When March hits we know that we are entering the season of Spring and when Spring is in the air, we know that it is getting close to Easter. I have many friends from all over the world(an advantage to being in the Military), and although we may have different views on some things, we still are friends. Lately, I have been intrigued by some of my friends views or traditions and today I am going to address some of them and what my views and beliefs are.
First, Mardi Gras. What do you think of when you here, "Mardi Gras"? I was talking with the Major about this and the first things that I think of are drinking and rawdy people. Yes, that is what I think of because really what is Mardi Gras, and how did it start? Mardi Gras( known as Carnivale in Italy or Fasching in Germany) dates back 1000's of years. Mardi Gras is a prelude to Lent, the forty days of penance between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday. So, traditionally in the days leading up to Lent, people would binge and eat all of the meat, cheese, milk, eggs, etc. in their homes. Why? Because they knew that for several weeks they would only eat fish and fast. Thus, making the day before Ash Wednesday, Mardi Gras (or Fat Tuesday or Carnivale or Fasching) . What does carnivale(carnelevarium) mean: To take away or remove meat. Regardless of what country "Fat Tuesday" is celebrated, it is still celebrated with drinking and rawdiness. I have lived in Italy and Germany and I have seen this first hand. Crazy! Not only was yesterday "Fat Tuesday", it was also National Pancake Day! Did you have pancakes yesterday?!?
Next, Ash Wednesday. Today is Ash Wednesday and it marks the beginning of Lent. This is usually the time when some will prepare for Easter by observing a period of fasting. Many hold Ash Wednesday services, Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian, Anglican and Roman Catholics are some that do. During these services, the minister or priest, will rub the sign of the crosss with ashes on the foreheads of worshipers. Why? To show a sign of repentance, mourining, fasting and spiritual discipline. Baptists do not believe in this tradition. Although it does mention repentance and mourning in ashes(Esther 4:1, 2 Samuel 13:19, Job 2:8, and Daniel 9:3), it does not mention Ash Wednesday or Lent.
Next is Lent. What is Lent? Lent is a time when some prepare for Easter by fasting, repentance, moderation or spiritaul discipline. Do all oberseve Lent, no, not all religions or Christians or Churches do. My family and I are Baptist and we, nor our Church observe Lent. Many of my friends observe Lent and I have enjoyed seeing what they are giving up/fasting til Easter. Things such as: chocolate, coffee, internet, FB, tv, sweets, etc. What is fasting? Some connect it or call it a spiritual discipline. Some connect it with prayer, Bible study and meditation. We do not fast or observe Lent. Do we believe in fasting, yes, but as an individual private spiritual matter, not as a centralized church authority commanding worshipers to fast over a certain period. We believe that each individual is responsible and accountable individually to God.
Palm Sunday and Good Friday.....Palm Sunday is the Sunday in which we remember Jesus' triumphal entrance into Jerusalem the week before his death and resurrection. He rode into Jerusalem on a donkey and many threw palm leaves on the ground as he rode through and waved palm branches as he passed. Good Friday is observed the Friday before Easter Sunday. On this day we, as Christians, remember the passion, suffering, and death on the cross of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Finally, Easter. Easter is the Sunday in which we, Christians, celebrate the resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Jesus rose from the dead 3 days after he died and we celebrate His resurrection at Easter. Easter is also the one of the two Sundays of the year (the other is Christmas) when you will see your Church packed with limited seating. Very sad to see all of those in Church on Easter that "feel" they should be in Church on Easter (or Christmas) and no other Sunday of the year! Sad, very sad. If we can not attend Church when our Church has services and worship the Lord, then what do you think heaven is going to be like (if you are a Christian)?!?! Heaven is going to be our heavenly home where we will worship the Lord constantly, and praise Him with dancing and singing. Yes, I said dancing! Many Baptist do not believe in dancing, but I am not one of them, it says that we will be dancing in heaven. Don't believe me? Get your Bible out and go to Psalm 149:3, Psalm 150:4, Psalm 150:1-6 and Jeremiah 31:13.
I talked about a lot of things today, but it's things that I have really been thinking about lately especially since we are entering the Spring season. Can friends of different faiths, traditions and religions be friends? You bet they can! If we were all made the same the world would be a very boring place. The only important thing in life is the one very importand decison that you need to make in life, and that is: Where are you going to spend eternity, heaven or hell? Have you invited and asked Jesus into your life? If not, I encourage you to do so. It's so easy to do, as easy as A,B,C.
