Blessed Assurance

Blessed Assurance

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!

Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!

Heir of salvation, purchase of God,

Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.

Refrain:

This is my story, this is my song,

Praising my Savior all the day long;

This is my story, this is my song,

Praising my Savior all the day long.

Perfect submission, perfect delight,

Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;

Angels, descending, bring from above

Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.

Perfect submission, all is at rest,

I in my Savior am happy and blest,

Watching and waiting, looking above,

Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.

Faith and Love

This morning I received some very sad news. My friend who has been battling brain cancer for quite sometime has now found out that there is a new inoperable tumor in the center of his brain. There is also a new very aggressive tumor in the temple area. The doctor said an operation is not a good option and they have decided that trying another kind of chemo to try and slow it down is the best option. There is only a 10% chance that this will work. If it does not work he will slip into a coma in approximately two weeks and as his wife has said he will be celebrating Christmas with the King of Kings. My heart breaks for this couple. They are still so young.

They have been an amazing encouragement to all that know them as their faith and love are so strong you can feel it. Through all this trial their faith hasn't wavered and their love has only grown stronger. They have been such a blessing to me.

They posted this on their blog....

"This happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life". John 9:3

Your prayers would be most appreciated.

Blessings,

Liisa

Works For Me Wednesday

This is my first time participating in Works-For-Me Wednesday but I wanted to share what works for me at lunch time. I have four little ones to feed each day. One of them is only 9 months old so I need to feed him myself and he is often in a REALLY big hurry to eat. It can be a little stressful trying to get the others lunch while he is letting me know (loudly) that he is ready to eat. What I do now is to make lunches in the morning before we go out for our walk. I can get this done while the little one naps and the girls are doing their craft. Then when we come home it is all ready and all I have to do is set it out for them. If it is a hot dish I just microwave it for 30 seconds and we are ready to eat. This really works for me. For more ideas visit Rocks In My Dryer.

Blessings,
Liisa

Peer Pressure

It isn't always easy to do what is right. I was just downstairs with my son and his friends and they were trying to get him to sing for them. He is very good but very shy about singing in front of people. Anyway, he jokingly says to them he is not one to give into peer pressure so he won't sing.

This just got me to thinking about a comment my friend made to me today. She was saying that even other Christian women sometimes make it hard to do what is right. She had made the choice to step out of some ministries so that she could devote more time to her husband and her family. I think this is a wonderful thing. Unfortunately not everyone feels this way. She has had other well meaning ladies trying to pull her in another direction. It is much like peer pressure. It is hard to stand firm in our decision to devote more time to home and family when you have other women encouraging you to do the opposite. They mean well and some may say it is a shame to waste your gifts but they may not realize that our homes are our primary mission field! We have little ones and husbands not to mention other family members that need us. When the time is right there is nothing wrong with volunteering for church activities and ministries but it is important that your priorities are in order.

It is so important to encourage each other to do what is right. By doing that we can build strong marriages and families that serve the Lord together.

Blessings,
Liisa

Snowballs

These are my favorite Christmas cookie but are wonderful all year....

Snowballs

1 cup dates

1 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup butter

1 egg

Cook until thick.

Cool.

Add:

2 cups Rice Krispies

1/2 tsp. vanilla

Roll into balls and roll in coconut.

Enjoy!

Blessings,

Liisa

Cookie Day!

Yesterday was "cookie day" at my friend Nancy's house. She invited several of us to her home in the country to bake a variety of cookies. This was a wonderful way to get to know some of the younger ladies as well as encourage them in their baking skills.

We made sugar cookies, macaroons, chocolate no bake cookies, snowballs, peanut butter marshmallow squares and graham wafer delights. My men were quite please with what I brought home and I have half a plate of cookies left out of three plates! ~smile~

It was so much fun and I just hope that we can perhaps make this an annual event. We were thinking about having cooking days perhaps once a month as well.

Here are a few pictures from Cookie Day!

One of the favors.

