BOOKS FOR CHRISTMAS!?!?!?!

I saw this video of a kid  having a snit on Christmas morning because he had gotten BOOKS for Christmas! 

What kind of children are we raising today? I cannot believe that parents would put up with this sort of behavior. I would be ashamed of my child but you can hear the parents chuckling in the background. But they thought it was cute enough to be worth posting on youtube!

What kind of foolish parents think this is cute?  Why don't they realize that they are rearing a very selfish and self-serving child who will grow up to be the same kind of an adult.

If one of my children had reacted this way I would have taken every single one of his gifts away. He might have a month to change his attitude and then the toys would go to Goodwill or the Salvation Army for children or any child who might be more appreciative!

We had a rule in our house that if someone went snooping for Christmas presents before Christmas morning and I found out about it, that gift would be returned to the store.  If my kids ever DID snoop, they were sure not to let Mom know!
(And just FYI, the comments had been disabled on youtube.  lol guess maybe people didn't think it was so cute after all!)

Daughtry Sings National Anthem Cardinal Game 9-14

I always get goose bumps when I hear the Natinal Anthem sung in a crowded stadium, but lots of times the vocal quality isn't the best and you wonder if the singer really knows the melody of the song he's supposed to be singing. 

I found this rendition by Chris Daughtry.  The vocals are  beautiful and the melody really is that of the Star Spangled Banner instead of some modified version.  If there is ONE song in the world that doesn't need to be adapted to the "Artist's Style," it is the National Anthem

Great Job, Chris Daughtry!            

songs of zion

I’ve been listening to the Monarch Springs Congregation’s wonderful Church of God singing. I thank the Lord for the day brother Steve posted their link. I’ve listened to it repeatedly ever since. Their website strikes number must have been climbing because I’m there nearly everyday and sometimes several times a day.

This is the link http://www.churchofgodeveninglight.com/songs.htm I’m playing it right now so I don’t know if this link will take you directly into music or you will have to pick from the menu. I’m listening to the Monarch Springs Campmeeting—2006 if you want to listen where I am right now. I love the congregational singing. It blesses my heart over and over. The special singing is good too, but I’m telling you my favorite.

Here is the song that took me there I Will Praise Him, Hallelujah!

Oh, I praise the Lord who bought me, hallelujah!
I’m a happy pilgrim bound for glory land;
I am singing, and I hope to sing forever,
When before His throne eternal I shall stand.

Refrain:
I will praise Him, hallelujah!
I will praise Him more and more:
If I had ten thousand lives in which to praise Him
I could not enough my blessed Lord adore.

I will praise Him for salvation, hallelujah!
Richest treasure human spirits ever found;
Once I wandered far away, was sad and lonely,
But I’m dwelling now where pleasures e’er abound.

Oh, I’ll never cease to praise Him, hallelujah!
For He gives me peace abounding every day;
He redeemed me from my sins and fully cleansed me,
And I find His service sweeter all the way.

I will praise the name of Jesus, hallelujah!
I will praise Him for His mercies unto me;
Then I’ll praise Him with the angels in the morning,
When the face of my dear Savior I shall see.

Oh, I praise Him for the strength He daily gives me,
I am running now to gain that heav’nly prize;
Soon with joy I’ll reach the goal of life immortal,
And go sweeping through the gates of paradise.

Sometimes these old hymns carry such a fantastic meaning but they have largely been tossed out of modern worship. Modern religions tend to follow the 7/11 trend—seven words repeated eleven times—in their music programs. This is a familiar psychological technique for developing enthusiasm where none was before. It is used with tremendous success by cheerleaders in high school ball games to build team support and encourage the players.

The child of God needs no cheerleader to build his enthusiasm. The blessings of God springing up with in his soul make the praise bubble out. It is always there, just below the surface of everyday cares and labor, to carry us through the times when our body is tired and discouraged. And when we step aside from the everyday routine to sit quietly in the Lord’s presence they just bubble up and effervesce, flow out, gush out. And sitting down with the people of God produces rejoicing and praise that no worship leader can produce no mater how much cheer leading he does. Thank you Lord.

how to fake a clean house

I just read the cutest website. I'm not sure if it was serious or teasing, but it might come in handy some day... Every once in a while we find out someone is coming and panic because our house isn't quite what we'd like it to be. Here're are a few hints. I'm not posting it all, but some ideas are kind of handy.

How To Fake a Clean House by Kathleen Squires
When you're short on time here's how to give your living spaces the illusion of cleanliness.

IN THE LIVING ROOM

~Reserve one side of the sofa cushions to be shown to guests. Just as guests arrive flip the cushions over to show the 'good-as new" fabric. When the guests leave flip them back down and keep them clean.

To rid the sofa and chair backs of pet hair, wear a rubber glove. Dampen the fingers and wipe the upholstry. The pet hair will cling to the damp rubber.

~Stack scattered books and magazines in a neat pile or in a basket at the end of the sofa.

~Pull the sheer drapes closed over the windows to disguise kiddy smudged window panes. Other times leave them pulled back.

~Fold a clean blanket and put it over the stained cushions on chairs or sofa.

IN THE KITCHEN

~ If the sink is full of dirty dishes, stack them in a stew pot or roaster and put them in the cupboard until the company is gone and then you'll have time to wash them. Drape any dirty dish cloths or towels over the pot.

Hang clean dish towels over the oven handle or on the bar. Fold the stained side to the back. Tidy and clean-no effort.

~Cover any lingering aroma of cooking by boiling a spoonful of nutmeg or cinnamon or cloves or orange peel in a small pan of water! Instant aroma-therapy says 'welcome' !

~De-clutter your refrigerator by scooping all the notes, photos, coupons and magnets into a ziplock bag and put it in a drawer. Later you can put it back. Instant neatness!

THE BATHROOM

~Glide a sticky lint roller over the bath mat to pick up any loose hair or lint fluff.

~Pull down any damp towels. Use them to wipe flat surfaces that collect dust, then hang them on the hook behind the door. Hang a fluffy robe over them. Clean and neat.

~ Put clean guest towels out. Instant neatness.

~Any scattered brushes, or cosmetics can be heaped in a basket on the back of the toilet. Neat and decorative.

~Turn the light off but light a couple candles. Candles are pretty and everything looks nicer by candle light. Neat and cozy.

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

Now I know we all try to keep our houses clean and straightened up. And I'm not a proponent of sloppy housekeeping, but be honest, sometimes we get surprise company when we wish we'd had time to clean before they came. It happens to all of us.

These few hints can be accomplished between the time we see them pull up outside and they get to the door. Especially if you plan your route sometime when you're really cleaning. You can devise a plan of action that involves the shortest way through your house.

This certainly won't substitute for good housekeeping, but it will help us relax a bit when somebody comes unexpectedly. Wish I'd thought of it about 30 years ago when I had two kids and a dad to take care of and a full time job. There were plenty of times when people came and cleaning day was two days past. These ideas would have helped me feel a lot better. LOL We had a long walk and about 15 steps from the pull-off to the front door. I could have accomplished a lot!