A: Admit that you are a sinner.
B: Believe that Jesus Christ is God's Son and He was crucified, died and rose again on the third day.
C: Confess that you want Jesus to be Lord of your life. Trust Him to be your Savior and Lord.
Blessings to you!
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Monday, March 7, 2011
The Princess
The Princess has had a lot fun lately, and has been enjoying being a Freshman this year in High School. She has always been out-going and this year has been no exception for her. A few months ago, she decided to participate in the Junior Miss Pagent at her School. She had so much fun participating in it and is already talking about doing it again next year. She was so beautiful on stage, we are so proud of her!
A few months ago the Princess had Region Band Auditions. She did very well and made 8th Chair Flute in the the Clinic Band for her Region, Region 3 in the State of SC. She is the only Freshman flute player from her School that made it! Last weekend we were honored to hear her play in the Clinic Band Concert. She was so excited, and you could tell she was by the expressions and smiles that were displayed on her face the whole time she was playing. Congrats Princess....Mom and Dad are proud!
A few months ago the Princess had Region Band Auditions. She did very well and made 8th Chair Flute in the the Clinic Band for her Region, Region 3 in the State of SC. She is the only Freshman flute player from her School that made it! Last weekend we were honored to hear her play in the Clinic Band Concert. She was so excited, and you could tell she was by the expressions and smiles that were displayed on her face the whole time she was playing. Congrats Princess....Mom and Dad are proud!
Saturday, March 5, 2011
The New House: Inside Our Cottage
The inside of our house is finally finished and decorated, it has been for a few weeks. All of my time lately has been devoted to the outside, especially the back yard; pictures of the back yard to come later. I must say that thus far, the back yard has been turned upside down from where it was, it is looking great!
Next we have the Study upstairs. This is where we have our computer and where the Major does 
his studying for Seminary. There are a lot of special items in this room that mean a lot to me and the Major. My Grandparents' furniture is pictured here, and his Grandfather's cuckoo clock which you can see hanging on the wall.
This first picture is of our living room when you first walk in from the front door a
nd are standing in the foyer. You can see Sandy, our dog, we call her the Queen since she rules over the new puppy. My Grandfather's flag, that was draped over his coffin, displayed on the mantel of the fireplace.
nd are standing in the foyer. You can see Sandy, our dog, we call her the Queen since she rules over the new puppy. My Grandfather's flag, that was draped over his coffin, displayed on the mantel of the fireplace.This shot is looking at the living room from standing in the kitchen. You can see Daisy, our newest addition, the Bookworm's puppy. The yo-yo quilt, that my Mom made for me when I was a baby, adds that punch to the living room that we needed.
Our dining room, as looking at it from the kitchen.
Our dining room, as looking at it from the kitchen.
A picture of the kitchen as looking at it from the living room.
All of my enamel ware that I collect, most which I found while being stationed in Europe, is showcased from my pot rack. We thought that it would look great hanging from the pot rack since the rest of our house, the walls, are full of painted color.
A couple of views on the way upstairs. You can see Milo, the Princess's cat. My Grandmother's hutch is the piece of furniture pictured here, it was just the right size to put here on the landing go up the stairs.
Next we have the Study upstairs. This is where we have our computer and where the Major does 
his studying for Seminary. There are a lot of special items in this room that mean a lot to me and the Major. My Grandparents' furniture is pictured here, and his Grandfather's cuckoo clock which you can see hanging on the wall.Next we have the Hallway upstairs which leads to the 
Entertainment Room/Kids Upstairs Room.
Entertainment Room/Kids Upstairs Room. Finally the last room is of the Entertainment Room/Kids Upstairs Room. This room is one of our favorite rooms in the house. It houses all the kids video games, board games, their computer, tv, etc. It even has a little fridge that is hid away in a cabinet! This is a wonderful place for the kids to hang out with their friends, as you can see in one of the pictures, the Princess is hanging o
ut with her friend.
ut with her friend.
We love the house and thank God for providing it for us. We had faith and held tight while we patiently waited for it. It was a roller coaster, but in the end it was all worth it! Oh yeah, we do have 3 full baths and 3 bedrooms, but I wasn't up for taking pictures of those, my camera battery died anyway :) Pictures of the outside to come soon!
