has been one that I will never forget...a reminder of how life is so very fragile and precious. My heart is full of emotions. So many different ones at one time makes it hard to sort through them all. </div><div><br /></div><div>A large part of my heart is so, so grateful that my dad's life was spared this past week. He had a large, let me repeat, very large blood clot in his leg - 2 ft long to be exact! Part of the clot broke off, went through his heart, and lodged in his both of his lungs. The dr. called him a 'lucky man'. He spent 5 days in the hospital, but is back home and doing remarkably well. I am overwhelmed at how many people cared...so many phoned, texted, dropped off a meal, did my laundry, babysat the girls....thank you, thank you! </div><div><br /></div><div>Another large part of my heart hurts deeply for my dear friend Mary who lost her beloved husband, Mark, to cancer last Saturday. My heart is torn & full of questions as I watched a 8 year old lad throw dirt on top of his daddy's grave with tears streaming down his face, and his 3 older brothers doing the same. I see their raw pain & anguish. It doesn't seem fair. Not for 1 minute. Why does God allow this to happen? I don't understand God fully...in fact, I never will this side of Heaven. But I do know characteristics of Him...He is in control, he is a God of love, a God of mercy, He is faithful....HE IS SOVEREIGN. That is what keeps on coming back to me. And I cling to that.</div><div>Mark's life will not be forgotten and he leaves an incredible legacy. He was a devoted, humble, godly man. He truly had the heart of a servant. He was driven to serve others....God gave him that talent and he maxed it out to the fullest! His life is an inspiration to me. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Visiting Grandpa @ the hospital</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S3xhgQ7scJI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/DBZpCGYyHTo/s1600-h/valantines+015.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 274px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S3xhgQ7scJI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/DBZpCGYyHTo/s400/valantines+015.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439329656885768338" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Grandpa is explaining what all the tubes, wires are for...</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S3xhFqWtAVI/AAAAAAAAAII/0uVrrR1rGPc/s1600-h/valantines+006.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S3xhFqWtAVI/AAAAAAAAAII/0uVrrR1rGPc/s400/valantines+006.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439329199853470034" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S3xdQtvKIiI/AAAAAAAAAIA/Qeiqyamb1mg/s1600-h/valantines+014.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S3xdQtvKIiI/AAAAAAAAAIA/Qeiqyamb1mg/s400/valantines+014.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439324991693398562" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">oh my, she just couldn't understand... 'Why I can't jump on Grandpa's bed?'</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S3xbkOW5hrI/AAAAAAAAAH4/GKm5gF6vWV4/s1600-h/twins%26pa.jpg"><img style="text-align: right;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 370px; height: 400px; " src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S3xbkOW5hrI/AAAAAAAAAH4/GKm5gF6vWV4/s400/twins%26pa.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439323127844275890" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">sick or not sick....they are the best parents! I am so blessed...</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S3xbB8pJy3I/AAAAAAAAAHw/BnXctC4g_W4/s1600-h/ma%26pa.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 375px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S3xbB8pJy3I/AAAAAAAAAHw/BnXctC4g_W4/s400/ma%26pa.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439322538973449074" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">In the midst of all the pain....Sunday was the day to celebrate LOVE - Valentine's Day. Kevin says it's a women's holiday. I tend to agree. He got me a dozen red roses, chocolate, & the sweetest card. I apologized and said "I'm sorry, honey, I didn't get you anything." He shrugged, smiled, and quietly said "Like I said, it's a women's holiday." We both laughed....and I was off the hook. However, I am not taking for granted the love we share!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S3xaEK4mL8I/AAAAAAAAAHo/b3RitYmSkQM/s1600-h/valantines+017.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S3xaEK4mL8I/AAAAAAAAAHo/b3RitYmSkQM/s400/valantines+017.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439321477644431298" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S3xZkbIwu_I/AAAAAAAAAHg/LTbn66Qq210/s1600-h/winter+10+027.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 269px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S3xZkbIwu_I/AAAAAAAAAHg/LTbn66Qq210/s400/winter+10+027.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439320932251384818" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">I am so often blown away by his love for me - he is patient, forgiving, slow to anger, spontaneous, humorous, gentle, thinks the best for me, kind...it's a love that resembles my loving Heavenly Father and makes His love feel tangible.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S3xY6PzWNHI/AAAAAAAAAHY/p0wRw1B4oqQ/s1600-h/winter+10+025.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S3xY6PzWNHI/AAAAAAAAAHY/p0wRw1B4oqQ/s400/winter+10+025.