Twelve Days of Christmas

Have you ever wondered about the meaning of the Twelve Days of Christmas?

I received this email and thought I'd share...

From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics. It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their church. Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality which the children could remember.

-The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.

-Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments.

-Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love.

-The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John.

-The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.

-The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.

-Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit--Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy.

-The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.

-Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit-- Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control.

-The ten lords a-leaping were the ten commandments.

-The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.

-The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.

So there is your history for today.

Mammogram Results

Survivor Status Update

Hey friends! Sorry I’ve been a bit AWOL lately—life has been full, and I’m working six days a week. But I wanted to give you all a quick update: in January, I’ll be celebrating my 10-year Cancerversary! 

Last week, I went in for my yearly mammogram—the first time I’ve actually gone a full year between screenings. They found a lump in my other breast, near my armpit. Ultrasound shows it’s likely an enlarged, abnormally shaped lymph node. Next steps: gather all my films and get into another program here in Houston for follow-up in 11 weeks.

The good news? No biopsy yet, and the mammogram & ultrasound were completely free. Programs like this exist if you know where to look. If you’ve had cancer and don’t have insurance, call the American Cancer Society and your local chapter—keep calling until you get answers. Screening is crucial.

Please keep our family in your prayers. Life is chaotic with six kids and work, but honestly? I wouldn’t have it any other way. ❤️

Garden Bounty

With the four oldest kids away for the week, life at home has been…different. Fewer meals to cook, less chaos, and somehow, the garden is thriving on its own. The zucchini? Absolutely massive.

It’s given me a chance to slow down and get creative—thinking it might be time to experiment with some zucchini salsa recipes. Sometimes, a little neglect is surprisingly productive.

Vicksburg National Military Park

Vicksburg National Military Park – History Meets Humidity

Vicksburg National Military Park in Mississippi was established in 1899 to honor the Battle of Vicksburg and preserve the land where it all happened. The main park stretches along the city boundaries and includes most of the original battlefield.

Kevin and I explored the park the day after dropping the kids off with their dad. It was fascinating… and extremely hot and humid, but still worth every sweaty step! Here are some snapshots from our whirlwind tour. We’re hoping to bring all six kids back when we pick up the oldest four—it should be quite the adventure!

Giggles

Okay, I know this is a totally random post…
I used the facilities at Vicksburg National Military Park, and I must share this.

Drumroll please… the company name?
Hiney Hiders!!! 

Seriously, how clever is that?!

Full Circle at Stone Mountain

From the Archives - 2010

My four oldest kids are in Atlanta this summer, and today the boys got to climb Stone Mountain. My grandparents lived there when I was growing up, and we visited often—our whole crew of cousins racing to the top like it was a competition. I knew that mountain by heart.

One of my favorite memories is from a church youth trip when we stopped there to climb. Such good times and great friends.

I’m so glad my kids get to experience it too, even if I’m not there with them. For more information of Stone Mountain visit here.

Funnel Cakes

I Adore Funnel Cake

Nothing beats a homemade funnel cake—crispy, golden, and dusted with just the right amount of powdered sugar. Bonus points for cinnamon!

Ingredients:

• 

• 4 cups flour

• 1/3 cup sugar

• 2 tsp baking powder

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 2 1/2 cups milk

• 3 large eggs

• 3 cups vegetable oil

• 1/2 tsp vanilla

• Powdered sugar to finish

Directions:

1. Heat oil in a deep skillet to 350–375ºF. Test with a drop of batter—it should bubble.

2. Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add milk, eggs, and vanilla—mix until smooth.

3. Pour batter into a gallon-size Ziploc, snip a 1/4-inch corner, and drizzle into hot oil in a swirling web.

4. Fry 2 minutes until golden, flip, fry 1 more minute. Drain on paper towels.

5. Dust with powdered sugar and serve hot. 

Prayers

Lord God, you are my strength. Hold my hand in my weakness and teach my heart to fly. With you, there's nothing to fear, nothing to worry about. Hold me tight in your embrace, so that I can be stronger than the challenges in my life. Amen.

I found this at Eliza's Prayer Box.

The Gift of Exhortation

The Gift of Encouragement: Reflections on Exhortation

Has anyone ever said something that made you feel seen, purposeful, and inspired to try harder, be better, or simply live more fully? My post yesterday, The Art of a Compliment, had me thinking along these lines, and it brought back memories from my “pastor’s wife days” when I studied Spiritual Gifts. One gift stands out in particular: the gift of Exhortation.

