this blog has been interupted by.....

since everything including the kitchen sink is talked about on this blog i feel i owe an explanation about the frequent absence of this siesta blogger. for starters, our computer crashed, it's a long story, and i made it happen due to the fact i am missing the "geek" gene. y'all were probably born with it. most people are. the coveted xy"G" is sorely missing in me. my amazing husband went to task for us worked his magic and then decided to installed mcafee, important stuff, and our computer turned into a snail out for a cool stroll in the shade of the night. so for the last weeks even my cursor can't keep up with my typing four or more letter, it freezes up, we get pop-ups, it is quite a mess. when i get on this thing my blood pressure rises to astronomical numbers and i don't get anywhere. the long and short of it is, it is a dinosaur, we need a new computer and it's just not on the radar financially at this time.

other things that are keeping me in this unblogging state are: our little guy has had a horrible cold, the kind where he blows bubbles out of his nose. cute bubbles though. he first had an ear infection with the cold. then just the cold and a cough. then a cold that made him throw up all the stuff he was swallowing by the cup fulls. he is miserable. doesn't sleep well. gags. has to take breaths when drinking his bottle. he's been to the prompt care twice and to his regular doctor once, who upon examining him says "it's just got to run it's course" at that point i wanted to rip her stethoscope off her neck. i did, i'm just being honest, but i restrained myself and simply asked in my restrained voice "can't they just give him some benedryl or something to dry this up?" she replied yes they can give him 1/2 tsp. but it will make him tired. HALLELUJAH! so what about being tired. he aready is tired because he can't rest. this stuff is amazing. he was so much more comfortable just after the first dose.

i stayed at my mom's last friday night. she is still amazing at almost 88. she is in much pain from arthritis in her hands and legs and back and is so tired all the time. in the past, she prepared a birthday dinner for each one of us, including the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. she would make sure we all could be there and cook for usually 15 or so of us. last friday, i stayed at her place to be company for her but also to do the dinner on saturday. we celebrated 6 of our birthday's. we laughed because that took care of the first half of the year. so now we have to arrange for the second half.

we were all there, except my dad of course. his presence and his powerful dinner prayer asking God to bless us on our birthday's and thanking Him for our salvation was greatly missed. his glasses he used to read his daily newspaper are still laying on the back of the couch and his slippers are placed under the small table at the end of the couch where he spent his last months curled up sleeping on and off. these things remain, and others in the house, to honor and remember him. you might think it sounds sick but we are not. getting through losing my dad is harder than i ever thought it would be.

we had a good time together. mom stood on her feet way too much. she never likes to show her pain when she is in a group. she likes to visit with everyone and supervise in the kitchen. she is a tough "scott" from the line of hanley's. most everyone left by 9:30. she got her pj's on and my sister and her daughter stayed to just sit and visit and watch the news with her. it took her a couple of days to recuperate from the party. she wouldn't have it any other way.

so back to my computer woes. i'm at my mom's who has the coveted cable (we don't). i'm sleepless at midnight, as usual, and i turn on home shopping who is offering a BEAUTIFUL GATEWAY with all the bells and whistles on flex pay for probably really cheap for what is has. triple core processor, built in tv tuner on a 22" monitor, yada, yada, yada. my heart rate exploded into cardio exercise rate. it's now 1am and my credit card is trying to jump out of my wallet. my pupils felt dilated. you know that seriously does happen when you see something you desire. i listen to this gateway guy for over 1 hour. he really had me going. girls i had to pray real hard to not pick up that phone. it was so hard. in the past i have been an impulsive shopper. it took allot to tell myself no this time. but i did. even the next day, i called hsn, asked a few questions, told my husband about this beautiful wonder and really felt no peace in making this purchase at this time. victory!!!! a small one but i can say victory!!!!

this post took me 2.5 hours. no joke.

so i'm still here, slow and frustrated but here nonetheless. Christ is my joy and peace. i love you all. give me a shout out when you stop in. until next time, in my best j. vernon mcgee voice,

may God richly bless you my beloved. ~janel

send me your's

F E A R - False Evidence Appearing Real...or

E A S T E R - Every Alternative Savior Takes Early Retirement...or

i have these acronyms and other sayings in the cover of my bible. like:

this book will keep you from sin or sin will keep you from this book. (i heard this said by both dr. adrian rogers and beth moore)

or from my pastor doug schmidt "We must do what God wants us to do even when there is extensive, external pressure and little internal strength."

or; on judging others: evaluation is not the same as condemnation -- it is the latter that passes sentence... or

there is no panic in heaven only plans (dr. david jeremiah)

I'd love to hear some that you may have.

it's all in your perspective

One day, the father of a very wealthy family took his son on a trip to the country with the express purpose of showing him how poor people live.