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439320207654270066" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">...and of course some pics of our lil' Valentines.</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S3xXyWT22fI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/b36dQwAHnTE/s1600-h/valantines+033.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S3xXyWT22fI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/b36dQwAHnTE/s320/valantines+033.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439318972450658802" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S3xXReBvfSI/AAAAAAAAAHI/vHx-MxTvG_I/s1600-h/val+009.JPG"><img style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S3xXReBvfSI/AAAAAAAAAHI/vHx-MxTvG_I/s320/val+009.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439318407586479394" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S3xWt9qjVHI/AAAAAAAAAHA/6BWuvkbLjHI/s1600-h/val+013.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S3xWt9qjVHI/AAAAAAAAAHA/6BWuvkbLjHI/s400/val+013.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439317797603857522" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S3xWPAx0kLI/AAAAAAAAAG4/yozc8fqwsrM/s1600-h/lilvalentines.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S3xWPAx0kLI/AAAAAAAAAG4/yozc8fqwsrM/s400/lilvalentines.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439317265863708850" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">attempting to bl0w mommy a kiss - only one nailed it.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S3xV7pe9usI/AAAAAAAAAGw/wDRg8E0yqF8/s1600-h/val+029.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S3xV7pe9usI/AAAAAAAAAGw/wDRg8E0yqF8/s400/val+029.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439316933193087682" /></a>Love is what makes the world go 'round. </div><div><br /></div><div>cjs<br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /><div><div><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div>carriberryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11558797064359449558noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7470486736035990596.post-33165648556650162302010-02-08T14:11:00.000-08:002010-02-09T05:46:06.757-08:00Snowed in!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S3DgmRdcO0I/AAAAAAAAAGo/Uekd1j8W2YE/s1600-h/girlsinwhite.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S3DgmRdcO0I/AAAAAAAAAGo/Uekd1j8W2YE/s400/girlsinwhite.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436091698362727234" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">I can say this weekend has been one of my favorite of all times! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">First of all Kevin came home from work early on Friday because of the snow. He had text me saying he has a suprise....it was a good one! He didn't have to work on Saturday. That just set the mood. We all enjoyed the snow immensely knowing that we could relax inside the house and not have to go out on the road anytime soon. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We had special family times....</div><div style="text-align: center;">playing a hardy round of memory </div><div style="text-align: center;">& half of a game of sorry</div><div style="text-align: center;">sleeping in</div><div style="text-align: center;">digging out our driveway</div><div style="text-align: center;">playing in the snow</div><div style="text-align: center;">drinking hot chocolate</div><div style="text-align: center;">staying in pj's all day</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S3DfAxDWvdI/AAAAAAAAAGg/tB8HKlBBmEw/s1600-h/winter+10+039.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S3DfAxDWvdI/AAAAAAAAAGg/tB8HKlBBmEw/s400/winter+10+039.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436089954496593362" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Friday as the snow was falling {fast} I heard giggling, zipping, doors banging...these little ladies were getting ready to out in the snow and this was there dress attire. The one that was least dressed for it took a loop in our back yard. By the time she came back to the deck she said in a rather raspy voice, "It's cold out here!"</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S3DeHKY9j5I/AAAAAAAAAGY/aqoXx8-Vqtc/s1600-h/winter+10+046.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S3DeHKY9j5I/AAAAAAAAAGY/aqoXx8-Vqtc/s400/winter+10+046.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436088964865691538" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">starting to dig out our driveway</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S3Dd2n8L_cI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/JZtUKwd99aQ/s1600-h/winter+10+075.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S3Dd2n8L_cI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/JZtUKwd99aQ/s400/winter+10+075.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436088680740289986" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S3Daa8WyBAI/AAAAAAAAAGI/3QfYpcnDXB8/s1600-h/winter+10+087.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S3Daa8WyBAI/AAAAAAAAAGI/3QfYpcnDXB8/s400/winter+10+087.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436084906649322498" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">With all the snow piles and drifts we made tunnels and a little fort. The girls had a blast going through them. I was a bit surprised that Jasmine loved the snow the best. She had a total riot in it and heard her singing away! One time when I was helping make the tunnel I threw a handful of snow right back in her face. She just looked at me a little shocked and the gave me the biggest smile. After that there was snow in her hair and eyelashes and with the sun her whole face just sparkled. Out of all of them, I figured she would be the least to enjoy the snow. </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S3DZcGmZGPI/AAAAAAAAAGA/mWJRjlX--j4/s1600-h/winter+10+089.