People with this gift have a remarkable ability to say just the right thing at the right time—words that encourage, challenge, comfort, and guide others toward growth. In essence, Exhortation is the divine enablement to present truth in a way that strengthens, motivates, and inspires action, especially for those who are discouraged or wavering in faith.

Those with this gift:

• Strengthen those who are weak in spirit

• Challenge others to trust and hope in God’s promises

• Urge others to action through the application of Biblical truth

• Inspire growth and deeper faith

I’ve always admired people who possess this gift. I had a friend growing up whose words could lift anyone’s spirit or make them pause and reflect on what truly matters. It’s a rare and beautiful ability to help others reach their potential simply by knowing what to say—and how to say it.

Personally? I don’t think I’m naturally gifted in this way, but I’ve come to deeply appreciate it. It’s a reminder that the words we speak can carry power beyond our awareness.

What’s your gift, and how do you use it? If you’re curious, there are several simple online tests to help you identify your Spiritual Gifts. While I can’t personally vouch for every test, they can be a good starting point to reflect on your strengths and how you can use them to encourage and inspire others.

Church Growth Gifts Analysis

Mintools.com

SpiritualGiftsTest.com

The Art of a Compliment

Compliments are beneficial not only to the receiver but the giver. Compliments build self-esteem, break the ice, motivate, diffuse stress, inspire, reward, comfort and validate. However, an improperly executed compliment can have negative effects.

First of all, BE SINCERE. The receiver will always know if you are genuine. If it is really a bad haircut, compliment her on her jewelry choices. This is why being specific is so important. Speak from your heart.

BE SPECIFIC. "What a pretty painting. I really like how you gave the detail here in the back. I never would have thought to do that." The more specific your are the more sincere the compliment seems.

BACK IT UP. "That blouse is beautiful. It really brings out the blue in your eyes."

UNCONDITIONAL. "This is a good meal. Except for the mushrooms." It totally turns from a compliment to a complaint.

Likewise, receiving a compliment correctly can greatly boost the givers self-esteem, or hurt it.

Simply, SAY THANK YOU. Don't try to repay a compliment with a compliment. It will seem fake.

DON'T DISQUALIFY IT. "Oh, it was nothing." "This old shirt?" These types of responses completely undo the compliment and leave the giver feeling discredited.

Household Tips

I was thinking about making a post because my brain is full of ideas. Mostly shortcuts. Mostly cheap ones. Mostly survival tactics for feeding a family of eight and cleaning up after six kids and one fully grown husband. So here’s one of my favorites:

Warm, wet dishrags in the fridge. Yes, really.

When there’s a spill—jelly, meat juices, strawberry syrup, or that unidentified sticky substance that makes your stomach question your life choices—skip the scrubbing. Soak a dish towel or rag in very hot tap water and lay it directly over the mess. Fridge, freezer, oven, microwave, stovetop… wherever the crime scene is.

Leave it there while you wash dishes or start dinner. By the time you’re done, one quick swipe and the mess is gone. No elbow grease. No drama. Just done.

Shortcut unlocked.

My Attorney

After living what I felt was a 'decent' life, my time on earth came to the end. The first thing I remember is sitting on a bench in the waiting room of what I thought to be a court house. The doors opened and I was instructed to come in and have a seat by the defense table. As I looked around I saw the 'prosecutor.' He was a villainous looking man who snarled as he stared at me.. He definitely was the most evil person I had ever seen. I sat down and looked to my left and there sat my Attorney, kind and gentle looking man whose appearance seemed so familiar to me, I felt I knew Him.
The corner door opened and there appeared the Judge in full flowing robes. He commanded an awesome presence as He moved across the room I couldn't take my eyes off of Him. As He took His seat behind the bench, He said, 'Let us begin.'

The prosecutor rose and said, 'My name is Satan and I am here to show you why this woman belongs in hell..' He proceeded to tell of lies that I told, things that I stole, and In the past when I cheated others Satan told of other horrible perversions that were once in my life and the more he spoke, the further down in my seat I sank.
I was so embarrassed that I couldn't look at anyone, even my own Attorney, as the Devil told of sins that even I had completely forgotten about. As upset as I was at Satan for telling all these things about me, I was equally upset at my Attorney who sat there silently not offering any form of defense at all. I know I had been guilty of those things, but I had done some good in my life - couldn't that at least equal out part of the harm I'd done? Satan finished with a fury and said, 'This woman belongs in hell, she is guilty of all that I have charged and there is not a person who can prove otherwise.'
When it was His turn, My Attorney first asked if He might approach the bench. The Judge allowed this over the strong objection of Satan, and beckoned Him to come forward. As He got up and started walking, I was able to see Him in His full splendor and majesty. I realized why He seemed so familiar; this was Jesus representing me, my Lord and my Savior.

