A Little Update...

Well, I feel like most of the pressures of Christmas are past! I have finished most of my shopping - one more gift for Terry to buy - and I am through homeschooling until after Christmas!!!! YEA!!! I am going to make my visits, get my stuff for Super Church ready, and make up some Christmas goody bags for my Super Church kids today.

I wanted to tell you my progress this past week on my exercise...(clears throat) I didn't do very well. I was thinking about lying to you and saying how great I did at exercising in the midst of Christmas chaos, but then I realized that lying is wrong...so I must be honest - I bombed this week. I did walk over a mile at Lakeline Mall last night, does that count? But, then I ruined that be eating a Hershey's pie at Burger King after we were done. I am going to try to work out today, but I don't know if I'll be able to. I'll let ya know.

Anyway, on a brighter, more cheerful note, here are a few pics of my kids in case my niece Amber in Florida is tuning in, or in case you, a possible total stranger, would be interested in them!

My laundry is a lot of fun!

Mitch had to join in on this! He was pushing her around in the laundry hamper!

Leslie is my little helper. She has to be right at my side whenever I'm cooking!

She also loves to dress up!

Lauren wasn't too happy about Mitch falling asleep on her shoulder during our last trip home from Arkansas, but she put a smile on fast when the camera came out! She's like Blair Warner, I guess. (Inside joke for Melanie)

My Favorite Movie Experience

It's a Wonderful Life is my all-time favorite movie. I posted the ending here, so if you have a minute, stop and watch the results of a life lived for others. It so often feels like we are accomplishing very little as we serve the Lord, our families and each other. But, when those hard times come, it is then that we see that we really have made a difference. I know George Bailey is a fictional character, and he certainly wasn't a perfect role model, either! But there is something in him - the fact that he's human I guess - that I can relate to. This movie isn't just entertainment, it's an experience. Don't just watch it - live it!

Have a Merry Christmas, dear reader! I hope I can make a small-and beneficial- difference in your life this year. Hearing from you makes my day. If you are reading this, and I haven't met you, please comment with your name and state. I'd love to know who happens to stop by, but whether you wish to "sign in" or not, I want to say thanks for reading! I hope and pray this blog isn't just fluff - I hope it can make a difference.

Jude 22 And of some have compassion, making a difference.

Making Christmas Merry!

Here is a rundown of the events and activities of our family during the last week. Man, has it been busy! Oh, and this post is lovingly dedicated to Pamela~ ;o)

Merry Christmas from the Basham Family!!

Below are the photos of our December ladies fellowship. We met at the Highlander Buffet restaurant here in Burnet. We had a really good time.

Here is Sandra - she just recently joined our church!
Caroline and Margaret enjoying the good food!
Isabelle, Doris and Kathy enjoying each other!
Ann and Evelyn - Smile! You're on Life in the Hill Country!!

Just so you know I was there, here I am! :0)

Every year I try to make a homemade gift for each family in my church. I am not a great cook, and I cannot sew. This limits me greatly. Therefore, I rely on "crafty" ideas. You know, little crafts that have pretty simple instructions that even I can do! This year, I made lollipop ornaments.

Step one: Gather supplies. You need the metal lids from juice concentrate. This is the candy part. You'll also need craft sticks (for the handle), acrylic gloss paint in the colors of your lollipops: I used real red, real green and white. You'll also need pink. You'll need a flat brush or a stencil brush. You'll need a 10-12 inch square of cellophane for each lollipop you make, some ribbon to tie it with and some gold cord - about 7 -12 inches per ornament.

Step 2: If you're handy with tools, then drill a hole in the top of each lid using a 3/32 drill bit. If you're not, have your husband do it!

Step 3: Paint each lid the color you desire. You'll need to do several coats, letting them dry in between.

Step 4: Dab your sponge brush into the pink paint, blotting it till almost dry. Then, dab on some pink on each side of the lid for cheeks. CHECK! Be sure the hole is at the top center before putting smiley face on lids!

Step 5: After the pink paint is dry, take the end of a water color or small paint brush and dab a dot of white paint on each pink spot - at the top. This will be where you'll be beginning your smile.