Kitchen all set up for us.

Ashley, Jessica, Nancy and Lynda getting started.

Tidy up time.

The cookies being packaged up.

Blessings,

Liisa

Busy Day

Yesterday I had to go a city about 45 minutes away for some tests with a specialist. I had to be there at 7:30 a.m. for a 9 a.m. appointment. This wouldn't have been any problem except that we got what the weather people were calling "the first winter storm of the year". It started with freezing rain, then ice pellets, and then snow. The roads were VERY icy. I am just so grateful that my wonderful hubby had taken the day off to drive me there. He is an amazing driver and isn't bothered by bad weather conditions. There was much prayer going on as we slid around quite a bit on the ice. However God is faithful and answers prayers and we made it -on time even! However the result of the testing was that I didn't feel up to do doing much for the rest of the day so today has been a busy day of catch up.

The mother of one of my friends from church passed away yesterday. She was 1 day past her 100th birthday. She is now home with the Lord. What a comfort to family and friends left behind to have that assurance.

I was so glad that I had gone crazy in the fall and made way too many cabbage rolls for the freezer. This enabled me to take some out and take them over to my friend so that she and her husband will have a quick meal ready for lunch or dinner today and not have to worry about what to have or what to cook. It is a blessing to have foods that are quick to make on hand or prepared foods in the freezer for when someone is ill or there is a death in the family. I often have cooked chicken cut up in the freezer and other ingredients on hand so I can make a chicken pot pie quickly for someone. Or I make a ground beef pie by browning ground beef adding a can of mushrooms and gravy I saved in the freezer from past roasts. I mix it all together and put it in a pie crust and bake until the crust is golden. Quick and easy but welcome. One of my friends has lasagnas ready in her freezer. If she has surprise company, or someone needs a meal she is ready.

Today I have beef stew going for dinner and have caught up on many of the neglected chores from yesterday. My little monkeys are all down for a nap thank goodness! It has been a bit of a trying morning with them.

Tonight I need to cut my hubby's hair and iron clothes for tomorrow night when we go to his Christmas party at work. We get to dress up, have a wonderful meal and perhaps I'll even get in a slow dance or two with my husband. ~smile~

I better get back to my busy day!


Blessings,

Liisa

Cinnamon Swirl Bread

Here is the recipe for the cinnamon swirl bread in case anyone else wanted to try it....

Cinnamon Swirl Bread

2 cups all purpose flour

1 1/2 cups sugar, divided

1 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

1 cup sour milk (1tbsp. vinegar in 1 cup of milk and let stand for a minute)

1 egg

1/4 cup vegetable oil

3 tsp. cinnamon

Icing : 1/4 cup icing sugar, 1 1/2 tsp. milk

-Combine flour, 1 cup sugar, baking soda and salt.

-In another bowl combine sour milk, egg and oil. Add to dry ingredients and stir just until moistened.

-In a small bowl combine remaining sugar and cinnamon.

-Grease bottom only of a loaf pan.

-Pour half the batter into the pan and top with half the cinnamon sugar mixture. Carefully spread with remaining batter and sprinkle with remaining cinnamon sugar.

-Cut through batter with a knife to swirl and bake at 350 degrees for 45-50 minutes.

-Cool for 10 minutes in pan before removing to wire rack to cool completely.

-Mix icing ingredients and drizzle over loaf.

Enjoy!

Blessings,

Liisa

Playgroup and Other Happenings

Well, it is gloomy, rainy kind of day here but that is o.k. because today is playgroup day. The little ones are over joyed, they look forward to Wednesday's all week. Playgroup is run by the Early Years center and they provide all kinds of wonderful toys, crafts, activities, songs and stories. It is also a great opportunity to meet with other moms and caregivers for some adult conversation! We can discuss issues and offer advice as well as just visit - I enjoy it almost as much as the children. ~smile~ I am especailly looking forward to it as my friend Lisa will be there today!