He stopped at the bench and softly said to the Judge, 'Hi, Dad,' and then He turned to address the court. 'Satan was correct in saying that this woman had sinned, I won't deny any of these allegations. And, yes, the wage of sin is death, and this woman deserves to be punished.' Jesus took a deep breath and turned to His Father with outstretched arms and proclaimed, 'However, I died on the cross so that this person might have eternal life and she has accepted Me as her Savior, so she is Mine.'

My Lord continued with, 'Her name is written in the Book of Life, and no one can snatch her from Me. Satan still does not understand yet.. This woman is not to be given justice, but rather mercy.' As Jesus sat down, He quietly paused, looked at His Father and said, 'There is nothing else that needs to be done. I've done it all.'

The Judge lifted His mighty hand and slammed the gavel down. The following words bellowed from His lips.. 'This woman is free. The penalty for her has already been paid in full. Case dismissed.'
As my Lord led me away, I could hear Satan ranting and raving, 'I won't give up, I will win the next one.' I asked Jesus as He gave me my instructions where to go next, 'Have you ever lost a case?' Christ lovingly smiled and said, 'Everyone that has come to Me and asked Me to represent them has received the same verdict as you, ~Paid In Full~

2010 Relay For Life

My son, Garit, and I went to our Relay for Life this weekend. The other kids were at a Planetarium show with their Grandparents. Garit decided to go support me and the cause instead. Our county 2010 Relay For Life Raised $293,000 (so far). Country wide Relays raisefunds to donate time, resources, and money to a cause that not only helps to fund cancer research but also goes to help cancer patients who may not have funds for treatment of cancer. This year's theme was "Peace, Love, and Relay" as the theme took on the 1960's theme. Polk County continues to be number one giver to Relay in the nation per capita. Literally thousands showed up for the relay this year. Here are some photos we took of the festivities.  One of the teams, full of Spirit!

Excuse my appearance it was HOT, HOT, HOT and raining!

Some of the entertainment...

One of the Teams decorations...

A two time survivor I met...

G and I were both impressed with this ROTC groups mobile kitchen and their enthusiasm!

Judgement

We form opinions about people in mere seconds — based on clothes, cars, homes, money, education, even bad hair days. But what actually makes a person a person? Stuff? Possessions? Someone else’s misguided opinion?
Silliness.

In 2006, when I was diagnosed with cancer, I had an epiphany: we can never truly know what another person is carrying. Yet we’re so quick to judge. So quick to grow impatient.

The next time the light turns green and the older man in front of you doesn’t move fast enough, pause before hitting the horn. Ask yourself: What if that were my father? My grandfather? What if he just lost his wife, received devastating news, or is barely holding it together?

We don’t know. We’re clueless about other people’s battles.

But we do know this — we’ve all been shown compassion by our Father. Use it. Let it shape your thoughts before it shows up in your actions. Love your neighbor. We are all human, all frail, and all in need of grace.

Just Be Silly

Do something silly today. Seriously. For no reason at all.
The simple act of letting go and having fun — even for 30 seconds — can work wonders on your entire being. No planning. No permission. Just let go.

I have six kids, and they will happily testify that I am extremely silly. Case in point: spontaneous, off-key singing at the absolute top of my lungs. Is it musical? No. Is it loud? Yes. Does it instantly raise the household silliness level? Also yes. Science probably supports this.

Silly games help too. Nothing fancy. Just a dash of imagination and a willingness to abandon dignity.

I tend to have a dark, dry sense of humor, but I’ve somehow been gifted with the ability to make people laugh. I consider it part of my life’s mission to catch someone completely off guard — stop them mid-stride, confuse them slightly, and then boom… laughter. Attitude shift achieved.

So whether it’s a 42-year-old mom of six skipping to the mailbox with her four-year-old (neighbors judging quietly), an awkward hopscotch attempt, or a sudden hand-slap challenge, it only takes a moment. And that smile? It has magical, forget-your-problems-for-a-minute powers.

Tonight, make a silly dinner. Watch a ridiculous movie. Play hide-and-seek. Capture the Flag (elite game, by the way). Have a scavenger hunt for the remote or gaming controller — because chaos is character-building.

Whatever it takes… just do it. Life is heavy enough. Add some silly.

Our Current Homestead in the spring - 2

Our current homestead - 1

Our Kittens - My Photo Subjects

Okay, now that you are all awing.....

WHO WANTS ONE (in about five weeks)?

ps. Not easy subjects these fellas, those little guys are QUICK!

