tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17678751506890498152024-03-13T08:03:39.731-07:00A thought or two to share with You...Ronda Honda Pumpkin Piehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05071696352234410072noreply@blogger.comBlogger116125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1767875150689049815.post-79961267075486094752012-11-10T17:23:00.001-08:002012-11-10T17:23:32.288-08:00My Challenge<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, here it goes...I am doing a 90 day Challenge to fit back into my pre-pregnancy jeans. After my first two kiddos I got into the best shape of my life and then ended up adding one more little bundle to our brood. So three kids later I am going to get back into shape and I am going to have fun doing it. </span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The vehicle I am choosing to help get me there:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. a good steady diet of Gods Word.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. light exercise, nothing too difficult or time consuming. I mean, come on, I have a full time job and three kids!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. Body By Vi Shakes (the shake mix that tastes like a cake mix). Seriously, it's amazing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4. and last, but certainly not least....support. Sam is going to do the Challenge with me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sam's goals are to read his Bible in 90 days, quit smoking, and lose 15 lbs. GO HONEY! </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My goals are to read the Bible with him, and get back into my favorite pair of blue jeans.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are trying to get people to do the Challenge with us. I will be updating our progress weekly. If you want to join us we are going to have a blast. Just facebook me a message if you want to be on our team. This will be a joint effort! Encouraging and uplifting.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here are our before pictures...I had some fun with Light Room and edited out Sam's tattoo's :-D I was surprised I got the jeans on, but they are far from buttoning. :-/</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well...Here we go!!! February 8th, here we come.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">xoxo,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Ronda</i></span>Ronda Honda Pumpkin Piehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05071696352234410072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1767875150689049815.post-83220999500201367122012-09-21T19:55:00.002-07:002012-09-21T19:56:58.106-07:00Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice...<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is not the first time that I have been fooled by quietness... quietness and preschoolers should naturally = suspicion. The kids decided to have a family game night.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh those little stinkers...not a single game was left untouched. They played them ALL.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Guesstures, Acquire, Settlers of Catan, Scatagories, Balderdash, Yatzee, MadGab...the list goes on, and on.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At times Caleb supervised.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYbzT4KVdzbwWD7ARI74LoKTfUZBDdfuw0JanOfS1q3Uq_RRhFfGahg1_8AVFbTFO9XjVJvp1nswsaGfuoot1ei_8uAV6Puj5zq0bIBb45p_sZ8GglcYLpPpSX51WClt-moq59rEzg_zlx/s1600/Family+Game+Night+3+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYbzT4KVdzbwWD7ARI74LoKTfUZBDdfuw0JanOfS1q3Uq_RRhFfGahg1_8AVFbTFO9XjVJvp1nswsaGfuoot1ei_8uAV6Puj5zq0bIBb45p_sZ8GglcYLpPpSX51WClt-moq59rEzg_zlx/s400/Family+Game+Night+3+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Brooklynn helped.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Good times...good times.</span></div>
Ronda Honda Pumpkin Piehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05071696352234410072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1767875150689049815.post-76276695559346724982012-09-13T22:45:00.000-07:002012-09-14T00:17:43.299-07:00Angry Eyes<br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I am thirty one today.
I posted last Saturday night a happy report that my eyes were doing much
better only to wake up the following Sunday morning with a flare up.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Since they don't know what is causing these
allergies they are going to do testing, not this coming Monday, but the
following Monday.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It requires me to be
off the steroids for a week.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So Sunday
is my last day I get to take Prednisone.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">With how bad my eyes got before the Prednisone it makes me a little
nervous to go off it.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> However I remind myself that </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">God is bigger and
stronger than Prednisone, he can help me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I am excited for all that is to come this next year. I have no idea what it holds.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Happy Birthday to me! Pray for my eyes, it's my birthday wish.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">xoxo</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Ronda</i></span></div>
Ronda Honda Pumpkin Piehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05071696352234410072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1767875150689049815.post-35321573989902597542012-09-11T16:40:00.000-07:002012-09-11T16:47:38.473-07:00One<br />
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I was visiting a church a few weeks back and the sermon was on the topic of “one.” It was perfect really because it was something that I had been wrestling with for a while. There are so many bad things that happen every day, every second, in this world.</div>
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I like to read news articles online and I often will share them with Sam. He grimaces at some of the stories and says, “Why are you reading this stuff?” So for a while I abstain, but then an article will jump out at me and just from the headline will break my heart. Sometimes it will take me days before I can forget some horrific thing I read that for me was just a window into someone else’s dark reality…they have to live with it for the rest of their life.</div>
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One particular day I was feeling very overwhelmed because of the sheer amount of bad things that I knew were happening right at that very moment in time. I felt the only way I could carry on was to simply not think about it. Then came Sunday and I heard that sermon; the sermon of “one.”</div>
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With all the bad that is taking place, we have people around us that we can positively impact, we just have to start with “one”.</div>
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It might be something as simple as a compliment. It may be picking a person and praying for them every day for a month or buying a random person’s groceries at Walmart.</div>
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As you begin to open yourself up to what you see around you, and ask God that he will present you with the opportunity to bless someone and delight him, it will happen. In these moments you can change the life of ONE. You can change their day, you can change their week, you can change their “luck.”</div>
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We don’t know about the single mother who is saying a prayer that God will send a miracle so that she can feed her kids, or the teenager who just needs someone to notice them and a kind word will make all the difference. Be sensitive and tender hearted, caring for those around you and God will open up these opportunities for you to bless others.</div>
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Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. 1<sup>st</sup> John 4: 7-8</div>
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<span id="yui_3_2_0_6_1347406460305570" style="color: red;">Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back. And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise. But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you. For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. </span>Luke 6: 30-35</div>
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<i id="yui_3_2_0_6_1347406460305575">Heavenly Father, thank you so much for all that you have blessed us with. We have more than we need. Please give us opportunities to pour out blessings into other’s lives that way they may know your goodness. Let us be a reflection of light in this dark world. Forgive us for being so selfish and self-centered. Change our hearts so that we love as you have called us to love.</i></div>
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<i>Amen!!</i></div>
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Xoxo</div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Ronda</span></div>
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PS: I was reading a blog that I wrote <a href="http://www.rondahondapumpkinpie.blogspot.com/2011/05/h-is-for-hope.html">(H is for Hope)</a> right after the tornado and I used the same scripture from Luke from above as I found it in my yard strewn with debris...God is good. </div>
Ronda Honda Pumpkin Piehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05071696352234410072noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1767875150689049815.post-77101087535477369452012-07-19T15:52:00.002-07:002012-07-19T15:52:40.714-07:00He gave me a Hickey<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRyGhKeQWJAjh3evwcJ8mDm2-JttbhoBg3ZBk9KOc4leSwhHV54w-OfYxayjm5FZi7ymkAVMRb-qqsgmnIiVYqVuazs3tJ1hFRTFzxNpfIQDFEvuQ_2UaTnmev-f0kH43mSbMbaW2FoxbW/s1600/6+weeks+old+(1+of+1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRyGhKeQWJAjh3evwcJ8mDm2-JttbhoBg3ZBk9KOc4leSwhHV54w-OfYxayjm5FZi7ymkAVMRb-qqsgmnIiVYqVuazs3tJ1hFRTFzxNpfIQDFEvuQ_2UaTnmev-f0kH43mSbMbaW2FoxbW/s400/6+weeks+old+(1+of+1).jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Kian Crew Hickey, my little king, was born on June 7, 2012 at 2:32
pm. I was done being pregnant…done. Looking back now though (postpartum amnesia
in full swing) I could do it all over again.
Kian sleeps through the night, occasionally rousing to nuzzle with mom
and fill his tummy. I feel very blessed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This is his birth story.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Kian is my third baby and when I went in for my 38 week
office visit the nurse practitioner told me that I was 4 centimeters dilated. I
was excited and surprised. I had been
having contractions every night for a week and didn't think they were doing
anything. Apparently they were! She offered to strip my membranes and I
accepted. It wasn’t too painful, she
apologized and said she did her best but she had short fingers and it probably
didn’t do much. I was still grateful for
the chance of things being sped up and the possibility of jump starting true
labor. But another week passed and still
no baby so my doctor offered me an induction.
I was induced with my first two boys, Kael and Caleb, so I knew what it
entailed. So in my “doneness” I
scheduled myself for an induction and was super excited to know the day that
Kian would arrive.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">My sister Robin and I drove to the hospital at 5am on June 7<sup>th</sup>. Sam stayed home with the little boys and
would be coming to the hospital after he dropped them off at daycare. They started me on the Pitocin at around 6am
and the contractions began about 40 minutes after that. They were steady and mildly painful.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I had a nurse and a nurse in training looking after me. Eva my nurse was AMAZING. The gal she was training was really nice too,
but when she checked my cervix for dilation I thought I was going to die. It was excruciating. Then Eva would come over and apologize and
recheck me to confirm the trainee’s estimate on how far along I was. Eva once said “sheesh, if she stayed any
longer in there you would have had to charge her rent!” we shared a little
laugh.<a href="" name="_GoBack"></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">As a few more hours passed and they continued to increase
the drip I felt the contractions grow longer and stronger. They were still bearable and I could talk
though them. I dilated to a 5 around
noon, but hadn’t made any further progress.
The baby was still sitting high so they gently broke my water. The doctor was careful to make sure the
baby’s cord didn’t come out before the baby’s head came down when she broke my
water. It is bad news if the cord were
to come out first because then it pinches and doesn't give the baby oxygen. She said she barely had to touch it and my
water broke.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Wowzers, this is when the contractions really began. They were earth shattering and felt like they
were breaking my body in half. I could
barely say the word epidural though these contractions. The anesthesiologist was short and in his
50’s, very soft spoken and warned me in advance that he took his time when
placing an epidural. He did take his time, but he worked with me to
make sure that he was able to get me completely numb from the belly down. Oh, how grateful I was for the drugs, and
they were just in time. It wasn’t but a
few contractions (pain free mind you) later that I felt pressure. After being checked again I was dilated to a
10 and they said I could start pushing.
5 contractions later Kian Crew was born.
It was easy, I remember them telling me to push and since I couldn’t
feel anything I didn’t feel like I was making any progress.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPi45_GG9f89yDNqeOiU0D9OBg0kzTvkEck8zhsuwsIDz7p8H7D72Y09LTeZcbvoZjPZ3agu_rhbQ9x4J-zxFZgCAta9fPA1EAfAuhh3ZkQaw0FU0RioPadQXF27Vxa6_gMwtEYMLEOAcW/s1600/Mom+with+Kian+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPi45_GG9f89yDNqeOiU0D9OBg0kzTvkEck8zhsuwsIDz7p8H7D72Y09LTeZcbvoZjPZ3agu_rhbQ9x4J-zxFZgCAta9fPA1EAfAuhh3ZkQaw0FU0RioPadQXF27Vxa6_gMwtEYMLEOAcW/s320/Mom+with+Kian+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">When he came out they placed him on my chest, something I didn't get with the other boys. Kian was
covered in vernix, a thick coating to protect him while he stewed in amniotic
fluid the previous 9 months, and he had a ton of hair. I wasn’t surprised by all his hair though
because both Kael and Caleb had a lot of hair.
