Merry CHRISTmas Random Dozen!!

Special thanks to Lid at 2nd Cup of Coffee for hosting this fabulous meme and Merry CHRISTmas to all! You can join in on the festival of fun by clicking the button above and link up for a jolly good time!!

1. Which physical trait do you now accept--maybe not love, but accept--and no longer feel extremely self-conscious about?


My toes. My second toe on both feet are longer than my "big toe" and I would never wear flip flops or open toed shoes because people would always comment on my toes. Now I hope people notice my pretty little skinny feet with which the rest of my body needs to conform!

2. This week Meredith Baxter Birney, best known as the mom on the favorite 80s sitcom "Family Ties" came out of the closet, which led me to formulate this question: Who do you think is/was the best TV mom?

Claire Huxtable. Loved her!

3. Do you speak any foreign languages? Are there any you'd like to learn?

I know a little sign language and enough spanish to really confuse those who do know it well. I would love to learn it well along with Portuguese, German, Russian, Hebrew, and especially Vietnamese so that I have full comprehension when getting toes and nails done!

4. Who is your personal hero?

Jesus Christ my Savior!

5. What is one holiday food that you find extremely difficult to resist over- indulging in?

Stuffing!!!!!!

6. Tell me about a Christmas decoration that has special meaning or sentimental value.

This little yet simple stocking represents one of the last Christmas' that I spent with my dad and my mom together.

7. How do you feel about snow?

I love it when I want it. This picture is of our most recent snow which usually does not happen until after Christmas. Since it was not as cold a it is today (20's) it became slushy and did not stick around.

8. On average, how many hours of sleep do you get each night? Not that I'm jealous of any number over three or anything.

4-6 depending on my "To-Do" list that had yet to be completed. And this time of year I get less because both kids have their birthdays (17th & 22nd) so I make multiple lists and check them all twice.

9. Tell me about your first crush.

Well, when I used to go to Gulf Skate in Corpus Christi,TX, I met this boy who I thought was sooo cute! I went to a different school in 6th grade but when I moved back to Flour Bluff I saw him there!!! I can't begin to explain my excitement!!! There he was one of the cutest boys I had ever seen!!  Oh boy did I have a huge crush on him!! Only for a short time was he actually my boyfriend yet I continued to believe he was the cutest, nicest boy around, then he moved! If you were to ask any friend of mine they would probably still be able to tell you his name. I had it bad!!

10. You're stuck in a room for 2 hours with only a chalkboard and chalk. What will you write/draw?

I would likely write my name until I thought it looked pretty, then draw a few hearts, a horse's head, a lady's face. BUT I would erase it all before anyone saw it!

11. Do you dress for the current temp or for the day's forecast?

The current temp and whether I feel cold or hot at the moment I am looking. I am often very hot while getting ready! lol

12. Favorite Christmas movie is?

This is a loaded question...be careful or "you'll shoot your eye out!" I did love A Christmas Story until I sat down to watch it with my kids!!! But in 2005 my sister-in-love, Joyce, brought Elf to the house and I was sold after recovering from the breath-gasping laughter!!!

So don't be a "cotton-headed ninny-muggins" and take a trip through "the seven levels of the Candy Cane forest, through the sea of swirly twirly gum drops, and then walk through the Lincoln Tunnel," otherwise I'll call you a "South Pole Elf."  Get the movie but take heed DO NOT WATCH ON A FULL STOMACH! I DID THE FIRST TIME I SAW IT...IT WAS ALMOST BAAAAAD! (I know you are singing the MJ song now! lol, if you weren't then you are now!!!)

Lid, This is for you!!!! Thank you for the World's Best 2nd Cup of Coffee...with a Lid!!!



Come on back tomorrow where you can link up and share your randomness with the world. Or about 50 other people, usually.
 
Merry CHRISTmas to all!!
Chel

Random Dozen!!! Linking Up Some Love...lol

Our friend, mentor, and just down right lovely lady, Lid, has posed some very fun yet deep questions. (psst. I can't wait to read some of these!) Join us for some fun with Random Questions served up in a Dozen!

1. Which Wizard of Oz character are you most like?


Hmmm, if I only had a brain I could answer this question.

2. When you're deciding what you're going to wear each morning, which item do you select first? Why?

My bottom half is first because that is where I have more trouble selecting what actually fits.

3. What kind of animal do you think the world could live without?

MOskeeetoz!


4. How many Christmas trees are in your home?

Only one. I want two but that will happen some day.


5. Would you prefer to be emotionless if it mean you didn't have to feel a heartbreak?

Nope, nuh uh, nev-ah!


6. Do you ever experience holiday let-down or depression?

Oh sure.