They spent a couple of days and nights on the farm of what would be considered a very poor family.

On their return from their trip, the father asked his son, 'How was the trip?' 'It was great, Dad.'

'Did you see how poor people live?' the father asked. 'Oh yeah,' said the son. 'So, tell me, what did you learn from the trip?' asked the father.

The son answered: 'I saw that we have one dog and they had four.

We have a pool that reaches to the middle of our garden and they have a creek that has no end.

We have imported lanterns in our garden and they have the stars at night. Our patio reaches to the front yard and they have the whole horizon.

We have a small piece of land to live on and they have fields that go beyond our sight. We have servants who serve us, but they serve others.

We buy our food, but they grow theirs.

We have walls around our property to protect us, they have friends to protect them.' The boy's father was speechless.

Then his son added, 'Thanks Dad for showing me how poor we are.'

Isn't perspective a wonderful thing? Makes you wonder what would happen if we all gave thanks for everything we have, instead of worrying about what we don't have.

anonymous

chuch bulletin funnies

i am such a sucker when it comes to these boo boo's they just make me chuckle. enjoy.



The Fasting & Prayer Conference includes meals.





The sermon this morning: 'Jesus Walks on the Water.' The sermon tonight: 'Searching for Jesus.'





Our youth basketball team is back in action Wednesday at 8 PM in the recreation hall. Come out and watch us kill Christ the King.





Ladies, don't forget the rummage sale. It's a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Bring your husbands.





The peacemaking meeting scheduled for today has been canceled due to a conflict.





Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our community.
Smile at someone who is hard to love. Say 'Hell' to someone who doesn't care much about you.





Don't let worry kill you off - let the Church help.





Miss Charlene Mason sang 'I will not pass this way again,' giving obvious pleasure to the congregation.





For those of you who have children and don't know it, we have a nursery downstairs.





Next Thursday there will be tryouts for the choir. They need all the help they can get.





The Rector will preach his farewell message, after which the choir will sing: 'Break Forth Into Joy.'





Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on October 24 in the church. So ends a friendship that began in their school days.





At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be 'What Is Hell?' Come early and listen to our choir practice.





Eight new choir robes are currently needed due to the addition
of several new members and to the deterioration of some older ones.





Scouts are saving aluminum cans, bottles and other items to be recycled. Proceeds will be used to cripple children.





Please place your donation in the envelope along with the deceased person you want remembered.





The church will host an evening of fine dining, super entertainment and gracious hostility.



Potluck supper Sunday at 5:00 PM - prayer and medication to follow.



The ladies of the Church have cast off clothing of every kind. They may be seen in the basement on Friday afternoon.



This evening at 7 PM there will be a hymn singing in the park
across from the Church. Bring a blanket and come prepared to sin.





Ladies Bible Study will be held Thursday morning at 10 AM.
All ladies are invited to lunch in the Fellowship Hall after the B.S. is done.





The pastor would appreciate it if the ladies of the congregation
would lend him their electric girdles for the pancake breakfast next Sunday.



Low Self Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 PM. Please use the back door.





The eighth-graders will be presenting Shakespeare's Hamlet
in the Church basement Friday at 7 PM. The congregation is invited to attend this tragedy.

HE IS RISEN INDEED!

HE IS RISEN!!!!

This EASTER was one of the best in a long time and i can't wait to tell you about it.

We attended church service on Saturday this year. I am so thankful we have a Saturday service as an option. Both my children had to work on Easter Sunday. My son requested Saturday off and met us at church where we heard a wonderful message.

We also heard a fantastic testimony from a young man who gave his life to Christ after being arrested with a DUI and jailed resulting in his license being taken away. He recounted how after getting out of high school how the party life was all consuming to him and the consequences that led to his DUI. He also had a job with no way to get there. An uncle drove him to work which he found strange at the time. His uncle was a heroin addict for 25 years. He told him he gave his life to Christ and he was INSTANTLY clean of his addiction and had NO withdrawal. He said he knew it was true because it was the first time ever seeing his uncle with clear eyes. I just love when the body testifies what Christ has done. It is so important to declare publicly what Christ has done for us. Miracles do still happen. I believe that with all my heart. God used that uncles miracle to testify to that nephew in order to help him believe. This is Sunday's service and a little different from Saturday.

http://media.woodsidebible.org/podcast/03232008Video.htm

It was so special to have my son with us. He dressed up and looked so handsome. I should have taken a picture of us with his phone and thought of it later. ugh. Why do us mom's like to see our son's dressed up? I don't know it just does something for us. Then to top it off we went to Olive Garden with the gift card he gave me for my birthday and we had a wonderful dinner together. He was unrushed and sat with us right to the end. Time spent like this doesn't happen everyday and this Easter will be remembered forever. He has been all excited about getting a promotion with his company and has a plan discussed with this manager on how to move up the ladder. We are so happy for him.



