Robert Nicoll—True Nobility

I ask not for his lineage,
I ask not for his name;
If manliness be in his heart,
He noble birth may claim.

I care not though of world’s wealth
But slender be his part,
If yes you answer when I ask,
‘Hath he a true-man’s heart?’

I ask not from what land he came,
Nor where his youth was nursed;
If pure the spring, it matters not
The spot from whence it burst.
The palace or the hovel

Where first his life began,
I seek not of;
but answer this—‘Is he an honest man ?’

Take the Barilla "That's Whole Grain?" Taste Challenge‏

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The Cost of Compromise

Wow...another radio message from Charles Stanley that I needed so badly to learn about...the bottom of all sin is compromise...Listen to what Dr. Stanley has to say about this:
http://www.intouch.org/site/c.cnKBIPNuEoG/b.4943197/k.9362/Today_on_Radio.htm
(I am not sure if this page changes daily, if it does, look up The Cost Of Compromise, it really is important to hear)

True Or False?

True Or False?
Want to know if information in an e-mail you have received is true or false before you forward it to all your friends on your address list?
Check out Snopes (http://www.snopes.com/) and search by keyword or topic. It is our responsibility as Christians to investigate and examine the facts to make sure we're not spreading untruths or half-truths.“When you begin living in the towns the Lord your God is giving you, you may hear that scoundrels among you are leading their fellow citizens astray by saying, ‘Let us go worship other gods’—gods you have not known before. In such cases, you must examine the facts carefully." (Deuteronomy 13:12-14)

(Thanks to Lifeboat Moments )

Free Christian Music Online

Free Christian Music Online Listen to today's top Christian music hits on the go with Crosswalk radio. Find your favorite artists and bands featured on 10 different radio stations including Praise & Worship, Christian Top 40, Classics, Southern Gospel, and more! Listen to Crosswalk Radio >>

Free Family Devotionals

Free Family Devotionals Build your family's faith and Christian walk this summer by studying the Bible together with free family devotionals. Sign up for email Devotionals Now >>

From FaveCrafts Quick and Crafty

Fabric and Ribbon Notebook

Cute Kitchen Apron

Update...

Hi all, we are in Snowville, UT - this place was settled in 1871! Can you believe that?? Its quite cute and small, but it offers Honey Bear his sleep break....so, laundry, emails, prayers and posting are my activities for now....

Remember my post yesterday about my mental/spiritual battle? Well...its gotten worse...knocked down BIG TIME, not once, not twice, but three times! First from a bible carrying man, the look he gave me....not good....not sure if it was meant for ME or Honey Bear, but it was innocent on his part...the second came from Honey Bear himself today....and last night, or early morning I should say, while I was sleeping, I had a nightmare about the trauma in my life and the people involved. I have cried at every little minute thing today as God should know by now the depths of my heart and spirit, that the ONLY cure, or help I need is Him...and He chooses to not come in like a knight on a white horse.....I know, I know...but He knows it all already and He allows me getting heart beat up, that I can barely stand it any more....

So, that is how MY day is going...I hope you are having a great day, it IS a beautiful, breezy day out today, so enjoy!!

Hugs to all,
Mar

66 All-Natural Cleaning Solutions

Tackle countless chores (66 to be exact!) with common household items (like toothpaste and salt). http://www.shelterpop.com/2009/07/30/66-all-natural-cleaning-solutions/

Good For You Foods...

Cranberries prevents infection by keeping E. coli from adhering to the lining of the bladder and urethra.

Have you had Rhubarb? Studies show that rhubarb has anticancer properties, even help lower blood pressure.

Have you tried Flaxseed? Did you know that the healthy lignans in flaxseed have been linked to improved metabolism and reduced body fat?

Did you know that the herb basil protects the cells from the toxic chemicals of stress which is a main cause of aging?

Mix 1/3 cup dry powdered milk with one quart of milk. This trick doubles up the protein and calcium, but not the calories.

You can find this info and more here: http://www.onehealthonelife.com/

Some News Articles Worth Asking Questions...

Boy scouts train to become homeland Gestapo...

Scouts Train to Fight Terrorists, and More http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/14/us/14explorers.html?_r=2&hp

Ever wonder about the Bilderberg Group and their agenda? Look at this. http://tinyurl.com/l8grzz

Obama Proposes New Law 'Prevention Detention' - For Future Crimes you might commit
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVChNmN9y7E

Obama/Govt protest in Chicago not covered by media. http://tinyurl.com/knpnnv

Jon Voight: Obama False Prophet http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XiXC8rnaiQs

I would start asking questions people...seriously.

Update...

Just to give you the heads up, well...you know how I clean up the blog at the end of every month, by taking down the previous months freebies and expired sweeps? Well, we have over 1,200 miles to do in just a short period of time, so I may leave them up a week longer then usual...MAYBE. It all depends on my internet time. I thought I would just let you know in advance,
Mar

Lawn & Garden Tips for Summer

Find out how to grow tastier veggies and greener grass. Or if that doesn't work out, we'll show you how to paint your yard.
• Top 100 gardening projects »
• How to grow delicious tomatoes anywhere »
• Amaze your neighbors, paint your lawn »

From DIY

GMA - Check out the new Julia Child page with all of her recipes & more!

GMA Check out the new Julia Child page with all of her recipes & more!
http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/JuliaChild/

Fact or Fiction: Garlic's Healing Power - ChefShop.com‏

I am a firm believer in the power of garlic -- I take 4 - 1,000 capsules of garlic daily, along with 4 cinnamon capsules. I, personally, have a problem with yeast and Honey Bear is diabetic. We have BOTH benefited greatly from just these two - the last time Honey Bear had to go to the doc, his blood pressure was down! That was awesome to hear and the doc asked about his meds - which we havent bought in months, and he told the doc he isnt taking them, just the garlic and cinnamon...he was amazed!

Here is an interesting article you may find a good read too, about garlic:

Do you remember STP? The great car racer Andy Granatelli's oil additive that, when diagnosed, was just another oil that shouldn't work. But in practical use I know it worked. We had a Mercury wagon that made a horrendous noise (it needed a valve job) when it ran for more than a couple of hours at a time. We had the option of replacing the engine or run a can of STP every once in awhile. We chose the STP.
Modern medicine allows for the replacement of almost any part on our body now, though I don't think the results are always better than your OEM parts. And, like STP, it is what we put into our bodies that can make it all run better - even if conventional science says we're wacky
.Garlic is known in legends, as well as in practical life, as a healer and cure-all for many ailments. For improving ones health, including coronary heart disease, high blood pressure and various fungal infections.
I am not sure if these medicinal claims are true, but as a tasty ingredient it is one of my favorites — and essential in so many recipes. Hated by many, but loved by more. Its popularity has spawned thousands of restaurants with the word "garlic" in their name.
Health claims aside, science has tried but has not been able to disprove that garlic repels vampires. It does appear, however, that a clove a day will keep mosquitoes at bay!
I have, in my lifetime, had a few crazed friends who ate so much garlic they always had a special "aura" about them. They believed that the garlic kept colds at bay. I have to say, I never knew them to get sick... I had at least one friend who was sure it warded off evil. I wonder if they ever got bit... Read more about the Healthy Benefits of Garlic

The place to find everything you ever wanted to know about Heinz® Ketchup

The place to find everything you ever wanted to know about Heinz® Ketchup. Our new site has recipes, promotions, history, product info, and background on our Heinz® proprietary seed program and Grown, Not Made®. Plus lots more! Visit us at HeinzKetchup.com.

