Show and Tell Friday...

Today I'm sharing one of my favorite collections...my blue Ball glass canning jars. What started out as 2 has grown into 38! I had two from my grandmother and my brother-in-law found some in a house he purchased many years ago and gave them to me. The rest I have purchased at garage sales and a few on E-bay, never paying more than $10, which was for the very big one. I love that one. They sit on top of the cabinets in my kitchen and are quite a chore to get in place, but the end result is very nice.

I had to take them down last week for my hubby to paint the ceiling in the kitchen, so I thought what a perfect opportunity to take a few pictures of them and share them with everyone. Hope you enjoyed the visit...thanks for stopping by!

All clean and ready to go back in place...

They look so pretty against the golden walls...

This is just two areas of my cabinets, I also have them over the stove and on top of my hutch in the kitchen...

Just a Thought...

We're not considered God's faithful people because of all that happens to us. We're faithful because of how we respond to all that happens. In spite of good times or bad, God's faithful people trust him with both their present and their future.

Something to think about...I know with all I've been through these past few months, I will remain faithful to God and pray I will live up to the above statement.

Come back tomorrow for Show and Tell Friday to see one of my favorite collections!

Later...

Wordless Wednesday...

How appropriate the words to this song are! Enjoy!

I Know Who Holds Tomorrow

I don't know about tomorrow; I just live from day to day.
I don't borrow from its sunshine, For its skies may turn to grey.
I don't worry o'er the future, For I know what Jesus said.
And today I'll walk beside Him, For He knows what is ahead.

Every step is getting brighter As the golden stairs I climb;
Every burden's getting lighter, Every cloud is silver-lined.
There the sun is always shining, There no tear will dim the eye;
At the ending of the rainbow, Where the mountains touch the sky.

I don't know about tomorrow; It may bring me poverty.
But the one who feeds the sparrow, Is the one who stands by me.
And the path that is my portion, May be through the flame or flood;
But His presence goes before me, And I'm covered with His blood.

Many things about tomorrow I don't seem to understand
But I know who holds tomorrow, And I know who holds my hand.

Where I Spend Most of My Time...

As promised, here are pictures of where I spend most of my time during the day...our library/office. I love the furniture in here, except that it gets so dusty. Yes, we have 2 computers. The one the kids use is really our old computer and the computer I work on is the new one, well in computer years it's pretty old,
4 years already.

We also have the piano in here, there really is no room for it in the living room and I didn't like it in the hallway where my sister moved it during one of her first visits here, so here it sits. There's room for my husband to put his lap top on the long desk area when he's home as well.

The best part about this room is that BOTH computers are here. I have done too many stories for work about kids having computers in their rooms and the problems that followed, you know, kids running away to meet up with someone they met on line, etc. It will never be perfect because kids will be kids, but so far this works for us.

My desk area...I don't have any view as Sue does, hers is really nice, but this works...keep me focused!

My hubby's many awards and medals...

Another view of the kid's computer area and books, many, many books!

And finally, the piano.

Well I hope you enjoyed my little tour of where I spend most of my time...speaking of which, I really need to get back to work! I think I'll post pictures of the living room next...Later!

Worship Song Sunday...

To go along with the hymn from Wednesday's blog...Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus.

Scripture Saturday...

I cannot seem to get over this feeling of despair that's been slowly invading my life. I'm usually not a pessimistic person. I always try to find something to be thankful and grateful for. When my father was first in the hospital after his accident, I even wrote an entry on the old chorus, "This is the day, I WILL rejoice."

But life has been so hard for me lately. I feel my father's absence so much more than when he first died. I'll be going about my day and all of a sudden it will hit me...oh, he's gone. The tears are still just right under the surface. When will I be able to think of my dad without them pouring down my face?

And being in church is so hard as well. I can close my eyes on a Sunday morning and picture myself back in Bethlehem. I see my father up on the platform worshipping during a song service. I hear him saying, "Sing it again, sing it again!"

But to think about my dad preaching just makes me so sad. He was such a powerful preacher, I still think one of the best I've ever heard. When my father was packing up his study before their move last spring, I asked him for a few of his sermon books. He gave me all of his sermons on the book of Psalms. Oh how I have loved reading them! I love just flipping through the pages, thinking of how much time he spent preparing them and praying over the words that are on each page.