My daughter was ill Saturday but came over Sunday evening and we spent a little time together with her and her boyfriend and the little guy. He is pulling himself up on things now so we got him a little shopping cart walker. It's got a little basket in the front and lights that plays songs that actually don't get on your nerves.



Earlier that day we had our big meal at my mom's. My brother, my sister and her husband, her daughter and her husband and their two kids, one in first grade and one in kindergarten, both just as fun as they come. I spent the day on the couch from a virus and could not eat but being together was special nonetheless.

I hope you all had a blessed Easter. We worship the RISEN CHRIST!

WARNING: God Sightings Ahead

these pictures of these beautiful albino deer were sent to me by a friend this week. they live on the other side of the state. they are twins. you can see their mama standing off in the distance probably keeping her mama eye on them. they probably feel secure because they can see her near and within reach. even though i have adult children i'm the mama off in the distance keeping her eye out. my faith is tested in this area frequently.

most of you are mom's and know how emotionally charged my last post was. God did make me this way and sometimes i just need to "get a grip" like i told one of you. i am a pleaser. i am a worrier. i am a feeler. i'm a protector. i want to coordinate life so no one has to feel pain or experience disappointments. beth once hit me over the head with a frying pan on this topic. she said she once felt it was her responsibility to keep pain from her children's life. the absence of pain was a life goal/skill. i have lived there most of my parenting life. i haven't been successful. there are many more pains that i could not prevent or fix than those that i was successful at preventing.

when i don't meet my own expectations i live in the guilt pit for a while until i make myself sick and others around me too (truly sorry). she also pointed out when i put this responsibility on myself i am raising myself to 'god' like status. not intentionally but how true. beth also said to God in her frustration "you are wearing me out" as though He needed her assistance in doing His job. she cracks me up. how did she know how i felt!? this is such a hard lesson for me. the control is His. sometimes i get it and sometimes if forget it.

so with that said God in His mercy, beauty, wonder, providence had the week play out with many blessings i never fore saw.

one of the little super guy's care givers is a christian lady whom we went to church with 15 years ago. she and my husband were in awana "cubbies" together. it is a comforting thought that i know at least one care giver has the indwelling of the holy spirit. she knows the love of the heavenly father and can give it out to this little one who needs it so. he did ok for the most part. he is still adjusting. i can tell my daughter loves picking him up and driving home with him jabbering in the back seat :). we just never tire of seeing all the new things he can do.

my daughter is able to make additional money over and above her salary. she made enough to pay for her day care this week.

our son has been at the same job for a year now and is expecting a review soon. his manager pulled him aside to ask him if he was interested in making this company a career and presented him with a number of options. at the minimum, it is an ego booster for a young man to be recognized for going the extra mile, being a hard worker and worthy of promoting. at the maximum this could be a stepping stone for a career or life work.

my new found freedom allowed me to take my mom to the salon. she is almost 88 has very bad arthritis and emphysema. she felt good enough (and pushed herself) to suggest going to cracker barrel for dinner. you have no idea what an unusual occurrence this was. we had a marvelous time and she was still talking about it the next day. she also blessed me with the last watch my dad wore that he asked me to take off his wrist the day before he died. it represents so much to me.

the week turned out with many, many God STOPS to testify of.

i know you siestas have wispered off prayers on my behalf time and time again and i am blessed and indebted to you. i count it an honor and a joy to do the same for each one of you.

my heart needs a band-aid

our little super guy goes to daycare tomorrow for the first time. he will be there 3 days a week. i am guilt ridden and teary to say the least. i feel i let him and my daughter down. i've been praying for days now that he will do ok without his grandma (and that grandma will do ok too) that he will thrive and the ladies will love him up. i know he will charm them all. he is so smart and sensitive and happy. that little yellow giraffe in the picture is his favorite toy that plays some happy tunes. he carries it around like a blankie and tries to do everything with it in his hand. i think he is going to be a lefty. keep him and my daughter in your prayers. tomorrow and the next few days may be rough for all of us.

no bashing just a celebration

i felt some of my blog readers might feel that last post was maybe husband bashing. wrong.