Compassion

After I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006, compassion took root in me in a way it never had before. Suddenly, instead of getting irritated with the person slowing me down or triggering my frustration, I found myself wondering what they might be carrying beneath the surface.

That person zoning out at a red light may have just learned their father is terminally ill.
The angry customer at work may be grieving a recent loss.
That “scatterbrained” woman might be coming off chemo or living with an illness you can’t see.

We rarely know the full story.

So when the urge to judge or criticize starts to rise, let it pass right through you. Release it. Because the grace we offer others has a way of finding its way back to us. As we judge, so shall we be judged — but the same is true of compassion.

Choose it freely.

TGIF Recipes

Source

Red Sangria

1 1/2 ounce red wine
1 1/2 ounce triple sec
1/4 ounce pineapple juice
1/4 ounce orange juice
Mix well with ice, pour into glass with ice
Top with Sprite if desired
Lemon squeeze, lime squeeze, orange squeeze

Spinach and Artichoke Dip

Ingredients
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic (or to taste)
• 1 (9-ounce) package artichoke hearts, defrosted, rinsed, dried & quartered
• 1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, defrosted, excess liquid squeezed out.
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup (4 ounces) Neufchatel (reduced-fat cream cheese)
• 2 ounces (about 1/2 cup) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Saute onions in olive oil stirring occasionally, 4 to 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook an additional 3 to 4 minutes, or until onions are light golden. Remove from heat and cool.

In a food processor combine and blend until smooth spinach, sour cream, mayonnaise, cream cheese or Neufchatel, mozzarella and salt and pepper. Handstir in the cooled onion-garlic mixture and artichokes. Transfer mixture into an 8-inch glass square baking dish or 9-inch glass pie plate which has been lightly sprayed with cooking spray. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until heated through. Serve with crudités, tortilla chips, fresh vegetable or pita wedges.

My post about COFFEE

I LOVE COFFEE!! Nuf said. :D

giggles

Life is measured in time: BC and AC. That, to me, means "before children" and "after children."

Socks socks and more socks

Why I’m Obsessed with Socks

I like socks. Funky socks. Bright socks. Socks that make me smile when I look down. (Toe socks? Nope. Not for me.)

Crew length is my jam—short socks slide down into my shoes and start the endless finger-in-the-arch rescue mission. Knee socks? They roll. Slouch socks? Don’t get me started.

Clean socks are non-negotiable. And if I wear them for just a few minutes, they must go back on the same foot—or they feel wrong. It’s a thing, right? Comfort matters, so 50% cotton or more is a must. And the toe seam? Please, sew it properly. Why leave that part itchy when no one sees it anyway?

The fun is in the upper part—the patterns, the colors, the little personality statement you wear every day. My go-to: GAP and Target. Never paid more than $2 a pair. That’s sock heaven.

So go ahead, treat yourself. Grab a pair of funky socks and let your feet do the talking.

Razors

Calling all Ladies!
What kind of razor do you use? Seriously. Do you use disposable razors? If so, what brand? Or do you switch around like me. I buy the designer elite brand then realize that they don't last more than two shavings and couldn't cut a warm stick of butter, so go back to the cheapy brand, which works great as long as I remember which one to get. But then I forget which ones to get the next time I purchase and get a cheap brand that nicks and give me razor bumps so I revert back to the elite "pricey" ones, which couldn't cut a warm stick of butter, so I get the cheapy brand, which works great as long as I remember which one to get.... and the maddening cycle continues!!! So, seriously..... what do you use??

Chicken and Dumplings

Recipe courtesy Sandra Lee

Source

Level: Easy

Serves:4 servings

Ingredients

• 4 pounds chicken leg quarters
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup canola oil
• 4 carrots, sliced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1/2 (8-ounce) package sliced mushrooms
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 2 (14-ounce) cans chicken broth
• Water
• 1 cup baking mix
• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
• 1/3 cup milk

Directions

Separate the chicken legs from the thighs, and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Coat the pieces with the flour, shaking off any excess and reserve the leftover flour. Put the oil into a heavy bottomed skillet and heat it over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and brown it on all sides, about 5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken to a plate and add the carrots, celery, onion, mushrooms, and corn. Sprinkle with the reserved flour, and give it a good stir. Add chicken broth and stir. Nestle the chicken pieces into the vegetables and add enough water to just cover the chicken. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.

Just before the cooking time is up combine the baking mix, poultry seasoning, and milk in a small bowl. Drop the batter by tablespoons on top of the simmering chicken leaving some room between the dumplings. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Serve hot.