What a handsome little boy! 8lbs,
2oz, 22inches long. Kian Crew, I love
you!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyJTLLQtv0hbmgMclYGKpn9ZCkkZ2qXfIqlVV9PLErYMTNfj8rC6qcStqPwOKZV7F2Scd81lhzuzBrH5zaM4nQdoQ3sqngGkSsRcH5wlizKZTYl0Q5U19Qr8cJVs6DGocpRdTz14GXeZ7B/s1600/He+is+here%2521+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyJTLLQtv0hbmgMclYGKpn9ZCkkZ2qXfIqlVV9PLErYMTNfj8rC6qcStqPwOKZV7F2Scd81lhzuzBrH5zaM4nQdoQ3sqngGkSsRcH5wlizKZTYl0Q5U19Qr8cJVs6DGocpRdTz14GXeZ7B/s320/He+is+here%2521+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Big brothers love the baby. They like to help and sing him songs when he
cries. I am one blessed lady. Thank you to my husband Sam for three beautiful boys and for being there to be my cheer captain. Robin, my lovely sister, for being there to see each boy be born. My mother-in-law Rebecca, for filling in when my mom coudn't be there. And my good friend Stephanie who got to watch little Kian come into this world with us. Love you all!</span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>Ronda Honda Pumpkin Piehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05071696352234410072noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1767875150689049815.post-84576384386589838622011-12-17T07:32:00.000-08:002011-12-17T07:32:04.565-08:00Not Burglerized, Toddlerized<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Yesterday was one of the best days of my life. We closed on our house, I saved $30 at closing, I saved another $79 when AT&T called me and told me they were waiving our activation charges, I helped someone buy their first home, our friends Gary and Stephanie took us to the Kari Jobe concert for Christmas, and then our friends Rob and Blythe took us to dinner. It was as perfect as days can go. Then at the strike of midnight my glass slipper came off and my carriage turned into a pumpkin…well it was more like 4am.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I awoke to the sound of something crashing in the kitchen downstairs. So I booted Sam out of bed to investigate. He found a 3 and a half year old covered head to toe in Krustez pancake mix destroying our laptop. We were toddlerized.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvRal497Zd8M7d-lkhW20AmyfEOMelse46R0xPBQlQaFja4_fyLGi0VCz_sibEpB8MmdBWU8yMKYlisS9iyI7sZdZrqy4Y7UuMlGUj-hLFmmyKiRxQu90lO2OY2nKOqCAtIfKSUooIJ1tE/s1600/untitled+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvRal497Zd8M7d-lkhW20AmyfEOMelse46R0xPBQlQaFja4_fyLGi0VCz_sibEpB8MmdBWU8yMKYlisS9iyI7sZdZrqy4Y7UuMlGUj-hLFmmyKiRxQu90lO2OY2nKOqCAtIfKSUooIJ1tE/s640/untitled+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So I have been up since 4am cleaning. From the crime scene I can tell that Kael (the suspect) was trying to get his presents from on top of the cupboards. So he climbed on the counter and in his attempts to get the presents broke the trim on top of the cabinets. I also have determined that he is too short to do this from the counter which means he was standing on the microwave to accomplish all this.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEdF2ZB-2k8GEh9w68pLssxiCCMlx7nPfudFy4qI8lc6nk6hMF3tXKH1mwmcxzzy4Rlk5FkLt-ON7oJEsWEn06CF2nJ0Fs2qPoNZi-xKgTXhOiUm5zbwzH6W5WiKT83IMkeJe-Rb3we7Ij/s1600/DSC_5912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEdF2ZB-2k8GEh9w68pLssxiCCMlx7nPfudFy4qI8lc6nk6hMF3tXKH1mwmcxzzy4Rlk5FkLt-ON7oJEsWEn06CF2nJ0Fs2qPoNZi-xKgTXhOiUm5zbwzH6W5WiKT83IMkeJe-Rb3we7Ij/s400/DSC_5912.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When he was unsuccessful in his attempts to conquer the cabinets to claim the goods he gave up for much more destructive fun when he crossed the sink to the other counter to retrieve the laptop safely sitting on top of the refrigerator. I don’t know how he got it down. Doesn’t matter now, it is beyond fixing.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBNa9gTuIxKMypOPghtxSt1kDuRJPsiFfLY9SzpCCu16Zr7oXLmmMcYjG2tuOjWyHhJDJnnYnjUB-IGai71RDwzGjNEo2Pn8lsBg25g6Z-G5j4WD_rkJt-3qlPnMDTYJPO-McaKWh57diK/s1600/DSC_5914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBNa9gTuIxKMypOPghtxSt1kDuRJPsiFfLY9SzpCCu16Zr7oXLmmMcYjG2tuOjWyHhJDJnnYnjUB-IGai71RDwzGjNEo2Pn8lsBg25g6Z-G5j4WD_rkJt-3qlPnMDTYJPO-McaKWh57diK/s400/DSC_5914.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">At some point either before or after this expensive play time he decided to have a powder party and coat the kitchen and couch in a nice layer of baking mix.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdAkLQBLyuV1xJz35SEds9E_wBG3QjPJZ6Tm-SsnW80H4jLJUcJwj3KAzhQuXK-rrgFczDsQQxgzOqhr1E-0c3uSmtGfrlJIAskf7QDUPVEGIIEnYWS2opZ3xr_4JHrG-MvMyRLK_zdLs2/s1600/Kael+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdAkLQBLyuV1xJz35SEds9E_wBG3QjPJZ6Tm-SsnW80H4jLJUcJwj3KAzhQuXK-rrgFczDsQQxgzOqhr1E-0c3uSmtGfrlJIAskf7QDUPVEGIIEnYWS2opZ3xr_4JHrG-MvMyRLK_zdLs2/s400/Kael+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If it wasn’t enough that I am pregnant and having to pack to move. Seriously. Well, I still love him. Mess is cleaned. I am one tired momma.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">xoxo</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>Ronda</em></span></div>Ronda Honda Pumpkin Piehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05071696352234410072noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1767875150689049815.post-40180878589523321592011-11-09T15:37:00.000-08:002011-11-09T15:38:12.842-08:00Counting on God<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I was thinking about something the other morning as I lay in bed awake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was mulling over the saga that has become our home buying process of the house that we were trying to buy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We got the bad news last week that they were cancelling our contract.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So we started the house hunt all over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told myself as I lay there, ‘well, I trust God.’ And then I thought to myself…that’s not good enough and a worship song we sing at church started playing in my head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I’m counting on God, I’m counting on, I’m counting on God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i>There is a difference to be between trusting God and counting on God.</span> <br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I realized that I don’t count on, rely on, depend on, God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I trust him, but then I push my way into things and make things happen and take great strides to have control over my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I made a conscious effort to count on God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was hard, really, really hard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was hard because I already had this idea in my head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A beautiful little house, all trimmed out for the holidays, space for the boys to play and grow and room for new baby dumpling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So when it got taken away it was hard for me to let go and count on God that if it was the right house he would make it right.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So I pushed a little (Ronda the Pusher) and I got a lawyer, and I looked at a bunch of other houses, and at the end of the day what I was left with was no house and no reasonable prospects.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What we had was perfectly priced, what we were seeing out there would stretch us beyond what would be wise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was hard on me.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Today I got a phone call, (Lori, I had a perm-a-grin for about a hour), from Lori, one of our realtors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She asked me if I was sitting down…I was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then she asked me if I wanted to close next week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>YES!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes I would LOVE to close next week!!!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So right now I count on God, that if this is the right house for us, that he will continue to open doors and that Wednesday the 16<sup>th</sup>, at 4pm we will sign the loan papers and get the key’s.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What a wonderful day.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Oh and Baby Dumpling is due June 14<sup>th</sup>, I am only 9 weeks along so it is still early.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will find out what baby dumpling is in probably 9-11 weeks from now…Sam hopes for a boy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If my previous pregnancies are any indication then I would agree with him because this has felt identical.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And if your toddlers are needing something fun to keep em busy...Lima beans and muffin tins, let the fun begin!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1CVJioFjcFFLqYFBj4-EzuoTZYQKumckX0UaYuNNodU84t06oJIxfl9fRFctqimkt5jLZpH1wLD1jQjlyZtDw9kk1mIJfoll0IB57vypkzWh7E8LwKvMm3qepepKxHAKV5iwGqXmXLMoY/s1600/2011+487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1CVJioFjcFFLqYFBj4-EzuoTZYQKumckX0UaYuNNodU84t06oJIxfl9fRFctqimkt5jLZpH1wLD1jQjlyZtDw9kk1mIJfoll0IB57vypkzWh7E8LwKvMm3qepepKxHAKV5iwGqXmXLMoY/s400/2011+487.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Xoxo<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ronda<o:p></o:p></span></div>Ronda Honda Pumpkin Piehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05071696352234410072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1767875150689049815.post-3078326030550551192011-09-29T16:38:00.001-07:002011-09-29T16:42:37.855-07:00God's timing is good timing<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I learned a few things today…to be gluten free you must be made of gold, PURE GOLD!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wowzers, talk about bucks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also learned that there is a high likely hood that I am pre-menopausal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will learn more when my blood work comes back next week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And our adorable little house that was supposed to close tomorrow at 2pm is on hold again, for the same reason as before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Title issues plague us; but that is ok!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I actually have an overwhelming peace about it.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Peace is awesome! Especially in the midst of upheaval.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was up at 5am this morning (thank you Kael) so I decided to pack.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have packed a ton, and I don’t really want to unpack any of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will just learn to live with less.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like how clutter free my house is right now.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;">The title officer was terrified to call me and let me know that it was delayed for a third time. I think that I freaked her out even more with how calm I was about it. She thanked me profusely for being so understanding. She has been working very hard for us to resolve all this. She is one of the last people I would want to dump on for this. I am grateful for her and maybe my attitude will be a witness.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So please pray for a few things for us…that the blood work will come back with definitive answers so that my doctor can formulate a good plan, and that God will continue to give us peace regarding the house situation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would really like that to come together soon.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I don’t have much in way of recipes to blog about since I packed the cupboards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I will just end with God is good, and I am a very grateful lady right now.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Xoxo</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Mistral; font-size: 20pt;">Ronda </span></div>Ronda Honda Pumpkin Piehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05071696352234410072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1767875150689049815.post-13446368226084223172011-09-27T18:14:00.000-07:002011-09-27T18:14:10.952-07:00The pusher rests...And God works.<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I sit here in awe filled wonder at the way God works in my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I push push push, and when I finally surrender He works and things work out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When will I learn?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I have been working long hours at work so I haven’t even got to start my Gluten Free recipe week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I say long hours, yesterday I got to the bank about 7 minutes after 9am and I left work around 7 minutes after 9pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today I had a 7:30am meeting and I finally left good old <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Liberty</place></city> at 8pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Business is booming, and I am doing my best not to get behind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A lot of people are counting on me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Including a husband and two little toddlers at home who count on me for my time with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Balance is crucial.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So next week I think I will have to take a few days off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Good news is Kael’s bum is much better… and we have been diarrhea free for a few days now…that is a huge answer to prayer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I still plan to do my Gluten Free recipe week, but as of right now with the hours I have been putting in I haven’t even made it to the Library to get a Gluten Free cookbook.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am determined.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So what is all the push push push?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, I have mentioned here this last week that there were title issues on the house we are buying that had to be resolved before we could close.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was tenacious with hounding people to make sure that no one left our file sitting around. Didn’t want any moss growing on it.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Another area I have been push push pushing is trying to find a company to ship our king size bed and mattress from <state w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Washington</place></state>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can you say expensive?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can… e-x-p-e-n-s-i-v-e!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I decided yesterday that I would let that rest too.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And again, when I pause and let God be God, BAM!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My head nearly explodes when I get a text out of the blue from my sister that they are going to come through Joplin (from Seattle, Washington mind you) and drop off our bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And guess when…SATURDAY!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I started thinking about how I would take down our queen and store it in the garage until the house closed…whenever that might be.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Last night I told Sam that this whole house thing could take months to sort out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told him that I was done pushing and that I was just going to pretend that we weren’t buying a house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My friend Lisa text me late last night, about the time I was telling Sam I was pretending that there was no house, that she was rocking out some prayers for me; this was her exact text:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Rocked a prayer binding up hindrance and delay … I am already thanking Him for great news on this house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tigger style!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can I get an Amen!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Amen Lisa, Amen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The title company called me at 1:31pm today with the good news that we can close most likely (99%) on Friday at 2pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was huge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The title lady told me she hated to do it, but she pulled the Tornado card.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I was ok with that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So now we get our house Friday, and our bed Saturday…Thank you Father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are so good to me.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I have a head ache building right now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am going to kick off my shoes, put on some sweats, and snuggle my babies.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">My soul has been singing songs incessantly, and the ones that lifted out from my mouth echoed nicely in the empty bank tonight.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">xoxo,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 20pt;">Ronda</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And please pray for my good friend Stephanie who is sick with a nasty bronchial thing-a-ma-jig.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She isn’t feeling too hot.</span><span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 20pt;"></span></div>Ronda Honda Pumpkin Piehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05071696352234410072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1767875150689049815.post-34838235698577662202011-09-26T04:28:00.000-07:002011-09-26T04:34:14.490-07:00Gluten free: Gimmick or a God send? We'll see...<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Kael woke up early early yesterday morning, but thanks to TEAM WORK!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sam corralled the little man and got him back to bed while I got Caleb back to bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Caleb was roused in the repeated efforts to get Kael to stay in bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But then Kael didn’t get out of bed again until 6am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can I get a ‘WOOT WOOT!’</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today was a similar story but it was me being the corraller, enforcer, and finally at 5:40am I told Kael he did a good job and we came downstairs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is a good boy and I feel more rested.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My go-juice, Seattle’s Best Coffee, is kicking in now and my eyes are wide open.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My weekend was a pleasant little one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have a dear friend who is getting married this coming Saturday and he and his fiancé asked me to take some engagement photo’s for them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was honored.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They turned out really good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not a photographer…I just have a really nice camera (THANKS DAD!).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We went to our friends Steve and Angie’s for dinner Saturday night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are a wonderful couple and she made Zucchini Soup which I have never had prior to that night, but I plan to make and blog about it because it was delicious!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Creamy and delicate, beautiful in color and texture…yummmmmm.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Have you seen that movie Juila & Julie, oh if you haven’t you should.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is really cute, and it is about food and blogging! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is about a present day woman who starts making and blogging all of Julia Child’s recipes over the course of a year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The story flips between the present day gal and Meryl Streep who plays Julia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I enjoyed it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And it gave me an idea…but I will be much less lengthy since I want to try something for a week and see if there is any weight behind it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(for our family at least).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Kael has had chronic diarrhea (don’t worry I will bring this idea together in a second…I know what you’re thinking, ‘what possibly could Julia Child or that movie have to do with your kids bowel movements???’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well let me tell you.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Upon searching the internet for answers as to why this could be happening I stumbled upon some answers that have me ready to try something new for Kael…Gluten Free.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have in the past somewhat snubbed my nose at the Gluten Free diets since we went all natural and it seemed to really make a huge difference for Kael.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt bad for all the people who had omitted gluten from their diets when they maybe didn’t need to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gluten is found in foods processed from wheat…so basically everything delicious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bummer.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Celiac disease is what is behind it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And Diarrhea is one, just one, of the symptoms of this disease which basically is like a food allergy to gluten.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I am going to give this little thing a whirl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would be totally bummed if that is what it is though because I went to the grocery store yesterday and there was hardly a thing he could eat (or would eat…picky toddler).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh well, this morning his poo was actually totally normal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So maybe we are past the problem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have been giving him Culturelle which is live cultures (like in yogurt) that you mix with their drink.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has helped a TON.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not cheap though, and I would just rather this yuckie problem get resolved.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Well, today I am getting a Gluten Free cook book at the Library (hope they have one) and I am going to see if it makes a difference for Kael, and his butt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will try it for a week and blog about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just one week…can’t be too bad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And if it works I will switch back to his regular diet for another week and see if the problem comes back.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I know that a lot of parents with Spectrum kids go Gluten Free…I think it is worth a shot for us to see if it helps.