For His Service

Life has been busy in the mountains. Most of the Does have had their first fawns..and are bringing them to visit each morning and evening.  Erica We discovered a group of feral cats that we have been trapping, taking to the veterinarian,  and spaying or neutering and releasing near our property.  Taz Taz had kittens so we also had to catch them. Thankfully, they were young enough to be taught to trust people and were adopted into homes. Taz's kittens Schmozey ( Daddy cat) Roadway (Mom)  The kids have especially enjoyed watching the cats chase fireflies each evening.  We are so thankful for all of God's creation.

Elaine  and Ray Russell and Rachel The picture above is of my mom and dad when they were first married. Now in 2013, they are celebrating 50 years of marriage this year.  They were not believers at the time when they got married, but God..even then... had them model devotion and commitment to me and my two sisters.  After 23 years of marriage, I want a full, Christ filled marriage for all of my family and friends.  I see the importance of the younger women learning from the older women. Titus 2  says "Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the Word of God." Titus 2:3-5 We need to know that certain struggles are normal. We need to know...

Once there was a family with 7 kids and a number of pets living in a busy and oh, so loving home.  Even though they were content with the number of pets, they knew they could love one more.,,,,..a very, small 2 lb cat that went from living outside..to living the  BIG life..   At first, the two original cats were like, "She has cool toys..but we just don't know about  her."    Little cat felt a little overwhelmed. She couldn't even eat without being starred down. But, she put on a brave face....recited, "You is kind.. You is smart..You is important..." and soon claimed the dog's bed as her own.  ...  She quickly claimed the people in the home....as her own, too... The other cats started to see her good attributes..and started to like her...almost as much as her toys.  They realized she made a great snuggle buddy. She had been brought in...as part of the family.. No more cold ...

For  several months I have been pulling myself out of my warm, toasty bed at the crazy time of 5:20 a.m. to meet a group of -oh-so-worth-it ladies at 6:00 a.m.   Being so-not a morning person, I hesitated to begin a group at this time, but this was the best time for all of the other moms.  We have journey through several studies and today, we completed our study on Colossians.   This is the end of Colossians 4.   Many of us thought this wasn't necessary to study, but KNOWING God's word is living and breathing and useful for all training, I knew there had to be more than meets the eye.   ...and is there! Final Greetings 7  Tychicus  will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant [ a ]  in the Lord.   8  I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our [ b ]  circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts.   9  He is coming with On...

Here is one of my favorite picture. Madeline Virginia is being loved on by her name sake, Maxine Virginia (Russell's grandmother).   Grand-mama had the same outgoing personality that Madeline has.  Both are fun-loving, talkative, friendly, bubbly personalities. So, we have certain foods that we only eat at Christmas time: sausage balls, homemade fudge, and homemade peanut butter/ chocolate candies. Here is Maxine Virginia's fudge recipe...in her own writing. Teddy Bears, lights and candy wrapped around the banister  I just painted the stairs in rainbow colors... LOVE IT! Now, we are busy decorating for Christmas.  This year, I made a pallet sign (O Come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord) to display over our mantle..and try to make the house look as cheerful as possible.   Praising Him for His abundant blessings...

I love this video.... I think if men knew how much women ENJOY watching them being good dads.... they would strive even more to do things like this.    I am so thankful for my husband and his willingness to do things he doesn't necessarily WANT to do, but does it anyway..... for our kids. What a impact fathers make!    Go, Dads! Psalm 103:13 13  As a father has compassion  on his children,      so the  Lord  has compassion on those who fear him; Psalm 112 [ a ] 1  Praise the  Lord. [ b ] Blessed is the man  who fears the  Lord,      who finds great delight  in his commands. 2  His children  will be mighty in the land;      the generation of the upright will be blessed. 3  Wealth and riches  are in his house,      and his righteousness endures  forever. 4  Even in darkness light dawns...

I am grounded.  Grounded because I can not run... maybe for as long as 6 months.  I saw an orthopedist and she stated that the fracture in my leg is much worse than the ER doctor thought.  I now have a boot I have to wear... all the time except when I am asleep.    I have to wear this boot and I was told to use crutches, but I was getting bruised ribs from using those. So, my husband rented a scooter that  saves my ribs and is just easier to get around.   That makes life so much easier... cooking, cleaning, living.... I went from this... (below)...    To this (scooter).... I have been able to use it to attend church, to go shopping, and even work in the horse-barn.   One of my friends has threatened to get me a teletubby horn. :)    I knew I couldn't do the crutches for 5 more weeks...or more.     So I am grounded... no running until the doctor tells me I can.   All I can ...

 I am trying to catch my blog up... several things have happened that I haven't blogged about.  My mother in law had a heart cath two days ago.  They said her heart is stable.  Good news.  However, when she came home (the same day), she saw that her Westies were taken from her yard.  Please pray she gets Jade and Bennie back.  Noah turned 14 years old.  He wanted to go eat Sushi (His daddy likes I...I do not).   He had a triple chocolate cake and went to the movies...as well as to go ride giant goKarts at a local amusement park.  Olivie', my little Pappi-poodle also had a birthday on the same day.  She is 2.  She is such a love bug.  John-Michael has been begging us to let her sleep with him and since she is a barker...and doesn't know how loud she barks...since she is deaf...we let John-Michael try it.  She is so much better at night.  Madeline and John-Michael decided I am the worst mom ever..since...