A 15 year old boys interpretation!

So my son Cody was telling me this morning that women shouldn't drive. Huh? Show me! So he gets out his Bible and shows me why women shouldn't drive.

Acts 27:15-20

15 And when the ship was caught, and could not bear up into the wind, we let her drive.

16 And running under a certain island which is called Clauda, we had much work to come by the boat:

17 Which when they had taken up, they used helps, undergirding the ship; and, fearing lest they should fall into the quicksands, strake sail, and so were driven.

18 And we being exceedingly tossed with a tempest, the next day they lightened the ship;

19 And the third day we cast out with our own hands the tackling of the ship.

20 And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away.

So Cody showed me his interpretation of vs. 15-20.

What do you think???

Added later**

Sis. Randall left this really cute interpretation:

II Kings 21:13b,

"...and I will wipe Jerusalem, AS A MAN WIPETH A DISH, WIPING IT, AND TURNING IT UPSIDE DOWN."

Her good question was: Why are we washing dishes?

***If you have any fun interpretations please let me know and I'll add 'em.

The Most Wonderful Church Family!!!

And yes I do have the most wonderful church family in the world!!

Well it all started back a couple of months when we were in a mission conference in Duncan, Oklahoma. We were blessed to have our fellow church member-missionaries in the same conference with us. Bro. and Mrs. Horton are missionaries to the Chiappas Indians in Mexico and dear friends of ours. I got to spend a lot of time with Suzanna (Mrs. Horton) during the conference and we wasted alot of time chatting. :0)

Well while talking about appliances and cooking we got on the subject of KitchenAid mixers. I told her that I had always wanted one but really knew they were out of our price range and even if we did have the money to buy one the shipping to Croatia would be insane. Anyhow, the conference ended and we said farewell to our dear friends and headed down the road.

Well it had been a while (actually months) since we were at our home church Trinity Baptist in Texas and we were excited to see friends. After a wonderful sermon by our pastor, Bob W. Smith and prayer time, he drew our attention to a huge silver box someone had placed on the platform. Preacher joked about the package being for him and then he looked at us and called us up to the platform. We we surprised but knew he did this kinda thing often so new members would know who the missionaries were when they came home. Anyhoo, he went on to ask me if I liked to cook and bake and I do, then he directed me to the big silver box now placed on a chair in front of me. As I opened the package I was shocked to find a new 6 qt., pearly white KitchenAid mixer just for me.

Come to find out, Suzanna had told a Kristy another dear friend about our conversation and she ran with the ball. The church folks raised the money to buy the mixer and enough money to ship it too. I know that I really do have the most wonderful church family ever!

Oh yea and last week, I made my first successful loaf of bread and it was good!

Thank you Bro. Smith, Suzanna Horton and all of those at TBC who sacrificed to be such an incredible blessing to me. Love y'all!!

If you were to die today, are you 100% sure you would go to Heaven?

God loves you and wants you to be saved.

John 3:16 says, For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

There is only one way to heaven and that is through the Saviour Jesus Christ.
John 14:6 says, Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

What follows is the simple plan of salvation as given in God’s Holy Word.


The Bible Way to Heaven:

1. Recognize your condition.
As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: (Romans 3:10)
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23)

None of us is good enough to go to Heaven on our own merit. Because we are sinners, no matter how much good we do, we always fall short.

2. Realize the penalty for sin.
For the wages of sin is death... (Romans 6:23a)
And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. (Rev 20:14)

There is punishment for sin. The penalty for our sin is eternal death in a place called Hell.

3. Believe Christ died for you.
Christ showed His great love for us when He died on the cross to pay our sin debt.
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)

Jesus, who never sinned, took our sin on himself, that we might be saved.
For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. (2 Cor 5:21)


4. Trust Christ alone as your Saviour.
...but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:23b)

Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12)

For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. (1 Cor 3:11)

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (Romans 10:9-10)

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. (Romans 10:13)

Everlasting life is a gift purchased by the blood of Jesus and offered freely to those who call upon Him by faith.

Let me help you word a prayer. (Realize that what saves is your faith in Jesus Christ, not saying mere words.)

Dear Jesus, I know I’m a sinner, and I cannot save myself. Please forgive my sins, come into my heart and save my soul from Hell. I’m trusting you alone to take me to Heaven when I die. Thank you for saving me, Jesus. Amen.


