Jumped ship...

Join me here instead...

Do not be afraid....

I chose Isaiah 43 1-4 to memorize last week and this week (since it was longer, I decided to give myself two weeks to memorize this one!) How awesome is this?!?

"Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you." He ransomed ME!! He paid for ME!! He wanted me back so badly that He was willing to pay any price.

"I have called you by name; you are mine." He knows my name! He tells everyone that Tammy is mine. He paid a very high price for me. He thought I was worth His life - every lash he received, every blood drop he shed was worth it to Him because I am His child.

"When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficutly, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you." Notice He didn't say, "IF you go through deep waters...rivers of difficulty...or fire of oppression, but WHEN you go through, He will be there. He never promised we would have an easy life or that He would always keep us from suffering, but He did promise that when we go through these difficult times, He will be with us...He won't let us drown...He won't let us be consumed by the fire...He will walk THROUGH the fires with us, just like he did with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

"... because you are precious to me. You are honored, and I love you." I may not feel precious to anyone at times, or honored, or loved. I may not even be worthy of honor or love, but my God thinks I'm precious and He honors me and loves me always.

Why is that so hard for us to believe sometimes (most of the time)??

A New Year.....

It has been almost a whole year since I've last posted. I think everyone who would read this blog understands why I've been absent for a while. I guess you could say I've been on a journey this past year. Certainly not a journey of my choosing, but a journey of unexpected challenges that has resulted in intentional growth in many areas of my life.

I would be outright lying if I said this past year was easy or even good - it has been neither of those things. However, I can say that I have been able to see many blessings through this time of extreme difficulty.

A new year and a new decade begins for me as most years do for everyone, that is setting new goals. In years past, though, I've set resolutions with only half hearted intentions of fulfilling them. I already feel this year is going to be different for me. I've set some pretty lofting intentions this year, but the motivation behind them are much more deeply rooted, so with that, I already feel accomplished.

I guess I need to take a step back and explain that since last February this journey has not only been self-searching, but God seeking. And He has revealed Himself to me as I've never known Him before (not for His lack of faithfulness, but because of my disobedience). So most of my plans this year revolve around getting to know Him better and trying to be more obedient.

Part of this obedience means doing that one thing that a lot of people struggle with, and that is actually tithing. I have given offerings in the past and I have given generously over the years, but I have to say I've never given exactly 10% of my income as we are commaded to do in the Bible. This is quite a commitment, I must say. I'm working toward a budget and figuring what I'm going to cut out in order for me to be able to meet this commitment.

My next major intention for the new year is continuing on a fitness regiment that has already lasted about 8 weeks. I work out about 6 days a week - 3 with a trainer and 3 on my own. I've grown to understand that if my health is lacking, I can't do what God needs or asks me to do. I'm happy to report that in the first 8 weeks, I've lost 4% body fat, went from being able to do 13 push ups to 30 (and these aren't the "girly" push ups, either!), and I've lost 3.25 inches in various parts of my body. A goal inside this goal is to run a 5K sometime in February or March. I've also actually made all my meals at home for the last two weeks and have taken my lunch every day to work. That, in itself, is a miracle! :o)

The third intention is to learn more about who God is. As I've said, I started down this path and don't plan to stop now. I read my Bible every morning and every night. I'm attending a Community Bible Study group every week (studying the Book of Revelation), doing another Bible study with my small group ladies from church (studying the Book of Esther) and I've set a goal to memorize a Bible verse every week this year.

• Dec 27: Hebrews 10:36: Patient endurance is what you need right now so that you can continue to do God's will, then you will receive all that He has promised. (NLT)
• Jan 3: John 15:7: But if you remain in Me, and My Word remains in you, you may ask for anything you want and it will be granted. (NLT)

There are so many awesome promises God gives us in the Bible. I'm anxious to learn more of them and see them transpire in my life.

As I continue down this path this year, I plan to document bits and pieces of my journey here. I hope to give some insight on what God is teaching me along the way and hope that you will be blessed just as He has already blessed me.

Until next time....God bless!!

While I'm waiting.....