it was a cute read but seriously it made me feel i needed to celebrate who God made me to be -a mother. every one of those "game rules" i could relate to at one point in my mothering or another. for the most part, i have to leave room for exceptions, mothers and fathers each have a different roles. our gifts on both sides are different.

let it be said my husband has different gifts than i do and can do circles around me any day of the week in his world. the man is just an awesome bread winner. excellent at what he does. quick learner. designs complex thingys. see he is smarter :). can diagnose and fix just about anything from stoves to cars, to toilets. this list could be a mile long. can read instructions and understand them ;). my man is brilliant in my book.

my point is, most of us moms can answer ALL the points in this game of "survivor" because THAT is how He our wonderful creator made us. we are exhausted most of the time but so are dad's in a different way.

so today give yourself a pat on the back and one from me too. look up to heaven and thank God you are who He made you to be the awesome multi-tasker you are for your family's sake. we are nurturers of all, planners of everything, keepers of everything and glue that keeps things together. amen.

so tonight to celebrate this wounderful life of being the wonder woman that i truly am i leave you with this thought.

HONEY, LET'S ORDER CHINESE!

just keeping things together. it's what i do best. blessings.

new survivor show

i received this in an email and knowing how fast emails get around you may have too. i really can relate to this as i know you can too. some of it is a stretch but worth reading. we are fearfully and wonderfully made women!

THE NEXT SURVIVOR SERIES

Six married men will be dropped on an island with one car and 3 kids each for six weeks.

Each kid will play two sports and either take music or dance classes. There is no fast food.

Each man must take care of his 3 kids; keep his assigned house clean,correct all homework, and complete science projects, cook, do laundry,and pay a list of 'pretend' bills with not enough money.

In addition, each man will have to budget in money for groceries each week and determine the weekly meal plan.

Each man must remember the birthdays of all their friends and relatives and send them birthday cards on time.

Each man must also take each child to a doctor's appointment, a dentist appointment and a haircut appointment. He must make one unscheduled and inconvenient visit per child to the Urgent Care. He must also make cookies or cupcakes for a social function.

Each man will be responsible for decorating his own assigned house, planting flowers outside and keeping it presentable at all times. The men will only have access to television when the kids are asleep and all chores are done.

The men must shave their legs, wear makeup daily, adorn himself with jewelry, wear uncomfortable yet stylish shoes, keep fingernails polished and eyebrows groomed. He must also work out daily and ensure that his body looks like it did when he was twenty.

During one of the six weeks, the men will have to endure severe abdominal cramps, back aches, and have extreme, unexplained mood swings but never once complain or slow down from other duties. They must attend weekly school meetings, church, and find time at least once to spend the afternoon at the park or a similar setting.

They will need to read a book and then pray with the children each night and in the morning, feed them, dress them, brush their teeth and comb their hair by 7:00 am.

A test will be given at the end of the six weeks, and each father will be required to know all of the following information: each child's birthday, height, weight, shoe size, clothes size and doctor's name. Also the child's weight at birth, length, time of birth, and length of labor, each child's favorite color, middle name, favorite snack, favorite song, favorite drink, favorite toy, biggest fear and what they want to be when they grow up.

The kids vote them off the island based on performance. The last man wins only if...he still has enough energy to be intimate with his spouse at a moment's notice. If the last man does win, he can play the game over and over and over again for the next 18-25 years eventually earning the right to be called Mother!

a double meme from nancy and bethanne

this is from nancygrace.


Book Meme and here are the rules:


1. Pick up the nearest book of at least 123 pages.

2. Open the book to page 123.

3. Find the 5th sentence.

4. Post the next 3 sentences.

5. Tag at least 3-5 people.

this is from the book the mystery of providence by john flavel first published in 1678

Let the events of Providence speak regarding this also. Ask

your own experience, and you shall have a full confirmation

of this truth. Did you ever leave the way of simplicity and

integrity, and use sinful shifts to bring about your own designs,

and prosper in that way?


and this from bethanne:


List five kind things you do or have done:

A) for yourself,

B) for your spouse, child or closest friend AND

C) for a stranger.

Then tag some other blogging buddies to do the same.


for myself: 1) i pray 2) i read my Bible 3) i eat 4) i sleep 5) i drink coffee. sorry i'm your basic girl but i could add mani/pedi once in a while.


for my spouse, children: 1) i pray 2) i listen 3) i cook 4) i clean 5) i shop ;)


for a stranger 1) i pray 2) i make eye contact 3) i smile 4) i help when i see a need 5) i give money. that's the good list. i'll spare you the bad list.


i'll tag jenny, cheryl and maria