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sunday was nice except we had to leave church because Kael was hurting kids in his sunday school class. He wasn't sharing, he tried to choak a kid, and then he slapped a little girl right in the face. Sam went in and gave him a swat (his teachers had already tried timeouts and nothing was working). It was bad timing as we were just about to go on stage to lead worship. As soon as worship was over we went and got him and took him home.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Children are a lot of work. The young girls working at the mall yesterday were mortified, and I was mortified with them as both the boys Team-Worked themselves against me...but Sam got new shoes! :0) I kept the little boys busy for him. Grateful for the wisdom that came to this weary mother and I forked out the ridiculous $3.87 for a medium strawberry banana Orange Julius. I don't ever remember them being so expensive. Inflation I guess. The little gal on the otherside of the counter stared at me in mild disgust as I held one toddler between my legs and one by mid arm while attempting to pay her. I looked her right in the eyes and said, 'don't ever have children.' She smiled. I don't mean this of course, but I will say that it is 100% more difficult to raise children then I ever thought it would be. Maybe it is just my children...but I doubt it. Mom and Dad, you amaze me.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So…here we go Gluten Free for a week (I already failed this morning with him and gave in to his repeated requests for a roll).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wish me luck.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Xoxo</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Mistral; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%;">Ronda</span></div>Ronda Honda Pumpkin Piehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05071696352234410072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1767875150689049815.post-908591002092283602011-09-24T06:51:00.000-07:002011-09-24T10:31:27.252-07:00Oh my omelet!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglvJHfYRuKqTohqMBLigF79LDurGlDoa504hwChWHgh2VQBop9Lx1NAJJ-JU-8ZdZA6GaLjgrIcxJ8sXcoCoJW-XFpCOZEMep_8-ThJfJBGdEWR6Z3o75m1xC5gfmmM3xtySpfAqTGNtOa/s1600/Omlet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hca="true" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglvJHfYRuKqTohqMBLigF79LDurGlDoa504hwChWHgh2VQBop9Lx1NAJJ-JU-8ZdZA6GaLjgrIcxJ8sXcoCoJW-XFpCOZEMep_8-ThJfJBGdEWR6Z3o75m1xC5gfmmM3xtySpfAqTGNtOa/s640/Omlet.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;">Vegetarian Omelet</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Good morning!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It is overcast out and it reminds me of Washington.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think it might even be sprinkling out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hopefully it will clear up soon because I am going to go take some pictures this afternoon.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Kael woke up at 5am this morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sam kept him up until 10:30pm last night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before I had kids 5am seemed ridiculously early…now it is like sleeping in!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kael and I went to Walmart and stopped by the donut store.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I recently learned that my wonderful husband Sam loves maple bars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had no idea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I bought some and when he woke up this morning he got maple bars and a nice cup of home brewed Seattle’s Best coffee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perfect for an early fall overcast morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What a delightful way to start the day.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I made myself something a little bit healthier and I will share this super easy, highly nutritious treat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I made a Vegetarian Omelet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was delicious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I ate it and drank my cup of coffee and it was a perfect little morning.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE9yvBQAEhTDeiBYkUn7R0BZ65wY5qUYgwjI-ZBpalGliYH5zkNgvDUeedMwUA-FXh6aeVgySI_vVHJ2JKtExytjjzDE5BFI7e8tTzMkV5XgbN4SErKBP__pQBrvHBpU12MixJeZGifFzw/s1600/Omlet2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hca="true" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE9yvBQAEhTDeiBYkUn7R0BZ65wY5qUYgwjI-ZBpalGliYH5zkNgvDUeedMwUA-FXh6aeVgySI_vVHJ2JKtExytjjzDE5BFI7e8tTzMkV5XgbN4SErKBP__pQBrvHBpU12MixJeZGifFzw/s400/Omlet2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What you will need:</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 whole eggs whisked together with 2 additional egg whites</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 teaspoon butter, I used a yogurt based butter that is a lot lighter in calories</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 tablespoon feta</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">½ zucchini sliced thin</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">¼ cup sliced mushrooms</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Steak seasoning</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">½ tomato</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I used two frying pans so I could do it all at once.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Put ½ teaspoon of butter in each frying pan to coat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Add ¼ cup water to one pan and place each on medium heat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Place your zucchini and mushrooms in the pan with the water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Add steak seasoning to your taste preference. And let them get lightly cooked through.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In your other pan pour your lightly whisked eggs and add a little bit more steak seasoning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once I can see the bottom of the eggs getting cooked I peel up the omelet and let the uncooked egg pour underneath it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I keep lifting up the edges and doing this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I fold it over itself and make sure it is all cooked.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Place your eggs on a plate, top with your lightly steamed veggies, sprinkle with feta and serve with tomato slices lightly salted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>YUM!!!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now I get to go play with toddlers and drink another cup of my ‘go juice’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have a wonderful day!!!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Xoxo</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Mistral; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%;">Ronda</span></div>Ronda Honda Pumpkin Piehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05071696352234410072noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1767875150689049815.post-41675457998838397532011-09-23T04:56:00.000-07:002011-09-23T04:57:30.467-07:00Homeless happenings and Toddler training<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Good morning again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you for your prayers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kael slept in until 4:15am this morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But per a few parenting books, instead of getting up with him I had a glass of water ready for a drink, and a diaper ready for a fresh change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After he had his drink and new diaper I put him back in bed, tucked him in and told him “it is still night night time Kael.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I put him back in bed over and over again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By 5:30am Caleb was awake too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So at that point I finally took them both downstairs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will try again tonight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am feeling more empowered to be consistent.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">On my lunch break yesterday I went to the Library and was able to buy a heap of magazines for a quarter a piece.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am pretty excited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really enjoy looking at them for ideas on entertaining, house renovating, parenting, family time, recipes, crafts, etc…</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Last night when I got home from work the little boys were so hyper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I decided we needed to get out of the house and go burn some energy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I took them to a park in Joplin that I have taken them to many times before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Apparently since the tornado though the park has become a homeless villiage/drug deal central.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After about 8 minutes of play time I told the little boys it was time to go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They both started crying as I hauled them back to the car.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just kept my eyes forward and kept saying out loud to them that it was time to go change Kael’s diaper because he pooped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was true, but I also thought it would be a good deterrent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who wants to mug a mom with two little boys who stink like poop…well, hopefully no one, but I wasn’t taking any chances.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got out of there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not going back either.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Lord willing we can close on our house next week and then the boys will have lots of new places to roam and have fun.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am amazed that it is already fall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My house smells AMAZING!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bath and Body Works candles were burning last night in my kitchen and the smells were so delicious it made me constantly hungry!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have the wall plug in making my kitchen/living room smell like apples and cinnamon…..mmmm….smells like fall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Smells engrain memories.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The little boys are doggy piling on me right now. Better go.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Xoxo,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Mistral; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%;">Ronda</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Mistral; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Oh and doesn't this look like Paul! Amy reminded me of this picture I found years ago, and it was just plain creepy how much it looks like my little brother...This is Prince Albert Victor.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0EvVw41YePO-NdHzXxR0txf09T1ik8cFPPrV5ou6uQTyUzfNAYWydIOQR2Dv5vKH4AOZ_b6c8PHufhTuB2n3niE-ICI-bkZINGnNIkBatgobyWGVvxFrKADBokjCNyLmCL1q-8Gd6cUON/s1600/Paul+Albert+Victor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hca="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0EvVw41YePO-NdHzXxR0txf09T1ik8cFPPrV5ou6uQTyUzfNAYWydIOQR2Dv5vKH4AOZ_b6c8PHufhTuB2n3niE-ICI-bkZINGnNIkBatgobyWGVvxFrKADBokjCNyLmCL1q-8Gd6cUON/s400/Paul+Albert+Victor.jpg" width="283" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div>Ronda Honda Pumpkin Piehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05071696352234410072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1767875150689049815.post-87449536019886048342011-09-22T03:49:00.000-07:002011-09-22T03:49:06.125-07:00Marvelous<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjcASGtKRSHA60s4Ph0xyfhko6Ihlf5eavGBR1pCIZxxU3f64HkxHFbKiM7iJ51iFyzuG7T4_i17Pc858uLda4nno5a2WmzU3hLP11RjRrwKsIu7d64ygA_3OCXzyv7IW158UtTaJyEoNj/s1600/Chicken+Salad3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hca="true" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjcASGtKRSHA60s4Ph0xyfhko6Ihlf5eavGBR1pCIZxxU3f64HkxHFbKiM7iJ51iFyzuG7T4_i17Pc858uLda4nno5a2WmzU3hLP11RjRrwKsIu7d64ygA_3OCXzyv7IW158UtTaJyEoNj/s400/Chicken+Salad3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;">Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Lord have mercy.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here I am again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tired.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I write to you with a grateful heart.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Kael is sleeplittle again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not sleepless, the boy is sleeping, but he is waking up consistently earlier then this little momma appreciates.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t think he has slept past 5am in…well, a really long time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This morning it was 3 am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The last two nights in an effort to curb the waking trend we have kept him up past 9pm in the hope that we could adjust his schedule, but it so far has proven to be unsuccessful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pray for us.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I finally succumb to his persistent pawing this morning (an hour worth of persistent pawing to be exact) and crawled out of bed and followed him downstairs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sat at our table, wearily drinking my coffee thinking about our new house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many of you know that we are buying a house and the closing date, as of right now, is undetermined.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were ready to close last week but when I called to schedule our closing appointment I learned that the title company was working to clear some issues on title.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was news to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Apparently when the home was foreclosed upon the bank who owned the note failed to settle on a lien.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So until all that gets sorted out house is on hold.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ13L3aucvisZ-ZInGgfDS6lzCyk5sTs26gKxl4ledTJrCm_SWBkruASCe22nLvZheJyaBXzRbXsIbKnMOgphijJIriA8IXwQ2a0d_lkvunMq60hzYOZBg0VvEAfroR4m9l28i0jBLDJzI/s1600/cNew+house" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hca="true" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ13L3aucvisZ-ZInGgfDS6lzCyk5sTs26gKxl4ledTJrCm_SWBkruASCe22nLvZheJyaBXzRbXsIbKnMOgphijJIriA8IXwQ2a0d_lkvunMq60hzYOZBg0VvEAfroR4m9l28i0jBLDJzI/s400/cNew+house" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;">Adorable new house</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I thought about this as I drank my “go-juice”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let me just pause and say, coffee is a gift from God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was thinking about how God knows why this is taking so long and how one day when I stand before him I will see how his hand was in it and how he protected us and I will be amazed at how he worked without me knowing he was at work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then I began to think…why don’t I just praise him now for how clever he is?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I already know that one day I will marvel at his mercy and grace, why don’t I marvel now?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So that is what I am going to start doing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In everything I am going to marvel at God and the work he is doing.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You might be thinking right now, ‘duh’, and to you I would say, sorry, but sometimes I am a little slow.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am marveling at God right now that Kael who gets so little sleep is a cheerful happy little guy who is growing and learning, and talking more and more each day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I marvel at how far God has brought him this past year, and that by God’s mercy we have a little boy who loves and recognizes us and who since my Birthday has been calling me Mommy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You don’t know how marvelous this truly is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is not easy to have a 3 ½ year old that can’t say Mommy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, now he can, and he does.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It makes my heart happy every time I hear him say “it’s a Mommy!”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This has been a busy month.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I turned 30, I had my one year anniversary at Liberty Bank, I went on a road trip to Chicago, I read through Paul’s letters to the various churches, and up through Revelation, and I have made several new friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God has been giving me a tenacious appetite for his word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I crave his word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I noticed that these past few weeks as I have been working longer hours at work that I have had less time to spend in his word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I missed it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A lot!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have a new Bible, fresh with no highlights.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am excited to mark it all up.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So what does a tired lady who wants to stay fit without the fuss eat?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know that was a terrible transition, but my exhaustion is seeping into my writing and my coffee is wearing off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is something that you will really enjoy if you like Chicken or Tuna Salad.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh2awjcKynlEkJVRkw0iZIjfVVFyREOQthR4j_Ynno6gWM8GdPsMbkTtx_RUHLSdlqJz-bZUHmKkxu_gXlHg-9eb4uzU89XziB8Aa_KUsNtLV5_zg43qcXdQcHkFXG4l38wMW-8xg_MvWu/s1600/Chicken+Salad2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hca="true" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh2awjcKynlEkJVRkw0iZIjfVVFyREOQthR4j_Ynno6gWM8GdPsMbkTtx_RUHLSdlqJz-bZUHmKkxu_gXlHg-9eb4uzU89XziB8Aa_KUsNtLV5_zg43qcXdQcHkFXG4l38wMW-8xg_MvWu/s400/Chicken+Salad2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 can chicken meat drained</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 tablespoons of fat free or light mayo</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Salt and pepper to taste</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 tomato sliced</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4 leaves romaine or iceberg lettuce.</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mix chicken, mayo, salt and pepper together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Line a lettuce leaf with tomato slices and top with a few tablespoons of your chicken mixture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fix shut with a clothes pin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I served it with some whole grain Scoop’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>YUM!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have missed writing to you and sharing the happening’s of the Hickey Household and my sweet little life here in Missouri.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If Kael keeps this up I may be back for good!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sending my love and prayers to my church family in Washington who is celebrating the blessed departure of Ray Gephart who went home to be with the Lord last week.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">xoxo,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Mistral; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%;">Ronda</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div>Ronda Honda Pumpkin Piehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05071696352234410072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1767875150689049815.post-31846956866109728652011-09-01T15:15:00.000-07:002011-09-01T15:15:05.360-07:00Oblivious<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I had a minute to spare while a file loaded on my computer screen at work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Life has been busy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Life has been very busy; heavily loaded with work and activities which have resulted in minimal and inconsistent blogging.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While I waited on my customer’s information to fill the screen I grabbed the TIME magazine sitting on the corner of my desk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Set there for clients to flip through if for any reason they should have to wait on me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So today I flipped through it while I waited on them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stopped when I saw a picture of a little boy, 7 years old, completely wrapped in a beautifully colored transparent fabric, while two men poured what looked like gasoline over his dead body to prepare him for burial.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the top of the page were the words Famine, and Drought.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">There were more pictures of mothers as they clung to their starving children, skin and bones themselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t imagine what it would be like to watch my children die of hunger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is reality and I was oblivious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Daily I am oblivious. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Scripture in the gospels come to mind…whoa to the pregnant women and nursing mothers in those days…</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It breaks my heart.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Praying for those who have nothing. We are more blessed then we know, understand, or appreciate.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div>Ronda Honda Pumpkin Piehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05071696352234410072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1767875150689049815.post-4262476348285063522011-08-26T03:58:00.000-07:002011-08-26T04:04:24.457-07:00Near death, a mother's nightmare<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have had a few close calls as a parent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Primarily with Caleb who was always a magnet for danger as a baby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kael with this Sensory Processing disorder, past numerous bumps and bruises from not being able to adequately feel pain, is usually not one to get hurt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is one tough cookie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yesterday he was one foot, one second away from being killed right in front of my eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was the worst moment ever because I could see it happening but I could do little to stop it.