While I'm Waiting by John Waller
A song from a movie that has touched my heart for obvious reasons.

Revelation

I couldn't find a more appropriate song if I tried. Coincidence?? ...don't think so....



Revelation
by Third Day

Snapshot Saturday - Project 365

Photos a day for the last week.

1/5/2009

Something I've had for a couple of years, but never used. That has changed, and I've downloaded a bunch of CDs and even made my first purchase from Itunes. So I'm only a little behind the times.

1/6/2009

Trying to capture a picture of Maggie in the mirror after coming back from a car trip to pick up dinner.

1/7/2009

Two days in a row - she was in heaven. Picture of Maggie doing her favorite thing every - taking a ride in the car and standing on the middle counsel between the two front seats.

1/8/2009

This is the new addiction in my life right now.

1/9/2009

We finally found a Wii Fit, however, since I've been sick, haven't felt much like doing much of anything, especially exercising.

So, how do you like the new picture in the banner? This was taken on our Montana trip last August. I felt it was time for a change...

Flashback Friday

Release date 1984.



Forever Young by Alphaville
Let's dance in style, lets dance for a while
Heaven can wait we're only watching the skies
Hoping for the best but expecting the worst
Are you going to drop the bomb or not?
Let us die young or let us live forever
We don't have the power but we never say never
Sitting in a sandpit, life is a short trip
The music's for the sad men
Can you imagine when this race is won
Turn our golden faces into the sun
Praising our leaders we're getting in tune
The music's played by the mad men
Chorus
Forever young, I want to be forever young
Do you really want to live forever, forever and ever
Forever young, I want to be forever young
Do you really want to live forever?
Forever young

Some are like water, some are like the heat
Some are a melody and some are the beat
Sooner or later they all will be gone
Why don't they stay young
It's so hard to get old without a cause
I don't want to perish like a fading horse
Youth's like diamonds in the sun
And diamonds are forever
So many adventures couldn't happen today
So many songs we forgot to play
So many dreams swinging out of the blue
We let them come true
Chorus

Del's funny moment to share....

So Del spends a lot of time watching videos on You Tube (which is partly how Flashback Friday's got started). He came across this one which cracked him up so much he wanted me to share it with others. To get the full affect you really should watch at least the first 30 seconds or so of Britney's new video. (I know, I know, but bear with me......)



Be sure to leave your comments for Del on your appreciation for this new rendition of Britney's Womanizer song. :o)

Who will be next??

First it was my brother....now my nephew has jumped on the wagon. Who will be next? Anyone???

Happy Birthday, Tina!

My big sister is having a birthday today and I couldn't let the day go by without a big shout out to her on her special day. This picture was taken last year when she and Kim and my mom came to visit in September. I love this picture of the two of them.

Happy Birthday, Big Sis!

Someone else's birthday is also today - someone who I forgot shared a birthday with my sister. A long lost friend....Birthday wishes (and a pretty embarrassing picture) from her big brother can be found here.

Project 365

So, I tried it during the month of November, but can I actually do it for a whole year? We'll see...I'm on board with Project 365. Not sure I'll buy the kit, but will probably make some sort of scrapbook out of it.

Here are the first four days worth...

1/1/2009

Maggie, like her mother, was not able to stay up until midnight New Year's Eve - couldn't even make it through all of Wall-E, which Del says was really good. I know this officially was not taken on 1/1, but felt it was close enough. How cute is she??......really???? :o)

1/2/2009

Del and I eating at one of our staples, Del kindly saying, "You are not taking a picture of us in the mirror..." and me answering, "Ah, yes, I am....(snap)."

1/3/2009

I'm still fighting a cold and felt it only appropriate to show my daily (and nightly) treatment. I feel like I've slept the weekend away.

1/4/2009

Del exclaiming, "You can't take a picture in here....that can't be legal." And, me, not listening, "Why not...I'm not using a flash...(snap)." A long movie, but a solid "B."

Hope you all had a Happy and Safe New Year.

Flashback Friday

I picked this week's song (but Del approved!) :o). Release date 1986.