Here are the ornaments right before I drew on the smiley face.

Step 6: If you're doing the peppermint ornaments, you'll draw in the red or green for the peppermint on the white lids at this time.

Step 7: Draw smiley faces on each ornament.

Step 8: Glue craft stick on back of lid - be sure again that the hole is at the top center! Glue only about 1 1/2 inch of stick to lid.

Step 9: Cut out squares of cellophane, and a length of ribbon. Wrap cellophane around ornament , gathering it around the bottom and tying with ribbon.

Step 10: Poke hole through cellophane where the hole in the lid is. String with gold cord and tie a knot.

You can label the back of each ornament with your name and the year. Do this before you wrap it with the cellophane!

Tada! The finished product! What a relief! I think they were a big hit.
I couldn't resist getting one more picture with my prized project! Lollipop anyone?

Laci's birthday was a lot of fun. I can't believe my baby is already one year old! Where did the year go? I did a much simpler cake for her than for the other kids' first birthdays. Since they can't understand or appreciate it much on their first birthday, I just do something easy for me. As they grow, I do harder ones. I did Laci's cake with Cool Whip for frosting. I got this idea from my friend Amanda!(See my post "Good Friends are Forever") I loved it! It was easy, and tasty!

Happy Birthday, Sweet Girl!
Hmmm...this isn't too bad!!
She really loved her birthday present...come to think of it, all the kids loved it!
She's on the move now!

It's been a busy month so far, and Christmas is still a week away! Yikes! I've still got so much to do. I'm trying to relax and enjoy the Christmas season, but it's hard. I'll be working on that...oh no! Did I say "working?" I mean, I'll be resting on that! ;o)

Have a Merry Christmas, everybody!

God Can Speak to a Teenager

Teenagers are kind of silly. It's an awkward age. They are in between childhood, and adulthood. They're dealing with raging hormones, insecurity, "finding themselves" - and oh, let's have them make the most major decisions of their lives too! It's a hard time.Bro. Graham used to say that teenagers "were dumber than a box of rocks." They are. They think they know everything, and in reality, they know very little! Only two things helped me to survive my teen years unscathed: 1. The love, and patience, of my parents. 2. A relationship with the Lord. I knew my parents loved me, and would always be there to help me navigate my way through those major decisions. But as most teens are, I was a little, okay, a lot independant! I wanted to find the answer to life's big questions myself . I wanted the Lord to show me the answer. What I found out impacted my life forever.
Most of my "boyfriends" were pen pals. They all lived in other states. Bro. Graham preached to us teens that you shouldn't just date for the sake of dating. You should look for qualities in a date that would be suitable for a future mate. In other words, he was saying it was dangerous to date a guy you worked with that didn't go to church, who drank and lived a lifestyle that was opposite your own - you may get attached to that person, marry him and then be forced to live a life that you know is not pleasing to God. Because of this, I took "dating," which in reality was really just "writing," very seriously.
When I was 17 I was "dating" a guy from a boys Ranch. [Attention: This means I was desperate!] He came highly recommended by my Pastor, and I don't think my parents were too concerned since he lived 500 miles away! He had a rough way to go during his young life, but he seemed to be on fire for the Lord, and doing right.
Because I took dating (writing) so seriously, I prayed a lot about my future husband, and I talked to the Lord about this guy. One thing that bothered me, was his past. I felt guilty for judging a guy's past, but remember, I was thinking "future husband!" I was bothered by the scar in his left ear where he had worn an earring at one time. I knew he had done other things in his past that leave scars on the heart as well. This bothered me, because I came from such a loving, and pure home.
I was pretty innocent back then, and I hope I still am! I prayed like I was talking to my parents. "Lord, whatdya think about him? I don't like the scar from his earring. Am I being picky or what? Can ya please show me? I don't wanna mess up my life." Guess what. He showed me.
I'll never forget that morning when I was reading my Bible, and God gave me an answer. Not my pastor, or my parents, or my big brother, but ME! He showed me that this was NOT the guy for me. I have the passage marked in my Bible, and it is very dear to me. I'd like to share it with you.
II Samuel 22:21-25
The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness: according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me.
For I have kept the ways of the LORD, and have not wickedly departed from my God.
For all his judgments were before me: and as for his statutes, I did not depart from them.
I was also upright before him, and have kept myself from mine iniquity.
Therefore the LORD hath recompensed me according to my righteousness; according to my cleanness in his eye sight.
With the pure thou wilt shew thyself pure; and with the froward thou wilt shew thyself unsavoury
These verses stood out to me like they had been highlighted in yellow! The Lord was using this passage to give me an answer from Heaven. He told me, that while I was far from perfect, I had chosen to keep myself from the wickedness of the world. I was a pure young lady. I had kept myself from alcohol, and wild living. I needed, and wanted, a man who had done the same with his life. And this passage was my promise from God to give me such a man.
Now, for the rest of the story. I'm far away from my teen years now. I can barely see them in the rear-view mirror of my life, but I can remember them. I remember that day when God spoke to a teenage girl about her future mate, and Lord willing, I'll never forget it. I've been married almost a decade. I married a man who is like me: he's not perfect but, he's pure, he came from a good home, and he loves the Lord.
That guy that God steered me away from? Last I heard he was headed to prison.
Thank you, Lord, for speaking to a teenager. Thank you that you're still there for me today.