Update...

Hi all, we are in Denver CO this morning, heading up through UT to finish up in WA and take a few days off there.

I am in a foul mood this morning, so not sure how much posting time I will get in....

Please enjoy your family, your freinds, your day,

Mar

151 Days Until Christmas: Easy Crochet Angel Ornament Project & More‏

151 Days Until Christmas: Easy Crochet Angel Ornament Project & More‏

http://www.favecrafts.com/#

Barnes & Noble Launches Free Wi-Fi

Barnes & Noble Launches Free Wi-Fi
Barnes & Noble on Tuesday launched free Wi-Fi at its bookstores, providing customers with a convenient way to buy and download electronic books.

Nice Children Statement...

All the while I raised my son, who is now 22, out of college and working his first salaried job (so proud of him)....I gave my son all I did not have physically and emotionally, that I could afford to give (on good days, bad days, money days, broke days)...it didnt matter...I never spoiled him though, I treated him like a human being and do you want to know what? He is my best friend...manly, yet caring, he was always so proud of me, wrote of me often in school reports, has tons of friends, our house was the IT house to go to every single day....he would never keep anything from me by HIS choice....we had a great time his whole life....

I just read this statement and it is so true, please, try to keep it in the back of YOUR mind because this is exactly what I did while raising him:

Sometimes in our attempt to give children what we did not have, we forget to give our children what we did have.
Connie Podesta

Experience the calming effects of cross-stitch with our beautiful, new, collection of FREE designs!

DMC has three new free designs - check out all of their free designs here:
http://www.dmc-usa.com/majic/pageServer/0j010000q8/en_US/LE-freecharts.html

Update...

Hi all, we are in the Kansas City MO area tonight. Honey Bear is taking another much needed sleep and I am awake...sigh...what a guy, he drove all night long again last night and took us from MI, down through two stops in the Chicago burbs area, down through Des Moines, IA by the time I woke up.

And do you know what? When we had a home with four walls, I always had coffee ready for when he woke up, his morning stuff ready for him and tried to start his day off just right. Well, this morning, he had MY stuff ready, hot coffee ready for me and was in a great mood.

That was a real nice way to wake up...

So, maybe this is just a note to remind myself or to let YOU know, that it really felt good to be throught of like that first thing in the morning. It felt real good.

Welcome to Rebecca’s Corner!

I have said this before, but I really appreciate Charles Stanly and his preaching. Well, today I watched another wonderful broadcast and he has something new at his site, a site called: Rebecca’s Corner I highly recommend you view it:

We know how busy you are, and we’re happy you took time out of your day to stop by. You’re probably wondering, “Who is Rebecca?” Rebecca was Dr. Stanley’s mother whose godly influence greatly affected his life and ministry. While you’re here, you can learn more about her life, her family, and her faith, as well as find ways to strengthen your own faith and family with our weekly “Recipes for Life.”

Here is one example of what you will find there:

Recipe for Life—Stress Management
“Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:6-7, NASB).

If there is one thing universal to every human being on earth, it is this: stress. The intangible partner of progress, stress is defined as the “normal, internal mechanism that adapts us to change”—and it’s something we all feel at one time or another. Why? Because the more demanding life becomes, the more stressed we become in our attempts to keep up the pace.

Sources of stress are everywhere. The unique problems of our age seem designed to create and almost force us to live in a state of stress and tension. But God never intended for us to lead a stress-filled life wrought with feelings of frustration, anxiety, fear, and unrest. In Luke 5:15-16, the Bible teaches us how Jesus responded to the incredible pressures He faced. His response was to go away and pray (v. 16). We would be wise to follow the Savior’s lead. If He found relief from the pressures of life by pulling away to be with the Father, we can, too.

So in addition to prayer, how can we manage the stress found in everyday life?
First, we must realize God’s intimate care for the details of our lives. He knows what we are facing, and He’s promised to meet us at our point of need. We must trust that He is using the circumstances of our lives to draw us into a closer relationship with Him.

Second, we must realize that our obedience to His commands can be one of the greatest stress reducers of our lives. There is no rest living outside of God’s moral and ethical boundaries. When we stray too far from the path He has set before us, we invoke stress and strife that was never meant for us to bear. When we walk in complete obedience to Him and allow Him to bear our burdens, He assumes complete responsibility for those who are committed to Him.

Today, make a list of each area of concern that adds significant stress to your life. Take time to thoughtfully pray about each one. Be confident in God’s promised help and provision. Remember that He has equipped you to handle life’s loads with a standing offer to bear their emotional weight for you.

Bread Dough Roses

Bread Dough Roses- Make roses using dough for White Bread. You can use the roses to decorate any craft such as a frame or a decorative box.

Does God exist? Here are six straight-forward reasons to believe that God is really there.

A nice read by everystudent.com
http://www.everystudent.com/features/isthere.html?gclid=CNf8w4uv9psCFShRagod-DiV_A

Excellent Post Regarding Who Is From God and Who Isnt...

I love this email list that I am posting, and they are usually 100% right on the money! This is an excellent post that I am sharing because if there is one battle I am having a HUGE hard time with in my own life, is finding the PROOF of how satan will sugar coat, half truth, paint or personalize (not in a good way, but in a way WE would want) God, Jesus or Heaven to be:

ANGELS OF LIGHT -- 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 NIV

"For such men (and women) are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve."

Sometimes it's extremely difficult to believe that a person is a deceiver, and in reality, is nothing more than a servant of Satan himself. I met a practicing witch one time (yes, the world is full of them, believe it or not!) who belied the common image of a witch that is portrayed by Hollywood . She was, instead, cute, blonde, blue-eyed, and looked like the ideal college cheerleader type - bouncy and beautiful (think Nicole Kidman in “Bewitched”). Then there was the man who was Comptroller of a company I worked for. You never saw that man without a Bible under his arm, and he never missed a Sunday at church. But other than those two things, there was nothing in the man's life that reflected Jesus. Then there are those people who seem to be good as gold, who spend most of their time "doing good", whose every action seems to be done to benefit others. These deceivers are, by far, the most difficult to discern.

So how do you and I know who the servants of Satan are? How can we tell in advance and avoid being pulled into their deception? By being obedient ourselves to God's Word. 1 John 4:1 (NIV) says, "....do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world." How do you "test the spirits"? John goes on to say, "This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God."

To put any person or organization or church to the test, ask three questions. First, does the person or organization or church proclaim that Jesus Christ is God Incarnate… the only begotten Son of God who came into the world as a man to save people from their sins? Do they change any aspect of who Jesus is – like denying the virgin birth, or saying He was married, or that He is “one of the gods.” Remember, Satan knows who Jesus really is and will cause people to state partial truths to mislead you.