So I will leave you with one of my favorite verses today for Scripture Saturday and a little of what my dad wrote...
Psalms 30:11,12
Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing:
Thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness;
To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent.
O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.

My father wrote, there was a heavy heart, a sad eye, a downward look and a dragging step...oh that describes me these days! But, then Jesus came and He made all things new, He brought change, now there is an upward look, a bright eye, a glad smile, a fast step that even at times springs as if you were to dance.

He has saved us with a great salvation that our praises may abound unto Him and not be silent...be not silent, but sing of your salvation!
I feel as if my dad is speaking this to me...I will try...I promise...Amen!

Show and Tell Friday...

One of my favorite blogs does something every Friday called Show and Tell Friday. Well this is the first time I'm participating!

So I'm showing one of my favorite "new" treasures, which are actually quite old, they're a few of my father's sermon books. These are all the sermons on the series on the book of Psalms he did while he was a pastor at Bethlehem Church.




Now that my dad is gone having them is almost like having a part of him with me.

Thanks for stopping by!

Am I Crazy or What?

Okay, so my friend Sue had an interesting post the other day. She actually took pictures of what different areas of her house looked like. She said you couldn't "tidy up." WELL...I'm sorry, but I took pictures of what I did yesterday, grocery shopping, and I always straighten up before going.

BUT you can ask my sister, my cabinets and refrigerator look pretty much like this all the time. I didn't really touch the refrigerator or the pantry, except to throw away some old lettuce and a tupperware of sauce. Usually I wipe down the refrigerator before going shopping but neglected to do it this time.

I love to be neat and organized. When I go into some one's home I'm always thinking of how they could be more organized. I've even attempted to help a few people, but once the work is done, they go back to their old ways and it makes me sad that they don't get the same joy out of organizing as I do! So I've learned to keep my mouth shut...sometimes!

I love my refrigerator. If you're a regular reader of my blog you'll remember that we purchased this refrigerator back at the beginning of July. The old one is out in the garage, still getting used! I'm very organized even here, especially my freezer. I keep all my meats individually wrapped and labeled. Sick, I know, but it works for me. This is only the bottom drawer of the freezer, I didn't think you could handle the excitement of the top drawer as well...that's the drawer that has the automatic ice maker...my true love, just kidding (LIZ).



I actually have two pantries...the little one is right in the kitchen and on the door are things the kids have drawn over the years in school and, the school lunch menu for the month. If you look closely, you can see where Michael has circled his selections for the month. He's allowed to pick one day a week to buy lunch and when he brings home the new calendar sits and plans out which days he's buying. It's a very serious procedure. Olivia buys every day and has been since high school...she wouldn't be caught DEAD bringing a bag lunch to school...what was I thinking even suggesting it???




So this is what I did today, went grocery shopping. I know my life is so exciting! Thanks for taking the time to see a bit of what's behind closed doors here at the Christensen household. I'm going to take pictures of the one room I spend most of my time in every day over the weekend...and no it's not the bathroom putting make up on! Come back in a few days to see!

Wordless Wednesday...

Okay, after lying in bed this morning listening to the news, I became very depressed thinking about all that's wrong out there. I just couldn't handle it anymore! The following song came to me while I was getting ready and it's so appropriate for today, at least for me!

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus...

O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free!

Through death into life everlasting
He passed, and we follow Him there;
O’er us sin no more hath dominion—
For more than conquerors we are!

His Word shall not fail you—He promised;
Believe Him, and all will be well:
Then go to a world that is dying,
His perfect salvation to tell!

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.

Enjoy your day and try and find some time to tune out the world and look towards our Saviour, for only He truly can save us!

Another Recipe...

Here's another recipe that I think is great...easy and delicious...chicken pot pie. I've been making it homemade ever since Olivia was a little girl. Actually when she was in preschool and all the kids had to say one thing that they loved about their mom, she said, "She makes me chicken pot pie."