My house is filled with the smell of cinnamon right now as I am making a cinnamon swirl bread. This is the first time I have made it but it smells wonderful.

This afternoon during nap time I hope to be able to do some ironing and perhaps work on a project or two. I will also start the chili for dinner which we will have with biscuits. Perfect food for a chilly day!

Tonight is a night to just relax at home as a family. Since Monday night I had a Social Team meeting at the church and last night my hubby was busy at a friend's farm and my son had his girlfriend over I am really looking forward to us all being together this evening.

Blessings,

Liisa

Kiss Him Goodbye

I talked with a man once who was recently divorced and asked him what happened. He couldn't pin point any one thing but he said one of the things that hurt him the most was that his wife had never seen him off or greeted him when he got home.

Wow! That seems like a small thing and yet it hurt him the most. He said he felt like she didn't care if he ever came back and when he did come back he felt unappreciated and unloved.

Strive to see your husband off to work, go to the door tell him you love him, tell him to be careful and kiss him goodbye. No matter what you are doing it can wait 2 minutes while you do this. Is your husband not more important than any chore?

For some of you your husband may leave while you are still asleep. Set your alarm, get up and see him off. How he will appreciate knowing how much you care. 2 minutes that's all it takes then you can go back to bed or get a head start on your day. It will be worth the effort.

I always think what if the unthinkable happens will I have to regret not making time to tell my hubby I love him and send him off properly. So many people wish they had told loved ones they loved them one more time - don't take that chance.

Here is a good time to mention another key to a happy marriage that fits in with this. Settle arguments right away. Don't let them stew and ferment and turn into something bigger and uglier than they should. It is so important that you and your spouse do not leave the house without settling things and parting on good terms. If you do then it just carries on. It taints both of your days and when you come together at the end of the day it's become harder to resolve.

Now when he returns home stop what you are doing, get up and go to him. Let him know you love him, that you missed him and give him a hug and a kiss. Ask about his day, be sweet and loving. He will always look forward to coming home if he is greeted this way.

I'm sure that the couple I mentioned earlier had a lot more problems than this but it would only have taken four minutes out of her day to make her husband feel loved, appreciated and cared for. Who knows the difference that could have made.

Blessings,

Liisa

Respect your Husband

Respect is so important to a happy marriage. Many women don't respect their husbands and it shows in everything they do.

When you don't respect your husband you are likely to talk down to him, treat him like he's an idiot or one of the children.

There is a stereotype of the poor stupid man who is not capable of the simplest task without the explicit instructions from his wife which he usually messes up anyway. This stereotype is promoted in most sitcoms and commercials and even children's programs' and story books.

There is also the phenomenon known as man bashing. Women get together and discuss the faults, mistakes and shortcomings of their men. I used to join in wholeheartedly much to my shame. I also used to make derogatory comments about my husband in front of him and others all in the name of humour. How hurtful those comments can be and how I regret every one I made.

It is important that your husband receives the respect he deserves. Make him feel he's special and important because he is.

You may be thinking that your husband has to earn your respect. His position as the man you chose to be your husband entitles him to that respect. Believe me if you always tell someone they can't do anything right or point out their faults they will eventually start to believe you and act the way they are expected to. But if you build them up they will live up to it.

If you build up your husband and make him feel respected and important then he will not be so susceptible to comments from other women that stroke his ego.

One comment I've heard from men who cheated or left their wives is that they got no respect at home. So when a woman comes along, perhaps at work who tells him he is great, appreciates his work, tells him he can do anything, has confidence in him and treats him with respect he is seduced by that if he is not getting it at home. Everyone wants to feel good about themselves.

Another helpful reminder is to not attempt to boss your husband around. He is a grown man, not a child. He is fully capable of completing tasks and making decisions. Take a look at how you and your husband interact. Do you bark orders at your husband? Do you explain things to him like he is a child? Do you always tell him what he can and cannot do? Do you try and control all his free time - do you tell him how he must spend it?