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S3DZcGmZGPI/AAAAAAAAAGA/mWJRjlX--j4/s400/winter+10+089.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436083827067394290" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S3DY9TjreeI/AAAAAAAAAF4/I-9tKTM9Mi4/s1600-h/winter+10+092.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S3DY9TjreeI/AAAAAAAAAF4/I-9tKTM9Mi4/s400/winter+10+092.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436083297969732066" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S3DYjgyyZWI/AAAAAAAAAFw/xUL-LSN8_Vc/s1600-h/snowlovers.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 301px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S3DYjgyyZWI/AAAAAAAAAFw/xUL-LSN8_Vc/s400/snowlovers.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436082854846162274" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">the wind created some amazing snow drifts ~ some pretty crazy looking ones. </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S3DX9L1WUMI/AAAAAAAAAFo/1_JGtF44FAo/s1600-h/winter+10+053.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S3DX9L1WUMI/AAAAAAAAAFo/1_JGtF44FAo/s400/winter+10+053.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436082196384731330" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S3DXZ8BU-MI/AAAAAAAAAFg/SfBbndywt68/s1600-h/winter+10+060.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 269px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S3DXZ8BU-MI/AAAAAAAAAFg/SfBbndywt68/s400/winter+10+060.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436081590844586178" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">our snow covered street</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S3CacYNtQpI/AAAAAAAAAFY/h7Bzf3cEWkg/s1600-h/winter+10+054.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S3CacYNtQpI/AAAAAAAAAFY/h7Bzf3cEWkg/s400/winter+10+054.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436014562563146386" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S3CZvLS1rXI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/dUNUPRJu5tU/s1600-h/winter+10+056.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 270px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S3CZvLS1rXI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/dUNUPRJu5tU/s400/winter+10+056.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436013786000895346" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">my favorite house on our street...it's vacant <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">(I dream of fixing it up!)</span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S3CZAovnE9I/AAAAAAAAAFI/OEkGuOX9ZOo/s1600-h/winter+10+070.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S3CZAovnE9I/AAAAAAAAAFI/OEkGuOX9ZOo/s400/winter+10+070.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436012986452349906" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Today I got to get outa the house and get groceries(which is another story in itself), just as I was walking out of the house I grabbed my camera. I was grateful for it.</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S3CXdpAB_KI/AAAAAAAAAFA/xKfUqdBJHtE/s1600-h/winter+10+027.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S3CXdpAB_KI/AAAAAAAAAFA/xKfUqdBJHtE/s400/winter+10+027.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436011285714173090" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S3CWpMOvhaI/AAAAAAAAAE4/zIK6lzTrMe4/s1600-h/winter+10+015.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S3CWpMOvhaI/AAAAAAAAAE4/zIK6lzTrMe4/s400/winter+10+015.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436010384638051746" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S3CVeijtH5I/AAAAAAAAAEw/I41klqAoubU/s1600-h/winter+10+035.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S3CVeijtH5I/AAAAAAAAAEw/I41klqAoubU/s400/winter+10+035.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436009102141366162" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S3CUsWKvdlI/AAAAAAAAAEo/I-XMvy1fEUs/s1600-h/winter+10+014.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S3CUsWKvdlI/AAAAAAAAAEo/I-XMvy1fEUs/s400/winter+10+014.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436008239821977170" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S3CTt_HAsmI/AAAAAAAAAEg/k-wzySIjnes/s1600-h/winter+10+019.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 301px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S3CTt_HAsmI/AAAAAAAAAEg/k-wzySIjnes/s400/winter+10+019.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436007168480424546" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S3CStWML1UI/AAAAAAAAAEY/-f_tPbzVG84/s1600-h/winter+10+024.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S3CStWML1UI/AAAAAAAAAEY/-f_tPbzVG84/s400/winter+10+024.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436006057984644418" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S3CRVVuEeII/AAAAAAAAAEQ/pBjo4ytsQUw/s1600-h/winter+10+031.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S3CRVVuEeII/AAAAAAAAAEQ/pBjo4ytsQUw/s400/winter+10+031.