For Today...

Outside my Window... Clear blue sky, mid 90's, TROPICALLY HOT weather (heat index over 100)!

I am thinking... How blessed I am to have such awesome friends! Seriously!!! I reflect on my school friends, church friends, military friends, internet friends, neighbors, every person who has crossed my path truly has a special place in my heart! I'm blessed!

Personal growth I'm focusing on... Accountability, dreaming my dreams and staying encouraged, being content and thankful.

I am thankful for... Breathing!

From the kitchen... I have no idea! I need to make a trip to the grocery store.

I am wearing... Tye-dye tank, grey Capri sweat pants, and Birkenstocks

I am reading... The Bible, & just starting "Seven Pillars of Health" By: Don Colbert

I am hoping... The kids aren't too bored while they are on summer vacation, that I can get some painting done on our house today, and get the lawn (mostly weekds!) mowed today.

I am hearing... Sponge Bob Square Pants! (Kid's TV Program) & the dishwasher running

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...
Same ole, same ole...
swimming with the kids, laundry, house work, de-cluttering, maybe a little yard work, reading, go to church then have family movie night Sat PM... Kirk and I will be focusing on putting a huge dent in painting the trim on our house... we are working a couple hours every day this week and 4-5 hours each day this weekend.

Summer Vacation~ Kids are Indoor Camping

It's school summer vacation (as of end of May)... the two older kids (Kelsie and Andrew) are keeping busy with odd jobs, volunteering, and hanging out with friends. The two younger kids (Jessie and Joe) have been swimming, playing PS2, and bickering at each other... they complain occasionally, "we're boooooored!".

As something fun and different, we decided to let the kids (Jessie and Joe) "camp" in their bedroom. We set up the portable tent (we bought it at Academy several years ago for 20 bucks)... we even put "stars" on the ceiling. They have "camped" all week and seem to have enjoyed themselves!

Jessie and Joe, Indoor Camping

We'll be going real camping as a family in July up at Canyon Lake (near San Antonio, TX).

MEMORY VERSES Colossians 3:12-14 (NIV)

12) Therefore, as God's chosen people,

holy and dearly loved,

clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness,

humility, gentleness and patience.

13) Bear with each other and forgive

whatever grievances you may

have against one another.

Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

14) And over all these virtues put on love,

which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Prayer: Thank you Lord for Scripture and showing me how to live through your Word. Help me to clothe myself with You, reflecting your character, and help me be the person you have called me to be. Help me put love for you and others above all else. Thank you Lord for everything and for being my Everything! It's in Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Colossians 3:12-14 are for my *20*09* personal challenge

(Walk with the Lord #7) weeks 23, 24, & 25 and

LPM challenge verse 12

Music Monday! Stand in the Rain

I have always loved SuperChick! Their music rocks. This song is called "Stand in the Rain" ~ from the "Beauty from Pain" CD and has been a song that has ministered to me a number of times when I'm in a place of doubt, fear, sadness and overwhelm. I've shared "Beauty from Pain" with friends (sending them the SuperChick CD), because the ENTIRE CD is awesome.

Listen to the lyrics, absorb them,
and be strengthened!

"Weekend to Remember" Marriage Conference

Hi friends, Kirk and I attended our first "Weekend to Remember" in 2007 and since then have supported this ministry and it's mission to strengthen marriages. We just received this email and I wanted to share this awesome opportunity of *FREE ADMISSION (while available) that is extended to honor the Military. Whether your in the military or not and whether your marriage is strong, struggling, or somewhere in the middle, the "Weekend to Remember" conferences are worth the time! Check out the links below for more information. Kirk and I will be attending the Nov 13-15 San Antonio Conference... can't wait! Here's the email I received:

From: Glen Solberg
Sent: Tuesday, June 09, 2009 8:47 AM
Subject: Weekend to Remember - Free Registrations Available for Military Couples - register by June 30th for any 2009 conference

"Be strong and let us fight bravely for ourpeople and the cities of our God.

The LORD will do what is good in his sight."

2 Sam 10:12

FamilyLife has had a donor provide funding that will allow 10 military couples to attend every conference in our nation for FREE for the remainder of 2009. I thought that you may wish to take advantage of this offer to continue to invest in your marriage - OR - you may know of other military couples that this weekend would bless. Your personal invitation to the Weekend to Remember could be what the Lord uses to give hope and life to the military marriages around you. You are welcome to pass this invitation to as many military couples as you wish.