Please accept Christ as your Savior today. Don’t delay. We’re not guaranteed a tomorrow.

God Bless You for taking time to read this Gospel message.

All the stuff about Tori you really could have done without!

My name is Victoria actually but Tori for short.

I'm 36 and pretty gray under all this hair color.
I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior in 1993 at the age of 21. I have been married to my best friend and lover for the last 18 years and every
year it gets to be more fun. We have been IFB missionaries in Croatia for the last 10 years.
We have 3 great kids who are 12, 14 and 17. Time is flying by and our little family of 5 will soon change when our son returns to the states for college. We are noticing that life is slowly changing. We are moving into a new stage of life and you know what?? I like it!

Josh-14, Hannah- 12 and Cody-17

My baby and me!

HAVE I EVER???
I got this from a friend and thought it was fun. My YES answers are in red.

1. Started your own blog

2. Slept under the stars

3. Played in a band

4. Visited Hawaii

5. Watched a meteor shower

6. Given more than you can afford to charity

7. Been to Disneyland/world

8. Climbed a mountain

9. Held a praying mantis

10. Sang/played a solo

11. Bungee jumped

12. Visited Paris

13. Watched a lightning storm at sea

14. Taught yourself an art from scratch

15. Adopted a child

16. Had food poisoning

17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty

18. Grown your own vegetables

19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France

20. Slept on an overnight train

21. Had a pillow fight

22. Hitch hiked

23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill

24. Built a snow fort - with my kiddos

25. Held a lamb

26. Gone skinny dipping - with girls when I was a kid

27. Run a Marathon

28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice

29. Seen a total eclipse

30. Watched a sunrise or sunset

31. Hit a home run

32. Been on a cruise

33. Seen Niagara Falls in person

34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors

35. Seen an Amish community

36. Taught yourself a new language

37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied

38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person

39. Gone rock climbing

40. Seen Michelangelo’s David

41. Sung karaoke

42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt

43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant

44. Visited Africa

45. Walked on a beach by moonlight

46. Been transported in an ambulance

47. Had your portrait painted

48. Gone deep sea fishing

49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person

50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris

51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling

52. Kissed in the rain

53. Played in the mud

54. Gone to a drive-in theater

55. Been in a movie

56. Visited the Great Wall of China

57. Started a business

58. Taken a martial arts class

59. Visited Russia

60. Served at a soup kitchen

61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies

62. Gone whale watching

63. Gotten flowers for no reason

64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma

65. Gone sky diving

66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp

67. Bounced a check

68. Flown in a helicopter

69. Saved a favorite childhood toy

70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial

71. Eaten Caviar

72. Pieced a quilt

73. Stood in Times Square

74. Toured the Everglades

75. Been fired from a job

76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London

77. Broken a bone

78. Been on a speeding motorcycle

79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person

80. Published a book

81. Visited the Vatican

82. Bought a brand new car

83. Walked in Jerusalem

84. Had your picture in the newspaper

85. Read the entire Bible

86. Visited the White House

87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating

88. Had chickenpox

89. Saved someone’s life

90. Sat on a jury

91. Met someone famous

92. Joined a book club

93. Lost a loved one

94. Made a baby

95. Seen the Alamo in person

96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake

97. Been involved in a law suit

98. Owned a cell phone

99. Been stung by a bee

So I’m jumping on the bandwagon and adding some usless stuff about me!

1. FIRST NAME? Tori, well Victoria but Tori for short.
2. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? No
3. QUESTION NUMBER 3, WHERE ARE YOU? in Europe
   
4. WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY? I’m not a crier normally but I am known to shed a tear at happy and sad happenings.
5. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? Sometimes. Most of the time, No.
6. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCHMEAT? Turkey Ham
7. KIDS? 3 great kids. 17, 14 and 12.
8. WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Yea I think I would be, I’m pretty normal and honest. Maybe not so humble.
9. DO YOU HAVE A JOURNAL? No, I have started 10, now I collect unfinished journals.
10. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? Sometimes, but obviously joking. I try not to make people feel bad, ever.
11. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yea I think so.
12. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? Yea I would if I could find a way to do it in a skirt and still be modest.
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Cinnamon Toast Crunch, yes I know they are loaded with sugar and fat, that’s why I like them.
14. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? Normally, no.
15. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? Yea, I’m pretty strong both emotionally and physically.
16. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR? Dolce Latte, it’s Italian and it’s to die for. No Blue Bell in Croatia.
17. SHOE SIZE? 7.5
18. RED OR PINK? Both
19. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? My constant struggle with weight and my suspicion.
20. WHO DO YOU MISS MOST? I miss my family in the states and my best friend Amanda. Not to mention a few other good friends.
21. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? I think this is a pretty cool blog thingy, nice to get to know everyone better.
22. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? I’m wearing a khaki skirt and black shoes.They go, I made sure. :)
23. LAST THING YOU ATE? Watermelon
24. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? Silence, the kids are apparently reading or getting into trouble one or the other.
25. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? One of those rainbow ones, with lots of colors.
26. FAVORITE SMELL? Mulberry
27. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? Oh my, I talked to my friend Amanda via computer phone. Does that count?
28. THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE YOU ARE ATTRACTED TO? Physically, their smile. I like people who smile a lot. Personality wise, I like people who are confident.
29. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? I found this on Mrs. B.’s Blog
30. FAVORITE DRINK? coffee, cappuccino, coke .
31. FAVORITE SPORT TO WATCH? Football with my hubby, if I'm quiet I'm allowed. Go Cowboys!
32. HAIR COLOR? Dark brown but salt and pepper when not colored. :(
33. EYE COLOR? Brown, DH says the color of tootsie rolls.
34. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? No but I wear glasses for a stigmatism, but not all the time.
35. FAVORITE FOOD?Anything mexican
36. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Happy endings
37. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? Dark Pink
38. HUGS OR KISSES? From DH and the kids, both and often. From my girl friends, either but from men neither. Hey that rhymed.
39. WHO IS MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Uhhhh, Dunno.
40. WHO IS LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Uhhhh, Dunno.
41. WHAT BOOKS ARE YOU READING? Confessions of an Organized Housewife
42. WHAT"S ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? I don’t have one, I have a laser mouse.
43. WHAT DID YOU WATCH LAST NIGHT ON TV? Sherlock Holmes
44. FAVORITE SOUNDS? Sounds of storms, like thunder and heavy rain.
45. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Yuck, Neither.
46. THE FURTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? Which home? The one here in Croatia or home in Texas?
47. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? Nope, God apparently didn’t think I needed one.
48. WHEN AND WHERE WERE YOU BORN? 36years ago I was born in a trailor house hospital in Caldwell, TX

Hump Day!

Today the Hannah (DD) and I went to Crown College Southwest to hear Daddy preach. We preached in the chapel and did a wonderful job. We were so proud of him, we always are. He preached a great message called, We will not bow the knee. It was really good and if I were a man I would really have let go. :0)

After we got home Joshua, Hannah and I had some fun making these candy cane reindeer. Since tonight is church Hannah figured she would make some for her friends. Oh yea if you would like to make some of these cute little guys, you can go to Martha Stewart dot com to get all the info including the template. Super easy craft for little hands.

Messing around with the camera today and I snapped this photo, Hannah (10 yrs.) and her sweet Daddy(35). I don't know which one is more onry!

Yesterday during my quiet time I was reading the small devotional book, Baptist Bread. I really enoyed the story about Surgeon and another famous preacher walking through a field together. The Preacher told Spurgeon a short joke and they began to laugh wildly until their sides hurt. Immediatly they both dropped to their knees and thanked God for laughter.

It's funny how we miss all those little things.

We were driving down the highway Sunday returning to Texas from Arkansas when I noticed how beautiful the trees were. Fall comes late in Texas and the trees were every color of red and orange. I went on and on about how lovely the colors were until I remembered that little devotional. I immediatly thought of the verse in Romans that says, "Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the CREATOR, who is blessed for ever. Amen". I realized that this was what I was doing, I was going on and on about the trees when I should have been going on and on about the One who created the trees.

Anyhow, it really spoke to my heart and I'm learning to appreciate even the smallest blessings.

Well, hope you all have a wonderful Humpday!!!

The Facinating Sewing Machine!