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was outside playing with the little boys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We live on a street without a fence in our yard (we are moving soon YAY), and cars often drive by too fast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I am outside with the boys I am usually standing playing referee keeping them inside a comfortable zone close to the house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was sitting on the edge of the driveway which is about 25 feet from the street and Kael started walking toward the road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was smiling at me as he walked because he knew he was being naughty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told him to come here now! He giggled and kept shuffling his dusty little feet through the gravel.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I knew this was a bad thing because I could hear a car in the distance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t want to start running at him because I knew he would run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> So I</span> stood up thinking I would calmly approach him like a wild animal catcher and gently corral him back to safety. I didn't get that chance. As soon as I stood up he started running toward the street.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I started running and screaming and waving my arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It all happened so fast, but mathematically speaking I could see the vehicle coming over the hill and I could see where Kael was and the speed at which they were both moving and he was going to get hit if he didn’t stop or if they didn’t stop and I wouldn't get to him in time.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This seriously happened SO FAST.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They didn’t see me screaming and running and madly waving my arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They didn’t see Kael 3 feet, 40 lbs barreling toward them squealing and giggling as he ran.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was right Kael would have been hit and killed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He reached the street the very moment that they would have plowed into him, but he stopped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His toes were touching the road, but he stopped.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It was the worst moment ever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I understand that it could have really been the worst moment ever, but it was still the worst moment ever.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I could picture it over and over and over again in my mind seeing Kael getting hit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I dragged him and Caleb into the house. </span>Sam and I agreed that for now Kael can’t be outside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He doesn’t have a concept of danger past he knows not to touch something “HOT”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is really a challenge to teach a child with SPD danger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He also thought it was a fun game, mom chasing him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He doesn’t obey me 90% of the time because he has very few consequences that actually bother him.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My heart still hurts.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I kept thinking about a two year old little boy in Washington in Tulalip who was hit and killed by a car because as he ran toward the road his family chased after him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He thought it was a funny game.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So he ran faster and ran right into the street.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Kael was so close.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What do I do now?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How do I teach him?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sam and I prayed for him last night and we thanked God for keeping him safe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We prayed that God would send Kael a few angels to keep guard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are going to try and keep him out of danger as much as is humanly reasonable.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So if you see Kael duck taped to Sam or my hip, now you will know why.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Whew...Pray with me?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>God, thank you so much for keeping Kael safe. Thank you so much for not letting me watch my little boy die. Please help me. Please help me know how to teach Kael. Please unlock his brain and help him to grow and learn more and more so that he can communicate clearly and be clearly communicated with. Thank you for entrusting us with Kael. We want to do a good job, but sometimes I don't understand the best way. Thank you so much for mercy.</em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">xoxo</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%;">Ronda</span></div>Ronda Honda Pumpkin Piehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05071696352234410072noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1767875150689049815.post-26544180010173795982011-08-23T18:53:00.000-07:002011-08-23T19:18:17.855-07:00Out with the old...<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Touch down! And my fingers hit the keys running.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have missed you so much and yet for the most part not given you a thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And when I say you, I mean this little blog. I think about you, my friends, all the time!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This blog since its inception May 1st of this year has been a huge blessing to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A way for me to connect with my family in Seattle, Washington, from Joplin, Missouri.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A way for me to share my journey as a mother, as a wife, as a child of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A way for me to share my passions and my desires, things that I like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A place where I can give you a peek at my mind, heart, soul, and spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Taking a week off has been a blessing also.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have not been blogging very long, and if I am honest I will say right now that I don't like the word "blog." I don't like the way it sounds coming out of my mouth or the way my mouth feels when I say it... like "blah", "blog", "blagh", "bloug"... I like the word *glimpse* much better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a glimpse of my life.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I love the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He truly is a spring of life inside me and a phrase that my heart always sings as if it is the chorus of my soul are the words "where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom," and I say YES and AMEN! to that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is freedom in a way that is nearly inexpressible, unexplainable, unimaginable!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I feel tangled, torn, twisty, tired, defeated...I can call upon the Lord and he will unwind me, mend me, bend me, energize me, and remind me that in him...in him I am a victor.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have continued to read through Paul's letters and I would strongly recommend it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In as much time as you can spare from your life to take and just read them right through, do it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was such a new experience for me as I have been to countless Bible studies throughout my life, but I am ashamed to say that I used to rarely read my Bible outside of church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God has given me a new heart these past few years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It started with a glimpse of who he was.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I began to realize that God is love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not just love like empty words that are easy to type and easy to say, but 'oh snap! LOVE!' It is a love that the depths of which we cannot even begin to fathom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I am typing these words I am praying for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am praying for you that God will minister to you his love as well.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Something Paul wrote to Timothy in 2nd Timothy jumped of the page at me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paul in the very first chapter reminds Timothy to fan into flames his gift from God that he received when Paul laid hands on him. 2nd Timothy chapter 1 verse<u> </u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What is my gift?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I began praying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"God what is my gift..."</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am praying he will show me my gift and that he will fan it into flames.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am excited.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Caleb had a snot nose little cold bug this week, but he is recovering nicely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you to everyone who lifted the little dude up in prayer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kael had a bug too, the kind of bug that generates liquid..eh hem...no bueno and many baths, let's just put it that way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is starting to feel better too.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sunday was a special day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sam's mom came from Tulsa and a few of us gathered at our house and we studied God's word together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a really nice time of fellowship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After she left we all sat around and Colby asked Sam to baptize him down at Shoal Creek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had driven down there earlier in the day and said he had known for some time that he wanted Sam to do the honor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So we drove down there and it was awesome.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjuteSxKhOrBeKhyLi4M3CcpCjYrkTmW1dEG9Y_RCNZyz7JSs5RjNlRbNspPUDDLPuB3UlKtO7Q6yqCIg8gTN-lGT94ZOEPbyJxAm7UrhfOFvI8rnmmm04n6J7CfgHOvyujyN9In3mGjZf/s1600/Baptism+REady-+BW+fade+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjuteSxKhOrBeKhyLi4M3CcpCjYrkTmW1dEG9Y_RCNZyz7JSs5RjNlRbNspPUDDLPuB3UlKtO7Q6yqCIg8gTN-lGT94ZOEPbyJxAm7UrhfOFvI8rnmmm04n6J7CfgHOvyujyN9In3mGjZf/s640/Baptism+REady-+BW+fade+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Out with the old...</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQXTTRCpfgt_UYQMDcqMjAZ_9OcAb4u5jjlSTz6AZ75_G8UgDxrVjT8aiTLGnsUZgItwczrHyfWQUlzPBtgWgtq2T-zse01BW87noGVY2Z-3xh6F_op64QEmNxYJKH3UELDvoYFgzyfF9c/s1600/Baptism+He%2527s+number+1+faded+color+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQXTTRCpfgt_UYQMDcqMjAZ_9OcAb4u5jjlSTz6AZ75_G8UgDxrVjT8aiTLGnsUZgItwczrHyfWQUlzPBtgWgtq2T-zse01BW87noGVY2Z-3xh6F_op64QEmNxYJKH3UELDvoYFgzyfF9c/s640/Baptism+He%2527s+number+1+faded+color+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In with the new.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEideQFjPAvv_b0QOgMQYVVySfA-PZbpfr9JB546zWi3xGckeh_oTihkSmreXm_mHQJYRkJsfEhGxhAWh4VdtDyd8CgDWzA6aJ9ktFnB9y3y2P8Ye04i7NY5pCN6U3BjxDJdYYsFxzx-Cp62/s1600/Baptism+Brothers+hug+bright+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEideQFjPAvv_b0QOgMQYVVySfA-PZbpfr9JB546zWi3xGckeh_oTihkSmreXm_mHQJYRkJsfEhGxhAWh4VdtDyd8CgDWzA6aJ9ktFnB9y3y2P8Ye04i7NY5pCN6U3BjxDJdYYsFxzx-Cp62/s400/Baptism+Brothers+hug+bright+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">"Brother's don't shake hands...Brother's gotta hug!"</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The next day at work Colby was able to share with many of the other sales men at Fletchers about his baptism and what God is doing in his life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their boss Duce had a spark lit inside him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pray that God will fan it into flames.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are tired and you are weary, there is freedom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to tell you so sincerely that time spent with the Lord in prayer and reading his word is priceless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Time well spent and will change your life.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I see glimpses of people in my mind right now...people who are just like me, people who are living just like I was living.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had a form of godliness...I could talk the talk and even walk the walk, but I didn't have a relationship with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn't have an understanding of him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn't have a reverence for him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You get those things by taking time for him. Taking time with him.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thank you Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to type thank you over and over and over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My heart, my mind, my soul, my spirit, every fiber of my being is singing thank you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you for your grace and mercy to allow us the opportunity to come before you even though we are filthy rotten scoundrels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you that you have washed us so that we are as white as snow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am so disrespectful to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am so sorry for that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can't wait until I get to heaven and I can just say thank you for eternity and praise you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That probably sounds silly to anyone who doesn't know you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It would have sounded like the correct Christianese to pump out if I would have said it in my past...but you have come alive to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I desire to know you more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are so intricate in your plan and it blows my mind.</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thank you for giving us your word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you that you have given us grace in that this is an open book test.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can know you and know what is desired of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you for sending us your Holy Spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pray that you will bless each and every person along with their family who read this prayer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That as their eyes pass over each word you will light a fire in their bones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like a fire shut up in my bones, I want the world to know that you are God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With a passion burning deep within fill me and make me new.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus, Father, I am desperate for you.</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">And grace upon grace upon grace, bless the Lord, O my soul!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All that is within me bless his HOLY name.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Awake you sleepers!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is coming soon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let's be ready.</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">xoxo</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Freestyle Script"; font-size: 26pt; line-height: 115%;">Ronda</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div align="center"></div>Ronda Honda Pumpkin Piehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05071696352234410072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1767875150689049815.post-27306073422512136172011-08-18T04:12:00.000-07:002011-08-18T04:12:16.870-07:00Back in a few...<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hi Friends,</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am going to put the ole blog up for a week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just am swamped at work and life in general is fairly hectic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God blessed us with a beautiful house and we close on September 26nd.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is the most exciting news this week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kael has been getting up really early again so pray for me that I will be able to keep on keeping on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Feeling a bit tired.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Especially this morning.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Couple prayer requests that came to me this week if you could lift up with me:</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Julia, had a stem cell transplant in May.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Prayer for continued recovery and a clean bill of health.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pray that her energy will return and she will be able to get back to work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Julia loves the Lord.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Amy, that the cancer the doctors found in her brain will be gone by the next round of tests. Amy loves the Lord.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Brittany, had a miscarriage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have been trying for a long time to have a baby and the unexpected loss is very hard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are going to keep trying so prayer that the Lord will hear their cry and bless them with a child…or two </span></span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you have a prayer request I would love to pray for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is such a blessing to me to be able to lift up others in prayer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love praise reports too and testimonies of what God is doing in your life.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>Father in heaven, you are so tender and loving. I see your grace and mercy in everyday, and everyday I am so grateful. Thank you for saving me, thank you for shining your mega beam light into my life and illuminating me. Thank you for knowing me. I love that you know me. I feel so small at times, and yet I can get so caught up in my life, and my life's details that I get destracted. forgive me for my distraction. Forgive me for any complacency. Please let me have opportunity this week to not only lift people up in prayer but to share your sweet message of salvation. I pray that I will hear your still small voice and know your voice. I am tired. Give me strength. I have so much work, thank you so much, it is all because of you that I have any work. Please help me to get it all done and not miss a single detail. I pray for Julia, Amy, and Brittany...I pray that during these times of sickness, loss, and confusion that you will bring healing, peace, strength, and clarity to them. I pray that you will bless every doctor and every medical person that comes across their path and that they will be ministered too by these women's faith. I love you Lord...I will talk you in a few, going to take a little nap.</em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">xoxo</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Mistral; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Ronda<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>Ronda Honda Pumpkin Piehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05071696352234410072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1767875150689049815.post-17680623840821219372011-08-15T05:03:00.000-07:002011-08-15T05:04:32.596-07:00Far and wide: Bold and bright A testimony by Mindy Horr<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVIZDhHyh_sTEM_JBJsVdwA5zX0TxKV44MimDq_eJnyUR-foNj-Rr_4DPoOmQArR-DgWvvhc4lm77ZkMGBOkNymAGYWF_y0aCqS2sg5Si0AyZgQ4ehgIUkyxF6znKwUunmwvFFJ-rgJfPe/s1600/Mindy+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVIZDhHyh_sTEM_JBJsVdwA5zX0TxKV44MimDq_eJnyUR-foNj-Rr_4DPoOmQArR-DgWvvhc4lm77ZkMGBOkNymAGYWF_y0aCqS2sg5Si0AyZgQ4ehgIUkyxF6znKwUunmwvFFJ-rgJfPe/s400/Mindy+1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">When wondering what I could possibly write for my testimony that would explain everything that God has taught me, I was at a loss. How do I write about what brought me from when I was a little girl - trying to figure out why it was wrong that I played hide-and-seek when my parents closed their eyes during prayer - to now. </span><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Then I figured, as the Mad Hatter would propose, I should "start at the beginning, and when I get to the end, stop." So, here goes.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">As you may have read between those lines, I grew up in a Christian home. I owe much of my faith to my parents today, and I want everyone to know that having Christian parents can be the greatest asset to developing your own strong faith if you allow it. I say "if you allow it" because many of us let the shortcomings of our parents, or conversely, the strength of our parents' faith, determine too much of why or what we believe. If your Christian parents have failed at showing you the Father, remember - they are still human and are working out their salvation with fear and trembling. If your parents have succeeded, and shown you the unconditional love of an Almighty God - remember, their faith will not be enough to save you, you must make a choice to follow that same God. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">All this to say, my parents, Cliff and Casey Horr, are the best people I know. Not best as in perfect, but best as in, I have watched them seek and choose the things of God every day since I can remember. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">I was in the latter portion of those children above for a long time, living in the glow of their faith as I believe the Bible intends - one needs to know good in order to follow it. I allowed them to lead my own faith along behind them like a little stuffed animal led along by the leash of a child. But I had to grow up sometime, so I went away to school, and for a variety of reasons, some of which included wanting to follow God, chose Biola University. Ahem. It was in Southern California.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Now, those tumultuous 4 years in a heavy and exciting culture were more than enough to pull me away from God, push me towards God, and everything in between. I will say one thing about my time there, something that is exactly what I want to always connect with those years - God introduced me to beautiful, strong, vastly different women, who helped me through, grew up with me, and allowed me the first bud of what I like to refer to now as my "feminist" side. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">I'm so sure that I may end up losing some of you at this point, but please, stay with me. As opposed to what many people think when they read the word "feminist", I am neither one who is fighting vigorously for women to be allowed the same rights, wages, and jobs as men. Nor am I one who scoffs at the attempts of men to lead the world, and claims that women could do better. I would actually like to stop this whole comparison and figure out something else.