Don’t take yourself too seriously

March 18, 2014March 18, 2014 / kstrick7 / Leave a comment

This morning my sweet Miss Neenee said,

“I wish we were writing this week.” (at school)

I got all excited, just thinking, my Miss Neenee might actually love to write her thoughts down, as I do. I said,

“You have notebooks in your room. If you have something in your head, write it down.

I always have & look how great my life has turned out.”

Of course I was being factious. However, I think she takes the opportunity to cash in on my craziness any chance she gets. So, she busted out laughing. Hmmmm…someone that was thin skinned, might have taken her laughter the wrong way. Someone with any ounce of feelings at all might have had them hurt. Someone who had any confidence in their life leading up to that time, might have been a bit miffed at this laughter. However, I knew what she meant. She lives around me all the time & knows what a grandiose lifestyle I live. Along with all the awesomeness in the world oozing out of me at all times. A spectacular life any & everyone would love to have. (You may also bust out in hysterical laughing right now, too.) Yeah, it’s not like that at’all. Her reaction reminds me, I can’t & should not ever take myself too seriously.

When we start to take ourselves too seriously, there are all kinds of things that can happen.

For one, you may start to thinking you can do things on your own. Without the Lord. It’s easy to get so caught up in the world that you forget to pray or neglect studying your Bible.

James 5:16 (NKJV) Confess your trespasses^[a] to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

However, once a person puts simple things like that to the side, it does not take long to reach the point you are out in the world trying to do everything on your own. Common sense is not a flower that grows in everybody’s garden, but we know better than to let the world creep in on us. We have to make sure we are daily keeping in contact with the Lord, through prayer & Bible study. If not, just know it won’t be long until we start thinking we don’t need God. And heavens knows that’s a dead end road.

Another thing to remember life is just a vapor. Meaning life is short.

James 4 :14 (NKJV) whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.

Who has time or the want to to run around being a pain to everybody constantly? Wait, before you answer that, I realize those people are out there. But, you don’t want to be one. If I take myself too seriously, I might just spit & spat at others all the time. Because, hey, it’s ok just to be rude & act on every feeling I have. If I feel bad everybody needs to know. If somebody makes me mad, well, I need to let them have it right then & there. My feelings, ugly or pretty, needs to be on my shoulders at all times. You know, I am keeping it real & this is who I really am. Not a fake.

“Lawdy chile, you know better than that!”

That ain’t no way to act. People like that can drain the life right out of you. They can take the friendly out of you right quick. Don’t hang around folks like that. Better yet, don’t be one of them. Be kind. At the end of your time, you want to be proud of the person you were. Don’t get so caught up in yourself that you forget, there is a whole world of people living around you. A world putting up with you, whether good or bad.

When my oldest & middle daughters were little, the younger one would tell my oldest daughter,

“You think you are so popular!”

This was in a hissy fit of being bossed around by her older sister. This was her way of saying, “what makes you so special that you can tell me what to do?” We laugh about these little arguments they had, which sometimes were quite frequently. However, people get to being too “popular” when they don’t consider the feelings of others. If you take yourself too seriously, you can begin to think you have the right to tell others what to do & to treat them without consideration. Thankfully, I have a daughter, that without trying, reminds me not to get too ahead of myself. And I pray that if I ever get to thinking I am too important, she or someone will love me enough to set me straight.

Thank you for coming by to visit with me today. I hope you make it a habit to laugh at yourself. If not, you might want to give it try. It will help you more than you realize. You take care of yourself. Because I would miss you if you didn’t stop by! As for me, I have to be going because I should be washing clothes.

photo credit: lifeisaprayer.com, mission venture ministries

Noah’s ark & some complaining

February 28, 2014 / kstrick7 / Leave a comment

I have a Bible class at church. I look so forward to being with these lovelies each week. They are 1^st & 2^nd graders. Oh, the questions they have about God’s word! It is amazing to look through the eyes of a child. So, I knew when I was studying to teach them about Noah’s ark, I had better know my stuff. As I was reading over the story in Genesis, I came across a verse that I immediately identified with.

Genesis 8:

⁶So it came to pass, at the end of forty days, that Noah opened the window of the ark which he had made. ⁷Then he sent out a raven, which kept going to and fro until the waters had dried up from the earth.

Sometimes we seem to overlook that raven. We see pictures about the dove, that comes back with the olive branch. But the raven has kinda gotten muddled up in the story somehow. Well, let me tell you.

I think the raven was very significant.