Second, emulate the Bereans in Acts 17:11 who were commended for checking what Paul said against the scriptures (our Old Testament) to see whether Paul was telling the truth.... Does what that person or church or organization say affirm the Bible? In the alternative, does anything at all go against God’s Word in any way? Do they proclaim that His work on the cross was all sufficient, and there is nothing left for us to do but accept His free gift of salvation, period? Or do they give you a long list – or even a short list - of “do’s and don’ts” that you must adhere to in order to be saved? Remember, Satan sugar-coats his lies with smatterings of the truth, so examine everything carefully.

And third, does that person or organization or church advocate and practice a lifestyle that is consistent with Biblical morality? Does it glorify God in everything it does?

The world is full of angels of light. Be watchful and don't be deceived.

For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/takeaminute
General correspondence or to subscribe to Take a Minute: J-R-and-Bonnie@dogwoodministries.org
Donations to Dogwood Ministries: http://www.dogwoodministries.org

The Good You Find In Others

The Good You Find In Others
Author: Unknown

The good you find in others, is in you too.The faults you find in others are your faults as well.After all, to recognize something you must know it.The possibilities you see in others, are possible for you as well.The beauty you see around you is your beauty.The world around you is a reflection,

A mirror showing you the person you are.To change your world, you must change yourself.To blame and complain will only make matters worse.Whatever you care about, is your responsibility.What you see in others shows you yourself.

See the best in others, and you will be your best.Give to others, and you give to yourself.Appreciate beauty, and you will be beautiful.Admire creativity, and you will be creative.Love, and you will be loved.Seek to understand, and you will be understood.Listen, and your voice will be heard.Show your best face to the mirror,
And you'll be happy with the face looking back at you.

“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;” –Matthew 5:44

Update...

Happy Monday to all! Hi there going out to you readers today -- how are you? Good I hope. Today is a BEAUTIFUL summer day and I just want to spread joy joy joy!! HUGS to all!

Good news from me? Oh heavens no....its just too pretty of a day today to lose even one drop of faith and hope :-)

We are somewhere outside of Lansing MI today, on our way down to IL, perhaps NE, then off to WA. The whole country is simply beautiful this time of year and now that we actually have summer weather, I sure do hope you are enjoying the outdoors more...

I am doing the laundry and updating here and reading through my emails and hopefully, be able to surf the net a bit before Honey Bear wakes up. Hes such THE man....he has worked non stop since 9 am Saturday morning, driving almost 1,000 miles AND loading, unloading the cars/trucks from the truck, we dropped off three vehicles and picked up two mastodons! (F550-HUGE pick ups!)...so, he is exhausted and such the Honey Bear that he is, he let me sleep most of the night last night....such a sweety....

So, I will be popping on and off here, as I am doing the laundry and all...I hope you all are having a GREAT start to a new day and new week!

Mar

Download your choice of 2 million eBooks

Download your choice of 2 million eBooks HERE.

One Small Sentence On What TRUE Love is...

I just read this, and its like...THIS is what I have been trying to tell Honey Bear every day....now its the SHOWING him that I have GOT to get right!

True love is accepting people *exactly* the way they are and exactly the way they are not.

Update...

Good Saturday morning everyone,

Hope its as beautiful today for you as it is for us. Its quite warm here in Jersey at 9 am already and wouldn't you know, I didn't bring any shorts to wear today! I am in a HUGE funk this morning and trying to pray about it, but am so discouraged by lack of answers, support and protection....that my FACE looks as grumpy as an old tree, but my heart has hope, somewhere beneath this dang black cloud...

So, with that said....Honey Bear is sleeping for two more hours, I will post what I can for you and mostly, just wish you a phenomenal weekend and ask for prayers over and for us...for this dang cloud to be removed already!

Anyway, hang on to hope, faith, love and trust...with those four things in life, who could be richer or happier? I can think of no one..

Hugs to all,
Mar

God Is With You Upholding You

God Is With You Upholding You

Isaiah 41:1010
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’

It is easy to say, “Praise the Lord! Hallelujah!” when times are good. It is easy to believe that God loves you when you are on the mountain top enjoying the sunshine. But what happens when you are down in the dark valley surrounded by your enemies?

Perhaps today, you are in the valley of marital, financial or bodily trouble, and you are asking, “Where is God?”

My friend, He is right there with you. The God of the valleys says to you, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

When King Jehoshaphat was surrounded and outnumbered by his enemies, the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel and he said to the king, “Don’t be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with you. Don’t fear or be dismayed. Tomorrow, go out against them for the Lord is with you.” (2 Chronicles 20:14–17)

What King Jehoshaphat did next was brilliant. He acted with wisdom from on high. Instead of putting his commandos in front, he put worshipers in front! What did the worshipers sing? They sang of God’s love for them — “Praise the Lord for His love endures forever!” And God utterly destroyed their enemies! (2 Chronicles 20:21–23, NIV)

Beloved, it is not the trials that make us strong, but our responses in those trials. The devil wants us to respond by asking, “Where is God?” But God wants us to respond with faith in His love for us. We are more than conquerors not because of our love for Him, but through Him who loves us. (Romans 8:37)

So whatever valley you are in today, don’t be afraid. God is there with you strengthening and upholding you. Just sing of His love for you and let Him fight your battles for you!

Joseph Prince Ministries

Someone Is Praying For You

Someone Is Praying For You
Author: Linda M. Oliver

Somewhere someone's praying
Down upon their knees
Lifting you before the Throne
With love and gentle pleas

Asking God to give you strength
To face another day
And when the night is darkest
Shine light upon your way

Somewhere someone's kneeling
To whisper your name in prayer
Knowing that you need to feel
God's love and tender care

They intercede on your behalf
Because they love you so
Knowing that you have a need
To their Father they will go

They pray when you're not able
To speak a single word
What peace there is in knowing
Their prayers will be heard

They lay you on the altar
As they kneel there at His feet
Giving all your cares to Him
There at the mercy seat

Our God is always listening
To every earnest prayer
When we look to Him for help
The answer is always there

It's such a comfort to know
That someone prays for you
Placed within His loving hands
Those prayers will see you through

As you kneel before the Father
Thank Him for those who care
When you bow before the mercy seat
Whisper their name in prayer

“We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,” -Colossians 1:3

Update...

Ok folks, I am off to la la land....sweet dreams I hope :-)

Enjoy your day and remember, love, live, laugh and always have faith! Love YOUR Honey Bears through respecting them and hug your children to pieces today!

This is the one and only today you will ever have, so make it the BEST!

Hugs to all,
Mar

Drying Fresh Herbs

Air-drying herbs is easy and the perfect solution for saving your fresh herbs, whether from the garden or the store. Herbs that you dry yourself often have a superior taste to the dried herbs you can buy in the store. This step-by-step shows you how. More
See more from Home & Garden
Related Articles and Videos
How to Store Fresh Vegetables
Getting to Know Spices
Freezing Fresh Vegetables

McCormick & Company regularly recruits flavor enthusiasts between the ages of 18 and 65 to be panelists for the McCormick Consumer Testing program.