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">From the very beginning in Genesis, God told us we were different. "God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them" (1:27). There is something distinct about God's image that He put only in females, and it was put in me - but what is it? And THAT is what I'm all about figuring out. Not, how do I stack up against the image of God that was specifically placed in man. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">I believe I've gotten way ahead of myself. Well, maybe not. This thought of femininity was racing through my head and heart about the same time I decided that Southern California was again pulling me away from God - not to mention I couldn't get an interview anywhere, was making balloon animals for tips, and was living on a sailboat near Venice Beach - I was making all the wrong choices. Not exactly where I saw myself post-a 4 year degree and a heart that knew better.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Along with three of my other friends, and with one waiting for us there, I moved to Korea in August of 2009 to teach English for a year. Reasons being: 1. I would have a job that would make use of all that school I had done, 2. I would finally be able to start paying off loans from that school, 3. I could save money once the loans were paid off so that, 4. I could travel. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">I think, at this point, God must've been looking down and chuckling, saying "oh, that's cute, Sweetie, you think THAT'S why you're going to Korea."</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Within the first month, I realized. Community.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">I say this word with so many images racing through my brain, that it will be extremely hard to pinpoint where exactly it changed for me - from being just another word to describe a neighborhood or group of people - to being this vibrant, life-giving, moving thing that would replace the institution that church has become in an instant if people really understood what a church, as a body of people, was meant to be. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">I've come to realize that I will never (well maybe not never but it will take quite a long time to) unpack what God was doing those long months in Korea. Months where I couldn't believe what I was a part of. Months where I would've given any thing to be out of it. Months where I felt both at the same time. Months where I knew, with every single atom of my being, that whatever this uncomfortable, awakening, and glorious thing was, it was from God. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">And it was God's.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">There wasn't anything that any one of us there had done to orchestrate it, though God did use specific actions and words and emotions of certain people to be very instrumental in its growth. And, though there were a handful of men that God used as brothers in Christ to show me a good many things, it was the women He had placed around me to affirm and encourage me, that I, ME SPECIFICALLY, was someone that God NEEDED, to show an aspect of His image to those around me, for the glory of HIS kingdom.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvuGP8x_fM0qW52eL-Xqv92ekiS1FsW9jPFcL8Epo_PSwgn38D43FtTN7y92mvCHYen8B1-AFmsJjgA8N_2liIGo0btu-opqXHWrgyBqZ8idahU-67skO4v38zu_5LgavdwpPQO4hhkd02/s1600/Mindy+Korea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvuGP8x_fM0qW52eL-Xqv92ekiS1FsW9jPFcL8Epo_PSwgn38D43FtTN7y92mvCHYen8B1-AFmsJjgA8N_2liIGo0btu-opqXHWrgyBqZ8idahU-67skO4v38zu_5LgavdwpPQO4hhkd02/s400/Mindy+Korea.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Two stories to tell in illustration, and then I'll conclude.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">I think it was the third or fourth week after I'd arrived in Korea, when I experienced my first outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Not on me, but for me, from someone whom I barely knew. Our group of teachers, recruiters, friends, and family all gathered together to worship, pray, and just fellowship, during which this man was given a vision for each of us in the group. As I listened and watched the reactions of people I'd known for years, and people I'd only known for weeks, I was skeptical yet intrigued, as I'd never grown up in a charismatic environment. Yet, when he came to me, the words that he spoke gave me goose bumps and brought tears to my eyes.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">"Mindy, I had this vision of you, with your ponytail being tossed about in the wind, and your heart yearning to be taken more seriously then the little girl that everyone sees you as. You have such wisdom and maturity, but you're afraid to use them because you're young, and look even younger, and feel unqualified to speak up. Don't."</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">How could he know what I'd never voiced aloud to anyone, ever? How could he see to the very core of my insecurities, see everything that was limiting me from stepping into that person God needed me to be? Truth is, he didn't. But God showed him. I believe this with my whole heart.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Through this word, and the people present who had heard it, over the next several months I was given the space in which to practice at being a fully functioning part of the body God was forming in Korea.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Yet I still battled timidity outside of that core community. February rolled around, and our group of women gathered for a women's retreat, in which we were all asked to petition God for a new name. What? No, not like Samantha or Allison, but what would God call us to, or call us for, that we hadn't ever considered being. I was at a loss.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">I wrote down every word I could think of in a journal. What had I not asked God for? Believe me, I'd asked for a lot. Doesn't mean I'd gotten them all, come on - patience? - that's taking forever. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">And then it hit me.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">There was one thing I'd never thought to ask for, and it makes sense, seeing it was the one thing that I didn’t WANT to ask for. So I wrote it very little at the bottom of my page. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 8pt;">boldness</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 8pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">I'm not sure if my writing it smaller made me feel better or not, but it's quite comical when I look back at that journal. And in looking back, I wonder when it started happening. It wasn't immediate, and it wasn't all at once. About two months after returning to the States this last fall, I found myself talking with a friend and I heard myself speaking the name of God quite frequently and with a familiarity that was as comfortable as my best friend. Speaking in awe and adoration of all that He had done. Not hushing down my voice to an almost whisper because we were sitting in a smaller Starbucks with tables closer together. And it wasn't just this one time, one place, one friend. I looked back over the last months in Korea, the 3 months of traveling, and the two months of being home. When had this become normal?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">I think my mind did a double take. Was this boldness? Wait a minute. I wasn't standing on a soapbox, shouting to the world to listen to me. But I was living a life that naturally brought about these conversations, whether I started them or someone else did. Me, bold? That was all God.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">So where have I come - from that little girl hiding behind the speakers with a grin to now seeking out ministry with women wherever, whenever and in whatever capacity I can.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">I am no longer my parents' faith. I am no longer a girl who is content with people knowing I'm a Christian because my dad is a pastor. I am no longer an opinionated woman among a wealth of immature men. I am no longer a spectator of the Spirit moving in others. I am no longer a sitter-byer as someone more qualified steps up. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">I am a talmidah of my Rabbi Jesus. I am a girl whose greatest desire is to continue stepping into all that God has equipped me for. I am a strong, intelligent woman, made of the image of God who needs to encourage the men around her to seek out who they are in God's image. I am being moved by the Holy Spirit for His purposes that have Kingdom value. I am entrusted with much and much is being required of me.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">This isn't the story of how I became a Christian. This is the story of how I've become who I was always supposed to be - a woman who knows the purpose and plan for her life is something that God is so fiercely passionate to see through, how could she not succeed?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">This is the story of how I became me. And am continual becoming.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">So, sorry, Mad Hatter, there is no end.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCFu6-7Zn3c6tAui5z3bsHisZUyzDPzAiItqOhDm6_cbeQPf5LcKJZ0Jkaw5cJbgsUGm6CeyjFgMRCyXDtF034kABeXhGZNVpfNZTlmSwKBhSO6ziEapmYHOHsCesLWVawH6v1nYTXjRj7/s1600/Mindy+hanging+on.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCFu6-7Zn3c6tAui5z3bsHisZUyzDPzAiItqOhDm6_cbeQPf5LcKJZ0Jkaw5cJbgsUGm6CeyjFgMRCyXDtF034kABeXhGZNVpfNZTlmSwKBhSO6ziEapmYHOHsCesLWVawH6v1nYTXjRj7/s400/Mindy+hanging+on.jpg" width="297" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mindy Horr, a BOLD woman of God</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Dearest Mindy,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">I praise God this morning for the BOLD woman that he is developing within you. That in your boldness the gospel will be shared and your testimony will grow and grow. I love your last line and you are right…there is no end.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">As I sit here and think about your words and your journey’s that you have taken in your life I have a moment of pause and awe. What an amazing adventure. You are so blessed to have these special times, special adventures, and faraway travels.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">So often we get stuck in a rut, in a place, in a time, and we don’t look outside and realize that the world is a big place and that God is wrapped up in hearts all around it. Grow where you are planted, is a saying that I have been told, and I love it. You must be planted in a flower pot, and you get to be taken many places.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">I loved looking at all your pictures on Facebook. They scream character! Excited to see where the Lord will take you.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">I just realized that Kael was being very quiet. Too quiet. Here is what I found…</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix_cpwgq1fLnKO17ijmDe-ZyV2BLC9TO5GAcY8VyBsXyBvdN2xx0nJg6HCHU86tQmXF98x5xIurQ_cieuCKkRGNYbEQ3RLzAglL_QmLjcuFb4IzJJEc08byVgorfYlfEPLt8VfDIcnHlbr/s1600/Makeup+Masacre3+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix_cpwgq1fLnKO17ijmDe-ZyV2BLC9TO5GAcY8VyBsXyBvdN2xx0nJg6HCHU86tQmXF98x5xIurQ_cieuCKkRGNYbEQ3RLzAglL_QmLjcuFb4IzJJEc08byVgorfYlfEPLt8VfDIcnHlbr/s640/Makeup+Masacre3+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Looks like Momma needs to run to Walmart and get new make up.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl1x6bG93eiKMz8sVshn5EkLm9aVedYstYP5y8jcPIVMBoAGmlo34DHwIZ7dyMg9kzAFY3dhizw9ZWdts7lHPHkVwkHcbGyRs4vcL_tlAI8q-bDcUrSZNn8N0X4liW09w_c_Qj6wDvCsTa/s1600/Makeup+Masacre2+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl1x6bG93eiKMz8sVshn5EkLm9aVedYstYP5y8jcPIVMBoAGmlo34DHwIZ7dyMg9kzAFY3dhizw9ZWdts7lHPHkVwkHcbGyRs4vcL_tlAI8q-bDcUrSZNn8N0X4liW09w_c_Qj6wDvCsTa/s640/Makeup+Masacre2+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Oh joy!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs4mxFvHkMRifeRF7HHfFWStd7Dy36xp800M-zL9LHQVPF5Ue2rqZlQp3gjc7Oigzs_hj5skRbbaTIl5CqVnP2WZNtjtX7xRspafT4jD7Ne-jNvfQFi1JK4j3LehpnXBwOc7lFyh6ToeLm/s1600/Makeup+Masacre+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs4mxFvHkMRifeRF7HHfFWStd7Dy36xp800M-zL9LHQVPF5Ue2rqZlQp3gjc7Oigzs_hj5skRbbaTIl5CqVnP2WZNtjtX7xRspafT4jD7Ne-jNvfQFi1JK4j3LehpnXBwOc7lFyh6ToeLm/s400/Makeup+Masacre+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">"Hey you in the 'tighties' what do you think you're doing?!?" And my I just say, getting make up off a toddler is not easy. I triumphed, but it was a trick.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Lord bless you little lady! Bold and bright.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Xoxo</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Mistral; font-size: 20pt;">Ronda</span></div>Ronda Honda Pumpkin Piehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05071696352234410072noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1767875150689049815.post-5668028366681121342011-08-14T17:01:00.000-07:002011-08-14T17:01:15.517-07:00Put em' up!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I love my husband so stinkin’ much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We got in a big fight this weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sam and I rarely…RARELY fight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is rare that we even disagree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We both love and adore one another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So what would two people who rarely disagree, who love and adore one another have to fight about?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kids.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Toddlers are tough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And not tough like strong or durable (they are that too), but tough like wanna pull your hair out!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are so tough that Sam informed me the other day that he wasn’t sure we were cut out for more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yea, that didn’t go over so well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had always agreed that we wanted a big family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We love having people over and we love our family, so four children is what we have discussed for the longest time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Granted, having two toddlers 15 months apart and Kael with his Sensory Processing Disorder makes for a lot of work, not that it doesn’t come without its rewards.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here is how our fight came about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sam called me and wanted to know if I cared if he went up to visit a friend in Kansas City for the day on Sunday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He asked, he didn’t tell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hummed and hawed, wanting him to be able to go, but knowing that it meant I would be home all day by myself with the little boys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am home Saturday’s while Sam works all day by myself with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two days in a row, by myself…UH!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is a lot of work!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I explained this to him, that I didn’t love the idea of being home alone with the little boys two days in a row and that he wouldn’t want to be either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Right then it was like a light bulb went off in his head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If neither of us would want to be home all day with our boys by ourselves, maybe we shouldn’t have more.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">No, no, no, no no!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How I wished I could have just said, “Sure honey, that is a great idea!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Go, be free, have FUN!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Enjoy!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So instead, I got my future turned upside down…my future babies were being ripped from my future dreams and I became very upset.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt like on top of it Sam was telling me we were bad parents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have since worked it all out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It turned out to be a very good discussion where we sat and talked about all that we desire for our children and our family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What traditions we loved and valued in our upbringing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And we also took stock of the importance of our time as individuals and as a couple independent of our children.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This argument was awesome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t awesome in the middle of it, but it stirred conversation that went past, “How was your day?” “Good, yours?” “Good.” “Good.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It brought us back to our hopes and dreams and plans and desires and goals and vision…it encouraged us and spurred us to be better parents, better workers, better people, better for each other.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sam still wants more kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> YAY! </span>It was a momentary realization for him that toddlers are very time consuming, energy consuming, mentally, physically, emotionally, financially, consuming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He realized that we never fought until we had kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For him, it isn’t that he wouldn’t want kids, but that he does need some man time, and I know it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because I need some mom time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And we need some us time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are going to slate out some Man time, Mom time, Us time, and kid time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The kid time will be each of us spending a little bit of time with just one kid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So it will be Daddy and Kael time and Mommy and Caleb time, and then switch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our boys are little individuals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Caleb loves Diego, and Kael loves Thomas…and oh how they cry when they have to watch each other’s show.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was married before…a lot of you might not know that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know that not all husbands are like Sam.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know that not all husbands adore their wives. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is just me talking about my specific situation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It breaks my heart when I think about broken marriages where people are living in ugly situations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was in a really ugly marriage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Today I was </span>reading in Ephesians and I love where it talks about our marital responsibilities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wives respect your husbands…Husbands LOVE your wives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is talked about in Ephesians chapter 5 if you are curious.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I couldn’t do much right in my first marriage according to my husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was very young.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I look back I see where I personally went wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would cry out to God and was desperate to be out of that situation, but I don’t ever remember praying for John (my ex).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t remember praying for him that God would change his heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was a baby spiritually even though I was raised in church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I may have and it may just be that my memory is really crummy. It was such a dark time in my life, I see very little light in it. So if you are in a situation like this I would like to pray for you. I will be praying for you regardless...God knows. So I will lift all the marriages up of anyone who actually reads this little blog, which I think may be down to my parents some days.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">:-D Love ya Dad! Love ya Mom!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I hope you had a wonderful weekend. I am so excited that I have a guest blogger tomorrow. A testimony came trickling in...Mindy Horr (Cliff and Casey Horr's daughter) sent her's into me just the other day. It is awesome.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">xoxo</span></div><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Mistral; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">Ronda</span></div></span>Ronda Honda Pumpkin Piehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05071696352234410072noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1767875150689049815.post-63934459659341156832011-08-13T14:40:00.000-07:002011-08-13T14:40:59.914-07:00Do you pass the test?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCjIOhHY0WMIdLwUihdaHwc0b98bHm5a67D8IrPoXmGxwC2view1udisTws7pZDopKxnoRBUan3g-sPujlSmWkvcP7LjJ5V8RgvFU2cCzD27-CyAsxLPe8V9QNBoKBvLryuE9H0S826Bnb/s1600/Kael+w-+owie+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCjIOhHY0WMIdLwUihdaHwc0b98bHm5a67D8IrPoXmGxwC2view1udisTws7pZDopKxnoRBUan3g-sPujlSmWkvcP7LjJ5V8RgvFU2cCzD27-CyAsxLPe8V9QNBoKBvLryuE9H0S826Bnb/s640/Kael+w-+owie+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Restoration, my salvation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He redeemed me and he gives me new mercy every day…and every day I need it.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Kael bonked his noggin about a week ago. Coffee tables, they are dangerous! I have a scar in my eyebrow from a coffee table. Kids in elementary school called me "bald eyebrow" a few times (really guys, that was the best you could come up with?) I was kind of proud of my scar. Lucky for me, I have photoshop! So I edited out Kael's scar for many of the rest of these pictures.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicmttrX0f5rlxp7C4t80bVdZ9bfJWQpHPPLtktQ9lqB_Hxnrvdqc-6NXs_okyV-fT3P8d73PJugDXajQHmCU0KYop7UlMOkR4Dw1cHzPyLWSvyEGni6KTSfghfxrIckPdExJCiCHzWhyphenhyphenTr/s1600/Kael+cooperative+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicmttrX0f5rlxp7C4t80bVdZ9bfJWQpHPPLtktQ9lqB_Hxnrvdqc-6NXs_okyV-fT3P8d73PJugDXajQHmCU0KYop7UlMOkR4Dw1cHzPyLWSvyEGni6KTSfghfxrIckPdExJCiCHzWhyphenhyphenTr/s640/Kael+cooperative+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Wallah! Scar-be-gone! and Kid-be-happy! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have been on a journey with the Lord this past week as he leads me through Paul’s writings. I have gained such respect for that man and feel like I know him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has brought me tremendous joy and I have learned so much. At the end of 2<sup>nd</sup> Corinthians in Chapter 13 verse 5 it says:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Test yourselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—Unless indeed you fail to meet the test!