I feel it’s pain. Sometimes I feel like all I do is go “to & fro” with unrelenting problems. Will they ever stop? Will I be going back & forth forever? At times, it sure does seem like it. Whether it’s one of my kids sick with a stomach bug, bills that need to be paid, like yesterday, people who don’t get the concept of a car line at school, those who think more of themselves, than others, people who say harsh words to my loved ones, my son, who has chosen a destructive path in life, missing my mama, mother-in-law, father-in-law, grandparents who have all gone on, life can get pretty crazy, ya know? With my big family, I am constantly thinking, “What do I need to do next?” because something is always happening with one of us. When the doctor gives you 8 pills to take a day to “cure” your stomach problems, perhaps you may think will this ever end?? Stress can get pretty high every once in awhile. And then, the hot water line to the washing machine starts to leak. God bless my son-in-law for being around to fix stuff, when no one else is around! I think, maybe once winter is over & we can get outside & get some fresh air, maybe things will settle down. Oh wait, I get POISON IVY about every time I get in the yard. Do you see where I am going with this? To and fro, flying around, like Noah’s raven. Nowhere to rest! Sometimes, I think the only thing to make it all better is pitchin’ a dyin’ duck dawg fit. Just gettin’ everybody while I’m at it. Even the cat.

But then you know what? Just like the raven, I hit dry land. I realize I really do have it good.

: Miss Neenee & Mr. Sweetie Pants playing a game of drop the pompom through the toilet paper roll & catch it.

Miss Neenee & Mr. Sweetie Pants playing a game of drop the pompom through the toilet paper roll & catch it.

My Mr. Sweetie Pants grandson lights up our world. Do you hear me? Precious & sweet. Especially when he says,

“Grand, hold me.”

And stretches those little arms up. Melts me. Won’t be long until I have a grandbaby girl! Of course she will be just as cute. I have seen the sonogram pictures. She is going to be a dandy!

Then, I have my kids & my husband who are so good to me. Dirty dishes loaded in the dishwasher, by someone else than me. Always a good way to make this mama’s day. Not to mention, I have some of the kindest, dearest friends in the world. My church family is exceptionally wonderful. I have a good job & work with nice people. I have the best big brother in the world. My niece & nephew are the cat’s pajamas. And my brother’s wife, she’s a good one to have on your team, too. My Daddy is so kind & considerate. He always makes time for us. Those kids I have in my Bible class. I so look forward to seeing them & spending time with them every week. Some of the stuff they say just tickles me to death. Blessed is what I am.

I’m so glad you came by to visit today. You just remember, you are not alone in this world. Life is a battle. You may be going into battle, or coming out of one. If things are going good for you. Enjoy it. Because problems rise up, when you least expect it. The Lord is willing & able to comfort you & give you the peace of mind that nothing else can. It’s been one more week. I’m ready to see the weekend! Come back & see me again soon. As for me, I have to be going because I should be washing clothes.

Photo credits:momsgenerations.com, christark.com

Happy Valentine’s Day!

February 14, 2014 / kstrick7 / 3 Comments

Love is so important. Not just the kind of love I have for the caramel – vanilla creamer, I put in my coffee. The love you have for others. You know, for your family, your friends, your peeps. People do things in the name of love. They write songs & poems about love. They make proclamations of their unfeigning love in the way of spray painted words at the top of water towers. Love makes you serious. Love makes you crazy & stupid. Ahhh, love, there has even been a day set aside to officially show people you love them. But is love more than words? Yes, love is action. You can tell someone you love them, but if you turn around & don’t put some effort into showing them some kind of attention- is that really love? The ultimate gift of love came to us in the form of the cross.

Can you image God saying, “I love these people I created.” Then, not putting some action to those words? God knows loves.

I John 4:8 says He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

Who would be a better teacher than the originator? He sent His Son to die on the cross for us, so that we may have remission of sins. Now that’s love.

I am so glad you stopped by to visit with me today. I hope you have a wonderful Valentine’s Day. Remember to tell your loved ones
how much they mean to you. As for me, I have to be going because I should be washing clothes.

Photo credit: Pinterest

Until God opens the next door for you….

February 3, 2014February 3, 2014 / kstrick7 / Leave a comment

Do you ever get discouraged & want to give up? Does it just seem like nothing is going right? No matter how hard you try, you just get in a rut & think,

“How much more can I take?”

You may pray about it & wonder where God is. The devil will always try to make things seem hopeless. As if there is no way out. Well, good news! I am here today to tell you, you don’t have to worry any longer. God is working for us, even when we don’t realize it.

