Squeezing Washington, Part 1

Since I can't load pictures right now (grrrr), I thought I would start a series on how to save some cash. Everyone can use that, right?
My Daddy says about my Mom that she could squeeze a dollar so much that Washington's eyes would pop out. Let's see if we can do it too.
Let's start with the gas for your car. It always helps to cut that cost a little.
I actually started thinking about this after watching a NASCAR race. I figured if they were racing 190 mph, and can save enough gas to avoid a pit stop and finish the race, why can't I do that? And what do you know, there is actually a name for it. It's called hyper-miling.
We can't control the gas prices, but we can control the way we drive. And hyper-miling is all about science-using inertia, gravity and centrifugal force to your advantage. As an added bonus for home school families, it can be turned into a cool science lesson.
Since highway miles are at a nearly constant speed, these tips won't help much on the highway. Driving in town, it's like gold.
Your car uses the most fuel going up through the gear box-especially taking off from a complete stop. My friends, you must be gentle with the accelerator. As un-cool as this is, it will save you some cash.
Next is the law of inertia. Once the vehicle is moving at your required speed, take your foot of the throttle. See how long you can coast without losing speed. It may surprise you.
Now for gravity. Most places are not completely flat (isn't God good to us?). Even a slight change in elevation can help you pick up speed without using the gas pedal.
Centrifugal force can be used in curves to pick up speed as well. You have to use some common sense here. The idea is to save gas, not to throw people and objects across the roadway.
Another cool science tidbit-applying the brake pedal causes friction, which will reduce the force of inertia on your vehicle. Don't use the brakes needlessly, but by all means, use them when necessary.
If you have a gauge that shows your mileage in real-time, this is helpful in hyper-miling. However, if you spend all your time looking at the gauge, you will have more problems than just gas mileage.
I have increased my average gas mileage by at least 5 mpg. Not a lot, but I'm still working on it, and every little bit helps.
Locals-see if you can beat me. Turn from Granbury onto Wardville. Get to 30 mph before Pizza Hut. I can coast at 30 all the way to Main St. If you can catch the green light, maybe you can go farther! Let me know.

Pictures from The Promise

Here is Jesus' birth. Brittany is up top on the left. Her brunette twin, Leigh, is on the right. Gabriel is in the middle, but I don't know his name in real life. Hannah Midkiff is opening the door on the left!
Little Yeshua (Aaron). He did a wonderful job!
Jesus on the left, John the Baptist on the right. I told Jesus after the show that we were best friends, so he should know who I am. He said, "I remember talking to you earlier today. You pray a lot." :)
Jesus getting baptized. Yes, they have a river. Awesome!
This is Satan (Blare), sitting in a tree, watching Jesus & eating an apple. I thought this turned out less fuzzy. Sorry Blare.
This is Satan. I can't remember what scene this is (help?). Obviously, something bad was happening, or he wouldn't have been there.
The last supper. There's a really beautiful song in this scene.
Jesus before Pilate. Did I mention there are live animals in this show? Roman soldiers on horses, a camel, sheep, doves, donkeys (that sometimes bite). Awesome!
The crucifixion. Satan is hanging out on the steps in front, all creepy. Blake is the thief on the right, I think.
Resurrection! Jesus banished Satan in this scene, and everyone cheered.
And there He goes, up into Heaven! Sorry about the blurriness. He was flying.
Curtain call! Giving it all back to God.
David-cutest drummer boy in town.
Benjamin-always smiling. A great actor, and an excellent scribe.
Brittany-told you she was an angel. :)
Debra-Mama of the clan, and an excellent singer.
Aaron-Little Yeshua. He did a great job!
Hannah Beth-always so happy, and a great dancer. Actually, she's good at everything.
My kids with Satan? A little creepy. Actually, Blare is just about the nicest guy ever.
Caleb-also a talented Midkiff. A great young actor-maybe Billy next year?
Satan & an angel.........hmmm. Two of the most talented people I know, but most importantly, they love God.
One thing I noticed last night was that during the beginning of the show, there was a lot of clapping. But as the show went along, there was less of that. The audience was so involved in the story that they weren't thinking about the actors anymore. Mission accomplished.
The story of Jesus is like that. The only Son of God, willing to leave Heaven and become a man, suffering so incredibly in death, and finally being raised by the power of God. Just so that we could be with Him forever. What an amazing story.

The Promise!!!