Treat your husband as he deserves to be treated. Let's build our men up and not tear them down. In turn you will gain a husband that lives up to your respect and loves you even more than ever before.

Proverbs 14:1 The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.

Ephesians 5:33 However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

Blessings,

Liisa

My Little Helper

I had some "help" this evening when I was sewing up a new apron........







Blessings,
Liisa

Stepford Wives

I must live under a rock. I say that alot and sometimes I am glad that I have no idea what is going on in the world, but I say that now because I never realized that Stepford Wives was a feminist book. I know, I know, like I said I must live under a rock. ~smile~

I have this book and the original movie and I always thought it was the complete opposite. I thought it showed the unhappiness that results in husbands when their wives neglect them and their home. I am not saying that what the men did was right in any way shape or form but I always thought about why they did it. What drove them to a place where the thought of this seemed like a good idea?

When you see what the women were like before you see why the husbands are so unhappy. After they are stepford wives you see what the husbands felt was lacking in their marriage.

I think that to spite the weirdness of it all there are lessons to be had here. What things would your husband like to see you do? Are you neglecting your home in favor of other activities? Are you neglecting him? Are there things he asks of you that you just don't do? Have you let yourself go?

I admit I am overweight and in the evening you will find me in comfy and not so attractive clothes but during the day I make the effort to dress well and have my hair and makeup done though I am at home most of the time. I am also trying to lose the weight...however chocolate is just so tasty! ~wink~

I make the effort to have the house clean and organized for my hubby but I have fallen short in this area lately with too much going on. So I need to get back on track there as well.
This falls under neglecting your home in favor of other activities. I have also resorted to convenience foods more and more often as I am busy and to be honest sometimes just lazy. I am commited to preparing meals and snacks myself and stocking up the freezer for those times when I just don't have the energy to make it.

I have also failed to always be there for my hubby and look after the things he asks me to. ~sigh~ It is hard to admit when you fail but I think it is important to be honest and therefore be accountable to get my act together.

Perhaps because I live under a rock I learned things from this story weird and creepy though it may be.

Blessings,
Liisa

These Days

Just thought I'd give a little glimpse into life in our home these days....

Yesterday I had 10 + teenagers in our home after school so that they could practice for the "Coffee House" at the high schol last night. The coffee house is an opportunity for students to perform for others while raising money. They can play music, read poems, read stories, do a skit, dance etc. My son was playing guitar (an acoustic set) with two of his friends as well as playing guitar for several girls who were singing. So that led them all here! I was making a double batch of oatmeal chocolate chip cookies and by the end of the evening there was not a cookie to be seen! It was like being invaded by cookie monsters! I am so glad that they feel comfortable in our home and enjoy the cookies I make ~smile~ I love to have the house full of life and it doesn't get much more lively than teenagers!

I went with my nephew to watch them all perform since my husband had to be with my mother in law for the evening. I am just blown away by the talent of these teens. (Not just my own since ofcourse he was the highlight of the entire evening!) but all of them. Wow!

This morning I was folding up all the clothes from the wee boy that stayed with us so that I could send them on to him when I got a phone call. He was to come back and stay with us tonight but now we just found out that he and his sister are off to a group home for the night instead. Pray for them please. We were so hoping to be able to keep him but I am just praising the Lord that they are out of danger and will be cared for wherever they end up. God is faithful and He hears and answers prayers.

This morning I had my annual safety inspection, review and contract renewal for the agency I work through. I am licensed for childcare so there is alot of paper work, inspections etc. So that was a busy time getting ready for that and making sure everything was in order.

I only have one little monkey today since my others are siblings and are away due to one of them having strep throat. I am praying it misses our home and the wee one I have here now. He is teething and I can't imagine what strep throat would be like on top of that, especially for one so young.

It has been rainy and sleeting here today so we didn't get out for our walk this morning. I will take some time to do my errands on the way to clean the church tonight.