I use to make it in a regular size pie plate, but there's always leftovers and it does not reheat very well. So I purchased individual pie plates that are the perfect size. I usually make enough of the mixture to freeze in containers so I can just take some out of the freezer on a busy day and be ready to go. I've used homemade dough, but often use store bought, never Pillsbury, it has a funny taste. I always use the store brand and it tastes pretty good. I'll even roll out extra pie dough cut into the shape I need and freeze for future use as well.

I usually use frozen mixed vegetables, but yesterday all I had was fresh carrots, green beans and corn. It still came out delicious...

1/3 cup butter
1/3 cup chopped onions
1/3 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
2/3 cup milk
2 to 3 cups shredded cooked chicken
2 cups mixed vegetables

In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, cook 2 minutes or until tender. Stir in flour, salt and pepper until well blended. Gradually stir in broth and milk; cook, stirring constantly, until bubbly and thickened. Add cooked chicken and mixed vegetables, remove from heat. Spoon chicken mixture into prepared pie crust. Top with second crust. Bake at 425 for 30 to 40 minutes or until crust is golden brown.

If using individual pie plates, the cooking time is less.

Mixture all ready to go!

One down...

All ready for the oven...

Dinner is served!

Let me know if you try the recipe and how it turned out for you!

Worship Song Sunday...

I love this song! Enjoy your Sunday!

Scripture Saturday...

I've been studying the book of Daniel the past few weeks...yes, it's taking me some time. Here's a favorite verse so far:

Daniel 7:14

"He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed."

What is Pinguecula???

It's what I have growing in my left eye! It's a benign growth, not cancer, but still a growth. I noticed it back over the summer...something clinging to the side of my pupil. I then realized a few weeks ago it was getting bigger (insert the theme music from Jaws here).

You really can't see it unless I point it out to you. I mean, Phil hasn't even noticed it! I showed it to a friend of mine and she said I really should have a doctor take a look at it...so I did, yesterday. Olivia has been sick since Monday and we went to the doctor. When he was finished looking at her I asked him to please tell me what is wrong with my eye.

He knew right away what it was and said, "Oh, don't worry, it's not cancer." WHAT? That word never even crossed my mind! I thought maybe a cataract or something along that line.

So now I have to find a surgeon because it will continue to grow and begin to cover my pupil. Fun. My family doctor said they will remove it once it begins to affect my vision. It does cause some degree of discomfort, especially if I've been working all day, but mostly it's just annoying, like there's something in my eye...oh wait, there is and he has a name...I just can't pronounce it.

Enjoy your day!

Attempting to Work Out...

Okay, so yesterday I attempt to get on the treadmill again after almost a year off of it! Before my back problems started last year I was in the process of losing weight...25 pounds only to regain 20 of them while dealing with this pain.

Anyway, my spine doctor said that since most of the numbness has disappeared, YEAH, I can start to walk on my treadmill again...FUN! I'm kidding. I really despise working out. But I know it's something I need to do and while I was losing the weight originally, I was very committed to getting on that treadmill. I even made a point of going to the gym on vacation last year...must have been the sun making me delirious to be in the gym every morning by 6:00!

So I've been watching what I eat for the past few weeks and have managed to lose about 8 pounds so far! But I knew I needed to tackle that treadmill. Only problem...I'm scared it will make my back hurt. You see walking is still not that easy for me. I can walk for about 20 minutes and the pain starts to settle in, I can still walk, but will have pain.

BUT...I want to lose this weight. So yesterday morning I decide that I'm going to get on the treadmill around 11:00 and watch The View and walk. I head down to the playroom at around 10:55 to begin...only to find the place a mess. So I spend about 5 minutes picking things up.

I go to turn the TV on but can't find the remote. Okay, I find it after searching EVERYWHERE...doesn't work...needs new batteries. Upstairs I head to get batteries. Okay, room cleaned, TV on, plug in machine...NOTHING. Now what? It seems that one of the wires was pulled out from underneath the machine. What in the world is going on down here when the kids are here???

Okay, room cleaned, TV on, machine plugged in, all wires connected...NOTHING. Okay, I'm beginning to miss most of the Hot Topics on The View. Where is the red cord that needs to be connected to the treadmill in order for it to work??? You know, the cord that in case of emergency, shortness of breath, pull it and the machine will stop immediately?