It amazed me that once in history there were no sweing machines. Can you image how long it took Caroline Ingalls to sew a dress for Half-pint? I mean really, it would take forever and come on now, how long would the thing last anyhow??? So I did a little surfing to get the facinating facts about the good ol' sewing machine.

AT A GLANCE:In the early 1800s, clothing was made by hand, families sewed their pants, shirts, and dresses using a needle and thread. But in 1846 Elias Howe changed all that, he came up with another way to make clothes, he patented the first practical sewing machine..The sewing machine industry based on his original invention made possible the mass production of clothing on a much larger scale than had ever been possible with hand-stitching.


Invention : sewing machine
Function: noun / sew·ing ma·chine
Definition: A apparatus using a needle and thread to join or repair material. Primarily used in the making of clothing.
Patent: 4,750 (US) issued September 10, 1846
Inventor: Elias Howe
Criteria; First practical. Entrepreneur.
Birth: July 10, 1819 in Spencer, Massachusetts
Death: October 3, 1867 in Brooklyn, New York
Nationality: American

Milestones:

1755 Charles T. Wiesenthal, designed and patented a double pointed needle

1826 On March 10, Henry Lye received a patent for a device for sewing leather

1830 Barthelemy Thimonnier used a wheel-driven connecting rod that drove the needle up and down

1834 Walter Hunt designed a double-thread shuttle machine

1846 Elias Howe invented and patented the first Automatic Sewing Machine for practical operation.

1849 Benjamin Wilson introduced an automatic feeding system.

1851 Isaac Merritt Singer Invented introduced the first sewing machine scaled for home use.

1854 Isaac Singer patent (US No.10975) issued May 30, for the home sewing machine

1854 Allen Wilson had developed an improved reciprocating

1855 Wilson went into business with Nathaniel Wheeler to produce a rotary hook instead of a shuttle

1856 Patent Combine formed, consisting of Singer, Howe, Wheeler & Wilson, and Grover & Baker.

1889 The first practical electric sewing machine introduced by the Singer Sewing Machine Co.

1900 Singer claims 80% worldwide market share in sewing machines

Have you ever wondered how the sewing maching actually works? Well I found this little animation and I was like, "WOW!" Isn't this the coolest thing. I'm so glad God gave man the mind to come up with something like this.

Thought I would share a picture of my Singer Ingenuity. I was save for a Viking but it was going to take me a few years to get enough :0) so I settled for a Singer. I have to say I love this thing. It's great and sew easy to use. LOVE IT!!!

I've been Tagged!!

My sweet friend Amy over at Life's Small Treasures has tagged me.


Here are the rules:
*Link to the person that tagged you, and post the rules on your blog.
*Share 7 random and/or weird facts about yourself.
*Tag 7 random people at the end of your post, and include links to their blogs.
*Let each person know that they’ve been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.



-This may be hard since I'm such a normal kinda gal, but here goes:



1. My husband and I were baby-sat for by the same lady for a year when we were 5 and 6 years old. We didn't know each other growing up until we met 12 years we met and married.

2. My hair is very dark brown but in reality it's a really ugly hue of gray, really!

3. I was baptized three times before I finally realized that baptism wouldn't save me.

4. My first job was working at a Motts 5-10 store when I was 15. I worked there just long enough to earn enough money to buy my very first pair of Justin ropers. They were white! :0)

5. I have been to at least 29 states and 9 countries.

6. I'm really really really don't like spiders!!!

7. I almost never forward forwards when people send them to me, especially the ones that tell me if I really love Jesus I will send them, those I delete automatically!!


I can't believe how hard it was to think of 7 wierd facts about me, you know I'm a pretty strange bird, go figure!!!



Okay I'm tagging:

Theresa over at A Note From Theresa
Kristi at Thimble Thoughts
Connie at Connie's Thoughts
Jessica and Jessica's Journal
Deby at Apples of Gold

Thanks Be to God!

I couldn't even begin to list all the wonderful blessings I have received from the Lord this year. He has been so good to me personally and I just want to acknowledge His goodness!!

I wish all of you out there in bloggerville and very blessed thanksgiving!!! I thought I would post a few poems and pics for your enjoyment. Have a great one!!!!

****************

It's Not About Turkey

Thanksgiving is not about turkey,

Stuffing and pumpkin pie,

Neither holiday hoopla,

Nor parades passing by...