I want to take a minute to share with you some scripture about a man named David. In reading Psalms 40, he must have had some problems. He sure was bending God’s ear about them. He poured his heart out to God & waited & cried & waited & pleaded & trusted & God heard him. He said he had more troubles than hair on head!

Psalms 40:12

For innumerable evils have surrounded me;
My iniquities have overtaken me, so that I am not able to look up;
They are more than the hairs of my head;
Therefore my heart fails me.

Hold on, now, I think sometimes I get to sounding like David. My faith may get a little lacking, as well. Look at what David said God did for him in his trials.

Psalms 40:1

I waited patiently for the Lord;
And He inclined to me,
And heard my cry.
²He also brought me up out of a horrible pit,
Out of the miry clay,
And set my feet upon a rock,
And established my steps.

God is always working behind the scenes for us. It’s in those moments of waiting, that we learn being faithful is essential. When God comes through for us, it’s like a load is lifted. It’s as if everything finally falls into place. We know it just got real. We look back and see that God was there all the time. He was molding us into what He plans for us to be. We are a work in progress. Ever changing & developing into a faithful servant for the Lord. Don’t let the devil try to tell you God doesn’t care. He does.

Psalms 40:17

But I am poor and needy;
Yet the Lord thinks upon me.
You are my help and my deliverer;
Do not delay, O my God.

Just like He took care of David, He takes care of us, too. That just makes me happy! Like sweet tea with my cornbread happy! That’s the kind of God I want to serve. The One that’s always thinking about me.

Thank you for stopping by to visit with me today. I love it when you take time to come by. Take a minute this week to make a phone call, visit, or send a card to someone to encourage them. You never know if your kind word might make all the difference in their day. I will see you next time, right now I have to be going because, I should be washing clothes.

photo credit: Kimberly Jones

Online envy & Football food

January 31, 2014January 31, 2014 / kstrick7 / Leave a comment

Isn’t there some kind of game this weekend? Oh yeah, the SUPER BOWL! Football is probably my favorite sport to watch. The Blind Side is one of my favorite all time movies. The Manning boys are from the great state of Mississippi, so I kinda have a responsibility to like football. Saying that, I have been thinking about things to cook for our “Couchgate” as Miss Neenee likes to call it. You know where you sit on the couch, eat, watch the game, yell at the t.v. & eat.

But first I want to share with you an article I read in our Hope Health Letter, at work. It’s an article called Keeping up with the e-Joneses. I found it interesting, because, well, I guess I am little guilty of this. The article is talking about how wonderful it is that social networks allow us to stay in touch with friends & family-however, constantly checking the status of others might have a negative consequence. It’s called online envy. Here is what to watch for:

When you log on to a social network & see what others have posted, do you:

Feel sorry for yourself?

Make a purchase or take similar action based on something you’ve seen someone share?

Wish there was a “dislike” button?

Say to yourself, “It must be nice to…(have that much money, time, etc.)?”

Wow! Can you believe there are lots of people who are having the same negative thoughts because of other’s online statuses? I know haters are gonna hate, but this has to do with our emotional health.

My Mawmaw used to say: “You better be glad for what you’ve got. Because the Lord can take it away, just like He gave it.”

The apostle Paul had one fix for being envious

Colossians 3:15

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

If you spend your time counting your blessings, you won’t have time to be too concerned with what is going on with others.

The Lord takes being envious pretty serious. Here is another scripture that includes envy with some other extreme sins:

Galatians 5:21

Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

Another way to put a stop to online envy is to quit checking social networks so much. You will drive your self crazy! Someone is always going to be getting a new car, winning 1st place, moving to a gorgeous house, getting a beautiful new haircut, having kids with perfect grades, going on trips to terrificly entertaining places & all kinds of AWESOME things that may not ever happen to you. That’s ok. You have to take inventory of what wonderful things you have going on in your life. You have all kinds of positive things in your life.

Be grateful for them.

Now, to my Super Bowl Football Food. I got this recipe, a long time ago, from a co-worker. It is always a crowd pleaser. Any recipe that starts with, “You will need a pack of bacon”, is bound to be one I am most interested in.

2 packages hotdogs

1 pack of bacon

1 cup brown sugar

toothpicks

Preheat oven to 325 degrees

Cut each individual hotdog into 3 pieces. Take a 1/2 piece of bacon & wrap around the hotdog. Secure with a toothpick. Place hotdogs on a cookie sheet. Sprinkle generously with brown sugar. Cook for 40 minutes or until sugar is bubbly. These can be put in a crock pot on the low setting to keep warm.