7. Do you like Michael Jackson's music?

Some.

8. Why is it that we never judge people who have their teeth fixed for cosmetic reasons, but every other cosmetic procedure has a stigma?

Hmmm. If I were to take a shot at this I would venture to say that adjusting some parts can bring about lust, if you make a spectacle of it. Aren't we not to be stumbling blocks? Invoking lust would definitely be tossing some blocks out if you know what I mean.

With that said, there are just somethings that HAVE to be fixed lol, it all boils down to presentation.

I am fine with whatever surgery if it is for you and our spouse but when you make a point to show others, well...you know. It is like a lovely lady named Janet White said at her Feminar (http://www.macbc.org/SpecialEvents/Feminar/tabid/74/Default.aspx),

"Ladies, Wives, "those" are for YOUR husbands or your future husband's pleasure, not your neighbor's husband." love it. (quoting from Songs of course)

9. Enjoy horseback riding?

Yes. One time, when I was 15, I rode for the first time in years and had to stay home from school the next day because I could not walk. My inner thighs were screaming, "Don't - you - ever - do - THAT - again!" lol

10. Shoes--practical or stylish?

It just has to be both. I buy lots of stylish but my feet do not agree every day. My Brighton, Sarah's, fixed that problem! Cute and Comfy - Black and Brown! They cover basics and vanity, lol!!!

11. What was the name of your first pet? Feel free to post a pic.

I do not have pictures handy but my first pet that I remember was a kitty cat named Scribbles. My mom brought her home from the plant nursery, Turner's Gardenland, and she gave birth to Simon.

12. What percentage of your Christmas shopping is done?

About 70%!!! Yea! I am accustomed to being done or closer to it by now. Arg, the limits of limited cash flow!

Just Put on Your SONday Best!

Boy oh boy, if there has ever been proof, I've seen it now.

You know we, meaning Christians have heard talk after talk and sermon after sermon telling us that "they" are watching. Well we know they are, they all are. Our walk is measured and our talk is weighed.

During this season, His season, let us live in a manner worthy of the calling and the Gospel of Christ. And as my precious Uncle John says, "That None Should Perish!"

We really look no different than the world, truly. Obviously we are all human but as Christians this world is not our home. Our stats, our sins are equivalent yet worse because they are stumbling blocks to Christ in the lives of others. Oh how precious it is to know my destiny but more so to know my Savior. I long to spend time with Him even if I have let Him down. I know that His rebuke is for my well being and to help me live in the manner I request. A life that pleases Him.

It blessed my  soul to read where Sandra Bullock says that she now knows there are Christians who have an authentic faith. WOW. So many have not shown the authenticity of Christ to her. I am speechless! Perhaps that what many should be including me (often), speechless. lol

Evangelism does not have to be as hard as we make it out to be. Just live and love like Christ and the rest will manifest outwardly to others.

It is so important that the "world" gets out of the Church, out of the Body. My previous Sunday School teacher likened it to the scuba diver. He is "in" the ocean but not "of" the ocean. Then I reflected on scriptures which call us to this without a doubt. In order to make it more fun allow me to apply some good old fashioned grammatical rules to our Scriptures.

If I believe in Christ then I am a new creation. Right? 2 Cor. 5:17)

If I am a new creation, my old self is gone. Right? (Ro. 6:6)

If my old self is gone then I am now created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. (Eph. 4:24)

If I live a righteous life in the holiness of God in Christ then I will clean the inside of the cup before the outside. (Matt. 23:25)

With those "if then" statements said I can only agree that others like Sandra Bullock are listening and watching therefore my actions must represent my beliefs. Now, "if" I am like that "then" the Holy Spirit can work with me.

Read this article and rejoice with me that finally Christ was represented well and it has been noticed. There are two types of judgmental people....Those who wait and watch for the Christian to fail and those who claim to be righteous while faulting the blind for not seeing. (Thank you Dr. Johnny Hunt for that quote.) How many of us not only misrepresent our beliefs with our actions but also fault the blind for not being able to see? The Holy Spirit is the only giver of "that" type of sight, not me, not us. Be an example worth following so that you can boast in Christ and not in your deeds.

Just put on your SONday best!

http://www.onenewsnow.com/Culture/Default.aspx?id=792418&sms_ss=facebook

LOS ANGELES - Actress Sandra Bullock says meeting Leigh Anne Tuohy, who she portrays in The Blind Side, showed her there really are some Christians who "walk the walk."



The film, which opened the week before Thanksgiving, presents the true story of the Tuohys -- a well-off white family in Tennessee -- who welcome a homeless black youth into their home and then adopt him as their son. That young man, Michael Oher, became an All-American selection for Ole Miss and a first-round draft pick. He now plays for the NFL's Baltimore Ravens.