Dare I mention football

With its endless string of games,

Being a couch potato,

Or a day off from work with pay?

Thanksgiving once was set aside

To bless and honor God,

To thank Him for His mercies

And for the land on which we trod.

Thanksgiving is a holy day

Sacred and set apart,

A special day of reverence

With rejoicing from the heart.

Family, food, and fellowship

Most certainly have their place;

But don't forget to bless the Lord

Full of love and grace.

-George Thurlow

*******************

But THANKS BE TO GOD, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ

1 Cor 15:57

*******************

T'was the night of Thanksgiving, But I just couldn't sleep
I tried counting backwards, I tried counting sheep.

The leftovers beckoned The dark meat and white,
But I fought the temptation With all of my might.

Tossing and turning with anticipation,
The thought of a snack became infatuation.

So, I raced to the kitchen, flung open the door,
And gazed at the fridge, full of goodies galore.

Gobbled up turkey and buttered potatoes,
Pickles and carrots, beans and tomatoes.

I felt myself swelling so plump and so round,
'Til all of a sudden, I rose off the ground.

I crashed through the ceiling, Floating into the sky,
With a mouthful of pudding And a handful of pie.

But, I managed to yell as I soared past the trees. . . .
Happy eating to all - pass the cranberries please.

*******************

May your stuffing be tasty,

May your turkey be plump,

May your potatoes 'n gravy

Have nary a lump.

My your yams be delicious,

May your pies take the prize,

May your Thanksgiving dinner

stay off of your thighs.

:0)

Algebra Teacher, I think not!!

Okay so now as I get older, the kids are getting older too. We now have a 10th grader, 7th and 5th. You know what I realized, I don't have any idea how to do Algebra, no really! So what's a homeschooling mother to do anyway? Well after trying many different products we have finally found the BEST Algebra course for homeschoolers around.

Teaching Textbooks "was founded by two brothers, Shawn and Greg Sabouri (a Harvard graduate and former Harvard math tutor). The two realized that software could be used to make math instruction better, easier, and more affordable. Today, the company produces a whole range of math programs that enable students to learn from top-notch tutors while in the comfort of their homes."

We have been using TT for the lase several weeks and Algebra has never been so easy, we love it!!

*no charge for the free homeschool counseling secession :0)

Just Some Stuff

Well I thought I would share this photo with you guys. Only is Roswell, New Mexico can you go to the local gas station and get your yearly flu shots! :0)

Now something more serious, a friend sent me this poem today and I like it! Thought I would share it with ya. Thanks Donna!

When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin'"

I'm whispering "I was lost, Now I'm found and forgiven."

When I say... "I am a Christian" I don't speak of this with pride.

I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.

When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not trying to be strong.

I'm professing that I'm weak and need His strength to carry on.

When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not bragging of success.

I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.

W hen I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not claiming to be perfect,

My flaws are far too visible but, God believes I am worth it.

When I say... "I am a Christian" I still feel the sting of pain.

I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name.

When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not holier than thou,

I 'm just a simple sinner who received God's good grace, somehow!

“A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ that a man should have to seek Him first to find her."

**what a great saying, how many problems would be solved in relationships today if we as women practiced this???

Snow in Texas!!

Isn't it pretty, okay so it's not really snow but isn't it pretty. I love the panhandle of Texas at this time of year, the cotton fields are so pretty. After they reap all the cotton then the roads are lined with the remnants of the crop, it's a very pretty sight, especially for a Texan!!

Mission Presentation

I thought I would post our presentation for all my friends to see, hopefully it works!

Croatia meets Chile!

How exciting is this?? Do you know who these ladies are in this picture with me? Huh, huh??

Well since you asked, this is Rhonda from over at Missionary Mom. Yea, while in Amarillo, TX I met up with Rhonda and her sweet family at the local IHOP. Bro. Neil, Rhonda, Ilene, Ronnie and Rhonda's sweet mom were all there. We enjoyed lots of fellowship over our pancakes and Rhonda really is as sweet as she seems in blogdom.

It was so neat to hear all about the work in Chile and we're excited that there's such a good witness there.

Praise the Lord for new friends!!