When they get cooked up, they will look like this

This is not my picture. It came from the Just Best Recipes website. However, they will look just like this.

I have a few other things on my mind to make. If I get time, I will post those, as well. I’m so glad you came by to visit with me today. I hope you have a great time watching the Super Bowl. All I have to say is, “Go Seahawks!!” Now, that I got that out, I have to be going, because I should be washing clothes.

Super Bowl photo credit: sitclose.com

Basketball love

January 23, 2014January 23, 2014 / kstrick7 / Leave a comment

We in the South love our sports. We go by the Proverb of old, from the Bible that says,

“Train up a child to play sports & when he is old, he will not depart from the lessons he has learned from it.” .

That’s not how that goes? Well, you could have fooled me! Saying that, it’s basketball season. Miss Neenee is playing basketball for the first time. She loves it. Her best friend, in the whole wide world, plays. That just makes it that much sweeter!

We see a lot of the same parents that we play softball with. Over the course of years you get acquainted with the other parents. Maybe not know them well, or outside of whatever sports function you are attending. But, know who their kids are, where they work, go to church, & who they are kin to. Anyway, we get excited. We clap loud. We coach from the stands. We yell at our kids. We yell at other people’s kids. It’s all good.

Let me tell you about an incident that happened to me recently.

The other night our 3^rd & 4^th grade girl team was lining up for a free throw with the opposing team. Miss Neenee had been running & working hard & doing her little 4^th grade best at this game. This is the age where the referee still has to tell the girls to dribble the ball. It’s not a high expectation type thing. Everything is pretty laid back as far as the rules. Miss Neenee was lining up at the goal line, when she turns around & looks at me. She starts fiddlin’ with her necklace. She runs over to the stands & I take it off of her right quick. One of the mamas yells,

“This is a ballgame not a beauty review!”

There was another girl that had run up to the stands to give her mama something, too. So, I didn’t really think much about it. Once the game was over, this same mama walks over to me & said she hoped I wasn’t mad at her. She said she was sorry, she had just yelled out before she thought. I smiled & told her I wasn’t worried about it. She said her husband told her she might not have said that. So, she wanted to make sure I wasn’t upset. I just laughed & told her I had yelled at her daughter, on the court, enough that night, that it was quite alright. We smiled & parted ways.

You know what I thought after that encounter? That I really liked that mama. Her character was just what the Lord said it should have been. She said something she felt wasn’t right. Then, she faced it & took care of the problem right then. I wish I were more like that. Most of time, if I will say or do something, that’s not right, I lull over it. That’s right. I’m a luller. I drag my feet. I don’t take action to right the wrong as quickly as I should. Time goes by & things get better or they don’t. Why do I wait? I don’t know. Maybe a little pride. Maybe a little not wanting to be wrong. So, I just let things sit. We are not perfect. We all say & do things not pleasing to God.

This is what Jesus had to say about righting wrongs.

Matthew 5:23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;

v. 24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift

I want to be more like this mama that knows the right thing to do & does it. How much better would the world be without bitter feelings & resentment over hateful things others say? When we say something hurtful, if we went to the persons involved immediately & apologized & made things better it would be more beneficial for everybody. However, not everyone cares or is big enough to say they are sorry. When that happens we are still responsible for forgiving that person. Whether they ask for it or not. If not, hatred & bitterness can set up in our hearts, just like it has theirs. Don’t let those things rule your heart. You have got to have control over your thoughts, actions, and what comes out of your mouth. However, we are just people. So, when something comes over you & you act on it, be sure you do like this mama & take care of it quickly. With a standard of living like that, I bet she sleeps good at night! My oldest daughter was standing there when this mama came over to talk to me. When we got home she said,

“You know that was a very adult thing for her to do that.”

Yes, it was. What a great example, not only for my kids to see, but for me, too! Looks like the sports our kids grow up playing are not just character builders for the kids, but for the parents, too! People never cease to amaze me. You never really know what they are thinking. They sometimes say things that you don’t quite expect. When that happens you really get to know what kind of character those folks have.

I am so glad you stopped by to visit with me today. I have enjoyed having you here. It is really cold outside here, in Northeast Mississippi. I hope you have a wonderful rest of the week. As for me, I have to be going for now, because I should be washing clothes.

Is your wanter broken?