Rahab Gives Me Hope

Rahab is not a pristine Bible heroine like Ruth, Mary or Esther. She was a woman of ill-repute, a harlot. She was not even a Jew. But I like her! Maybe because I can relate to her. No, I was never a harlot, but my sin condemned me to an eternity in Hell nonetheless. It didn't matter to God that my sin was rebellion, instead of fornication. All sin is wicked, and unless we accept God's free gift of salvation, we will all pay for our sins - no matter what they are - in a place called Hell. Because of this, I can relate to Rahab. Here are some things I like about Rahab.
1. Rahab was a sinner. She had a bad reputation. In Joshua chapter 2 we see that Joshua has sent two spies into Jericho. They go into the house of Rahab for safety. In verse 2-3 the spies are spotted coming into the city, and immediately the king sends his men to Rahab's house. Of course, I believe the king knew of Rahab's reputation, and figured that she perhaps enticed these men to her home. Rahab did invite them in, but not for the reasons the king had assumed. How often do we misjudge someone because of their past? "Well, you know how she is!" We say to one another. Maybe she's changed!! Maybe we should give folks the benefit of a doubt. I try not to assume anything bad about anyone. Even if I want to, I try not to! The king did it, and he misjudged Rahab.
2. Rahab had heard of the God of Israel, and she feared him. When I first heard of the power and greatness of God, I feared him too.
Joshua 2:9 And she said unto the men, I know that the LORD hath given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you.
10For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that were on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom ye utterly destroyed.
11 And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the LORD your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath.
3. Rahab asked to be spared, but she didn't just ask for herself. She begged for the lives of her entire family. When I got saved, I wanted to tell everyone, so they could accept this wonderful gift too. I want my friends, family, and even total strangers to know that through Jesus, they can be spared! They don't have to go to Hell. Rahab wants her Mom, Dad, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, everybody - to be spared.
Joshua 2:13-14 Now therefore, I pray you, swear unto me by the LORD, since I have shewed you kindness, that ye will also shew kindness unto my father's house, and give me a true token: And that ye will save alive my father, and my mother, and my brethren, and my sisters, and all that they have, and deliver our lives from death.
4. Rahab is a beautiful picture of the Cross.
The spies tell her that they will protect her, she is to only hang a scarlet rope out of her window, and her home will be spared. This rope is a picture of the blood. When I got saved from sin, Jesus moved in. He placed His blood over my sin, and now, when God looks at me, He sees the blood. He doesn't see my sin anymore. Now, that doesn't mean that I don't sin anymore, oh no. I wish I didn't, but when I do sin, the blood is there to cover it up. What a blessing!
That scarlet rope is the spies way of escape. The blood is my way of escape, I have escaped Hell through Jesus blood! Hallelujah!