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
The Golden Rule: Luke 6:31
The Golden Rule, I am sure that you have heard it before: "Do to others as you would have them do to you." Luke 6:31
Although you have more than likely heard this from the time that you were very little, did you know that it just isn't a saying, or a rule, it's scripture? Look in your Bible in the book of Luke, chapter 6, verse 31.
Wow, yep, right there in the Bible, God's manuscript for us.
We're going to look closer at this verse today. I would say that it is fair to state that all of us would like for everyone to be nice to us and to treat us fairly, but lets face it, it doesn't always happen that way. We are to treat others as we would want them to treat us. Lets get real about that too, sometimes we know that we should treat others the way that we would want them to treat us, but there are lots of times when we don't want to be "nice" to people, but we are anyway. Then there are the times we say oh forget it, they never treat me nice, so I'm not going to treat them nicely.
Don't just sit there thinking I'm never like that, be honest with yourself, yes you are!
If the world was a perfect place, no sin, everyone would be nice and sweet to everyone all the time. But let's face it, because of sin, there is evil and hate in the world.
So what is one to do:
This is something that I have had to deal with, is it easy, NO! Can you prevail, YES YOU CAN! How?!?
I generally try to treat others how I would like for them to treat me, but there are those that can get on your last nerves and whatever you do they don't care how they treat you or others. My answer, try to be as nice as you can to everyone, even the meanies! Usually overtime, they will notice that their actions toward you are not bothering you. What if this doesn't work, and trust me there are those that will be mean to you forever, in this case, remove yourself from the situation. This is what the Major and I tell the Princess and the Bookworm. If there is a problem, then remove yourself from the situation, even if it is a person. No one deserves to treat anyone in a way in which they would not want to be treated or disrepected or talked to. Sometimes it isn't just words, it's actions as well.
We all know that saying, "sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me." Ummm yeah, not true! Whoever made this statement is wrong! Words do hurt and so many people abuse their words, and many do not even realize what they say and how they say it.
The Golden Rule: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." Luke 6:31
Think before you talk, and listen before you act. How simple, now to put action behind it.
Although you have more than likely heard this from the time that you were very little, did you know that it just isn't a saying, or a rule, it's scripture? Look in your Bible in the book of Luke, chapter 6, verse 31.
Wow, yep, right there in the Bible, God's manuscript for us.
We're going to look closer at this verse today. I would say that it is fair to state that all of us would like for everyone to be nice to us and to treat us fairly, but lets face it, it doesn't always happen that way. We are to treat others as we would want them to treat us. Lets get real about that too, sometimes we know that we should treat others the way that we would want them to treat us, but there are lots of times when we don't want to be "nice" to people, but we are anyway. Then there are the times we say oh forget it, they never treat me nice, so I'm not going to treat them nicely.
Don't just sit there thinking I'm never like that, be honest with yourself, yes you are!
If the world was a perfect place, no sin, everyone would be nice and sweet to everyone all the time. But let's face it, because of sin, there is evil and hate in the world.
So what is one to do:
This is something that I have had to deal with, is it easy, NO! Can you prevail, YES YOU CAN! How?!?
I generally try to treat others how I would like for them to treat me, but there are those that can get on your last nerves and whatever you do they don't care how they treat you or others. My answer, try to be as nice as you can to everyone, even the meanies! Usually overtime, they will notice that their actions toward you are not bothering you. What if this doesn't work, and trust me there are those that will be mean to you forever, in this case, remove yourself from the situation. This is what the Major and I tell the Princess and the Bookworm. If there is a problem, then remove yourself from the situation, even if it is a person. No one deserves to treat anyone in a way in which they would not want to be treated or disrepected or talked to. Sometimes it isn't just words, it's actions as well.
We all know that saying, "sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me." Ummm yeah, not true! Whoever made this statement is wrong! Words do hurt and so many people abuse their words, and many do not even realize what they say and how they say it.
The Golden Rule: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." Luke 6:31
Think before you talk, and listen before you act. How simple, now to put action behind it.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
March? Really!
Today is March 1st! Wow...can't believe it is already March!