Bullock says thanks to the Tuohys, who attend Grace Evangelical Church in Memphis, she now has "faith in those who say they represent a faith." Getting to know Leigh Anne Tuohy, says the actress, showed her that religious faith can be authentic. "She was so open and honest and forthright," Bullock shares, "and I said, wow, I finally met someone who practices but doesn't preach."

Tuohy isn't like some hypocritical church-goers she's known, adds Bullock. "The beauty of Leigh Anne was one of my biggest questions was how people use their faith and their religion as a banner," she says. "And then they don't do the right thing, but they go 'I'm a good Christian and I go to church and this is the way you should live your life.'"

Bullock admits she was wary of Christians before she met the Tuohys. "Whereas...before I was like, do not give me a lecture on how to live my life when I know I'm a pretty decent human being," says the actress. "I might not go to church everyday, but I know I do the right thing or try to. You're going to church and you're still sleeping around on your wife...how are you better than I am? So I finally met people who walk the walk."

Leigh Anne Tuohy says she hopes The Blind Side inspires more people to help others. "You don't have to go out and bring a child into your home -- that's not what's required," says Tuohy. "But you can do something -- everybody is capable of doing something. So whatever your something is, do it well. Make a difference."

Oher's mom says she enforces a behavior code when she watches her adopted son play for the Baltimore Ravens. "I had to have a little 'come to Jesus' talk with my section at [the] Ravens' stadium," she says. "I had to explain to everyone that, okay, we're going to have a change of attitude. There is a two-drink limit, there is no cussing in this [section]. You don't know who you're sitting next to -- I'm a player's mom."

The Blind Side has earned more than $100 million dollars at the box office so far.
Read 'The Blind Side' should trouble as well as inspire
(Commentary by Star Parker)

WOW! See they could have tried to impress Sandra with how wonderful and good they are but instead the Holy Spirit was allowed to make HIS impression. Oh, I know we will not live perfect lives but please Lord enable us to live surrendered lives in our SONday best! (everyday)

Chel

Happy Thanks-LIVING....Eternally!!! (John 3:16)

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

Always remember from where you have lifted and continue to look up!

I thank you and praise you dear Lord Jesus for cleansing a sinner like me and making me whole. With my whole life I want to thank you for teaching me Your ways and showing me Your path. I pray that you never allow me to stray and keep me from being useless to and in Your Kingdom. I love you Jesus and I want my whole life to show it. Amen


As a Baptist not only was John 3:16 my first verse to memorize but it is the most engraved upon my soul.
My Savior moved not just mountains for me but myself from me and entered into my life. I remember how I was, all of the gorey details but I am so thankful that is the past. I am certain failure lingers ever so closely but with Christ I am kept in perfect peace regardless of trials and circumstances. I am able to face the days ahead of me as I live with Thanks-Living.

When deep within my rebellion the Lord tapped me and reminded me of His plans for me:

Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." I was ready for the future and I decided I was ready for HIS future in my life.

I was deeply ignorant, but I thank my LORD, He sent a Savior! (1 Timothy 1:12-17) I can honestly say I am chief sinner here as well although that is not a headdress I would be proud to display. If sinning were a competition I would have most you beat; again not a proud feat at all for me.


God just flat astonishes me; this Savior swept me right off my feet and I am still reeling and relishing this dance. His agape love that reaches beyond all understanding and without limits was expressed to someone like me, sinful, broken, putrid, and hideous. Yet He loved me and all of us so much that He committed His one and only son to be our sacrifice, bestowing Jesus to us.


You know the 10 Commandments??? Been there broke that. (sigh) BUT on a more positive note, I believe God wants me to see the potential HE realizes for me and I think I found that Truth revealed in John 3:16. So I wanted to to take this time to share with you that all familiar passage. But please I beg of you read it as if you have never read it before and allow the truth of the root words to bury themselves deep within your soul. You will be ready to shout hallelujah, I promise you!




I knew that looking deep into this verse would rise up a huge amount of gratitude in my heart. And since it is very familiar to me I obviously needed a fresh perspective. So, join me as I thank the Lord for giving me His only Son, securing my eternity, and making me useful.


The following summary was created by using the words found in John 3:16 via Strong's, and interpreted from the Greek root words:

"Indeed, God loved His creation beyond compare, in such a way, He supplied His one and only son in order that each and everyone would put full confidence into Him. Then they will not be destroyed or rendered useless instead giving the exception to the possession of a full active vigorous life wholly devoted to God without end."