January 5, 2014 / kstrick7 / Leave a comment

I am feeling pretty good about myself about right now. I have done my civic duty to my community & graced the aisles of the grocery store to purchase my loaf of bread & milk. It seems there are rumors of inclement weather (when I say inclement I mean, talks of possibly a snowflake or two falling). When I say a snowflake or two, I mean that in a literal sense. Northeast Mississippi rarely gets snow. But when we do, you’d better watch out. All the folks that have four wheel drives or a vehicle, will try to be out on the road. And mind you, we can’t drive on ice. There is lots of things we country folks can do- make sweet tea, drive a tractor, haul hay, cut wood, put out feed for our animals, talk to Jesus, & cook food so good it will make you want to slap your mama. But drive on ice, not so much a dandy of an idea for us. Back to my visit to the grocery store. If you wanted to see anybody, in particular, you would have had a good chance of running into them today at the store. Most of the people I came into contact with did smile when I met their gaze. Unlike before Christmas.

When I was doing Christmas shopping, nobody was smiling. I would walk along, meet the eyes of a lady, who seemed distraught, & smile. No smile back. I saw a man & his wife carrying packages outside a store. I smiled. No smile back. I saw another older lady that looked to have a couple of daughters, my age, with her. Smiled at all of them & they just looked plum disgusted! What was going on? I thought this was supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year? Then, it hit me. I get some of the same feelings come over me, perhaps that these shoppers did. I get down & aggravated when I am spending a lot of time & money on things for people- that will probably be thrown to the side after a day or two. It made me think, sometimes I think our wanters get broken. We watch so much t.v. that has commercials of things we don’t really need, but want. We go to stores & see things we just have to have. Our kids go to school & see other kids with things that are a must have. We go online & shop around on websites that have merchandise that you just can’t live without. I will go even one further than that. We may get so caught up in ourselves, we think possessions are the way to happiness. That cars, houses, property, and anything else pricy you can think of, is of more value than relationships.

The apostle Paul addressed this starting in I Timothy 6:6

Now godliness with contentment is great gain. v. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. v.8 And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. v. 9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which down men in destruction & perdition. v. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

I saw the other day on the news the founder of Amazon, was on vacation aboard a cruise ship. Mind you this is a billionaire. He got sick, had to be airlifted off. Taken to his private jet, where he boarded the boat & flown back to the U.S. for medical treatment. You know what was wrong with him? Kidney stones. Did having all that money save his health? Nope.

We all have been appointed a day to die. No matter how much money we have will not matter or how much money we don’t have. What will matter is how we spent our time while here in this world. Were we content or in a constant struggle to get more? We know it will be left here, when we go. Why not focus on our relationships, living for Christ, & serving God? Peace & contentment cannot be bought. We have to learn to find it from the Lord. So, next time you are out making your rounds in town, smile. Salvation is free. No purchase necessary. Christ paid that price for you a long time ago!

I so hope you are having a good day. I am anxious to see if we will get some bad weather. I remember the ice storm of 1994. They never did see that one coming! I hope you are toasty warm inside your cozy home while you are reading this. As for me, I have to be going, because I should be washing clothes.

photo credits – pinterest

Move over Miley, Phil Robertson’s takin’ center stage

December 26, 2013December 26, 2013 / kstrick7 / 1 Comment

I just could not hold it in any longer. I have not had a chance to sit down & write this post as quickly as I wanted to. However, it gave me a chance to hear what other people are having to say about Phil Robertson’s comments in his GQ interview.

First I want to say to Phil Robertson,

“Phil, really? You are doing an interview with GQ & did not expect this? You are a smart man. How were you not on guard for this one? And what really possessed you to do an interview with GQ? You make duck calls & preach. Not really what GQ is about. What were you thinking? ”

There, saying that, people of this day & time have grown so tolerant of sin. We are a society of not wanting to hurt anybody’s feelings. Well, I’m all for not hurting feelings, but wrong is wrong. And until people are called out on it, it won’t ever be any better. Sexual sins seem to be one of the things people are more accepting of. However, God wasn’t. Remember Sodom & Gomorrah? (Genesis 19) It was destroyed, with fire falling from the sky. It was burned up because of their sexual immorality. Not just homosexual activity, but all immoral acts of a sexual nature. The word sodomy is referred to as sexual acts with a beast (animal). Do you think there is any connection there? It would seem so. Just because God is not setting fire to cities & turning people into pillars of salt anymore (like he did Lot’s wife for looking back- when God told them to leave Sodom & Gomorrah & not look back) does not mean He’s become soft in his old age. He’s not looking over anything. He still does not like it. A little over 2,000 years ago He continued to say that through the apostle Paul.