Garden is done! Wooohooo!!! I have my garden ready to go. Planted beets yesterday, today I plan on planting amy lettuce, onions, carrots, brussel sprouts and whatever else I am forgetting. These have to be planted now, all the other: tomatos, squash, peppers, cucumbers, can't be planted until later.
Give me dirt and I am a happy girl! There is nothing else or anywhere else that I would love to be doing than out in the yard!! Fresh air and God's wonderful nature and earth!
Of course March is my favorite month because I was born on the 21st of March. I love March because that means that Spring is really near. The beautiful flowers and trees start to bloom. All of the bulbs that have been hiding all winter start to emerge and showcase their beauty. This Spring is especially special because we are in our new house and outside holds surprises for us as we eagerly watch as our yard wakes up in front of us. We have no idea what will have flowers and how everything will look. Can't wait! Our cherry trees have already bloomed, and they are beautiful. And yes, they are the ones that you can eat, they are not ornamental :)
New beginnings is what March and Spring is about....with that said, I am changing up my Blog. More to come on that later.
Garden is done! Wooohooo!!! I have my garden ready to go. Planted beets yesterday, today I plan on planting amy lettuce, onions, carrots, brussel sprouts and whatever else I am forgetting. These have to be planted now, all the other: tomatos, squash, peppers, cucumbers, can't be planted until later.
Give me dirt and I am a happy girl! There is nothing else or anywhere else that I would love to be doing than out in the yard!! Fresh air and God's wonderful nature and earth!
Of course March is my favorite month because I was born on the 21st of March. I love March because that means that Spring is really near. The beautiful flowers and trees start to bloom. All of the bulbs that have been hiding all winter start to emerge and showcase their beauty. This Spring is especially special because we are in our new house and outside holds surprises for us as we eagerly watch as our yard wakes up in front of us. We have no idea what will have flowers and how everything will look. Can't wait! Our cherry trees have already bloomed, and they are beautiful. And yes, they are the ones that you can eat, they are not ornamental :)
New beginnings is what March and Spring is about....with that said, I am changing up my Blog. More to come on that later.
Friday, February 25, 2011
So Many Blessings
Our home has been quite full of many happenings and blessings lately.
The Bookworm has once again started back into his Archery, their first Competition will be soon, which will be the SC State Competition. If they place they will once again go to Nationals in Louisville,KY. The Bookworm also got selected for The United States Achievement Academy: Who's Who Among Honor Students. We are very, very proud of him! Plus, he also got an invitation to join the National Beta Club. His induction will be at his school in April. SO VERY PROUD OF HIM!!!
The Princess has been very busy as well. She just returned on Monday evening from Disney World in Florida. She along with the Band, were invited to march in the Disney parade. What an honor! She had a wonderful time despite that two of their three band buses had blow-outs going and coming home! A month ago, the Princess auditioned for the State of SC Region Band and she made 8th chair flute! Today she has practice up North all day until tonight. Tomorrow she will also have practice until mid afternoon, we will meet her up there and listen to her Region Band Concert. SO VERY PROUD OF HER!!!
The Major gave the Sunday sermon at our Church on Sunday. After he preached our Church voted and he is now Licensed to preach. He was so excited about preaching Sunday morning, I thought that he was going to float away! I would have been so nervous, I told him that he is definately called by God to go into the Ministry since he wasn't nervous!
As for me, I contine to Mom and Wife. The weather has been very nice here since this past weekend, and if you know me, you know that I have been outside as much as possible! Warm weather is my best friend and I love to get outside whenever I can! I have really been doing a lot in the yards.....I went to my parent's house and my Mom and I dug up tons of monkey grass and trees for me to plant at my house.(thank Mama, I had a fun time!) I planted monkey grass up our sidewalk out front and I planted a few trees in the front as well. I also painted our mailbox/post, it looks awesome! In the back the Major plowed my garden for me, tomorrow morning we plan on getting the posts the rest of the way in the ground so that I can plant! Also in the back I dug up all the grass along the back of the house and made a flower bed on both sides. I added monkey grass and pine straw, WOW, what a huge difference it made out back! I also planted a TON of trees and bushes that I got at my Mom's, they look great and really added to the back yard. My fruit trees are already blooming: cherry trees, pears, plums and peaches! I was also told by our neighbor, Farmer Joe, that there are also red raspberries planted too. He showed me where they should come up at, I can't wait to see them! I am anxiously waiting for my asparagus to start sprouting, should be any day now(there is TONS of asparagus). It is raining here right now, but as soon as it clears, you'll find me out in the dirt!