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I finished 2nd Corinthians and made my way right on into Galations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not a very long book, but I see Paul handing out some spankin’s again as he has to correct them for accepting other people’s doctrine and not holding on to what they were taught and knew to be true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At least that is what I gathered.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I flipped back to Paul’s charge to the church at Corinth to “examine yourselves,” and I read what he has to say to the church at Galatia, in it I see an opportunity to “test yourself.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, let’s test ourselves…before we wreck ourselves:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But if you are led by the Spirit,, you are not under the law.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissentions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. Galations 5: 16-26</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As I read through the list of the evidence of the works of the flesh, I was feeling pretty good until I got to jealousy, rivalries, dissentions, divisions, envy…it is so easy to fall into these traps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I know it first hand. </span>And then as I read the fruit of the Spirit characteristics, I questioned if I exhibited those in my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mentioned a week ago that God was dealing with me in the area of Pride and that I cared what people thought of me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the same time, what people think of you...especially if more than one person agrees, can be an indicator of something in you that needs work.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If no one wants to drive with you because you are a huge road raging maniac and you don’t have an ounce of patience or grace for anyone else on the road…maybe everyone that drives on the road isn’t an awful driver, maybe you are just awful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That maybe a little harsh, but I knew someone like this from my past.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember once driving with him and we slowed to 30 on the freeway so that he could cuss out a mom in a minivan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let me tell you she was just as pleased to slow down and dish it right back.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was mortified.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">God showed me this last week as I opened myself up to his examination that I can come across as harsh, pressing, and borderline judgmental (I like to say borderline, it makes me feel better).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was genuinely shocked by this because to me I could brush it off as people are just easily offended.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could maybe get away with saying this about one person, maybe two tops, but when there are three or four people that feel this way then I have to ask myself if maybe I am…maybe I am the one who needs the work! Ouch. My pride is already so black and blue from asking God to search me and know me. It has been a ride, let me tell you. But you had better believe that I am committing myself over to him to help me make the necessary changes...or all this self examination would be pointless without change. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am lovin' Ephesians…in chapter 1, right off the bat, he is bringing me home.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. Ephesians 1: 7-10</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This is a good spot to pray I think.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Father, I am so sorry that I am guilty of judging people. I have cared more of what people thought of my physical appearance and in the process I have judged people and put them down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I haven’t put others above myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact a lot of times I forget to think about others and the world revolves around my head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My life becomes so important, daily tasks take over my agenda.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What you have been teaching me these past few days, weeks, months, years, is contrary to my nature and I find myself fighting my flesh constantly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am so grateful for that!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am grateful that at least there is a fight taking place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And in your word you are giving me the weapons to win.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are showing me your desire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am so grateful that you are long suffering…Keep this fire burning bright.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are my cornerstone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My rock, my salvation, you are my foundation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are a skilled carpenter and I am under construction.</span></i></div><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today has been a delight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not much to it other than Kael continues to ROCK at potty training.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Caleb has been doing pretty good, not quite as awesome as Kael.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here is Kael waiting for his M and M’s, his reward for rocking the potty.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Wf5ws2tPQH21R1FHOPt2QGrEqjs3-clS5u99SrZdx1_dwweMiNVm6MaE3zu01SA9vBXC43H7LqPia2ju0SKUo_67nzIfBeKv6Zyk-fg1JHwdZOIwCG7JiC-d1EIqplaguyxhEe8ysfYa/s1600/Kael+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Wf5ws2tPQH21R1FHOPt2QGrEqjs3-clS5u99SrZdx1_dwweMiNVm6MaE3zu01SA9vBXC43H7LqPia2ju0SKUo_67nzIfBeKv6Zyk-fg1JHwdZOIwCG7JiC-d1EIqplaguyxhEe8ysfYa/s640/Kael+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Kael continues to develop leaps and bounds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thanks to Lisa, our nanny, Kael likes to shout 1-2-3 TEAMWORK!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1-2-3 TEAMWORK!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is really cute.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love it. Here is Kael playing with some Play-doh. He was a smiley boy which is a really nice change. Normally it is really hard to get him to smile for pictures.</span></div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7GqCb69FmQqy-ePBgRILg0uPugbTAEkVuRqTuf6EQwZB1Ntn7RXEW2c0C2c7RiOCbaJ32hrD8nLCZhxA-GtiV4q2ywrkQTadKgjmgb19dRc2TI1lic3r9yYvJb2cMPdWSvaXv_lweB_-8/s1600/Kael+playing+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7GqCb69FmQqy-ePBgRILg0uPugbTAEkVuRqTuf6EQwZB1Ntn7RXEW2c0C2c7RiOCbaJ32hrD8nLCZhxA-GtiV4q2ywrkQTadKgjmgb19dRc2TI1lic3r9yYvJb2cMPdWSvaXv_lweB_-8/s640/Kael+playing+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Keep praying for Kael that God will continue to catch him up in the areas of language and social/emotional.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is doing SO well!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Love that little critter.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk42ywE2UFQMLwR1xQ0QSqCN73pWFi3b5xCmVgAvPdarfU6mRzZ7TcnOe0wZwD3cJGShCTEnWIepkSM9jhakIdaEmBzbjaWmkSQk9X6-nDWIxBgvhLIetOuCguIWSG-nsewPLs34YwJLLw/s1600/Kael+standing+smiling+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk42ywE2UFQMLwR1xQ0QSqCN73pWFi3b5xCmVgAvPdarfU6mRzZ7TcnOe0wZwD3cJGShCTEnWIepkSM9jhakIdaEmBzbjaWmkSQk9X6-nDWIxBgvhLIetOuCguIWSG-nsewPLs34YwJLLw/s640/Kael+standing+smiling+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Isn't he adorable! I know I am bias, but what a little hunk!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG5RaqLDCom79yrHFCv7kr_izDj1a4x9khHxrNch_HNO1X2TvvMptWi0U7GHAo2vBM2m8TjQlE4D4cEdPNDzZNx3HoZw9jHZiizfXhQwdZSG6eLzJuiYwkniKegfyOzp84Ekp1lmoHAdyx/s1600/Kael+looking+down+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG5RaqLDCom79yrHFCv7kr_izDj1a4x9khHxrNch_HNO1X2TvvMptWi0U7GHAo2vBM2m8TjQlE4D4cEdPNDzZNx3HoZw9jHZiizfXhQwdZSG6eLzJuiYwkniKegfyOzp84Ekp1lmoHAdyx/s640/Kael+looking+down+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Look at those eye lashes!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGgfIfCRRhVhirm_C2mrYgZI-xTDjTN1-rDdxWkz8gWRGfWrtUhY4CSRaqn3OzPwnyv2nGvE0UkxKfIYYdLBGgNYvnoMY73eYVxCeCJ26wVBR7uyo_S-twgXDnNrjy1w3mWIq0UW0hIA3a/s1600/Kael+justa+minute+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGgfIfCRRhVhirm_C2mrYgZI-xTDjTN1-rDdxWkz8gWRGfWrtUhY4CSRaqn3OzPwnyv2nGvE0UkxKfIYYdLBGgNYvnoMY73eYVxCeCJ26wVBR7uyo_S-twgXDnNrjy1w3mWIq0UW0hIA3a/s640/Kael+justa+minute+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here he is like "Wait a minute Mom, don't forget about Caleb." He actually calls Caleb, Kael. He goes "OH NO, KAEL!" when Caleb is doing something naughty. I love that Kael can tattle tale now. It is actually a HUGE help!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdV5SMWoIuamIZ2tApwJkj0zOcgWPxoUTDbmqll1uflp8xjgJoMFZq5WEy1dFOETxw7mzyvKxsWDoxAsAbeVysGL5YjFdeIzzLSftfwsFMVAc6KnsSMydIB7RhuzQtjsHNuipYhmbD-z_U/s1600/Two+much+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdV5SMWoIuamIZ2tApwJkj0zOcgWPxoUTDbmqll1uflp8xjgJoMFZq5WEy1dFOETxw7mzyvKxsWDoxAsAbeVysGL5YjFdeIzzLSftfwsFMVAc6KnsSMydIB7RhuzQtjsHNuipYhmbD-z_U/s400/Two+much+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">And there is Caleb...absolutely two. He is two too much these days.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQuZSLnjPPdWeGIsL7mwRRSICSl2h88xrgZZQLjH6HGyI6u4oGfVxjGZ8BUZf1HzetUiAhMo8XzKWJZ-pO4hFlQr-OXFwQwDcChtody0f8u1iHkLX46x0K4GyGEYVF2TJrWqB4mX6BZn8q/s1600/Caleb+color+concentration+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQuZSLnjPPdWeGIsL7mwRRSICSl2h88xrgZZQLjH6HGyI6u4oGfVxjGZ8BUZf1HzetUiAhMo8XzKWJZ-pO4hFlQr-OXFwQwDcChtody0f8u1iHkLX46x0K4GyGEYVF2TJrWqB4mX6BZn8q/s640/Caleb+color+concentration+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Concentrating on coloring...and all is quite in the house for 2.5 seconds. Until one of them steals the other one's marker and screams erupt.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1MTSIy5yufGvSPt-ysIX5b8BIA8Doswv33plvGpsaQHvk_9rJdTuivUKWnZAOmE1vv2LSFBJKUHxJlUuFONghz5DmJI-okO2HewaW3fiWM-zwndRIPQ10H8SuRlMKMjpNg_mwffOutcwk/s1600/unders+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1MTSIy5yufGvSPt-ysIX5b8BIA8Doswv33plvGpsaQHvk_9rJdTuivUKWnZAOmE1vv2LSFBJKUHxJlUuFONghz5DmJI-okO2HewaW3fiWM-zwndRIPQ10H8SuRlMKMjpNg_mwffOutcwk/s640/unders+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This is my favorite part about potty training. Adorable little graphic briefs covering squishy toddler bums while watching Saturday morning cartoons.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Xoxo</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Mistral; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%;">Ronda</span></div><br />
Ronda Honda Pumpkin Piehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05071696352234410072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1767875150689049815.post-27842628658759855282011-08-12T05:21:00.000-07:002011-08-12T06:56:56.245-07:00All in a days work<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">These past few days have been a blur.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A whirlwind of rate locks, paper trails, phone calls, text messages, follow-up, follow-through, under the gun, time is of the essence… pure unadulterated craziness.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">And so I pause to take a breath</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">{Big inhale, Big exhale} a little yawn got caught in the middle of that.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have mentioned before that I am a Home Loan Lender.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you want to buy a house, or if you own a house and want to lower your payment by refinancing to a lower rate, or take cash equity out of your home and get a lower rate in the process…I am your gal.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So why the craziness, why the INSANITY?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When a 30 year fixed interest rate dips below 4% craziness and insanity naturally follow, so I have learned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Phones ringing, texts dinging, papers flying, my printer slapped ink on paper with a vengeance, and I printed incessantly like I hated trees and thought they were stupid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I arrived at work Wednesday morning at 9am not knowing that I wouldn’t be leaving the bank, and barely my desk, for the next 11 hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I see you right now trying to do the math, let me help you out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I left work at a little after 8pm.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It was a long day, but I wouldn’t have known it because when you are busy like that time flies by.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In my job, and a lot as of late with the tornado, I realize that there is a general cloud of mystery surrounding credit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I thought I might help you out a little bit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Especially those of you who think your credit might not be that hot, or you want to buy a house soon.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Credit is a reflection of your ability to manage and repay your debts or financial obligations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are three credit repositories or bureaus, as they are called, Experian, Trans Union, and Equifax.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The credit score range is from 300-850, but honestly I have never seen below 400 and I have never seen above an 830 score.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If your credit score falls into the range of 850-720 you have been doing a great job of managing your credit, keep up the good work!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If your score is between 720-660, it has taken a few hits, but you aren’t too bad off and you will still be able to obtain credit, but usually at a higher rate because of the perceived increase in risk to the lending institution.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If your credit score is between 600-660, your credit needs work and there are most likely outstanding items on your report that need to be addressed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If your score is under 600 it needs a lot of work, doable, but you may be unable to obtain credit the lower your score and if you do obtain credit they will really stick you with the rates.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not able to do a home loan if your credit score is under 600.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If your credit score is between 600-620 and you have really good letter writing skills and the circumstances which caused your credit to be that low were temporary in nature (medical, layoff, baby, etc…) then on occasion I can get a credit waiver.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In summary, if you have glowing credit, keep it up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you have radioactive credit, let me tell you a few ways to fix that.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Be a good communicator.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Best defense is a good offense.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Communicate with your creditors, utilities, cell phone companies…anyone who reports to credit if you are delinquent, communicate if you are not going to be able to make your payment.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You would be surprised how often they are willing to work with you. Sometimes they will split your bill with next month’s bill, or give you a grace period to get it in by.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes they will renegotiate terms if you are in a layoff situation, so communicate and call them before they call you.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Don’t be late on anything that reports to credit.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You have 30 days from the due date before it hits your credit as late.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Try to never be late to anything that reports to credit as this is a heavily weighted part of the creditworthiness formula.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Think about it, if you can’t pay DishNetwork $95 for a service that they provided you regardless of the fact that it was a shared utility with a bump on the log loser of a roommate…why would I want to lend you $100,000 or $200,000 to buy a house?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lenders, investors, everyone wants to know that they will get paid back, and that they can make a little money in the process.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Manage your money.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Money management makes up the next biggest chunk of why your credit is good, or bad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let me give you an example.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you have a credit card and that credit card is maxed out, even if you are never late on a payment your credit score will suffer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You need to try and keep your balances under 50% that carry over from month to month and ideally under 35%.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So if you have $1000 line of credit you charge it up to $1000 one month, pay it down to under $500 at least.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Credit is really easy to wreck, it is really hard to build back up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you have a derogatory item on your credit report it will remain there for 7-10 years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The more time that gets between you and that derogatory item the less it will impact you, but it will still be there.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If there are items on your credit report that shouldn’t be there you should first contact the reporting party and ask them to provide you something in writing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You then write a letter to the bureaus briefly explaining the error and ask them to remove it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have a template letter that I use to clean up credit I can forward to you if you are interested.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two weeks ago by writing letters I helped a lady increase her credit score 80 points.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was awesome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One day I couldn’t give her a loan and three weeks later I could.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was a tornado victim too, so that made it even cooler.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If there are collections on your credit, pay them, settle for less than the amount due (also called a charge off), or your other option is to ignore them and wait for them to drop off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a lender I like to see them gone, paid off, charged off, or enough time and distance between them that they have little effect then they concern me less.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You may be wondering how to know what is on your credit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You get 1 free credit report a year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only legit website is </span><a href="http://www.annualcreditreport.com/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">www.annualcreditreport.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> anything else is a scam.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They will ask you a bunch of security questions, some of them are trick questions, but they use the information on your credit report to generate what to ask you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They might say, at which of these addresses have you lived, and you never lived at any of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That sort of thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They want to make sure that it is you checking your credit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This will allow you to get a copy of all three bureaus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will not contain your credit score unless you want to pay for it.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Another thing is credit inquiries. I could go on and on, but why reinvent the wheel...here is an <a href="http://blog.creditreport.com/?p=1605">awesome little blog I found that talks about credit inquiries</a> and what to know about them.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you are thinking about buying a house I look at credit, collateral (downpayment), job history, income, and debt to income ratios. There are still a few loans out there that you don't need a down payment. There are loans out there where you could have had a few gaps in your employment. There are loans out there for you even if you don't make that much money. Biggest factors for me...credit, and debt to income. Those will kill a deal.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I hoped this information helps you. It is not a hole that is too big that you can't get out of it if your credit stinks. And another thing...credit is not a reflection of you as a person. You are so valuable. Treasured by God so much that he sacrificed everything to cover our bad sinful credit as fleshly stinkers (spiritually speaking now), and robed us with rightous credit, that glows bright.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><em><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Lord, thank you so much for my job. I love it. Thank you that I am able to help people and that you have allowed me the opportunity to help a lot of people this week. Thank you for keeping me strong and focused. I love you so much.</span></em></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Have a wonderful friday friends!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">xoxo</span></div><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Brush Script MT"; font-size: 16pt;">Ronda Honda</span></div>Ronda Honda Pumpkin Piehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05071696352234410072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1767875150689049815.post-66052733247525499712011-08-09T16:50:00.000-07:002011-08-09T16:50:29.472-07:00Big Fat Heart<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What a beautiful day; fresh and bright after yesterday which was filled with dark ominous clouds electrified with ripples of lightning that ignited the sky continuously for hours.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">{Now that was a mouthful…</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It was so beautiful though that you almost have to word it just like that}</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Colby, (Sam’s best friend who moved to Joplin two weeks before the tornado) said as the storm raged last night, that the magnificence of it was just a small glimpse of the power and majesty of God…and then he added, “it’s just God trimming his toenails.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thanks Colby, way to ruin a beautiful sentiment with toenail trimming metaphor.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sam, Colby, and I turned off every light in the house, opened the patio door and sat tucked inside, out from the rain, playing guitar and singing praise songs to the Lord as we watched the show he was putting on for us in the sky.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was amazing.