Great Author

I wanted to share a new author with you. I can totally vouch for him, he just happens to be my best friend's husband. Although he is my BF's husband he is a wonderful author. He writes good, practical books and he is a very strait, independent, fundamental and conservative Baptist. He pastors a wonderful soul-winning church near Dallas that he planted 7 or so years ago.

Bro. Rasbeary is also a professor at Trinity Baptist Bible College in Arlington, Texas.

Check it out, he also is so gracious to allow FREE download of almost all his books. I would encourage you to buy them though, he is a wonderful steward and gives way more than he receives.

Bro. Rasbeary wrote this must-have handbook for any church planter. He didn't just write a book about it, he did it. He planted a church in a very hard area of Dallas and after 7 years they have more that 3/4 of their membership show up for soul-winning on a regular basis. He didn't just write it, he did it. Makes a wonderful Christmas gift!Another great book!Haven't actually read this one but I know it has to be a good one. Bro. Rasbeary is very studied and spends much time researching.

With Christmas coming up these would make great gifts if not stocking-stuffers. You won't be disappointed!

These are just a few of his great books, go ahead take a few secs and check out some of his books. Also he has found many good, out of print books and has put them back in print for us. Thanks Bro. Rasbeary!

Bro. Rasbeary's books at Lulu.com

TV Dinners?

Well as you know we've been in Amarillo, Texas for the last few days while visiting Pan Handle churches. Well we are staying in a place that has a kitchen or at least a microwave so we've been buying TV dinners at Wal-mart and nuking them to save money.

Well today we're on the freezer isle and my kids bring to my attention that a lady going down the same isle had flour, chicken breast, veggies and lots of stuff to cook. Then my nice kids began to point out to me what was in my basket, TV dinners, chips, little debbies and all sorts of empty calorie foods. "Hey mom, do you even know how to cook?" "Your like a modern day woman, you don't cook." Well HA HA HA!

As I looked into my basket that's exactly what it looked like. I could just imagine people thinking that my stove had never been used and I couldn't make a decent meal if my life depended on it. Shame washed over me. As we left the freezer isle I noticed some XXL T-shirts in the end display so I determined this was the disquise I needed, not for me but to cover all those TV dinners.

We finished shopping and headed to the register. As we neared the front I figured that I could take the disquise off and pay. As we're standing at the register and the 40ish lady was checking us out my dear husband go an idea. He looks over at me and says, "I need to get you direct TV so you can watch all the cooking shows." I look at him in disbelief and he goes on to say, "I'm tired of eating TV dinners!" I'm in shock now and can't figure out what to say. I didn't, didn't say anything, just stood in shock thinking how I could get back at him, good!!!

Well it has been a long time since I cooked a home-cooked meal, but I can, really I can. I'm a good cook and love it too. So anyhoo, I thought this was funny and would share it with you. Do you feel sorry for me yet??? :0)

Who sends us??

Someone asked what mission agency we were through so I though I would let y'all know.
We are sent exclusively through our home church, Trinity Baptist Church in Arlington, Texas. Our wonderful pastor is Dr. Bob Smith.
We do have some prayer cards available and if you would like one just click on the e-mail link on the side, send me an e-mail with your addt and I'll get them one their way.

Short Trip To Croatia

We have been in Croatia since May of 2000 and during that time we have prayed continuously for co-laborers. We have been the only IFB missionries in all of Croatia since the beginning, almost. We have had a few people come and leave but most of them weren't serious. So we prayed again and again and again.

Finally after 7 lonely years on the field God has called two young families to come and help. The Scott Holcomb family is on deputation now and will be coming and working as our partners in Croatia. Then the Kevin Brown family is also on deputation and headed for Croatia some time next year. We are so excited to have help coming soon.

Two weeks ago as the Holcombs took their survey trip we also went along. Johnny had been planning a trip to Croatia to find a house and the Lord worked it out so I could go along. So we left kids with Grandparents and headed to Croatia.

We had a ball in Croatia and so enjoyed sharing Croatia with the Holcombs. It was like introducing a beautiful baby, we were so proud. We do love Croatia and especially the people. We stayed with our national pastor and his family and enjoyed all the good Croatian food, Thanks Ljubica!!

I took lots of pix so I thought I would share some. I'm sure after you all see Croatia many of you will feel the need to go as missionaries, come on, your welcome.!! HINT!!!