It is a wonderful feeling to have our own house once again. It's an even nicer feeling to have everything in the inside done and finish, and now be able to be outside. Of course there are a few things that will have to wait to be done when it is alittle warmer such as; pressure washing the house and shed, and painting the white trim on the porch and back porch.
Lord thank you for your blessings.
The Bookworm has once again started back into his Archery, their first Competition will be soon, which will be the SC State Competition. If they place they will once again go to Nationals in Louisville,KY. The Bookworm also got selected for The United States Achievement Academy: Who's Who Among Honor Students. We are very, very proud of him! Plus, he also got an invitation to join the National Beta Club. His induction will be at his school in April. SO VERY PROUD OF HIM!!!
The Princess has been very busy as well. She just returned on Monday evening from Disney World in Florida. She along with the Band, were invited to march in the Disney parade. What an honor! She had a wonderful time despite that two of their three band buses had blow-outs going and coming home! A month ago, the Princess auditioned for the State of SC Region Band and she made 8th chair flute! Today she has practice up North all day until tonight. Tomorrow she will also have practice until mid afternoon, we will meet her up there and listen to her Region Band Concert. SO VERY PROUD OF HER!!!
The Major gave the Sunday sermon at our Church on Sunday. After he preached our Church voted and he is now Licensed to preach. He was so excited about preaching Sunday morning, I thought that he was going to float away! I would have been so nervous, I told him that he is definately called by God to go into the Ministry since he wasn't nervous!
As for me, I contine to Mom and Wife. The weather has been very nice here since this past weekend, and if you know me, you know that I have been outside as much as possible! Warm weather is my best friend and I love to get outside whenever I can! I have really been doing a lot in the yards.....I went to my parent's house and my Mom and I dug up tons of monkey grass and trees for me to plant at my house.(thank Mama, I had a fun time!) I planted monkey grass up our sidewalk out front and I planted a few trees in the front as well. I also painted our mailbox/post, it looks awesome! In the back the Major plowed my garden for me, tomorrow morning we plan on getting the posts the rest of the way in the ground so that I can plant! Also in the back I dug up all the grass along the back of the house and made a flower bed on both sides. I added monkey grass and pine straw, WOW, what a huge difference it made out back! I also planted a TON of trees and bushes that I got at my Mom's, they look great and really added to the back yard. My fruit trees are already blooming: cherry trees, pears, plums and peaches! I was also told by our neighbor, Farmer Joe, that there are also red raspberries planted too. He showed me where they should come up at, I can't wait to see them! I am anxiously waiting for my asparagus to start sprouting, should be any day now(there is TONS of asparagus). It is raining here right now, but as soon as it clears, you'll find me out in the dirt!
It is a wonderful feeling to have our own house once again. It's an even nicer feeling to have everything in the inside done and finish, and now be able to be outside. Of course there are a few things that will have to wait to be done when it is alittle warmer such as; pressure washing the house and shed, and painting the white trim on the porch and back porch.
Lord thank you for your blessings.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Let the "Son" Shine
I am sitting here in my living room looking out my window seeing the beauty of the sun rise which makes me thank the Son, our Heavenly Father, for allowing me to see the beauty of the sun shine today. Thank you Lord!
It's suppose to be in the 70's here for the next couple of days. I believe that I will venture outside in a few minutes and start tilling up my plots for my garden. I need to get the soil ready so that I can plant in a few weeks. I am so excited about being able to plant in my own back yard this year! Can't wait to see how the garden will turn out. I would rather spend my time outside than inside any day. I love to garden and spend time outside with the dirt!
Give God praise today for allowing you to see another day and the "son"shine!
It's suppose to be in the 70's here for the next couple of days. I believe that I will venture outside in a few minutes and start tilling up my plots for my garden. I need to get the soil ready so that I can plant in a few weeks. I am so excited about being able to plant in my own back yard this year! Can't wait to see how the garden will turn out. I would rather spend my time outside than inside any day. I love to garden and spend time outside with the dirt!
Give God praise today for allowing you to see another day and the "son"shine!
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