True Colors by Cyndi Lauper
You with the sad eyes
Don't be discouraged
Oh, I realize
It's hard to take courage
In a world full of people
You can lose sight of it all
And the darkness inside you
Can make you feel so small
Chorus:
But I see your true colors
Shining through
I see your true colors
And that's why I love you
So don't be afraid to let them show
Your true colorsTrue colors
Are beautiful like a rainbow
Show me a smile then,
Don't be unhappy
Can't remember when
I last saw you laughing
If this world makes you crazy
And you've taken all you can bear
You call me up
Because you know I'll be there
Chorus:
(Can't remember when I last saw you laughing)
If this world makes you crazy
And you've taken all you can bear
You call me up
Because you know I'll be there
Chorus:

Happy New Year!

Of course, with the holidays, quite a bit has happened since my last post and I have a lot of pictures to share.

First things first...I can now post those projects I was working on for Christmas gifts. I made an album for my sister's wedding pictures. The entire album can be viewed by clicking here.

I also made a chipboard Family album for Anna, my mother-in-law. Completed project can be viewed here.

And I made a Friend chipboard album for my friend, Karie. Completed project can be viewed here.

The holidays came and went this year with us spending time with friends and family back in Ohio.

It was fun to have all the little ones at the Waganfeald Christmas again.

Del got me a Wii for Christmas. I womped on him in bowling (how could I not with such form??), but we were pretty well matched in golf. The children were perfectly content just watching from the grandstands.

And although I've been extremely sick with a cold, Del scored some Charlotte Bobcat tickets from the Chairman of his company for this past Tuesday night. Yes - we are sitting on the floor! Amazing seats - very cool!

And just because.....

Chalupa tolerating Maggie again.

And a rose from a bouquet Del bought me before Christmas that is still hanging on.

Hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas and a safe New Year's.

See you tomorrow for Flashback Friday!

Flashback Friday (a day late)

This is a little later than the 80's (1990), but still a good, really fun song. The extended mix video was the only one I was able to embed, so if you don't want to listen to the whole version here, you can link to You Tube to listen to the shorter version - just click on the title below. Del wanted me to mention that you should pay particular attention to the dancing microphone. :o)



Room at the Top by Adam Ant

Once is never enough
Never is and never was (uhuh)
Here and now is all that counts
Here and now in large amounts
Be beautiful and shut up
The going can be real tough
You can keep your fancy bars
Clubby friends and fast cars (uhuh)
And when the going gets hard
You can eats your credit cards
I really tried to fight
But what the hell I like it
chorus:
There is always room at the top
Don't let them tell you there is not
Made in England
Born and bred
An 18th century brain in
A 21st century head
Room at the top - so 18th century (x2)
Room at the top
There's always room
If some of this fits some of u
Or like the things that you might do
It's the pleasure and the pain
That makes you do it all again
They say
Be beautiful and shut up
The going can be real tough
chorus

Flashback Friday

Well as promised - another flashback song from Del. Another song I've never heard before Del. Released in 1986.



Oh L'Amour by Erasure
Oh l'amour
Broke my heart
Now I'm aching for you
Mon amour
What's a boy in love
Supposed to do?

Looking for you
You were looking for me
Always reaching for you
You were too blind to see
Oh love of my heart
Why leave me alone
I'm falling apart
No good on my own
Chorus
Why throw it away
Why walk out on me
I just live for the day
For the way it should be
There once was a time
Had you here by my side
You said I wasn't your kind
Only here for the ride
Chorus
No emotional ties
You don't remember my name
I lay down and die
I'm only to blame
Oh love of my heart
It's up to you now
You tore me apart
I hurt inside-out
Chorus

Happy Friday!

She is dog tired!!

This is what doggie day care does to our little girl. She absolutely loves going, but she is so worn out when she gets home. I guess that's why they say a tired dog is a happy dog. So sweet...

Scrapbook Sunday

So I actually did a lot more scrapbooking this weekend than the pictures are going to show.