Tonight we are having barbecued smoked pork chops left over from last night, macaroni and cheese and peas.

All in all it has been a good couple of days, emotional but good!

Blessings,

Liisa

In Chirst Alone

This is one of my favorite songs. I thought I would share the lyrics......

In Christ Alone

In Christ alone my hope is found

He is my light, my strength, my song

This Cornerstone, this solid ground

Firm through the fiercest drought and storm

What heights of love, what depths of peace

When fears are stilled, when strivings cease

My Comforter, my All in All

Here in the love of Christ I stand

In Christ alone, who took on flesh

Fullness of God in helpless babe

This gift of love and righteousness

Scorned by the ones He came to save

'Till on that cross as Jesus died

The wrath of God was satisfied

For every sin on Him was laid

Here in the death of Christ I live

There in the ground His body lay

Light of the world by darkness slain

Then bursting forth in glorious Day

Up from the grave He rose again

And as He stands for victory

Sin's curse has lost it's grip on me

For I am His and He is mine

Bought with the precious blood of Christ

No guilt in life, no fear in death

This is the power of Christ in me

From life's first cry to final breath

Jesus commands my destiny

No power of hell, no scheme of man

Can ever pluck me from His hand

'Till He returns or calls me home

Here in the power of Christ I'll stand

Blessings,

Liisa

Broken Hearted

The little boy that stayed with us overnight had to go home this afternoon. My heart breaks for this wee one and his sister. Please pray for them.

Blessings,

Liisa

Thanks be to God

In my online Bible study this morning we were reading 2 Corinthians 9. As I read the last verse I was struck by how thankful I am. Verse 15 reads....Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!I am so very thankful for salvation and for Jesus and I am also thankful for little things.

Yesterday my friend called and told me there were children in need of some help. I have been blessed to care for a wonderful little boy overnight. He is just 3 and has had such a rough go in life. Prayer is needed for this little one and his sister. He has already worked his way into our hearts and it breaks mine to think of him returning home. His father allowed him to visit with us but so far it was just for overnight. I am so thankful that I was given the opportunity to take in this little one and love him, snuggle him and protect him. I pray that he will not have to return to the life he was living. It is my hope that his father will seek help and one day they can be reunited as a family but for now I pray he will be able to stay here or with another family that will care for him in the way he deserves to be cared for.

This wee boy has been a gift to me and I am thankful.

Blessings,

Liisa

Busy Weekend!

My goodness what a busy busy weekend! My hubby was off on a fishing trip with his friend so Friday evening I was able to host a "Girls Night" here in my home. We had a wonderful time....great friends, great food.....way too much great food! I would encourage you if you are able to have one of these nights yourself. I invited 7 women over and we watched the Liz Curtis Higgs video "Really Bad Girls of the Bible". It was so funny and yet so full of encouragement and advice for reaching out to others. We had planned to watch another movie as well but we got so busy chatting and eating and chatting some more and eating some more that the evening flew by! It was a blessing to enjoy fellowship with other Christian ladies and as an opportunity to reach out to some who are still searching as well. I served a Mexican Layered Dip, Stuffed Mushrooms (which are so easy...see the recipe below). Salsa and Tortillas, Summer Sausage and Cheese plate and Chocolate Covered Cherries.....you can't have a Girls Night without chocolate ~smile~ and various beverages. Simple to plan and pull together but the evening so much fun!

Stuffed Mushrooms

2- 8oz. pkgs. mushrooms

2 Italian sausages

1 pkg. cream cheese

Wash mushrooms, dry and remove stems.

Remove casings from sausage and fry until cooked through.

Put cooled sausage into a food processor and pulse until finely chopped.

Add Cream Cheese and process until well blended.

Fill mushrooms with filling and bake in 350 degree oven for approx. 15 minutes. Time varies with size of mushrooms so check frequently.

Yesterday I was busy in the morning with a project and then went to a nearby city to pick up a DVD I had been wanting for sometime. While we were there I found these......