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436004546029844610" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Two song that have been going through my head all weekend long~</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>& </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>I see Your Glory, the Glory that's all around me</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm so very grateful that God erases our slate as white as snow. WOW. I saw some fairly white snow this weekend. It's pure, clean, radiant, beautiful ~only God can do that to our hearts!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S3CPG145CMI/AAAAAAAAAEI/iahnULWxatY/s1600-h/winter+10+006.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S3CPG145CMI/AAAAAAAAAEI/iahnULWxatY/s400/winter+10+006.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436002097943873730" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">feather dustings</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S3COfPpweII/AAAAAAAAAEA/wbedgj_P8JU/s1600-h/winter+10+010.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 301px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S3COfPpweII/AAAAAAAAAEA/wbedgj_P8JU/s400/winter+10+010.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436001417664952450" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S3CN5VmG7sI/AAAAAAAAAD4/H7P1Aj3H53c/s1600-h/winter+10+023.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 301px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S3CN5VmG7sI/AAAAAAAAAD4/H7P1Aj3H53c/s400/winter+10+023.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436000766425231042" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">truck 4 sale...<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">excellent</span> condition</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S3CMqu8xZ3I/AAAAAAAAADw/Wmz7meCi-68/s1600-h/winter+10+038.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 301px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S3CMqu8xZ3I/AAAAAAAAADw/Wmz7meCi-68/s400/winter+10+038.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435999416021510002" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">We're supposed to get another 8-9 inches of snow starting early in the morning. Aaahh, I say bring it on! It's makes the cold winter truly a wonderland.</div><div style="text-align: left;">cjs</div>carriberryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11558797064359449558noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7470486736035990596.post-19644595653058476762010-02-02T11:06:00.000-08:002010-02-02T20:58:26.098-08:00Winter Blahs....or Not<div style="text-align: center;"><blockquote></blockquote></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S2iucM-h9WI/AAAAAAAAACA/7Im337FFm7Q/s1600-h/hugsx.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 242px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S2iucM-h9WI/AAAAAAAAACA/7Im337FFm7Q/s320/hugsx.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433784749965571426" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663333;">Long, winter days are here. I am not always fond of them. I don't like the bitter, harshness of it, the way the cold creeps into the corners of the house. I dream about the warmer months of summer and long for them.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663333;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663333;">In some ways this is kind of like my life. I see areas where I let the corners of my heart become bitter and cold. Where I let pride, jealousy, hurts, rebellion seep into my heart. They are places I don't want to visit and want to push away.</span></span></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663333;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663333;">"Break up your fallow ground, for it is time to seek the Lord, til He comes and rains righteousness on you." Hosea 10:12</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663333;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663333;">This verse has become very real to me. In order for righteousness to come I must overturn the yucky places of my heart. In a very gentle way I must expose my heart. God is leading me on a journey... drawing me to HIM, and leading me on a pilgramage that leads to freedom and fullness in HIM! </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663333;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663333;">This week I have joined a Bible Study group in our church. Crazy thing is, I really didn't want sign up, tried my best to get out of it. God is pursuing my heart, I know He is. He is a redeeming God, and wants to make the rough edges of my heart new! He promises to meet me when I am willing to pursue Him with all my heart.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#666600;"><br /></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center; ">Glimpses of our "blah" Winter</div><div style="text-align: right; "></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S2j1t9iNE-I/AAAAAAAAADI/lOTxxExFn44/s1600-h/winter+10+045.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S2j1t9iNE-I/AAAAAAAAADI/lOTxxExFn44/s320/winter+10+045.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433863120383448034" style="text-align: right; display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center; ">Toddler 1 is fond of butter...</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S2j09hP4x2I/AAAAAAAAADA/nTkCLXoid4Q/s1600-h/winter+10+049.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S2j09hP4x2I/AAAAAAAAADA/nTkCLXoid4Q/s320/winter+10+049.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433862288156706658" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S2j0lkN5ZwI/AAAAAAAAAC4/fl4NtRzbCJ0/s1600-h/winter+10+048.