Bro. Scott and Traci Holcomb, missionaries to Croatia. To find out more about them and support them if you would like you can go to Croatia 4 Christ and click on the About the Holcomb link. They are a very sweet family and right down the line doctrinally. Oh yea he sings, really sings!!

Here we are at a traditional Croatian breakfast (sandwhiches) in the home of our national pastor Bro. Rich. We love their family and their kids and are so blessed that God let us know and work with them. Bro. Rich is now the pastor of the church in Croatia and doing a wonderful job.

I just had to share a picture of the pastors kids, Ruben, Rebeka and Meggie, these are good kids that love God and pass out tracts everywhere.

I almost forgot Matej (Matthew), isn't he a cutie??

The Holcombs infront of the castle in Varazdin. Isn't it nice, it just had a paint job. :0)

The changing of the guards in the town square in Varazdin.

While in the capitol we got to see some traditional dancers. How cute are they???

The golden statue of Mary the mother of Jesus, so they say but we know the Truth!! What darkness!

While we were in Croatia the church had it's annual missions conference and Bro. Scott and my sweetie preached. We had such a ball and so enjoyed all the church people.

Bro. Rich, the national pastor and Bro. Scott at the international super. Bro. Rich was introducing Bro. Scott and he was about to sing for us.

This is our dear friend Danijel. He is like one of the family and we love him. He was been working all of his adult life for the money to buy his dream car and here he is with it. We're proud of him and love him very much.

We took the Holcombs down to the Adriatic Sea to see Dalmatia. Dalmatia is the same Dalmatia the Bible talks about, it's modern day Croatia and is still called Dalmatia and yes the dogs come from there. :0)

My sweet huney!!! Sure love this guy, he's been my huney for the last 16 years and yes I know that I'm spelling Huney wrong. :0) And yet another one, can't help myself!! Oh yea, I know that I'm a bit fluffier than the my avatar, yea that's America your seeing all over my face. Sad isn't it!!

The coast is lovely and the little towns are filled with boat lined harbors.

Here's huney infront of a boat with the second most lovely flag in the world! :0)

Aren't the white buildings and red roofs romantic. I love the coast, too bad people think they have to get naked to go there. ;0} Go figure!!

I took this picture off the coast of one of the 1100 islands. I love the flag flying infront of the church. Sadly the church is dead and it's religion is equally without life.


All over Croatia you will see those little Catholic prayer places, inside is one of their saints or idols more like it. It's so sad to see little ladies passing and crossing themselves to a statue who can't hear or heal.

Traci decided to take a little nappy-poo on the way over to the islands. I thought it was a great opprutunity for blackmail. I really grew to love Traci, she's so goofy, alot like me but she really has a heart for her family and a heart for God. I'm looking forward to a long friendship with her.

I really liked this picture. This one lone tree standing alone. That's kinda what we have been in Croatia for so long, we're excited about have some fellow-laborers joining us soon. Can't wait till there's a forest.

Once we arrived by boat in the city of Sibenik we enjoyed a traditional lunch of pizza. Yes they we're eating it with a fork and knife. Everyone eats pizza this was in Europe. If you puck up your food to eat it your considered to eat like a child. So we learned really fast and actually it's very effecient.
Traci is rebelling a little to the whole knife and fork thing while eating pizza, can't say I blame her.



While we were in Croatia we passed out about 3000 tracts, actually the men did, we ladies tended to the shops. :0)

I have always loved the little narrow hall-streets. I think this one was great because you can see the Adriatic.

We got a little brave and rented mopeds and rode around town all day, It was great like something you see out of a movie. We had a ball when Traci and I took the mopeds out alone. Wow, what an adventure!

Isn't the city beautiful at night?

I love taking pictures of old buildings and such. These were some of my favorites. Deocletians palace in Split Croatia.

Don't you just love the clothes hanging behind the 1800 year old collums?


I thought this was very sad, the Croatians have the Readers Digest but they don't have a good Bible.


Oh yea I almost forgot, we went to Croatia to find a house, we did and we're so happy with it. The Lord really did a miracle. We're so blessed.

Well it's taken me hours to upload all these pictures and I still have hundreds, but I'll spare you. :0)

Have a great Thursday!!