I Corinthians 6:9-11

Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

And such were some of you:

but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

Galatians 5:19-21

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,

Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

Why do you think Paul was talking about this to the churches at Corinth & Galatia? They needed to be given some instructions concerning it. We need to hear it now, too. Jesus said some people would not be willing to accept God’s word.

Luke 16:31

And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

And you know the rest of the story- Jesus was hung on a cross because crowds of people did not want to hear what he had to say. So, this is not something that’s a big surprise or not expected from those of the world. One thing that does help my feelings is the Cracker Barrel situation. When they decided to pull Duck Dynasty from their shelves, people stood for right. That lets me know the Lord still has righteous people here. Things might not be as bad as the devil wants us to believe they are.

I don’t consider myself a hater, because I believe what the Bible says about homosexuals. I know people who are openly gay. I have worked with a man who was gay. He was a truck driver & his friend would ride in the truck with him on runs. I became quick friends with both of them. They were easy going & had great personalities. We always got along great. But you know what? They knew where I stood on their lifestyle choices. I did not accept it, but I accepted them. They knew what they were doing wasn’t right, however, chose not to address it. It hurts me to think anyone would ever be mean to either of them. Love the sinner, hate the sin.

My thing is you have all this sin out in the world. The world wants us to accept it & not take away sinner’s rights. How about my right to disagree? Sin is evil in all forms. And as Phil Robertson said, “it’s not logical.” God created the family as man & woman.

Genesis 2:24

Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.

God said this right after making woman for man. We have a responsibility, as Christians to keep it this way.

It’s funny to me that murderers aren’t standing around saying,

“I know I kill people, but you should just accept that. That’s how God made me. And if you don’t you aren’t a Christian because God wants us to love each other.”

Or plug into it a thief, “I may steal from innocent people, but this is what I want to do, so you just need to accept me how I am, a thief.”

Or what about a child molester?

You may say, ”wait a minute, you are getting off subject, now.” No, not really sin is sin in God’s eyes. Sins come with different responsibilities. If I say I like your dress, but really would not wear it to the garden- the responsibility for getting caught telling such a lie, is not near what it would be for another sin. Like if you decided to rob banks. But lying is a deadly sin. too.

And look at poor ol’ Miley Cyrus. I just want to put some clothes on her & stripe her legs with a switch. But you can’t say anything about her & all her antics, because she’s expressing herself.

The phenomenon with the reality shows with the likes of the Kardashian’s who can’t have babies or pee their pants without the camera right there for us all to see, has become as crazy as a Bessie Bug. We can listen to these housewives in cat fights, cussin’, spittin’, & spattin’ at each other all in the name of entertainment. Then, Phil can’t quote scripture without losing his job.

Bless our hearts.

We would all be better if we would take that remote & hit the off button. And pray for these people. At the end of the day, I would rather gather my family around the table with the Robertson family than any other reality family. I really think A & E is just seeing dollar signs, when they look at the Robertson’s. They are on a reality show, but A & E does not want their reality of praying, following Christ, nor offending others. Newsflash, sin is offensive. When you disagree with sin, you get more hurt feelings, because you aren’t supporting their sin. And everybody loves their sin, don’t they? Nobody wants anyone calling them out about it. That’s why people don’t usually go to church unless they are ready to be held accountable for their sins. As you already know, at church you hear all about what’s right & wrong. Sometimes it’s not so easy to hear.

If you are gay, I don’t hate you. I pray for your repentance & turning back to God’s will. I don’t judge you because I sin, too. But we can’t let sin rule our lives. I think that’s what Phil was trying to say. However, we need to read the Bible, see what Jesus says & don’t stand for Phil, stand for Jesus. Because Phil is just a man.

I hope you are having a wonderful holiday season. New Year’s is just around the corner. I hope you are working on your New Year’s resolutions. I am going to go back over mine from 2013 & see what I really did do. We will visit again soon & talk about that. As for me, I have to be going, because I should be washing clothes.

***On a side note, I may have a tone that I don’t appreciate Phil & his preaching the gospel. I do think it noble of Phil to spread the gospel. However, we have to remember Phil is just a man. There was only one perfect man, Jesus Christ. Everyone else has flaws & sins. My Daddy is a preacher of the gospel, as well. One thing he has taught me is you don’t follow the preacher. You follow Jesus. Phil is a messenger, not the Messiah. Always make sure what the preacher is preaching is from Bible. Satan will creep in wherever he can.