The thing I like best about Rahab is the end of her story. The spies kept their word. They spared Rahab's entire family. But it gets better. Rahab accepts the God of Israel has her God, she gives God her life, and she becomes part of the lineage of King David! Matt. 1:5 And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse;
Now that's a happy ending! Jesse was the father of David, and David was in the lineage of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Jesus allowed a no- good, rotten harlot to be in his blood line. I find that amazing. It gives me hope. I'm no-good. I pretty rotten. But, maybe God can use me, too.
You see, God doesn't care how smart you are. He doesn't care how many "big name" people you know, or the size of your bank account. He doesn't care if you can sing, or play an instrument. He cares about one thing: your heart. Do you fear Him? Have you received Him as your Savior? Will you give your life to Him, to use as He will? He can do great things, just look at Rahab!

You Can Keep Me Accountable

I appreciate all the kind words regarding my exercise endeavors. I just wanted to give you guys an update...you all are my accountability!
I have set my goal to work out three days a week. I need to start out slowly, and work back up to the five days a week that I used to do. I am not very concerned with the number on the scale, though I do try to keep an eye on it. Mostly, I want to feel strong and fit.
This week I achieved my workout goal! I love Denise Austin videos, I have about 11 of them that I've gotten over the years. This week I used her kickboxing (killer) video, and her Bounce Back after Baby video. The Bounce Back video is definitely a workout, but not nearly as strenuous as the kickboxing video! I like Denise's positive attitude. She says over and over on various videos, that fitness is not about being a skinny mini, it's about being healthy. I like that outlook. She talks a lot, which is okay with me :0), but if you don't like that, you can mute her! Also, her music isn't overpowering, it blends in nicely in the background.
Okay. This week is over. I'll let you know how next week goes. Of course, the holidays will be hard, but I'll do my best. You can help keep me accountable!

Have a great weekend, everybody!

I Choose To Trust

How many of you wish that some things in your life were different? Well, I do. I have several things that I wish I could change. I have lots of problems that I wish I could fix myself, in my own way.
I chose to marry the man that I did. I love him, he's wonderful. Is he perfect? No. Do we ever disagree? OH YES! In fact, some of our "discussions" make me very unhappy. If I wanted to, I could just say "Forget it. I'm packin' up. See ya." And be on my way. You could too. However, I choose to stay. I choose to love him in spite of his faults. Oh, and he does the same with me.
I sometimes get lonely, and dissatisfied with my "life in the hill country". I try to be content with the state that I'm in, but there are times when my heart longs for home, for friends, family and the comfort of familiar surroundings. I choose to look on the bright side. I choose to find the good in living on the "backside of the desert" with rattlesnakes, grass burrs, fire ants, and cacti. Nearly everything here bites or stings. I've had two run-ins with scorpions. Boy, are they nasty little creatures. But, I can find the good if I look for it! I enjoy living in a small, quiet town. I enjoy walking into the library and knowing the librarians by name, and vice versa. I like having Subway right up the street! I enjoy the mild winters. My kids can play outside in short sleeves or a light jacket most of the year. There are some positives, but sometimes I have to choose to see them because the negatives are shouting at me, with bulging eyes.
I have a loving Heavenly Father who placed me in this spot for a reason. He provides for me. Everything that comes into my life is first placed through the filter of His love for me. Nothing happens to me because God is "out to get me." But there are times when I cower in fear, awaiting His wrath to strike me down. I'm tense, and nervous, wondering what terrible thing is going to happen next? It is during these times that I have to choose to trust. It doesn't come naturally, I have to choose to do it. I choose what to fix for dinner, I choose what to wear each day (for several people!), and on and on. Life is a series of choices, in fact, our life is a result of those choices.Therefor, we must choose wisely, according to Scripture! What if you've blown it already by making a wrong choice? Then choose to be happy, and walk with the Lord, and trust in Him to help you right those wrong choices.
When sorrow has come into my life, I usually haven't been ready for it...but I made it. Why? Because I chose to trust Him. He's always been there, and praise the Lord, He always will be.
I don't know what will happen today or tomorrow or in ten years. I can imagine some pretty awful things. But I won't. I choose not to! I choose to look up, I choose to trust.