But they were filled with a New York Cheesecake filling! Does it really get any better than that? It does actually because each package of 5 (they are bigger than normal kisses) was only 44 cents! I thought that some of the ladies at church that I know LOVE chocolate would love these so a grabbed a few extra packages and wrapped them in a band of scrapbook paper and put their names on them. Here is a picture of them....

I hope they enjoy them as much as I did!

Last night I was blessed to attend the renewal of vows ceremony and dinner of friends of ours. It was beautiful but made me miss my hubby even more! He comes home today! Yippee!

Now this morning we have a guest speaker at church and my son is playing guitar for praise and worship and I have some work to do before the service starts so I better get moving!

Blessings,

Liisa

I just read a great letter written by Laine of Laine's Letters. You can read this letter here... http://http//www.lainesletters.com/letters/callingolderwomen.html

It is about the role older women can play in encouraging younger women in their calling as wives and mothers. It is so sad that in this day and age many women just do not possess the skills necessary to run a home properly. They just don't know how to cook, clean, bake or even care for their children. This is through no fault of their own . I have had such a heart for these poor women who have received no training in these areas. Imagine starting a new job and your boss just says "o.k go to it". No instruction on what you are supposed to do, no training at all. How well do you suppose you would do? It would be scary and overwhelming and you would just fumble along trying your best but not really succeeding.

Many women have taught themselves homemaking skills but it is a long hard road when you do it that way. I can remember when I was first married trying to make some chocolate cut out cookies. They came out grey which should have been my first indication that something had gone horribly, horribly wrong....but I proudly offered one to my hubby and he ate it with a smile on his face! They were truly awful and rock hard! He was so sweet and kind. This is also the same man who wore one of the ugliest scarves ever made because I had knit it for him. Fortunately those days are mostly behind me though I still cannot make decent gravy, which strangely also turns out grey ~smile~

I think it is so important that we who have more experience come along side these women and help them to find their way and encourage them. Share your knowledge with a younger woman that may be struggling or with a teen who will one day have a home of her own. I am sure we all know someone who would welcome this kind of help.

We can help by having a day when women can all get together and bake or make casseroles. Invite someone to go shopping with you and include a stop at the grocery store there you may find opportunities to talk about produce selection, cleaning supplies, meat selection, menu planning. Just be careful it doesn't come across as a school field trip! ~smile~ . Some other ways would be to invite these ladies to help prepare meals for church events or ask them to help cleaning the church. You could start a playgroup at your church which is the perfect place to get together for fellowship but also a natural place to discuss childcare issues etc. in a group. Perhaps start a book study on one of many wonderful books out there for wives and have a format where questions about daily life are encouraged.

There are so many ways to reach out to younger ladies in love and respect and help them along in their journey! I hope we can all follow the example set out for us in Titus 2:3-5......

"Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the Word of God."

Blessings,

Liisa

White as Snow

We awoke this morning to a winter wonderland! This picture was taken from my front porch looking down the street. I love snow and I especially love the way everything is so fresh and new. I was thinking about that as I was doing my online Bible study this morning.
We were reading 2 Corinthians 5 this morning and this verse really stood out for me....

2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

When we accept Christ we are a new creation. We are fresh and new!

That put me in mind of this scripture.....

Psalm 103:11-12 (New International Version)
11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him;
12 as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

They are gone! You can't get further away than east is from west. God is so very good.

I am just praising the Lord today for all He has done for me and enjoying the beauty outside!
Blessings,
Liisa

What a Blessing!

What a wonderful surprise awaited me in my inbox this morning! I have won a signed copy of ....

I am just thrilled, what a blessing! Thank you to Jennie Chancey and Stacy McDonald for your generosity!

You can get more information on this book or purchase a copy of your own here

Blessings,
Liisa

Liz Curtis Higgs

Liz Curtis Higgs was the keynote speaker for the conference. What an incredible woman! She was just amazing. If you are not familiar with her work I would encourage you to visit her website which is www.lizcurtishiggs.com

Here is a picture of her with a few of our girls and some pictures from the candle light banquet Saturday night.