30 Days of Gratitude

December 4, 2013December 4, 2013 / kstrick7 / Leave a comment

Day 17

Slug burgers & fried pickles

I am thankful for slug burgers & fried pickles. If you don’t know what a slug burger is, well, you must not be from the South. We eat these with pride. It is so delectable & tasty we have a festival in town honoring the Slug Burger. Read about that here.

Day 18

Sirius on my car

I am thankful for Sirius Radio on my car. I don’t know what Miss Neenee EVER did without Radio Disney. When my older girls ride with me, they say, “Do we have to listen to Radio Disney the whole time?” No sweetie, we don’t, but remember sometimes you have to sacrifice to make others happy.

Day 19

Bone in pork loin

I am thankful that when I see something like this, I can get excited because I know I have someone at home that can make this goo-ood! Thursday night grilled goes on all year round. My sweetie is always cooking up something tasty. Ain’t none of us lacking in the eatin’ good department.

Day 20

Tutti Fruitti crew

I am thankful for Tutti Frutti frozen yogurt. I really think I could live off of frozen yogurt. It becomes a major staple in my diet from time to time. I think I will come up with a frozen yogurt diet. I could start my morning off with coffee flavored yogurt, lunch could be tutti fruitti flavor, for supper it could be salted pretzel caramel flavor with red velvet cake flavor for dessert. Why am I still working a desk job when I have such incredible diet ideas?? I mean the dieting/weight loss industry is a multimillion dollar thing. Oh wait, I know. Because they don’t need my yogurt help. Serves me right.

Day 21

I am thankful for mud on this tire. This mud is from a little ride we took on our property. I am glad we are blessed by being landowners. And I am glad for the mud ridin’ we get to do there!

Day 22I am so thankful for my sweet daughters. You cannot make me believe there are any better kids anywhere. I just don’t know what I would do without them!

Day 23

I am so thankful for these two ladies. This is day 23 of being thankful & on November 23rd, my Mama would have been 67 years old. This is a picture of her & my Mamaw (her mama). This is how I like to remember both of them. My Mama passed away in 2002. She was a wonderful mother & Christian woman. She was loving & kind to everyone. She taught me so much. I miss both of them more than words can say. I am so blessed to have had their examples in my life.

Day 24

I am so thankful for my brother, of whom I affectionately refer to as Bud. He is such a great person, handsome & charismatic. He is a fantastic Dad & husband. He got a lot of maternal instincts from my Mama. He’s a good cook, will clean, & when my niece was little, he fixed her hair for school every day. He takes care of his family & is very loyal. He’s a good planner & organizer. He’s sweet & considerate. He’s the type of person you always want on your team. He always has my back. He is the reason Mama & Daddy had me. They wanted another child as precious as him. I am the reason they did not have any more kids. (True story)

Day 25I am very thankful for this young man with my Daddy. He is my nephew. He is such a kind, sweet spirited boy. He takes after my brother. He always makes time to talk to me. He is very athletic & handsome. He is funny & smart, as well. Before he left my house, the last time, he made everyone well aware that he was the tallest person at our house. That’s ok little nephew. You will always be a sweetie pie to me.

Day 26I am very thankful for my sweet niece. She is officially taller than me…. sad sigh 😦 She is beautiful, talented, funny & smart. She always returns my texts. She is the Snapchat queen. She is tall like my Mama was. She always makes me feel special. She makes me proud to be her aunt.

Day 27I am so thankful for Mr. Sweetie Pants’ ability to keep gum in his mouth. He knows I keep gum in my purse. He always tries to get as much gum out of me as he can. Here’s how the conversation went:

“Grand, I wantgum.”

“I just gave you gum.”

“Grand, I wantgumnow.”

“You still have gum in your mouth, let me see it.”

And there it was.

Day 28I am thankful for my family. This is my brother, his wife, & my Daddy. I love these people to pieces. They are worth getting up early on my day off & cooking breakfast for.

Day 29I am thankful for this sweet family. This is my son, daughter-in-law, & of course Mr. Sweetie pants. They all bring lots of smiles to our lives.

Day 30I am thankful for these two together. I just don’t know what I would do without her or him. She is like a little mama with him. He is a rambunctious, precious little boy. Together, they are a force to be reckoned with. Love. Every. Minute. Of. It.

Whew! Finished this 30 day challenge. I am so blessed & thankful for the fullness of my life. I hope you have enjoyed this little project I did. I am glad you stopped by to visit with me. I would love to stay longer, but I have to be going because I should be washing clothes.