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S2j0lkN5ZwI/AAAAAAAAAC4/fl4NtRzbCJ0/s320/winter+10+048.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433861876636804866" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center; ">....toddler 2 is fond of peanut butter</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S2jwkOi9O4I/AAAAAAAAACg/IuKkzFadd_o/s1600-h/october+001.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S2jwkOi9O4I/AAAAAAAAACg/IuKkzFadd_o/s320/october+001.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433857455593175938" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a><br /><div><div style="text-align: center; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S2jxCP15HfI/AAAAAAAAACo/bg_NR3uq8N8/s320/october+002.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div>Dog sitting Oreo for the wknd ~</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S2juPoueSNI/AAAAAAAAACQ/bf8Q3DAAi_M/s320/winter+10+002.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> guess what dog they want now??</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S2jvYp9UlfI/AAAAAAAAACY/WT3XNps8I6o/s320/winter+10+005.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S2jy-nUgKhI/AAAAAAAAACw/lLLDlCRTS7o/s320/winter+10+011.JPG" /></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Warmth & love is felt when daddy plays Memory on a cold winter night.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S2j4fAI0lZI/AAAAAAAAADQ/19r3hQE6F-I/s320/winter+10+010.JPG" /></div><div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S2j77g8JTrI/AAAAAAAAADo/5RW0wUXN8Lg/s1600-h/winter+10+015.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S2j77g8JTrI/AAAAAAAAADo/5RW0wUXN8Lg/s400/winter+10+015.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433869950295559858" style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center; "><div style="text-align: center;">One morning I heard this keyboard jamming away, and fits</div><div style="text-align: center;">of laughter coming from these two. I just had to investigate,</div><div style="text-align: center;">and this is what I found: them trying to help each other move</div><div style="text-align: center;">the keyboard. It brought smiles to my face as well!</div></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S2j7gurtRuI/AAAAAAAAADg/qPp9y_KQF5k/s1600-h/winter+10+016.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S2j7gurtRuI/AAAAAAAAADg/qPp9y_KQF5k/s400/winter+10+016.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433869490128242402" style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AzqVuGCsW64/S2j6xY9Y6_I/AAAAAAAAADY/ZnnOai5VeNw/s400/winter+10+014.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; "><div class="textXLarge" style="text-align: justify;font-size: 17px; font-weight: bold; font-family: verdana, arial; text-decoration: none; margin-bottom: 5px; ">Sisters function as safety nets in a chaotic world simply by being there for each other."~<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; font-size: 12px; "><b><i> Carol Saline</i></b></span></div><div class="textXLarge" style="text-align: justify;font-size: 17px; font-weight: bold; font-family: verdana, arial; text-decoration: none; margin-bottom: 5px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;">cjs</span></span></div></span></div></div></div></div></div></div>carriberryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11558797064359449558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7470486736035990596.post-25124375413917111322010-01-18T09:55:00.000-08:002010-01-18T10:58:45.214-08:00stressed and blessedWe have been battling cold/coughs for over 2 weeks now. I have literally poured vitamin C, echinacea, infa-flu down there throats, but with zero results.........hence the Dr. visit I was so trying to avoid. She prescribed 3 bottles of antibiotics for 3 sickly girls, and I think it kicks in right away and the coughing, etc. eases up..... <div>Well, so I think. Sunday we finally all get to go to church together. Wonderful....I am feeling blessed. The feeling is fleeting.......as things spiral downward fast. My oldest daughter refuses to walk into church because she feels "shy". Another one goes completely limp, and I must drag her to her feet. And another one starts her hacking cough. My husband and I have a misunderstanding, my shoulders tense up, and my headache has blown up to be a full-throttle migraine. "Lord, what is going on?", I whisper. I try to focus and get something out of the service. But I can't. I only feel hurt, hear coughing & whining, sense eyes watching. I try to be brave and muster my courage to be strong. It only remains stressful, and as soon as church lets out I say to Kevin, "Let's get outa here!" On the way out a friend looks into my eyes and they are full of compassion. She understands, she's been in my shoes....her kind words BLESS me. And I feel encouraged. And like that I hear one of my children wailing because mommy is THEE only person in the world who can take her potty. My emotions start to crumble and I fight tears. I grab my child, rush to the bathroom, and let my silent tears fall as I sit on the bathroom floor. I wonder why I ever even came to church. And then suddenly it's there: an undescribable love that covers my body. I know it's His presence. He hears my cry, He understands my rejection, He feels my pain....He meets me right where I am at. I am forever grateful. And for that reason I am BLESSED!</div>carriberryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11558797064359449558noreply@blogger.com0