Here we are, waiting for the show to begin...........
We went to see The Promise last night. If you've never seen it, it is hands down the most amazing show I have ever seen. This is our second year to see it, and it gets better every year. Our good friends, Blare McClure, who plays Satan, and Brittany Coddington, who is an angel (on stage and in real life), invited us.
We also have another group of friends in the production-the Midkiff family. Debra (singer & towns person), Hannah (singer, angel & dancer), Aaron (little Yeshua), Caleb (singer & towns person), Ben (king's assistant) and little David (drummer boy). Brittany's brother, Blake, was also in the show (and did an amazing job). He was Lazarus and a thief on the cross.
The show was AMAZING! I cried. I cried before the show, when they had a tribute to the military. I cried when Jesus showed up, I cried every time Jesus did something cool (which happens quite a bit), the resurrection, everything. I also booed Satan. Heehee. Anyway.........
The Promise is the story of the life of Jesus. It follows the Biblical account very well, beginning with the prophets that foretold the coming of Jesus, and ending with His ascension into Heaven. Visually, it is stunning. The acting, singing, and dancing are all outstanding. As for the story, well, you can't go wrong with good material. :)
We have already decided to audition as a family next summer. If you have a gift for performing, I can't think of a better way to use them for God's glory than this show.
I'm going to post more pictures in a separate blog. You can also see pictures from last year's performance on their website.

In Defense of Freaks

Originally Posted 3/14/08
When I was changed as a teenager and began to follow Christ, my parents were less than thrilled. Not that they had anything against God. In fact, it was my Mother’s daily prayer that her family follow Jesus. However, it was a change for them.
In their defense, I think it was a lot to do with a long-standing rivalry between churches in my hometown. I also think the sudden dedication to worship and study may have scared them a little. Let’s face it, tact was not exactly my strong suit back then. Fortunately, God taught me enough of it to ensure my survival to adulthood. (Those of you that knew me as a teenager, and are laughing, I know who you are.)
Contrary to rumors, I was not brainwashed. I was not beaten over the head with doctrine or told what to do. What I saw was something that I had never seen before. I saw people completely devoted to God, His Word, and His church. And I saw that it worked. I saw a group of flawed people, doing their best to follow God’s plan for their lives. They loved and defended one another like a family. And it drew me to them.
The older I get, the more I realize that such a freakishly radical dedication is necessary. Because just as God pursues us with His love, Satan is pursuing us with lies and distractions. Here’s what it sounds like-"Don’t you deserve some time for yourself?" and "You’ve done more than other people. You’re a good person. That’s all that matters." I’m ashamed to admit how many times I’ve believed this junk from him. And he constantly whispers this noise in our ears, until we will do nearly anything just to shut him up.
God, in His infinite wisdom, knew that we needed the church. God does not need our worship or our praise, although He deserves both. He didn’t create the church for Him, He created it for us! May I be frank with you? (That is such a M*A*S*H cue line, but I won’t go there now.) There is no safe place in this world, and any security found here is an illusion. The only safety is found in a close relationship with God, and in the arms of a group of people who want to help you get to Heaven. Period.
So go out there and be a freak! Be just as devoted and dedicated as you possibly can be. God will bless that-I promise you.

Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant!

Originally Posted 2/26/08

An excellent wife, who can find?
For her worth is far above jewels.
The heart of her husband trusts in her,
And he will have no lack of gain.
She does him good and not evil
All the days of her life.
She looks for wool and flax
And works with her hands in delight.
She is like merchant ships;
She brings her food from afar.
She rises also while it is still night
And gives food to her household
And portions to her maidens.
She considers a field and buys it;
From her earnings she plants a vineyard.
She girds herself with strength
And makes her arms strong.
She senses that her gain is good;
Her lamp does not go out at night.
She stretches out her hands to the distaff,
And her hands grasp the spindle.
She extends her hand to the poor,
And she stretches out her hands to the needy.
She is not afraid of the snow for her household,
For all her household are clothed with scarlet.
She makes coverings for herself;
Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
Her husband is known in the gates,
When he sits among the elders of the land.
She makes linen garments and sells them,
And supplies belts to the tradesmen.
Strength and dignity are her clothing,
And she smiles at the future.
She opens her mouth in wisdom,
And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
She looks well to the ways of her household,
And does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children rise up and bless her;
Her husband also, and he praises her, saying:
"Many daughters have done nobly,But you excel them all."
Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain,
But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.
Give her the product of her hands,
And let her works praise her in the gates.-Proverbs 31:10-31

Well done, Aunt Lee. Welcome to the joy of your Lord.