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This morning I find myself back in 2<sup>nd</sup> Corinthians, and as Paul is encouraging the Corinthians he is encouraging me, little Ronda Honda, 2000 years into the future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Awesome.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There are so many “R” words in the scriptures that I LOVE: Redemption, Renewing, Rebuilding, Reconciliation, Revive, Revelation, Refreshed…I am sure I am missing some, can you name some more good ones?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ah, I just thought of one more. Thank you Lord (he keeps me on track): Relationship.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. 2<sup>nd</sup> Corinthians 5:15</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">You, who are alive, have a call on your life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus died and was raised (Resurrection).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the end of 1<sup>st</sup> Corinthians (Chapter 15) Paul caught wind that some people believed that Jesus wasn’t raised from the dead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So Paul had to bring out his paddle (figuratively speaking).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He basically tells them that without Christ being raised from the dead Christianity is pointless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And he adds that they would be guilty of lying about God, and that everyone would still be under the law (death).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>BUT…he says in verse 20, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead…</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If I say I follow him, I need to live for him. It was for my sake that he not only died, but that he was made alive again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Does that blow your mind?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It blows my mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I live for myself all the time!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am a real stinker in this regard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is so easy though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is so easy to get caught up in my own life that I forget to live for him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Consider it.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Consider your life and the fruit of your life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Really, if you are sitting there reading these words I hope you will take 2.5 seconds to pause and think…do I live for me?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or do I live for Christ?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do I have idols that I cherish?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Am I too busy?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Am I too angry?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Am I too good?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Am I too entertained with life?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I hope you know that I am asking myself these very questions.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him this way no longer. </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Corbel", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.</span></u></i></b><span style="font-family: "Corbel", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All this is from God, who though Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>{get ready for it} For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2<sup>nd</sup> Corinthians 5:16-20</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If you are in an active relationship with the living God…your life will reflect it {another R word}.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are in Christ, you are a new creation.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Can I keep going?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love this so much, I know that you can open your Bible and read these words too, but I love em, so I want to share em.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain {WARNING, WARNING, alarms and red flashy lights were going off in my head like on a submarine}.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For he says,</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“In a favorable time I listened to you,</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And in a day of salvation I have helped you.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Let me rephrase:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Listen up!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>NOW is the favorable time; Come on people, NOW is the day of salvation!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger; by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, the Holy Spirit, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">genuine love</i>; by truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; through honor and dishonor, through slander and praise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians; </span><span style="font-family: "Arial Rounded MT Bold", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">our heart is wide open</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted in your own affections.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In return (I speak as to children) </span><span style="font-family: "Arial Rounded MT Bold", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">widen your hearts also.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We are supposed to be different, but not proud different like “Hey everybody, come see how righteous I am!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But different because Christ is changing us from inside out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is no room for pride of life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With humility I need to love everyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are so many people I need to apologize to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The best apology is a changed attitude.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Showing them the change and not just letting it be words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be kind and open.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be welcoming and hospitable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be attractive, not in your outward appearance, but let your heart be attractive so that people will be drawn to you and you can share with them of the HOPE that lies within you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He will do all the rest…in fact, he will even make the changes to your heart if you are ready and willing to be changed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let the Remodeling begin!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Lord, I give you my heart and I give you my soul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is a beautiful song and as the words come immediately to my memory I rejoice with a choir of your saints around the world in this day and in past days and future days combine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A symphony of praise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pray that my life will be a beautiful melody found pleasing to your ears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pray that my life will be a sweet smelling fragrance…like fresh baked bread, pleasing to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pray that I will bring you honor, and that I will never embarrass you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pray that everyday you remind me of the ultimate call on my life, to love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you for putting people in my life who love and support me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you for all your blessings, please let me be a good steward, never taking anything for granted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you for sending us the Holy Spirit to comfort us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t thank you enough and I am so sorry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Widen my heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stretch my heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grow my heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Build my heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remodel my heart; make it what you want…I love you so much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You make me smile more and more everyday as I dig into your word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I see you in everything good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I praise your holy name.</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If the scriptures I wrote here didn’t jump off the page and minister to your heart, try opening up your Bible and reading them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God’s word is alive…like yogurt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eat some word, it’s good for you.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Xoxo</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Brush Script MT"; font-size: 16pt;">Ronda</span></div>Ronda Honda Pumpkin Piehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05071696352234410072noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1767875150689049815.post-2999896163298501832011-08-08T16:56:00.000-07:002011-08-08T16:56:54.536-07:00Love Letters<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The glory of the Lord is my strength and my song.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I met a woman yesterday who shared with me her story of God’s glory, and her face glowed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She beamed with light as she shared of the miraculous way in which the Lord worked in her life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her story starts by my estimation around 13 years ago when her husband was sent to prison and she was left to raise her two children on her own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He would be in prison for 5 years, and for 5 years she would be a single mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What he was guilty of is not of consequence to the story, but I can tell you he loves the Lord and it is evident in his life.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">She started to tell me a story, but had to back up and expand it a little further.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She told me how she was in desperate need of a good car.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The car she had been left with was a smokin hot Mustang and she detested the attention it brought her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She needed a mom car, a reliable mom car.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So she found a dealership that was owned by a Christian couple and they helped her find a car on their lot and gave her favorable terms for her trade and really did right by her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two weeks later the car broke down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She went back to them and they gave her a car to drive in the meantime, but they quickly realized that the amount of money it would cost to fix her car (which they were willing to do) would be greater than just letting her pick between two other cars. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She selected one and they told her to drive it a week or so and make sure she really like it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She loved it.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">She had to go back in and fill out the papers for the new car.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That day she was a wreck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was broke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She owed rent, and it was late, and she had another bill that was due.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Times were tough for this single mother of two who was working two jobs and going to school full time (she is a GO-GETTER).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So she woke up in the morning and started praising God in her crisis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She gave him her bills and she said “God, I can’t do this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is what I owe, and you know what I have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know that today you are going to show me your glory and you are going to make a way.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All day long she said these words, “you are going to show me your glory.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The day went by and she kept saying it and praying it and praising God for the glory he would bring in her time of great need.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She knew she had to go sign the papers and so she drove to the dealership and as she finished signing them the owner handed her a check.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She looked up at him dumbfounded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What is this?” she asked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That is the difference between the price of the first car and the new car you have.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She looked at the number on the check, and to the CENT it was the exact total of the two bills she needed to pay.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">She was overwhelmed with joy and praised God and shared giddily with the owner of God’s glory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What an awesome God that we serve!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As I sat reading this morning I began reading about the glory of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just finished 1<sup>st</sup> Corinthians *LOVE* that book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know it is a book of correction because the folks at Corinth needed lots of correcting, but the way I figure it, I need lots of correcting too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I drank it up!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was thirsty.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today I found myself in 2<sup>nd</sup> Corinthians and 2<sup>nd</sup> Corinthians is finding itself overrun with underlines and highlights just the same as 1<sup>st</sup> Corinthians.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I came to chapter 4 and starting in verse 7 read:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair, persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed…</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">{loves}</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now down to verse 15…</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia", "serif";">increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God</span></i></b><span style="font-family: Calibri;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So we do not lose heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ohhhhhh, isn’t this amazing!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Let’s increase our thanksgiving!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> In fact l</span>et’s thank him right now.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jesus, THANK YOU.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Thank you so much for your word...a love letter to my soul. </span>Thank you so much for taking the weight of my sin on your shoulders, despite my sin being detestable to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Forgive me for repeatedly getting caught up in myself and my little life and not giving you all the thanks and all the glory and all the honor due your precious name all the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not worthy of your love and I fall short of your glory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I fall so far short of your glory that it wouldn’t even make sense to say that I fell short…our sin separated us from God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Enter you, his perfect beloved son, willing to give it all to come here and live amongst us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You took on an earthly perspective and you lived a sinless life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Blemish free.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then you bridged the gap and covered up our sins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You bought us, you redeemed us, you reconciled us, and you made a way so that we could have a Father – son, or Father – daughter, relationship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Without you we would be under the law.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your word makes it clear that under the law we would be under death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But by the Spirit we have been given life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are everything, and every good thing comes from you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you for bringing rain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you for bringing cooler temperatures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you for your mercy and thank you for your *LOVE*.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> In Jesus precious name, Amen.</span></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I want to thank Lisa for bringing me chocolate on Saturday when she heard of my 'Toddler gone crazy day', and she brought me lights for my new porch (Should the Lord will it be our porch).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What a blessing. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I also want to thank Erin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got a package in the mail today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In it was a jar of Anise, a love note that read:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyP-g9uh_xHQpvLB6_BlfwjbhOqosrWgrdMG3FJytnnhz7FOI_lZLbP9BnZO54Z3rlVwilnDRBn7Et_4RYzl0bSFTrkxYYeGYYKxXb5YHrLomUY-1AD7ZEkxVplOrD6yb8zP2kaCYL5cDe/s1600/love+note.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyP-g9uh_xHQpvLB6_BlfwjbhOqosrWgrdMG3FJytnnhz7FOI_lZLbP9BnZO54Z3rlVwilnDRBn7Et_4RYzl0bSFTrkxYYeGYYKxXb5YHrLomUY-1AD7ZEkxVplOrD6yb8zP2kaCYL5cDe/s400/love+note.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am so blessed. I have wonderful friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you Lord!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now I get to make Manuel’s bread…YUM!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Xoxo</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Pristina; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Ronda<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i></span></div>Ronda Honda Pumpkin Piehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05071696352234410072noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1767875150689049815.post-54549516627901847442011-08-06T20:29:00.000-07:002011-08-06T20:29:57.485-07:00Toddler Tantrums and Sharpie Shenanigans<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I started writing this little post today and well, chaos ensued.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Caleb, who we dubbed “angel baby” as an infant, turned two the first week of June.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today, he decided that he was going to throw a tantrum.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have never been through a tantrum before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought I had, but no, I can definitely tell you that I had never been through a tantrum.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once I experienced an embarrassing <a href="http://rondahondapumpkinpie.blogspot.com/2011/06/what-nightmare-what-relief.html">Target + toddlers without naps = meltdown mayhem and indecent exposure incident</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But a full-blown tantrum…let me tell you, it was awful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a story of survival.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a story of perseverance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a story from the trenches of motherhood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This…{dramatic pause} is my story.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Caleb and Kael were supposed to be napping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All was quiet in the house and I sat down and typed out a lovely little blog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was just about finished when the boys graced me with their presence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each of them scribbled head to toe with Sharpie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Black Sharpie.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">They also were quite creative and scribbled much of my bedroom. Where did that Sharpie come from?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have no idea.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I didn’t flip out; I decided what was done was done and that I would have to deal with it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But for now, I was too tired from trying to get them down the first time that I would let them win this battle and postpone naptime.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Caleb however was SO emotional.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew I had to put him down.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The nice little thought that I would rock him to sleep popped into my mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He decided that was the worst idea ever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He screamed and arched his back, and fought me tirelessly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After about 15 minutes of non-stop toddler tantrum action I gave up and put him down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He threw himself on the ground (bumping his head in the process), he wanted me to hold him, but as soon as I would pick him up he would begin fighting me again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It went on like this for about 35 minutes and I had no idea what to do with this kid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He told me several times to “Stop it Ronda!” or “Stop it Mommy!”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Out of desperation and exhaustion I called Sam.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He came home from work to save my day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He tried to calm Caleb who was way past the realm of calm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So he took him upstairs and calmly took off his clothes and put him in the tub and turned on the shower.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One minute later Caleb was calm and ready to talk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mind you, Caleb talk is pretty coherent but still Toddler-gaberwalkie. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said that he was ready to be good and that he was all done being naughty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sam got called back to work, and Caleb rewound himself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Hysterics. </span>I tried to remind him that he was ready to be good and that he was all done being naughty, but he seemed not to recall our recent agreement.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I put him in his toddler bed and snuggled up next to him and within 60 seconds he was fast asleep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Victory.