The first 10 military couples that register for each 2009 conference can register for free by using the Promo code "Military". You must register by June 30th to take advantage of this offer - but you can register for ANY conference between now and December 31st, 2009. You can see more information at www.FamilyLife.com/MilitaryMarriage .

Please call or email if you have any questions.

By God's Grace,
Glen Solberg

"I am the LORD, the God of all mankind.

Is anything too hard for Me?" Jeremiah 32:27

Glen Solberg - Event Ministries Promotion
Phone: 1-800-404-5052, ext. 2557
Email: gsolberg@familylife.com http://www.familylife.com/

*This offer is for FREE ADMISSION (hotel and travel costs are not included)

Music Monday! Whatever You're Doing

This song by Sanctus Real reminds me that when I go through the valleys of life, God is at work and I simply need to surrender to Him so He can do something "heavenly" ... larger than life. May this song also minister to you.

A FAVORITE RECIPE! Deluxe Baked Beans

Summer is a time for back yard B-B-Q's, family reunions, pot lucks, or simply hanging out with friends and family. This baked bean recipe has been a favorite of mine for over 25 years and when ever I make it, it's gobbled up and often, I'm asked if I'd share the recipe. I've taken this dish to many pot lucks and never have leftovers. I just made some "Deluxe Baked Beans" not too long ago and thought I'd share it on this blog. ENJOY!

Deluxe Baked Beans (Mike's Beans)

1/2 lb ground beef

10 slices bacon - chopped

1/2 cup chopped onion

1/3 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup Ketchup

1/4 cup B-B-Q sauce (whatever brand you like)

2 TB cup pure prepared mustard

2 TB cup molasses

1/2 tsp salt

1/4- 1/2 chili powder (depending on your taste for spicy)

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 (16 oz) cans kidney beans (drained)

1 (16 oz) cans butter beans (drained)

1 (16 oz) cans pork-n-beans

• Brown meats in separate pans; drain grease.
• Combine meats and chopped onion in large pot or sauce pan. Cook together until onion is tender. Remove from heat.
• Add sugars, sauces, and seasonings; mix well.
• Add beans, stiring gently.
• Bake at 350 degrees for one hour
  OR- what I often do, transfer the mixed beans to a crock pot for 4-6 hours on LOW.

Old friend, Mike Hannan found this recipe way back in 1981 and shared it with my family, at that time is was named something like "Best in the West Beans"... My mom still refers to them as "Mike's Beans" and now that my kids know the story of the beans, they also call them Mike's Beans.

MEMORY VERSES Romans 7:15 & 18 (NIV)

It's time again for my new memory verses... I have been so blessed by planting Scripture in my heart.

I selected these verses from Romans 7 because I currently struggle with knowing what I "should do", but "not carrying it out" and doing it... healthy eating, lack of exercise and lack of discipline in other areas of my life. My biggest struggle these days has been in not honoring God with my body. I find myself falling into the old habit of trying to do everything in my own strength and not in God's strength. I'm thankful God included these words in Scripture to show me that even the apostle Paul, a man who fervently served our Lord Jesus, also struggled with the battle of knowing what he should do, but not doing it. I am certainly not alone in my struggles and praise be to God He gives us His Word to teach us, rebuke us, correct us, and train us. So as I memorize Roman 7:15 & 18 over then next couple weeks, I will be encouraged that I am good company with my friend, Paul.

I do not understand what I do.

For what I want to do I do not do,

but what I hate I do. (vs. 15)

I know that nothing good lives in me,

that is, in my sinful nature.

For I have the desire to do what is good,

but I cannot carry it out. (vs. 18)

Romans 7:15,18 NIV

As I memorize these verses, I will follow them in my thoughts and heart by other Scripture that helps me know and remember that through all my struggles, Jesus is my everything and my victory, and "I can do all things through Him who gives me strength"... and, "in all things I am more than a conqueror through Him who loved me".

Romans 7:15 & 18 are for my personal challenge

(Walk with the Lord #7) weeks 21 & 22 and

LPM challenge verse 11