Kathy, Liz Curtis Higgs, Amy and Leanne

Wilma, Anne and Carmen

Jen, Leanne, Kathy, Nancy, Pat, Eunice and
Lynn

Kathy, Nancy, Pat, Eunice and Lynn

Blessings,

Liisa

I'm Back!

I am back and what fun we had! It was such an incredible weekend! Souls were saved! Bonds were strengthened! We were refreshed, uplifted and renewed! Praise the Lord for such a wonderful trip in every way! Here are some pictures from our free time which we spent exploring Niagara Falls........


Amy,Leanne, Kathy, Wilma and Eunice.




Wilma and Leanne sporting their Sunday bonnets.

Leanne, Jen and Wilma

Leanne and I with our new friends!



Blessings,
Liisa

I just had to pop in for a minute before we go to let you know that the book Passionate Housewives Desperate for God is available now! I am so excited about this and can't wait to get my copy. I have been blessed by the site Ladies Against Feminism and look forward to reading what Jennie Chancey and Stacy McDonald have written in their book!

They are generously giving away ten signed copies!

For more information go to....

http://www.ladiesagainstfeminism.com/artman/publish/Biblical_Womanhood_and_Christian_Living_14/i_Passionate_Housewives_Desperate_for_God_i_is_available1002961.shtml

To purchase your own copy go here.....

http://www.visionforum.com/booksandmedia/productdetail.aspx?productid=84332&categoryid=168

First Love Conference

Only one more sleep! A group of ladies from our church and I are off to the First Love Conference in Niagara Falls tomorrow! I am so excited. We have gone twice before and it has been such a blessing. It is an amazing experience. The praise and worship is incredible and the speakers have always been so inspiring. This year it is Liz Curtis Higgs so I am especially looking forward to seeing her. It also doesn't hurt that it is being held in a beautiful hotel and you don't have to make beds or do dishes, or vacuum, or cook or anything! This trip is my birthday present from my sweetheart hubby! I am so excited!!

Here is a link if you would like to know more about the conference....

http://www.crossroads.ca/www/www.htm

See you Monday! I'll have lots of pictures!

Here are a few from the last couple of years, most of them are from our free time and there is one of us at the candlelight banquet on the Saturday night. Can you guess which one I am in the banquet picture?

Sorry, I am new to blogging and can't seem to get my pictures lined up!

Blessings,

Liisa

Today is a bit of a sad day here. My parents are off to British Columbia to start a new life with new adventures. We will be missing them so much but are happy they are following their hearts. I know they will be a blessing to all those they encounter and will have many new and wonderful experiences.

* If you read this Mum and Dad we miss you already!

Blessings,

Liisa

Oh No!

I opened my bedroom door this morning and I was greeted with a horrific smell. Upon further investigation I discovered that our little friend from the other day must have come back for a visit. Unfortunately the dog had been let out sprayed and let back in! EEEWWWWWW!!!!
Things are awfully fragrant here this morning and I am just waiting for the vet to open so I can get some special skunk shampoo for the dog. I washed her once with her regular shampoo and locked her in the mudroom. I just opened the door and nearly got knocked over by the smell. Poor baby. She looks so sad in there.
I have some helpful tips on getting the smell out of the house but am told it may take a few days. ~sigh~ I was also told that our dog is the fourth one people have heard about getting sprayed in town recently. I have tons of sympathy for the other three families that have dealt with this!
Life in a small town....I still wouldn't trade it for anything!

Blessings,
Liisa

On the Road to Recovery

She made it! God was surely with her...the surgery was quite an ordeal but God is faithful and hears our prayers. Glenys is on the road to recovery! Praise the Lord!
Thank you to everyone who prayed for her, please continue to pray for a full and speedy recovery.

Blessings,
Liisa