One More Lesson

Originally Posted 2/7/08

Today I went to the funeral of a man whom I consider a father. (In case you're counting, that's three Dads for me now. Hey, everybody's gotta have a hobby.) It was difficult, of course, but I felt........proud. Proud to have been associated with such a wonderful man, and to have been able to learn from him. In some small way, I felt that I was representing him and his work. I wanted him to be pleased with me.
Here's the thing-what if I acted that way all the time? What if we all did? What if Christians realized that we are all sons & daughters of the King, and behaved accordingly? We represent our Father to the world, and we want him to be pleased with us. That should impact what we think, what we say, and what we do. What do you think?
"Now if we are children, then we are heirs-heirs of God and co-heirs of Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in His glory." Romans 8:17

Inside the Mind of a Child

Originally Posted

An interesting way to determine what is going on in your kid's head is to listen to their prayers. Here are some recent excerpts:
Hannah-"Please don't let there be any tornadoes or hurricanes. Oh, and also wildfires-yeah, I would really appreciate that. Thanks a lot."
Samuel-"Please help the scientists not be stupid, and help them to stop saying that Pluto is not a planet."
Gabriel-"Thanks for our pets and our food and water and all the animals and the Holy Spirit and all the angels."
Gideon-"Jesus, please help me to go to Heaven soon."
Now that last one may sound scary, but I know why he is saying this. We've talked about it a lot. The kid actually wants to go to Heaven!
Kids are so much smarter than grown-ups most of the time. No wonder Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:3)

The Journey Chronicles: Day Two: The Lake and The Millpond

Originally Posted 1/27/08

The Lake-I have played in it, fished in it, waded in it, swam in it, literally stayed all day in it more times than I can count. When I see it, I really feel like I'm home.
When I was little, it was very nearly in our back yard. We used to sneak back & watch a family of beavers that lived in a quiet part of the lake. We never got to watch them for very long. One of them would always hear us, and slap his tail on the water to warn the others.
I feel an emotional connection to the water and the rolling hills surrounding it. Is it only people from the little towns around it that feel this way? If you're from my part of the world, you know what I'm talking about.
More importantly, the millpond. I am sitting in a room full of hurting people. Their lives have been churned up, and waves are crashing around them. The waves are unrelenting-"Four weeks." "Double its size every 30 days." "It's in the brain now."
In the center of this room, lies the millpond. Amidst the storm, she is the picture of serenity. Although in pain, she comforts others. I tell her, "Don't sit here for me. Go to bed." She says, "I'm where I need to be." When the bad news comes, you can see peace in her face. The enemy will not conquer her. He doesn't even stir her soul.
I am in the presence of greatness.

How To Change The World 101

Originally Posted 1/27/08

It all started with a lady named Edna Reed. She promised God that if He would get her family out of a bad situation, she would always serve Him faithfully. He answered her prayer, and here's how it went down-she taught her family (including her husband) about God. One of her daughters is Lee, who taught & married Bill. Bill taught his whole family & became a preacher. He has taught thousands. He taught a man named Richard, who also became a preacher. Bill & Lee's 2 sons grew up to be preachers, and they are teaching even more people. They have children who will grow up to have faithful families as well.
During my teenage years, Bill & Lee adopted me (or I adopted them-not sure). They faithfully took me to every church service and every church activity. Their home was always open to me, they were constantly teaching me and I learned so much from their example. Because of that example, my children love Jesus. They will likely grow up to have faithful families of their own.
When you think about it, it's not so hard to believe that Jesus & his 12 disciples could turn the world upside down. Granny & Papa Reed, Uncle Bill, Aunt Lee, Danny & David made a great investment in my life. The best I can do to repay them is through faithful service of my own. I am eternally grateful.

The Point

Originally Posted 12/25/07

Life just doesn't get much better than this. I'm sitting on my couch, wrapped up in a quilt that was lovingly made by my Mama, watching M*A*S*H. My dog, Hawkeye (named after Hawkeye Pierce, of course), is laying in the next seat, having just turned his customary circles before going to sleep. This is takes some balance and coordination in a rocker-recliner. Just one of the things that makes Hawkeye such a magnificent animal. Meanwhile in Korea, Hawkeye & B.J. just filled Hotlips' pillow with chocolate pudding, and Radar is mailing a Jeep home in pieces. Comedy just doesn't get much better than that. I thinking earlier today about the tradition of the American Christmas. The adults spends literally months buying & hiding, and then wrapping presents. More days are spent decorating anything that will stand still. We spend days preparing a feast. Then in a few short hours, Christmas is over for another year. Is all this preparation worth it? Absolutely. Not because of the sweet faces of my children when they come into the room on Christmas morning, although that is a great blessing indeed. It is because Christmas represents the eternal. All of the symbols of Christmas-the tree, the candy cane, the poinsettia, the gifts-all point to Jesus. The fact that Jesus would be willing to leave Heaven, lower Himself & live among us is astounding. The fact that He would be willing to restrain His power while He suffered and died a horrible death is even more astounding. But the most astounding fact is that He did all this, even conquering death, just so we could live with Him forever! How amazing is that?!? This is why Christmas is so important. Not because of "Black Friday", filling stockings, or sampling desserts. The purpose of Christmas is to celebrate the birth, life, death & resurrection of the most important man in human history. If we don't get that, then Christmas is....well, quite pointless.