Okay, room cleaned, TV on, machine plugged in, all wires connected, red cord found and connected, turn machine on and proceed to walk for 20 minutes. Pain level? About a seven, but I did it!

I hope to get on the treadmill again today, hopefully the process of getting there won't be as time consuming as yesterday! Enjoy your day!

Happy Anniversary...Almost!

What a nice day we had yesterday at my mom's house. My sister and her husband are celebrating their 20th wedding anniversary...soon...and we got together for a nice luncheon. I took a bunch of pictures but for some reason did not take any of them on my camera! You'll have to visit Liz's blog to see more pictures. I took some of the two of them using her camera.

Garage almost done!


Side View...

In the kitchen with Oma!

There once was a window where the hutch is...looks much nicer now!

Living Room...



Hope you enjoyed the little tour. We'll be so happy my mom has her garage to use...now her hair will be protected! Later!

A Gift For Me!

Here's what came in the mail the other day for me...




While we were out running errands last week, my husband and I spotted this bumper sticker on the back of a car. I loved it! And my dear husband ordered it for me without telling me! It was a surprise when I opened up the package. Can't wait to get it on my car!

Enjoy!

Wordless Wednesday...

I love to play this one on the piano...

Redeemed

Redeemed how I love to proclaim it! Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb;
Redeemed through His infinite mercy, His child and forever I am.

Redeemed and so happy in Jesus, No language my rapture can tell;
I know that the light of His presence With me doth continually dwell.

I think of my blessed Redeemer, I think of Him all the day long;
I sing for I cannot be silent, His love is the theme of my song.

I know I shall see in His beauty The King in whose law I delight;
Who lovingly guardeth my footsteps, And giveth me songs in the night.

Redeemed, Redeemed, Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb,
Redeemed, Redeemed, His child and forever I am.

Come back tomorrow...I will have a picture of something really cute my husband surprised me with! Later!

Happy Tuesday...

I hope everyone had a nice weekend. Ours was very nice, a little work on Saturday but very relaxing on Sunday.

I decided that I could not take looking at our windows any longer! I'm embarrassed to admit that I have not washed them in almost 3 years! We do have the tilt in windows, but for some reason I cannot tilt them in on my own without having the entire window come out! So I really need my husband home to help...and with his schedule, washing windows is way down on the list of things that need to get done around the house.

But not this weekend. We washed all the windows and the curtains. So now my windows look beautifully clean and the white lace curtains are white once again. It was almost a whole day process but well worth the work.

We managed to get to the farm finally also on Saturday to get some pumpkins. Olivia has a babysitting job every other Saturday, so after we dropped her off we headed out to the farm. There's this really nice farm nearby our house that we have been going to for the past five years. The family that runs this farm told us that the land has been in their family since William Penn gave it to their forefathers many, many years ago. Now that's a piece of history!

Two years ago we took my parents to the farm when they were visiting one weekend and we went on the hay ride. Well the man running the hay ride started to speak German to the horses and my father who was sitting not too close to him heard him and quickly moved to get closer to the front to speak a little of his home language with this gentleman. My father was very happy that day.




Michael wanted to do the pumpkin launch on Saturday and how could we refuse when the targets were Obama and McCain? The girl running the launch told us that Obama was the one who received the most hits, not a good thing, for Obama that is...if only we could duplicate this "voting" in four weeks! Enjoy your day!

Scripture Saturday...

My father's favorite...

Romans 1:16

I am not ashamed of the gospel,
because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes:
first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.

What in the World...

Okay, so Wednesday night the Senate passed the bill that is suppose to save us from the next Great Depression. I do think something needs to be done to protect our economy. I understand the credit markets are frozen and something should be done to protect the homes of the hard-working people who actually purchased our homes in the correct manner.

You know, saved a good bit of cash for a nice down payment. Actually had a job at the time of the purchase. I understand all about being laid off and losing a job due to downsizing...my husband has had that happen to him too many times. But for the most part a lot of the people who are facing foreclosure should never have been allowed to purchase their home in the first place.

They borrowed 100 percent and sometimes even more...they borrowed their closing costs. So they actually borrowed more than what their house was worth at the time. Then they took out interest only loans for the first couple of years.