Here is the one page I can show you. Another "Real World Color" assignment for my class, using green, orange, red, and brown. Journaling: It always amazes us that there are so few people who take advantage of the beautiful state parks North Carolina has to offer. Stone Mountain State Park is one of our favorite places to hike. We try to visit at least once a year. These pictures were taken with a disposable camera that sat undeveloped for almost two years and they are still gorgeous. Imagine what it looked like in real life!

Now the reason I can't show you the other pages I finished this weekend is because they are going to be a Christmas present for someone this year. The most I can show you is a picture of the supplies I used. The rest will have to wait until after Christmas!

Hope everyone had a great weekend.

By the way....Del was impressed with the song I embedded on the blog and has decided he wants to contribute. So each week we will have "Flashback Fridays" featuring a song that Del picks out (I did tell him I have to, at least, like the song!) So stay tuned for next week's song!

Oldie, but goodie....(and new to me)...

So I was reading one of the blogs I read regularly (which also happens to be the teacher of my on-line scrapbooking class) and she had this video posted on her blog. It is from 1988, but I don't think I've ever heard it before. Del, of course, has since he knows every 80's song there ever was. Anyway...it's really a great song and thought I would share. This is the first time posting a You Tube video, so we'll see how it goes...



Better Be Home Soon by Crowded House
Somewhere deep inside
Something's got a hold on you
And it's pushing me aside
See it stretch on forever
Chorus:
And I know I'm right
For the first time in my life
That's why I tell you
You'd better be home soon
Stripping back the coats
Of lies and deception
Back to nothingness
Like a week in the desert
chorus
So don't say no
Don't say nothing's wrong
Cos when you get back home
Maybe I'll be gone
It would cause me pain
If we were to end it
But I could start again
You can depend on it
chorus

Happy Friday - Hope you enjoy!

(Mini) Scrapbook Sunday

Not much to show as far as scrapbooking this week. I got one layout done. It is about the Christmas Village that is displayed at our church back in Toledo that my Aunt Louise and Uncle Bob worked on every year. Now that they are gone, mom has taken on the tradition and tries to add new items when she can.


Journaling: Of course, it was displayed at church every year, but I never captured it in pictures before last year. Aunt Louise and Uncle Bob started the village many years ago and would add at least one piece each year. They are all made out of yarn and the plastic canvas; most of them are music boxes. I think young and old alike love to see it assembled. And since Aunt Louise and Uncle Bob are no longer with us, the tradition has now been passed to mom.

Since I don't have much as far as scrapbooking is concerned, I figured I would post some other pictures from this week and weekend.

We stayed up too late Saturday night and our children decided they didn't want to wait on us before catching some zzz's...

We bought this toy at the same time as the other one. She likes them both and goes back and forth. If you look closely enough, you can see this one holds treats in the middle. She has to work hard at getting them out. I don't know if she likes it or if it just frustrates her, but this occupies her for quite a while.

I went to the Charlotte Magazine Dream Home tour today with a few girls from work. Beautiful home, but seemed to have a lot of wasted space, in my opinion. That's not to say I wouldn't take this home if someone wanted to give it to me! :o)

A newfound discovery this weekend....if you haven't had these yet - you must try them!!!!

And last but not least, me and the kids just hangin' out. Maggie lays like this quite a bit and Del just can't stand it! Too cute!

Oh!! My brother sent me an emal to tell me he has entered the world of blogging. I now have another blog to read!! It will be great to keep up with his ife and family this way! So, the pressure is on, Jeff - you have to keep it up!!

Hope you all had a great weekend!

Congratulations - Finally!!

Congratulations, April and Jake!

Welcome, Jaelynn Rae!!

I've been waiting to post my congratulations to my niece April and her husband, Jake on the birth of their new baby girl, Jaelynn Rae Selecki. She was born November 26. A healthy 9 lbs. 6 oz., 21-1/4" long. April sent me these pics today.

It's a bottle, Jake!


You would never guess she is a new mom, would you?!?

Aunt Heather definitely knows a thing of two about babies - just not so sure about the "girl" part! :o)

Perfectly content!

Thanks for sharing, April! Congratulations to you both! Can't wait to meet her in person at Christmastime!