Bring the Rain

Originally Posted 10/28/07

I can count a million times
People asking me how
ICan praise You with all that I've gone through
The question just amazes me
Can circumstances possibly
Change who I forever am in You
Maybe since my life was changed
Long before these rainy days
It's never really ever crossed my mind
To turn my back on you, oh Lord
My only shelter from the storm
But instead I draw closer through these times
So I prayBring me joy, bring me peace
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings You glory
And I know there'll be days
When this life brings me pain
But if that's what it takes to praise You
Jesus, bring the rain
I am Yours regardless of
The dark clouds that may loom above
Because You are much greater than my pain
You who made a way for me
By suffering Your destiny
So tell me what's a little rain
So I pray
Holy, holy, holy
Is the Lord God Almighty


"For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."-2 Corinthians 4:17-18

20 Things I Am Thankful For Today

Originally Posted 9/4/07
1. God sent rain to wash the air and make it better for breathing.
2. It is not 100 degrees today.
3. I have ink in my printer.
4. Blair & Brittany gave us free tickets to see the Promise last weekend.
5. Our yard has a lot of trees.
6. Brandon likes his job.
7. We watched a spider spinning a web this week.
8. Our garden grew vegetables this year.
9. When I bought Hannah's ballet shoes, I got some cute shoes with smiley faces & rainbows on them for half price.
10. Texas is homeschool friendly.
11. My kids like school.
12. Some sparrows made a nest in my spider plant on the porch.
13. I have a lot of people that will help me when I need it.
14. Hannah hasn't had a seizure in over two years.
15. Gabriel hasn't had a seizure in over a year.
16. Brandon knows everything about me, and likes me anyway.
17. I found some stuff that keeps my nails from breaking.
18. I can buy stamps at the grocery store, so I don't have to go inside the post office.
19. Brandon can fix my van, so I don't have to take it to the shop.
20. Singing is free.

Thank God For Broken Windows!

Originally Posted 2/9/07
Well, it was just a matter of time..................
A few days ago, I had to drop something off at a friend's house. Mind you, my friend's kids and my kiddos are great friends. Anyway, we get to the house of my good friend, and I tell my children (stern voice) "Stay in your seats. Do not unbuckle." You can start laughing now.
As soon as I got to the door, previously mentioned good friend's children head out to the van to talk to my kids. ALL of my children unbuckle and leave the vehicle. My youngest, good boy that he is, remembers to lock the van when he gets out. The vehicle is still running. With a full tank of gas.
Good friend's son comes inside, laughing, to inform me of these events. I roll my eyes and head outside to pretend I'm in control of this situation.
Background information: a few months ago, we were out running errands (with same friend's son in tow), we turned a corner, and the side window FELL OFF the van into the street. It didn't break, it just fell off. It's not the first thing to fall off the van, so we loaded it up and Brandon reattached it somehow.
Back to the locked van: my friend & I were able to pry the side window off enough to unlock the doors. Some loctite & duct tape, and we were on our way. The kids spent the rest of the afternoon cleaning the garage, in case it rained and I had to put the van in the garage.
The moral of this story: When the window falls off your van, be thankful. You may need to pry it off again later.

Weirdness

Originally posted 11/04/06
This week was weird. It was the first anniversary of my brother's death (which really stinks, in case you're wondering). Our dear neighbor, Betty Trussell, died this week, forcing my kids to deal with death-again. Hannah said in her prayers tonight, "Please God, I hope I don't have to wear my funeral dress ever again." Death pretty much stinks from every angle. On the other hand, it makes me thankful that God has provided a way to conquer death. In Heaven, no one dies! Praise God! That may be the best thing about Heaven, right?
I just got back today from a ladies retreat that was AWESOME! I talked to some older ladies that are way, way smarter than I am. I needed that. It was good to go out in God's creation and soak up the beauty and get some renewal.
After the funeral, we took a nap, and my precious boys decided to create a monstrosity in their room. I was told there were Cheerios and chocolate syrup involved, but I was afraid to look. Brandon, being the manly man he is, took charge so I wouldn't have to kill anyone.
I've had better weeks, but I've had worse ones too. I guess that means it all comes out even in the end.
"For all things work together for good, for those who love God, for those who are called according to His purpose. " Romans 8:28