How to make it in a hard time

November 25, 2013November 25, 2013 / kstrick7 / Leave a comment

Sometimes when I have a problem, I let it take me over. It’s all I think about. I just can’t get it off my mind. I want to talk about it, whine about it, be a bit dramatic about it, contemplate “why me”, & so forth & so on. I walk around with a cloud over my head, tensed up, perhaps not very friendly, & then inside the pit of my stomach, it starts to burn. I begin to feel bad all over. I get to thinking nobody has had this bad of a situation EVER! Then, I hear a voice in the back of my head, (which is my mama, God rest her soul). She always would tell me,

“Get ahold of yourself.”

Now, what does that mean, you may ask? Well, my sweet southern mama had her fair share of problems. At what most of us call mid-life, she found out she had Multiple Sclerosis. For years, she fought this disease with such grace. She never relented or let on that she had given in to what life had set before her. She “got ahold” of herself & the life changing event & did not let it overtake her, as a person. It’s so funny. We respected her & loved her so much, that even being bedfast, she still told us all what to do. And we did it, because even though her body was weak, the fire the Lord put down in her was not. She showed us that even though you are right in the middle of a bad situation, it does not have to take ahold of you. Morals & character surface when troubles make themselves present. Let me tell you, my mama had strong Christian convictions & proved to us that living it was the only way to survive. She never held a pity party for long. She encouraged us to follow suit. No matter how out of sorts things got, with the MS, she showed us the Lord had a plan. She strongly believed He was the healer. She did what the doctors said, but in the end, she showed us God has the last say. The message was when you live for the Lord, no problem you have is too big for Him. There is nothing that you & Him can’t handle. No matter what happens it’s for the greater good. We may not see it right then. However, it’s God’s time, not ours.

There were some people in the Bible that thought they had problems. One that comes right to mind is Peter.

Peter denied Christ.

Jesus told him by the time the rooster crowed, he would deny Him three times. (Matthew 26:34) Peter thought that was crazy talk. Until it happened. Historically, it is said, the 3^rd time Peter denied Jesus, Peter looked across the way & locked eyes with the Lord. If that is true, can you imagine what a rush of shame must have come over him? After that he went out & wept bitterly. (Matthew 26:75) Not just a silent, tearful, moment, but bawlin’ his eyes out. Don’t you reckon Peter thought he had created himself a big problem? Poor Peter, I’m glad the story did not end there. Peter got through that awful experience & went on to serve the Lord with great eagerness. He did not let a tragedy paralyze him in the work Jesus needed him to do. He repented, “got ahold of himself” & went on. Thank goodness there is life after problems.

When Mama was sick, we thought we had problems. Big, huge, frightening problems that we did not know how to handle. But you know what happened? Every time we turned around, there was someone there willing to help. Sometimes it was someone sharing their story to let us know they had also been through a similar trial, so we would not feel like we were in this by ourselves. Sometimes it was a homemade cake or meal cooked. Sometimes it was a wonderful helper to relieve us & sit with Mama while we tended to other things. Sometimes it was a friend with a listening ear. In the whole ordeal with her, I never remember feeling like we were alone. It gave us a greater thankfulness & faith in humanity & how God works through people. It strengthened our faith in the Lord, as well. Would we have learned & appreciated all of this, had we not been through this experience? I’m going to say probably not. Was it a wonderful & beautiful thing? Well, if you would have asked me that back in the middle of all of it, I would have absolutely said no. Now, though, I see so many blessings that came out of it, I just can’t keep it to myself! In this storm of life that came our way, I want everyone to know how good God was to us.

Today, I hope you know if you are struggling with a problem, you are not alone. I am here to tell you everybody on the face of this Earth has a struggle. If someone says they don’t, don’t you believe them! We are here to help each other. If you stretch out your hand to help someone, you will be blessed for it, as well. Sometimes it can be hard to admit we have things in our lives that are not so great. However, when we open up, we find a whole lot of support from people, that we never would have imagined. As Christians, we are not told we won’t have problems. We are just given the tools to know how to handle them. What can you do to help someone? Start by smiling at someone today. That may just be all it takes to melt their heart & make their day more bearable.

I have so enjoyed you stopping by today. I hope you are getting that menu ready for your Thanksgiving dinner. We will be hosting another breakfast & dinner at our house, for our family & friends. There are 13 of us now (that just includes my husband, kids & their families) I just can’t put that off on somebody else to try & feed us! My brother & his family will be coming from a faraway land, 200 miles south of us, as well. Miss Neenee has only asked 241 times when her cousins will be getting here. I hope each & every one of you have a happy & healthy Thanksgiving holiday. As for me, I have to be going now, because I should be washing clothes.