Get the info here:
http://www.mccormickcorporation.com/ContactUs/ConsumerTesting.aspx

E-Cigarettes Pose a Health Hazard, FDA Warns

Man, this stinks! Honey Bear and I have been using these to help curb our smoking....its quite an initial investment and we have had people TWICE tell us that we arent allowed to smoke (not knowing that our cigs were e-cigs, later, apologizing)....I have got to share this with Honey Bear too!

E-Cigarettes Pose a Health Hazard, FDA Warns
WEDNESDAY, July 22 (healthday News) -- Testing of electronic cigarettes, known as e-cigarettes, has shown that they contain cancer-causing chemicals and other toxins, including a compound used in antifreeze, US health officials said ...
Video: FDA: Electronic Cigarettes Contain Toxins The Associated Press
Analysis Finds Toxic Substances in Electronic Cigarettes New York Times

Update...

Hi everyone! We are in Jersey tonight...clutch problems with truck, so we may be here through tomorrow before heading out again....game plan is IL, MI, OH, NE and WA...but that usually changes along the way.

Oh, we found another nifty little hideaway food stop...its exit 17 off of 84 in CT...its a little hideaway called Lou`s....awesome eggplant parm and sausage and peppers. Man, its been quite a few months since I personally, cooked these for Honey Bear and me, it felt soooooo good to eat them again! The one nice thing about traveling is the little places we CAN access in the truck...CO, WY and especially TX have the best meat (steaks), CA has the best Chinese (Teriyaki), Chicago has the best hotdogs, and the rest, well...its just ok...I need that kick in the butt, awesome and amazing yumm-o kind of food I always make for us, and I suppose that's why I don't say too much....there`s no cooking like home cooking, I always say!

So, right now, Honey Bear is grabbing some shut eye and I am not feeling too good, so I will post as much as I have the internet...right now, its pretty intermittent.

Hugs to all!
Mar

Update...

Ok Folks...that is all I am going to share with you today. I sure do hope that you have given your family and home your best today - I know that I haven't, but I also know that I intend to as soon as Honey Bear wakes up. He is the love of my life, and I truly, from my heart of hearts, want him to know this...

So, off the net I go...good night, enjoy the rest of your day, be safe, be well and live, laugh and love...

Til next time,
Mar

Place Mat Purse

Place Mat Purse- Turn a normal place mat into a clutch purse with simple sewing.

Forget swatting and spraying. These natural solutions use gentle alternatives to fight off summer critters

Forget swatting and spraying. These natural solutions use gentle alternatives to fight off summer critters -- this is a great read thru article:
http://deliciouslivingmag.com/mag/prevent_treat_insect/index.html

Wal-Mart to Sell Marketside Branded Foods at Its Stores

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is testing in some of its U.S. discount stores the sale of Marketside branded foods, which were originally developed for the discounter's upscale small-format fresh-prepared food concept. Last year, Wal-Mart opened six Marketside stores in the Phoenix area in response to Tesco's Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market roll out.
Continue reading

Dig up some great ingredients

Fresh produce is a key element in creating delicious meals for you and your family. Think you lack the time or attention span for growing your own colorful summer fare? Mom-a-Licious, the official website of Go Organic! for Earth Day spokesperson Domenica Catelli, can get you growing your garden full of Italian herbs and vegetables. To get the details, check out the link to the article, and then browse the rest of the site to get delicious recipes to use your freshly picked goods!

Hormel Completes - Personal Review

Hey, you want to try something cheap, easy and pretty much good? Well, Honey Bear and I eat more IN the truck, then out (at $25-$30 a sit down meal, who can blame us?)....well, at a recent stop to Walmart, we picked up some of these Hormel Complete meals down in the ravioli/spaghettio aisle at $1.78 each and they are not too bad. I have tried the spaghetti one, and to be honest, if you want to grab a quick pretty good meal (especially for the kids), this is a hit. It is SO much better then canned yuck and the taste is thick, rich and filling. I have also tried the turkey and stuffing - its alright, not bad, not good, just alright, but thats ok..it IS worth what we paid for.

So we give these a thumbs up and recommend you try them. They wont dent the budget, great for kids or quick snacks and not too bad....give `em a try!

DIY: Done in a Day Projects

DIY: Done in a Day Projects

Make This Cute Doily Bowl!
This adorable filigrree bowl is just a few dollars and a day away. Photo: Leanda, Flickr Ok, ...Read more

Join the “Real Simple” Reader Panel

Join the “Real Simple” Reader Panel
Become part of an influential group of women offering opinions on a range of topics for "Real Simple" and its advertisers. Sign up for a free membership, which may include fun surveys, quick polls, and discussion boards where you can connect with other women like you.

Two Free Prayer Type Ebooks

http://www.firesprings.com/prayer.htm
(This first one comes in a pop up on page)

40 Dreams - What They Mean
101 Prayers to Deal with Them 5 Part Course - Free Download

and

If you are considering buying any book on how to pray wellness and healing prayers, do yourself a favor and read every word on this page before spending your money...
· Have you sent prayer requests everywhere and yet there's been NO answers?

· Have you been “prayed for” so many times, yet your situation has not changed or improved ?

· Have you heard all the stuff on how to receive answers to prayers, sowed all those “seed faith,” and have NOT still received any answers?

Click the eBook shown on the right!


It Is Free... It will explain in detail the 7 simple secrets that make prayers work.


You will see how simple it can be to pray yourself and your loved ones into divine health, success and relationships... biblically

If You Want To Take A Road Trip...

This is an amazing road trip in a CAR, not a truck (I was terrified for over 100 miles LOL!) But seriously...take highway 12 in Idaho to Missoula, MT...its long, nothing but winding road that follows the river - the speed is no more then 50 and as low as 35, but we are talking BEAUTIFUL! The clearwater river is right beside the roadway, there are NO roads to turn off of, and you have to do it during the daylight hours. At evening and night hours, the animals come out...we are talking about deer standing in the road and Moose that just stand there...on the road...seriously!

We had to go to Weippe, its a small town of 300 people on an 8 mile high mountain with extreme sharp turns (15 miles an hour, and nothing for a car, heartattack special in a 100 ft long truck!), but it was beautiful...

If you want to just take a drive, you are in those states, please, do yourself a favor...get away from people, town, city..whatever...and just take this long road (its five hours by car) and like I said, its nothing but winding road, but the river is crystal clear, you can pull over and read the history all over the place on it, its a two lane highway, as theres no room for anything bigger, but it is just beautiful...

Victory: Forgive Everyone So Your Prayers Will Not Be Hindered!

Everyone wants their prayers answered. I know I do. Therefore, you cannot afford to hold any offense or unforgiveness towards anyone! Why? It will distract you and move your focus off of what you should be doing.

Additionally, if you hold unforgiveness or resentment for any length of time, it will cause a root of bitterness in you, which causes corruption. Anything that is corrupted does not function properly. That goes for people as well as computers!

Furthermore, dis-ease will cause disease in your body. Stress is one of the number one factors destroying the health of so many people today. Don't let that happen to you! Much of that stress is not only due to being busy, but also due to bad or ill feelings of unforgiveness and offense towards others.