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">All in all today was a rough day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not going to lie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The majority of the day I felt like I could do no right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before the Sharpie incident I had a surprise visit from my in-laws…SURPRISE!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Little boys were filthy of course, and the house was a mess (usually is right before nap time), and I was still in my Pajamas.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What do you say but, “Come on in.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was embarrassing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Got me thinking a little later though, will I be ready when Jesus comes back?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or just ready with a heap of excuses why I am not ready. I will think on this more later when I don't feel like a walking sack of potatoes.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">One thing good I did today was while the little boys played Play-doh, I made real dough, and from that real dough, I made some really awesome braided French bread.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sent a loaf home with the Beres family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This recipe makes 3 loaves!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was easy, and it was amazing, and it made my house smell amazing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want a Scentsy that smells like fresh baked bread.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSiIc0zEDp42QCwS71Qg4ddL81W4-CSlvsPZAUCu4ynABDVp-wV_zi0mtJlYK7-K2yeiqZgYNmAap3NVnzg4hSeVPaTJ45P22PfKjVafqcOYHmRvMKaxnsf6X6MS0GRvzYN-dj68WYJOYU/s1600/Bread+with+knife+in+back+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSiIc0zEDp42QCwS71Qg4ddL81W4-CSlvsPZAUCu4ynABDVp-wV_zi0mtJlYK7-K2yeiqZgYNmAap3NVnzg4hSeVPaTJ45P22PfKjVafqcOYHmRvMKaxnsf6X6MS0GRvzYN-dj68WYJOYU/s400/Bread+with+knife+in+back+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" t$="true" width="265" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My day has wiped my energy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need a good night sleep and a sweet prayer to send me off. You don't have to read my prayer if you don't want to. You can say your own.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">God, today has zapped a lot of my energy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please renew me as I sleep tonight so that I can be a light for you tomorrow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please send rain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We could use some rain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am so grateful right now that I can stand on your word where it says that your mercies are new every morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That gives me great joy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pray for my little boys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today I was being so consistent, yet Caleb consistently, persistently disobeyed me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please help me to not lose heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you for Kael, that today he was such a big helper and sweet mannered boy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If they were both being awful I think I would have just sat in the corner and cried.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you for your mercy!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you for my husband and all the blessings that you have given us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I see lightning flash in the sky. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What a marvelous world you created.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sorry we messed stuff up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love you Lord.</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Your daughter, Ronda.</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here are some pictures of the little boys eating bread after the Sharpie Incident, before the Tantrum Throwdown:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy-zZ7Ap_OIsW4kemhiCKvc85U4_P9Oq_xxACosYstG5WulcaH-kdU8ogGCfgukZMzFdQDcOlVb_RhktKOkypNEF29CPum2bSwMWWUJRhf-t0BJnt63EWUU_lQKv1jxB7T-bw4jSXOUWw9/s1600/Breadeater+C-bub+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy-zZ7Ap_OIsW4kemhiCKvc85U4_P9Oq_xxACosYstG5WulcaH-kdU8ogGCfgukZMzFdQDcOlVb_RhktKOkypNEF29CPum2bSwMWWUJRhf-t0BJnt63EWUU_lQKv1jxB7T-bw4jSXOUWw9/s400/Breadeater+C-bub+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" t$="true" width="265" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Caleb</span></em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM9UTJAndn7LN-l4WHIVymYHj9mZ4gxh6aGMXOzUeOqlUbxwempLtO9vc7fXS1YEloUgaIsuVmxbp90sexIPfKy64J6S1gp43cDDz9Hr2TgcgGq-Yavxh0r8ciustPDCL__bCS54E-VirH/s1600/Breadeater+K-bub+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM9UTJAndn7LN-l4WHIVymYHj9mZ4gxh6aGMXOzUeOqlUbxwempLtO9vc7fXS1YEloUgaIsuVmxbp90sexIPfKy64J6S1gp43cDDz9Hr2TgcgGq-Yavxh0r8ciustPDCL__bCS54E-VirH/s400/Breadeater+K-bub+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" t$="true" width="265" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Kael</span></em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpv9YP39EafwB1kd7nHEHuAe4cLVSue5Rh_8N5aT99fdAzEBivCG63E9uiJx57cnaFtRbO3tQaP9BKnCY6IgWbbq6xICfzQaAaoWqKvGLQvT2FiPC6XaF8D3BIMt5H5IMkaldugyBHLETb/s1600/Bread+with+knife+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpv9YP39EafwB1kd7nHEHuAe4cLVSue5Rh_8N5aT99fdAzEBivCG63E9uiJx57cnaFtRbO3tQaP9BKnCY6IgWbbq6xICfzQaAaoWqKvGLQvT2FiPC6XaF8D3BIMt5H5IMkaldugyBHLETb/s400/Bread+with+knife+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" t$="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Braided Italian Bread</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3 cups warm water</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 packages (2 tablespoons) yeast</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4 tablespoons sugar</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">9+ cups flour (9 for dough, + for kneading)</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4 teaspoons salt</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4 eggs</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3 tablespoons oil</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 egg for glaze</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mix water, yeast and sugar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let it sit until all ingredients are dissolved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With a wooden spoon, mix four, salt, eggs and oil with yeast mixture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mix well and turn out on floured surface.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Knead mixture until smooth and elastic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Place dough in lightly greased bowl; turn to coat and let rise in a warm place until doubled in bulk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Punch down and divide dough into 3 parts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Divide each part into 3 sections.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Roll each section into a 12” rope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Braid each group of 3, pinching the ends to seal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On a lightly greased baking sheet, let rise until double in size.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbi8_8DCCDwClJ5kBs9VvkEJ9nggeVC6bd8yya4l6pQeyTTRYqzmj2gAGKZ2Ni5QP8tRO7XGe02zDmHVToZWLFaMQCGqHFag1To3BQCOzbc_-qiugrIx1FDbSowwFeqGICzXN7DEB49AUS/s1600/Bread+Dough+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbi8_8DCCDwClJ5kBs9VvkEJ9nggeVC6bd8yya4l6pQeyTTRYqzmj2gAGKZ2Ni5QP8tRO7XGe02zDmHVToZWLFaMQCGqHFag1To3BQCOzbc_-qiugrIx1FDbSowwFeqGICzXN7DEB49AUS/s400/Bread+Dough+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" t$="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Preheat oven to 375 F. Brush braided loaves with slightly beaten egg.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Mwm6gj00SupHoeZuGxHo8qBdGAQMeqdO2C1CT9ZnDrehyphenhyphenjOL4_6IqimhwZCKPoftz-kJswMNyOisckeY664VI-SgwN_v9BWWOa__6O0x-lQXCTO2owYMiXBiKpHdmLObCOfJNmVMJLyX/s1600/Bread+Done+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Mwm6gj00SupHoeZuGxHo8qBdGAQMeqdO2C1CT9ZnDrehyphenhyphenjOL4_6IqimhwZCKPoftz-kJswMNyOisckeY664VI-SgwN_v9BWWOa__6O0x-lQXCTO2owYMiXBiKpHdmLObCOfJNmVMJLyX/s400/Bread+Done+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" t$="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Yield: 3 loaves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Recipe from “No Mess Dough Board” recipe card that I found in my recipe folder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a keeper. Enjoy!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3hyphenhyphenVtJKHxAa_n80dELY188MWWl4OkTM9qRK5_dPO9ohVqO9iRVl_xrtdYDVLv1bpWpiWzMArZwtoc1udHime1zejpfVn03g7rKRTpQv4HrtOTuTsexpWzLLU3mG4EdoASJ18J7vHCJoLy/s1600/Bread+slice+butter+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3hyphenhyphenVtJKHxAa_n80dELY188MWWl4OkTM9qRK5_dPO9ohVqO9iRVl_xrtdYDVLv1bpWpiWzMArZwtoc1udHime1zejpfVn03g7rKRTpQv4HrtOTuTsexpWzLLU3mG4EdoASJ18J7vHCJoLy/s400/Bread+slice+butter+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" t$="true" width="265" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">xoxo</div>Ronda Honda Pumpkin Piehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05071696352234410072noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1767875150689049815.post-71010034907677994012011-08-05T16:19:00.000-07:002011-08-05T16:19:04.509-07:00Something stinks in here!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The more I get in God’s word the more “Amen!”’s erupt from my mouth, the more grateful I become of his mercy and nature, and the more I find myself singing songs of praise in my heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I find myself in a very peaceful place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I am on this journey God is showing me the pride that coursed through my veins, he is transfusing me with new life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>‘His agenda and not my own’ are no longer words said in vain, but with real meaning and desire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am finding that in obedience to God’s word, there is humility.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And that is exactly what he desires of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In our humble state, he can be glorified.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we are humble, he can be lifted up.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This morning as I stood getting ready for work a few thoughts popped into my mind. I smiled and said to the Lord, let me find a pen and paper so that I can write them down and share them later if you want me to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I opened up the bathroom drawer and there was a pen {not too completely surprising if you saw my bathroom drawer…it is a catch all} but I was very happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then I looked around me, I had nothing to write on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A slip of paper on the dryer caught my eye.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perfect!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wrote down three things.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Once upon a time about 15 years ago I remember a woman in our church in <place w:st="on"><city w:st="on">Machias</city>, <state w:st="on">Washington</state></place>, who was a seasoned smoker, quit smoking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She only had a few days of no smoking under her belt, but she exclaimed to my mother (who greats everyone in the foyer) that she had just been around a smoker and they smelled awful!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She asked my mom, “Did I stink like that too?!?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t remember what my mom answered, but it was probably very polite and encouraging, because that is just the way she is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sadly this woman, not more then a few days after that, picked up her old habit again and went back on the chain.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">God is working hard in my heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is working tirelessly on me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t want to squander his good work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is very irritating when the little boys get dirty right after I give them a bath.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is most days inevitable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to, as a child of God, try and keep myself clean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to make my heavenly father proud. <em>Oh Lord, let me know when I am getting stinky...I want to be sensitive to your Spirit.</em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I am finishing up reading in 1<sup>st</sup> Corinthians and a verse froze my eyeballs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I read it again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I got out my highlighter and I underlined it and I highlighted it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Corinthians is Paul writing to the church at <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Corinth</place></city>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were zealous for signs of the Spirit and the supernatural occurrence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A lot like us today we go in the ditch, instead of living life in balance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paul says to them in Chapter 14 verse 12: So with<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was correcting them for puffing up themselves and putting on a ‘holy roller’ showcase.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paul tells them (14:33) God is not a God of confusion but of peace.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Here is the frosty that froze my eye balls and caught my attention 1<sup>st</sup> Corinthians 15:1-2:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you- unless you believed in vain. {Spirit Checker!}</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ronda’s paraphrase…I (Paul) preached the gospel to you, you received it (in all appearance), you stand in it (so you say), and by it you are being saved (that would be the natural progression), if you hold fast to the word preached (what needs to be done)…unless you believed in vain (unless you are a big faker).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I think I am understanding it right.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This is not a game for show.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God sees your heart, you aren’t fooling God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You may be fooling a lot of other people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And you may even be fooling yourself.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. Galatians 6:7</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And he said to them (Jesus), “You are those who justify yourselves before men, gut God knows your hearts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God.” Luke 16:15</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ok, Gods word can bring a BIG paddle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I would rather be paddled by the word of God then puffed up with pride from the things of this world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The king of this world {satan} wants you to be either numb to God and overly concerned with self, against God, or fast asleep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since satan himself was afflicted by pride and it was his downfall…it worked for him…it works for us.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">God is God, we are man, his creation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God loves the humble.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God loves the cheerful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God loves those that love him, and love others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am but a vapor, a mist…so short is my time here on this earth, yet the manner in which I live my life, in truth or lie, will determine eternity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And there is nothing hidden that won’t be brought to light. There is no time like the present to open up your heart to God and saying, ‘Renovate me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Recreate me. Transfuse me. Use me. Whatever it takes, may you be glorified.’</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jesus, your name is precious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pray that you will let me never forget the stench of my prideful ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pray that you will give me spirit checks if I am doing something I shouldn’t, saying something I shouldn’t, hearing something I shouldn’t, seeing something I shouldn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pray that you will give me foresight to RUN from evil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pray that you will expose evil to me for what it is so that I can flee from it..<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If it is a song, if it is a TV show, if it is Facebook, if it is something that is taking me away from you, if it is an idol, make it detestable to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you for convicting me daily.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you for drawing me near.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pray for anyone whose eyes read these words that it will minister to their hearts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pray that this weekend you will help me to be a good example of humility and love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are so gracious and I am so grateful. Amen.</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I want to thank those of you who answered the question the other day about if you pray before you eat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to especially thank Marie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She wrote:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I thank Him for the food while I’m preparing it.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I thank Him for the lettuce as I chop it,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The animal that gave it’s life to sustain me,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The people I’m preparing it for,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The fuel to cook it,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The well water to wash it,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The pots and utensils to cook and serve it, spices, etc…</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When I sit down to eat something that’s been prepared for me</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I thank Him for that person and each item as I eat it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s usually not out loud, unless requested,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>but blossoms into praying without ceasing…</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We have SO much to be thankful for!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Amen Marie, Amen!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Today was busy, but it was blessed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I made a new friend and she blessed my day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love my job.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Here is the recipe for the tartlets and the quiche I posted yesterday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then it is off to the grocery store for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love going grocery shopping…but tonight I am taking the little boys, which is usually a crazy deal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So pray for me ok?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really appreciate it!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Heat oven to 425 F.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Lightly grease 2 mini muffin tins (24 total tarts or quiche)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I used Hodgeson Mill whole Grain Insta-Bake Baking Mix.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I put 2 cup of mix in a bowl and mixed with about ½ cup almond milk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can use regular milk if you want. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1 tablespoon butter cut pea size mixed into dough. If your dough is too sticky add mix until the dough is only slightly sticky. If your dough is too dry, add more milk; easy peasy!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pinch off about a tablespoons worth of dough and use a floured rolling pin on a floured surface to roll out. Place each rolled dough into your muffin tins. Do this until all your tins are full.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If you are baking the tartlets you will want to bake shells for approximately 8-10 minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They should be lightly browned and crunchy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cool on a baking rack and fill with preserves. I used peach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>YUM!!!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGj5RxWEFCE793JT86AJPCR8BqUvdaWRhhFmoQfjf_TRkiKbEEUYzd6t9etl3p3f8_s6mM09PE15sfgZlA_td6nJJHS0y66UzwFvb7myMk9ffmcoiRMBCCGvfj0r61xI6zFK6Jcnaq7MAh/s1600/TEa+and+tarts+upclose+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGj5RxWEFCE793JT86AJPCR8BqUvdaWRhhFmoQfjf_TRkiKbEEUYzd6t9etl3p3f8_s6mM09PE15sfgZlA_td6nJJHS0y66UzwFvb7myMk9ffmcoiRMBCCGvfj0r61xI6zFK6Jcnaq7MAh/s400/TEa+and+tarts+upclose+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" t$="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If you are baking quiche you will need:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">2 eggs</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">¼ cup heavy whipping cream</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">¼ cup milk</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1 teaspoon steak seasoning</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">¼ cup cheese</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Whisk all ingredients together and use a tablespoon to spoon mixture into UNCOOKED tartlet shells.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bake at 425 for 10-12 minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Edges should be brown, egg should puff up but not jiggle.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Serve warm.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha9xuT7F69acsETJYKJYqNjdVu6NSZAif2iYz47qJVAioBXyHYli2745qt0kN9-apo9yHFYEZreSDeIyGq3Az8ihGR21A-_cq6j977snL6pUTPwAgY8-QEzX5splE4udAsolVQp93ubkAG/s1600/T+Quiche+2+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha9xuT7F69acsETJYKJYqNjdVu6NSZAif2iYz47qJVAioBXyHYli2745qt0kN9-apo9yHFYEZreSDeIyGq3Az8ihGR21A-_cq6j977snL6pUTPwAgY8-QEzX5splE4udAsolVQp93ubkAG/s400/T+Quiche+2+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" t$="true" width="265" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">xoxo</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Mistral; font-size: 18pt;">Ronda</span></div>Ronda Honda Pumpkin Piehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05071696352234410072noreply@blogger.com0