I don't know about you but that just blew me away! Our need, His supply so we will not be useless!!!!



How can we have the full active life without end if we do not first put our trust in HIM?



All because He first loved us! I am speechless and breathless.


Now as you celebrate Thanksgiving think of it as Thanks-LIVING! Praise HIM with this song and have a very blessed week! Now, get your empty coffee cup....

Randommmmm Dozen! Ain't 8 Great?

This is one of the most fun meme's around!!! It is the Random Dozen by Lid! Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee hosts this fabulous blog meme! Grab the button go to hers and link up!! Dive in, go ahead, you'll be glad you did!!

1. Candy corn: Your thoughts?

Sweet, orange, yummy, makes my daughter go crazy every year! She just loves them with a huge intensity!

2. Briefly, what was the first conversation you ever had with your spouse? (or best friend, if you're not married.) (Or someone significant, like your librarian.)

Hmmmm, 17 years ago....that's...Oops Not saying that. This is a very interesting questinon! tee hee!!!! Ok, I just got a little distracted watching the Bio on Bio for Sam Walton! Very good!! Back on track...must have adhd meds soon! Oh, yes conversation with my spouse, the first one.....Well the only one I can think of was our first dinner at El Chico. He asked if I was afraid to eat to which I said no and ate my meal. Then he asked me if I liked the Dallas Cowboys, I said yes, and he said that we could now continue to date. I bet he is wishing I did not like to eat now!! hahahahahaaha!

3. Could you ever become a vegetarian?

Yes, my Grannie always thought I was. I guess I was weird. No meat, no bread, no seasoning or butter on anything....now I wonder why I would have made that previous comment. lol

4. Have you ever dressed up your pet in a costume?

Not really, I only just put a hat on my little guy in the store, but I did not buy it! Look at him!!! Bogey is the Best!!! Cassablanca's Bogart is my sweetie heart doll baby. He's a Mama's boy.

5. Name something about childhood that you miss (like Clark Bars, Teaberry Gum, Malibu Barbie, cracking fake eggs on people's heads with your fist and "It's the Great Pumpkin" airing only once a year).

My mom
My Rhinestone Cowboy album and my Rudolph Christmas album
Tinkerbell Perfume and Make-up!
Strawberry Shortcake!
Skipper doll & my Farah doll sure wish I had that still!!!
Munchichi!!!
And my entire Raggedy Ann collection...ok well that is just a little too much thought into "stuff" but it is always attached to memories. So I wonder why I get called sentimental!?!

6. Have you ever won a trophy? If not, what do you deserve a trophy for?

yes

7. When do you think is the appropriate time to begin playing Christmas music each year?

All year!!! It just livens up my spirits especially when rightly focused on Christ!! I love strolling down memory lane often so all year is good with me. I just listened to my Josh Groban Christmas the other day while cleaning and cooking in the kitchen. His Oh Holy Night is the absolute best you must download it!

8. What's your favorite board game?

Yahtzee, and if that doesn't really count then Clue with my son, cards with my family, and Life with my BFF sista Chel at Legacy. We played that till the wheel nearly spun off, and Hungry hippos when feeling silly! That is great!

9. How do you feel about surprises (receiving, not giving)?

Love them!!!!

10. Is it easy for you to say, "I'm sorry?"

Depends on the person, usually it is easy. Some people make it hard to give an apology to and other times the pride is a factor.

11. What is your favorite candle scent?

That's easy well sort of! Dreamers....Hawaiian Pardise (Plumeria) and Ritzy Raspberry Ripple; Morenci Candles....Banana Nut Bread & Yankee (most of them) & Bath and Body Works is the Brown Sugar and Plum!!!

12. October is traditionally "open house" time in public schools. If you had a literal open house in your home (like a reception) what light snacks would you serve visitors and what would you show them (as in art projects, graded papers) that would uniquely represent you?

Pumpkin Dip With Anna's Ginger Thins (See this post......Fall Into Flavor - jumped the gun post) {click on the words in ( )}
Little Quiche
Cream Cheese with Sweet and Spicy Jelly over it and Wheat Thins
Homemade Salsa and Queso
Homemade German choc. cake
Drip Beef with sourdough rolls

Something(s) that represent me...my kids, my heart trinket boxes, my first drawing of a face ever, I've been told it looks a bit like my mom, you tell me. It was not intended nor was I looking at it. Funny huh? (see pics below, the drawing is chalk) my quilt made by Linda from church (oh my I just totally spelled it Lidna first!) My orange counter tops in my kitchen and my lilac/purple bathroom (tub, sink, and toilet are that color)

Thanks Linda!! These are fun!
Chel