Lastly, Jesus said to forgive, or your Father in Heaven cannot forgive you. Then it's much more difficult to have your own prayers answered. Why? You are operating in direct opposition to what God says to do. God knows how destructive it is to let yourself get into offense and unforgiveness.

Matthew 6:14-15 (Amplified Bible) says:
For if you forgive people their trespasses [their reckless and willful sins, leaving them, letting them go, and giving up resentment], your heavenly Father will also forgive you.

(15) But if you do not forgive others their trespasses[their reckless and willful sins, leaving them, letting them go, and giving up resentment], neither will your heavenly Father forgive you.

My book, "IT CAN BE DONE: You Can Live in Victory 24/7" goes into much more detail about all of these things, is very easy to read and understand, and gives you practical steps that you can start to implement the day you read it!

Lisa Buldo, Holistic Health Counselor, Biblical Health Coach, Author, Speaker, and Founder of Natural Whole Health, LLC. If you're ready to jumpstart your health, get your F*R*E*E tips now at www.LisaBuldo.com.

© 2009 Lisa Buldo, HHC/Natural Whole Health, LLC.

Waiting for God to Answer

Waiting for God to Answer Psalm 17:1-6
The Lord has promised to forgive transgression once we admit our action is wrong and turn away from it (1 John 1:9). If we only give lip service to our confession or refuse to change ungodly ways, petitions will not be granted. An unrepentant heart always hinders our prayer life.
What about those times when our heart is right and what we ask is in line with God's will, but He remains silent? Sometimes He waits because our longing for Him is in danger of being replaced by our desire for something else. Certain petitions--such as a request for a spouse, a baby, or a loved one's healing--generate strong emotions in us. Unless we are careful, these desires could divert our attention from God. He will not share first place with anyone or anything. Instead, He patiently waits for our focus to return to Him before He answers.

At other times, the Lord uses delays to prepare us for future service or greater blessing. Or, He may want to strengthen our trust. Strong faith means believing Him even in trials, persevering while we wait for an answer, and being confident that He always keeps His promises.

Prayer is the communication link between us and our loving heavenly Father. Let's not allow "static" to block His message to us. Instead, we must confess and turn from all known sin. Then we will be able to hear God's voice and obediently carry out whatever He asks.

For more biblical teaching and resources from Dr. Charles Stanley, please visit www.intouch.org

Peeps & Company to Open Its First Retail Store

Peeps & Company to Open Its First Retail Store

Just Born, Inc., maker of PEEPS®, MIKE AND IKE®, HOT TAMALES®, TEENEE BEANEE® and PEANUT CHEWS® candies, announces the opening of its first retail store, PEEPS & COMPANY™, at National Harbor, Maryland. In addition to its great tasting candy, PEEPS & COMPANY™ will offer an array of high-quality branded items such as apparel, gear, china and toys within a fun, branded retail location. Slated to open this fall, PEEPS & COMPANY™, The store’s location is at a converging point for residents and thousands of visitors arriving by metro bus, car, and ferries, which dock at the piers in front of the store

Become an Underground Agent for Wendy’s

Become an Underground Agent for Wendy’s!

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This Is Honey Bears And My Home....

Ok, so ignore the rain drops on the lens, but isnt it beautiful and BIG!!! NOW you will understand why I write so much about people really being more considerate and learn how to drive - its as if car/suvs/pickups....the drivers, they (yes, you), think they are the only ones on the road, know all the rules of the road and well, they put not only Honey Bear, me, our pets...our lives at stake DAILY...think of the millions of other drivers out there too! And with OUR job, it is in the top ten list of the most dangerous, not including out of all the truck driving jobs out there, it is one of the hardest, dirtiest, but better paying trucking jobs out there. Not just anyone can do this job. You cant just become a car hauler. Why do you think there are more frieght trucks out there then car haulers, ITS DANGEROUS!!!!

Please, take a moment, as I have mentioned before, to read the page I posted on an older website of mine, its a tribute to Honey Bear and holds some very important facts for you, as well.

The Real Life A Truck Driver Leads it's only 50 % completed, but well worth the read. I've posted a couple letters from others who appreciated what I've written -- I hope you do too!

Thanks,
Mar

Be Inspired!

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"The phrase "God is good" ...

The phrase "God is good" cannot be reserved for those moments when life turns out the way we had hoped. -- Stacy and Paula Rinehart

Update...

Hi everyone...well, here it is, Friday, July 17th already -- the days wiz by, I never remember what today is - date or day... old age? No, its when you work through the night, sleep during the day, the different time zones - it all wreaks havoc on my mind....

We are in Denver today, on our way to Kansas, then Ohio, Michigan, IL, Jersey and who knows where else...

Have I told you lately how much I love my Honey Bear?
Sure hope He knows it....it gets rough being around each other 24/7 - but I sure do hope he likes me being side by side with him....
I try to pray over it but my emotions get in the way.....

Yesterday, I saw those handsome hands of his , and how they just turned me on at that moment....I have always been that woman that loves him being any doubt, would wait by the window for his return, could do nothing wrong -- today is a different story....its almost like my very existence is just wrong....but...I love the big lug and hopefully, one day...he will show me that side of him that I miss so much....

Oh what a wonderful man I have! He did something to blow my mind last week (or earlier this week)....he took me out to dinner, even though I look so rough from working, and he somehow arranged for dessert without my knowledge...AND it was one of my favorites - strawberry shortcake! No how he did that, I will never know...when I thought we were through, I started fidgeting, which was driving him bonkers, and low and behold, the dessert finally came and I tell ya, that man is the man of my dreams...NOT for what he does, but the reason behind it...that bottom line -- he could be a king or a pauper, it doesn't matter -- when you are loved, you are richer then any dollar -- it my book anyway..

So, hope you have had a nice week...I will post as Honey Bear sleeps and know not only how much I love HIM, my GOD, my family...but also you, my readers...

Keep smiling,
Mar

Free Ebook - Secrets Of Fascinating Womanhood

I love this book: Secrets of Fascinating Womanhood

How to Stop Arguing with Your Husband

How to Stop Arguing with Your Husband

Men and women have been disagreeing since cave man days but that needs to change. Living in harmony is one of those blessed things that we all should have. Arguing only breeds resentment and bitterness. Here are a few steps you can start practicing to quell some of the fires.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You'll Need:
Patience
Understanding of a man
Gentleness
Love

Step 1
ADAM WAS NEAR EVE
No one really knows where the bickering and fighting started but some say in the Garden of Eden. Adam was asleep near Eve when the serpent approached and conversed with her. If Adam was so close, why didn't he break up that conversation? Here's the proof that he was near:Genesis 3:6____So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate.Clearly he was in close proximity to Eve and that may have been the beginning of the end.

Step 2
MAN DOES HAVE AUTHORITY
Now that we have settled that issue, there is one more small detail that is noteworthy. God created man first! He put man in charge of a lot of things, not woman. Please note:Genesis 1:26-27___Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all[b] the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” 27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.Man was created to dominate. Notice the word above dominion.

Step 3
RESPECT HIM
Ephesians 5:33Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.See if God commanded it, it is settled. A woman should seek to respect her man in all walks of life. She should be his helpmate, his friend, his lover and confidant. These make a man feel loved and wanted. Try to see if you can do this because this is very important in settling feuds.