When it came time to start paying the principal also, they couldn't afford it and when they tried to refinance they realized they had no equity in the house and the banks wouldn't give them any more money and their interest rates kept climbing. It's awful. I could only imagine the fear some of them were facing.

Okay, enough of my ranting. So Congress can't pass the first bill and it's left up to the Senate to pass it. ONLY they decide to offer some incentives in order to get them to agree to voting for the bill.

So now we are are facing not a $700 BILLION bailout bill, but instead it's now $812 billion! We are now giving money to wool research, film and TV productions companies are getting $10 million!

The best one is the tax break for the makers of kids' wooden arrows! I find this one ironic because my Michael went to a Happy Birthday Me party at church last weekend. A party that celebrates every one's birthday on one day. Everyone was suppose to bring a $5.00 gift to exchange with each other. Michael came home with cash, a little disappointed because he really wanted the bow and arrow set that one of his friends received.

I told him that we would go shopping for one this weekend. Now on top of the $6 million the manufacturers are receiving from the Senate, they will be getting my son's $5.00...me thinks they have enough!

Crazy Day..

Today will probably be a repeat of yesterday, only no church. Yesterday I spent most of my morning shopping. I went to Sam's Club and thankfully only spent around $150! I know that sounds like a lot but sometimes it can be double! I tend to spend very little money in a regular grocery store during the week, so I think it all evens out. Then to Wal-Mart and even a stop at AC Moore...that was fun. Don't worry, I didn't spend much!

When I arrived home, these stores are about 40 minutes from where we live, it takes forever to put groceries away. Am I the only one that needs to clean and organize before putting new stuff away? I dusted and put up some fall decorations around the mantel in the living room and then the kids started coming home...ALREADY??

Then Michael had band practice down at the high school. The sixth graders have been invited to march in the Halloween parade in 2 weeks. He's very excited. But that was from 4:30 to 5:30 and it's about 20 minutes there and another 20 back. I decided against going home and spent the hour in my car catching up on Bible reading and getting ready for my Missionettes lesson.

We got home around 6:00 and had a quick dinner of pancakes...I know, it's breakfast food...but sometimes having breakfast for dinner can be fun and very easy. Then sat down at the computer to quickly type out a few things I needed for my class only to have the printer not cooperate and have a friend of Olivia's call and see if we could pick her up...we made it to church by 6:59. I should have been there much earlier, but life happens.

Today I have work to do, Olivia has a dental appointment...then she informed me she wants to go to the bonfire at the high school, it's homecoming weekend and Michael has karate.

I will try to get everything done...I've begun to realize that one day my children will be able to go places without me, they won't need me to drive them to the dentist or band practice...my time with them is precious and slowly dwindling.

Help me Lord to hold on to them a little longer and when I do release them, please let them be the children of God you've called them to be.

Later!

Wordless Wednesday...

Today's hymn was sung at my wedding and also at my parent's wedding...

Savior Like a Shepherd Lead Us
Saviour, like a shepherd lead us, Much we need Thy tender care;
In Thy pleasant pastures feed us, For our use Thy folds prepare;
Blessed Jesus, Blessed Jesus, Thou has bought us, Thine we are;
Blessed Jesus, Blessed Jesus, Thou has bought us, Thine we are.

We are Thine, do Thou befriend us, Be the Guardian of our way;
Keep Thy flock, from sin defend us, Seek us when we go astray;
Blessed Jesus, Blessed Jesus, Hear Thy children when they pray;
Blessed Jesus, Blessed Jesus, Hear Thy children when they pray.

Thou has promised to receive us, Poor and sinful though we be;
Thou has mercy to relieve us, Grace to cleanse and power to free;
Blessed Jesus, Blessed Jesus, Early let us turn to Thee;
Blessed Jesus, Blessed Jesus, Early let us turn to Thee.

Early let us seek Thy favor, Early let us do Thy will;
Blessed Lord and only Saviour, With Thy love our bosoms fill;
Blessed Jesus, Blessed Jesus, Thou hast loved us, love us still;
Blessed Jesus, Blessed Jesus, Thou hast loved us, love us still.