Step 4
HONOR HIM
Psalm 8:5For You have made him a little lower than the angels, And You have crowned him with glory and honor.Again, since God made man a little lower than the angels and crowned him with glory and honor, you have no right to dishonor him. To honor him simply means to give to him what is due.

Step 5
YOU ARE ADAM'S RIB
Genesis 2:21-22___21 And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam, and he slept; and He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in its place. 22 Then the rib which the LORD God had taken from man He made into a woman, and He brought her to the man. It is a fact that Adam's missing rib was formed into woman. No questions there. But did you ever consider more than ribs were removed? His nurturing nature, maternal instincts, sensitivity, some common sense, overactive emotions. These things were given to women. Wer are all the above. That doesn't make him any less a man but rather make you a better woman considering where you came from.

Step 6
WOMAN CREATED FOR MAN
1 Corinthians 11:8-9___ 8 For man is not from woman, but woman from man. 9 Nor was man created for the woman, but woman for the man.Any Questions?

Step 7
BE LOVERS, NOT WARRIORS
1 Corinthians 11:11-12___ 11 Nevertheless, neither is man independent of woman, nor woman independent of man, in the Lord. 12 For as woman came from man, even so man also comes through woman; but all things are from God. God's plan on how we should act in marriage are clearly documented. It may be hard to due if you are in an abusive or debasing relationship. You didn't make your husband, therefore you can't remake him. Quit trying because it is futile. Give him back to his maker and results will have a chance to start. It won't happen over night. Just be patient.

Step 8
YOU CAN BE HAPPY
Ephesians 5:25Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her,You didn't think I would not tell you man's responsibility in all this, did you? Well the scripture said it for me. When a man loves his wife, he has chosen committment, honor, respect towards you. When he loves his wife, he loves himself.Eph 5:28___28 So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself.Couldn't have said it better myself.

Step 9
JUST STOP!
*Stop blaming*Quit criticizing*Squash the nonsense*Learn to be more patient*Count the good in your husband, I bet it outweighs the bad*Be thankful and show some gratitude *Know that it is hell being alone and you can't do it all*Show him kindness, gentleness and self control*Arguements are nothing but a cesspool of hatred and detriment

Grow herbs and make dinner better

Grow herbs and make dinner better

Make every meal even more delicious with fresh herbs. Learn how to grow and use them. 9 essential herbs

Cool tool! The Sunset Plant Finder
Find the right plants for your particular climate, yard, and style. Search plants your way

Decide What You Should Sell

SmallBizResource Blog:
Are you thinking about launching a new business? Do you have some new product or service you want to sell?
Are you pretty sure the product or service will be a big hit if you can get enough money to get started, or get the time and resources together to add it to your existing offerings?
Whether you’re starting a new business or expanding your existing business, be sure you stay focused on the most important aspect of any product or service: what real, living, breathing customers want or need badly enough to buy.1. It must be something people want or need.
2. It must be good quality and effective.
3. It must be something you can buy or produce at low cost and sell for at least two to five times your cost.
4. It must have a market you can afford to reach.
5. You must be able to describe a typical customer in that market in detail.
6. It should be something that involves repeat sales to the same customer or allows up-sell and cross-sell additional products.
7. You must have an affordable and reliable way to deliver or distribute your product to customers.
8. There should be related, and possibly more expensive products you can sell to satisfied customers after the first sale.
9. It should be something you like and believe is worth the price you put on the product or service.

From Business Opportunities Weblog.

Hope - The Secret Key to Happiness

While faith
Is that steady hand
Your spirit holds on to,
HOPE is that burning fire
Kept alive in your own heart.

Hope - The Secret Key to Happiness

Microsoft plans free, online version of Office

The technology titan tries to stop Google Docs from encroaching on its turf. Check out the news here

Update...

Hi all, we are in Portland this morning....we just spent the past few days all around the upper west part of Washington...its pretty, but creepy.....just like in the Twilight movie...

Honey Bear likes the cooler, cloudier, wetter atmosphere..I DID like the Montana or Wyoming area....but I nix both of them...

OH! And the west coast has a restaurant (ok, strip mall stop), that we have fallen in love with....and we have only seen them on the west coast...they are called Teriyaki or sometimes Sushi and Teriyaki...awesome food, simply awesome. The only kind I love better is Hindu food...but definitely a worth to check out if you find one....We didn't understand all the Teriyaki stops, so we had to give it a try...mmmmmm....thats all I can say about it.

Things aren't going so hot today, so I will post what I can, asking again for prayers and just wishing you a wonderful day.

Hugs to all,
Mar

Quick Weight Loss Tricks Don't Work for Long

Quick Weight Loss Tricks Don't Work for Long
Nutritionist Offers Alternative to Fad Cleanses and Fasts

Spam-Proof Your Cell Phone, Inbox Too

Spam-Proof Your Cell Phone, Inbox Too
Is There Any Way to End That Junk E-Mail? Some Handy Hints

Results of Discouragement

Of all the religious choices we have now a days, I absolutely love Charles Stanleys teachings:

Results of Discouragement
James 1:2-4

Discouragement is one of Satan's most effective weapons; he knows that if he can destroy our courage, we'll be ineffective in accomplishing anything for Christ. Let's explore the downward spiral that is created by this destructive force.

One mark of discouragement is a divided mind. This underlying distraction affects every area and decision. No matter what you're doing, it feels as if a dark cloud covers your entire thought life.

Discouragement also leads to the "blame game," where we feel a deep inner need to point a finger at someone else. You may want to find fault with God because He has allowed painful circumstances in your life, or you may accuse others because of the way they treat you. Perhaps you yourself feel guilty for poor choices or past mistakes. My friend, blame is an empty activity. No healing or restoration ever came from trying to pin responsibility on someone else for the hardships in your life.

Anger is another common indication that one is discouraged. When this occurs, bitterness may develop into a spirit of vengeance and finally retaliation. If you let anger grow and fester without resolution, it easily mutates into depression. In this, resentment acts like a cancer that slowly spreads and destroys your entire life.

The traits described above aren't what one would expect of a Christ-follower, are they? However, they are all too evident in the church.

Ask the Father to search your heart for any trace of these destructive seeds, and to short-circuit the work of discouragement in your life.

For more biblical teaching and resources from Dr. Charles Stanley, please visit www.intouch.org
and click here to listen to Dr. Stanley at OnePlace.com.

Believe your beliefs and ...

Believe your beliefs and doubt your doubts. -- F. F. Bosworth

Concentrate on this Sentence

'To get something you never had, you have to do something you never did.' When God takes something from your grasp, He's not punishing you, but merely opening your hands to receive something better. Concentrate on this sentence... 'The will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you.'

The Secret

The Secret
Author: Unknown

I have learned the secret of being content. “I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” - Phillippians 4:12-13

This is one secret that you are allowed to tell. A woman named Vicki once knew a young person at church named Susan. Susan always seemed effervescent and happy, although Vicki knew she had faced struggles in her life.

Her long-awaited marriage had quickly ended in divorce.

She had struggled to get a grip on her single life. She hadn't chosen it, but she decided she would live it with utmost enjoyment and satisfaction.

Susan was active in Sunday school, in the choir, as a leader of the junior high girls' group, and in the church renewal movement.

Vicki enjoyed knowing Susan. Susan's whole face seemed to smile.

One day Vicki asked Susan, "How is it that you are always so happy, you have so much energy, and you never seem to get down?"

With her eyes smiling, Susan said, "I know the Secret!"

"What secret is that?"

"What are you talking about?" Vicki asked.

Susan replied, "I'll tell you all about it, but you have to promise to share the Secret with others."

Vicki agreed, "Okay, now what is it?"

The Secret is this: "I have learned there is little I can do in my life that will make me truly happy. I must depend on God to make me happy and meet my needs. When a need arises in my life, I have to trust God to supply according to HIS riches. I have learned most of the time I don't need half of what I think I do.

He has never let me down. Since I learned that Secret I am happy.

Vicki's first thought was, “That's too simple!” But upon reflecting over her own life she recalled how she thought a bigger house would make her happy, but it didn't! She thought a better paying job would make her happy-but it hadn't.

When did she realize her greatest happiness? Sitting on the floor with her grandchildren, playing games eating pizza or reading a story, a simple gift from God. Susan knew the secret, Vicki learned the secret, and now you know it too!

We can't depend on people to make us happy. Only GOD in His wisdom can do that. Trust HIM! And now I pass the Secret on to you! So once you get it,

Whatcha gonna do?

YOU have to tell someone the Secret, too!

That GOD in His wisdom will take care of YOU!

“I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” - Phillippians 4:12-13

Update...

Hi everyone, we are in Wyoming and spent most of the day in Nebraska. I love this ride...seeing all the mountains (not hills, not small things, MOUNTAINS LOL), and the antelope...they eat, lay down, and walk around with the cows and horses out here....amazing...

Things are going pretty good....yesterday, we picked up a 2009 challenger that looks like the dukes of hazard car, so now we have a karmangia AND a dukes of hazard car on board - both brand new....yikes! LOL!

Oh and the weather....you know, I have no problem with heat and cold...remember, I spent 35 years in the Midwest....but let me tell ya something...the way the days are HOOOOOTTTTT and then cool wayyyyyyy down at night, amazes me....one moment, I am in a mini dress and flip flops, cant get the air in the truck cool enough and the next time you step out of the truck, you grab the sweats...I don't get it, but that's all right by me...

Anyway....sorry to chatter on like this....Honey Bear is inside a stop right now, so I had a few minutes to pop on and say hi....I am going to go to my emails, and if he is still inside, I can post maybe for you...I need two solid days...one day to organize and clear up emails and such and one day to actually get to surf the net .. but who knows, its on my list of things to do...

Oh, and I wanted to see if anyone knows anything about this...for the past few weeks, mostly these past couple, I am like reliving my life, in my heart and mind....its not like I regret what I haven't done, its all the stuff-good and bad- that I HAVE done. I feel great remorse for the bad, and a great longing for the good...its really hard to explain, but I find myself crying over it, so sad because of it, and I haven't been able to console or help myself. If this has happened to someone else, please email me and let me know.... mariannakeough at hotmail.com

Ok, scooting along here.....I will see what I can do tonight, otherwise, enjoy, love the ones in your home, and appreciate even the tiniest of blessings...

Mar

Want to eat healthier AND save money? Let Simply Organic help

Want to eat healthier AND save money? Let Simply Organic help with the Simple Ways to Go Organic Calendar, where you'll find tons of recipe and meal ideas to suit your family and your budget.

Update...

Hi everyone! We are in Iowa, on our way to Nebraska....whew, what a ride its been! We have a race car on here, a Karmanghia - to put it nicely: every mans dream car, ever woman's nightmare! LOL!....what the nightmare today is, the blasted thing stopped running! Honey Bear has to use the truck chains to pull the dang thing on board...you have no idea, seriously, no idea - the strength that takes!

Anyway, its a beautiful day....I slept through Illinois, I think I have this place 99% cleaned up now...still have some tweeking to do...

Hope you enjoy your day, the blog and just give give give today - in any way you can...that's today's motto :-)

Hugs to all,
Mar

Luna - Newsletter and Moms Club

They will send you coupons and freebies:
http://lunabar.com/life/newsletter/

Moms club:
http://lunabar.com/life/luna_moms_club/

Worlds Oldest Christian Bible Is Now Online

You can go straight to the site here: http://www.codexsinaiticus.org/en/

My Struggles are About Him

My Struggles are About Him
by Max Lucado

What about your struggles? Is there any chance, any possibility, that you have been selected to struggle for God’s glory? Have you “been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake” (Philippians 1:29)?
Here is a clue. Do your prayers seem to be unanswered? What you request and what you receive aren’t matching up? Don’t think God is not listening. Indeed he is. He may have higher plans.
Here is another. Are people strengthened by your struggles? A friend of mine can answer yes. His cancer was consuming more than his body; it was eating away at his faith. Unanswered petitions perplexed him. Well-meaning Christians confused him. “If you have faith,” they said, “you will be healed.”
No healing came. Just more chemo, nausea, and questions. He assumed the fault was a small faith. I suggested another answer. “It’s not about you,” I told him. “Your hospital room is a showcase for your Maker. Your faith in the face of suffering cranks up the volume of God’s song.”
Oh, that you could have seen the relief on his face. To know that he hadn’t failed God and God hadn’t failed him—this made all the difference. Seeing his sickness in the scope of God’s sovereign plan gave his condition a sense of dignity. He accepted his cancer as an assignment from heaven: a missionary to the cancer ward.
A week later I saw him again. “I reflected God,” he said, smiling through a thin face, “to the nurse, the doctors, my friends. Who knows who needed to see God, but I did my best to make him seen.”
Bingo. His cancer paraded the power of Jesus down the Main Street of his world.
God will use whatever he wants to display his glory. Heavens and stars. History and nations. People and problems.
Rather than begrudge your problem, explore it. Ponder it. And most of all, use it. Use it to the glory of God.
Through your problems and mine, may God be seen.
FromIt's Not About Me© (Thomas Nelson, 2007),Max Lucado

Free Ebooks from the Men's Homepage

Free Ebooks from the Men's Homepage

Moms Turn to Social Media

Mothers of young children are spending far more time with social media than just three years ago. More >

Barbershop Philosophy

Barbershop Philosophy
Author: Unknown

A man went to a barber shop to have his hair and his beard cut as always. He started to have a good conversation with the barber who attended him.

They talked about so many things and various subjects. Suddenly, they touched the subject of God.

The barber said: “Look man, I don’t believe that God exists as you say.”

“Why do you say that?” -- asked the client.

Well, it’s easy, you just have to go out in the street to realize that God does not exist. Tell me, if God existed, would there be so many sick people? Would there be abandoned children? If God existed, there would be no suffering nor pain. I can’t think of a God who permits all of these things.”

The client stopped for a moment to think but he didn’t respond because he didn’t want to start an argument. The barber finished his job and the client went out of the shop. Just after he left the barber shop he saw a man in the street with long hair and a beard (it appeared that it had been a long time since this man had his hair cut and he looked so untidy).

Then the client again entered the barber shop and he said to the barber: You know what? Barbers do NOT exist.”

“How come they don’t exist?”-asked the barber. “I am here and I am a barber.”

“No!” - the client exclaimed. “They don’t exist because if they did there would be no people with long hair and beards like that man who walks in the street.”

“Ah, barbers do exist, what happens is that people do not come to me.”

“Exactly!”- affirmed the client. “That’s the point. God DOES exist, what happens is people don’t go to Him and do not look for Him that’s why there’s so much pain and suffering in the world.”

God does exist!

“The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.” - Psalm 14:1

What’s On My Food?

What’s On My Food? is a searchable database designed to make the public problem of pesticide exposure visible and more understandable.
How does this tool work? We link pesticide food residue data with the toxicology for each chemical, making this information easily searchable for the first time.

"We cannot all do great ..."

We cannot all do great things but we can do small things with great love. -- Mother Theresa

(Thanks to QUOTEMEAL from HEARTLIGHT)

Online Bible Studies For Women

A High And Noble Calling has put together a fantastic list:

The Hem Of His Garment has a variety of Bible studies for women, such as Why God Made Women, The Proverbs 31 Woman, Virtuous Women In The Bible and many more.
Liberty Online Ministries has a whole host of wonderful looking studies such as:
Proverbs 31
Strengthening Your Purity

Melissa from A Virtuos Woman has two online studies: From Chaos To Calm and P31 Spring Clean Challenge
Donna Partow is hosting a free online study via facebook called the 90 Day Jumpstart to Becoming The Woman God Wants Me To Be
What Happens When Women Say Yes To God is a blogger Bible study held on Monday mornings which will go through the book What Happens When Women Say Yes To God
Stiletto Army has a study called The Vineyard that you can do at your own pace.
Setting The Captives Free deals with the areas of habitual sin. The Lords Table is a good study if you are struggling with bad eating habits and healthy weight loss.
The Homeschool Lounge is having an online study for The Power Of Motherhood by Nancy Campbell. You will have to become a member of the Lounge to join the group. It is a great group!
Living Proof Ministries is hosting an online Bible study based on the book Me, Myself and Lies
Sovereign Grace has a whole host of teachings that you can download on MP3’s for free. My favorites are by Carolyn Mahaney.

and here is a list from our main page to help lead you to some more great websites: My Favorite God Inspired Links, Prayers and Encouragements

StopBadware.org

StopBadware.org is a partnership among academic institutions, technology industry leaders, and volunteers, all of whom are committed to protecting Internet and computer users from the threats to privacy and security that are caused by bad software. We are a leading independent authority on trends in badware and its distribution, and a focal point for the development of collaborative, community-minded approaches to stopping badware. We invite you to join our community, to help reduce the impact of badware and to regain control of our computers.

Rained out 4th...

Wow..sorry to you all who had made garden/yard party plans today...its a real bummer when Mother Nature has different plans - but theres always a way through it...move your party inside, or wait out the rain (if its raining in your area).

We are staying in a lodge type motel tonight...needed a break from the truck bunk - and that means, Honey Bear is sleeping some much needed, deep sleep. So, I am working on laundry and posting and reading emails and chatting...I have a lot to catch up on and clean up. The start of a new month always means house cleaning the blog and all...

So, as I go, I will post, but mostly, I hope you are enjoying your family time today. Or even, just take the day off like we are. Life will still go on :-)

Mar

Find a pick your own farm near you!!!

A quick side note here, as soon as I made my post about posting/catching up...Honey Bear woke up! What timing he has sometimes!!

Ok, he is inside paying for fuel, so I have a quick second here. Check out this amazing site, it lists all across US and CA where you can pick your own fruits and vegs as well as cut your own xmas tree!

Find a pick your own farm near you!!! This website provides local listings of pick your own (also called U-pick or PYO) farms in the United States, Canada, Britain, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and other countries. There are crop calendars for each local area to tell you what is available to pick throughout the year, local weather forecasts and really easy illustrated directions to show you how to make jam, jelly, salsa, pickles, spaghetti sauce, applesauce, apple butter and 150 other recipes with step by step step directions to can, freeze, dry or preserve the harvest.

Learn To Drive....

Ok, here it is, 2009 and so many people don't know how to drive...at least that's what we encounter on a daily basis all across the country!

Do you know: (and feel free to pass this info on)

1- it is ILLEGAL to pass a truck on the right?
2- if you cant see a truckers mirrors he CANNOT see you?!
3- do not pull onto an expressway/highway with cell phone to your ear and not look!
4- it is ILLEGAL to cut off (pull in front of) a truck driver
5- you can usually do TEN miles over the speed limit, before getting a ticket!
6- you are NOT the only one on the road
7- we ALL have a place to go and by speeding up over everyone, you arrive at the stop light/sign two seconds before everyone else, meanwhile, risking EVERYONEs life for that two seconds?!
8- you cannot pull up on the right of a truck at corners, they make WIDE turns and when you pull up on the right, YOU GET CRUSHED as well as the truck and it would be YOUR fault (on the police report)
9- trucks cannot make u-turns, fast turns, quick stops, etc like a car...they technically need 5 -7 car lengths between you and them to stop..did you know that?

Hence, car drivers really need to re-read their state laws, use more common sense knowledge, be patient, be considerate, be HUMAN, because guess what? That truck driver is human too, and more then likely, has a family, just like YOU to look out for..

You would not believe the stupidity most drivers make out on the road....who are the usual culprits? No offense to anyone, just a wake up call...
1-moms/dads WITH kids in the vehicle
2-Middle Easterners
3-young men

Read a page I created years ago when Honey Bear started out as a car hauler:
The Real Life A Truck Driver Leads it's only 50 % completed, but well worth the read. I've posted a couple letters from others who appreciated what I've written -- I hope you do too!

If you fall into these three, or know someone that does...please, pass this info on to them..

I know I, personally, would greatly appreciate this :-)

Thanks!
Mar

Happy July 4th!!!

Hi all! Wish I had some flashy graphic to post here, but not enough time to surf for one :-)

We are in Indiana this morning and I am able to clean up the email box for a few. Remember, at the start of a new month, I clean out the month old sweeps and freebies to make room for more (articles, ebooks, etc, that stuff stays posted)...so grab the ones I have as fast as you can before they disappear!

Its cloudy today here, but in the parking lot where we stayed the night, they let off fire works (fireworks store right here too!), so that was pretty cool - scared the dog silly, but I enjoyed them.

Ok, just giving the heads up that I will be posting as Honey Bear sleeps or until he wakes up that is, so enjoy the blog, the day and the holiday!

All the best to you and yours,
Mar

July 2nd...Already!

Hi all, just a quick note to say we are in Jersey tonight...actually, since last night, but got our deliveries done in Connecticut and here, so now we are on our way to Ohio to pick up a special made sports/race car...karmangia (spell check)...then onto IL, NE, UT and WA...no time to post tonight, and we haven't been in any reception area these past couple days, but I shall return soon :-) enjoy your night!

Mar