"You don't even smell like smoke!"

Recently, I've been studying the book of Daniel with a Beth Moore study. We just finished chapter three. As Beth explains how Shadrach, Meshach and Abendego stood up to Neb, and were forced to face their end, three scenarios were brought to the fore front. The first scenario was that the three friends would be delivered from the fire (metaphor for today as being a trial). The second is to be delivered through the fire. And lastly, the third scenario is to be delivered by the fire. The first one of course would be what we desperately pray for on the onsight of our "trial". This scenario would build our faith. The second scenario is where so many people find themselves. In this second case, your faith would be renewed. The last scenario, which is not what we would seek, but invariably will face one day, is built to perfect our faith.
My point is that Beth Ann, a very dear life long friend has recently been through such a fire. She was placed in the second scenario and through her diligence to the Lord's way and faith in God, and doctors, she was in fact delivered through her fire. Praise be to the name of God, forever and ever, wisdom and power are his. As I watched the video last night of this bible study, the closing remarks by Beth struck me.

She said according to the end of the chapter, that the officials for King Neb.
made the comment that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abendego didn't even smell like a fire; just think about that---

For Beth Ann that means though she faced a fire she came out smelling like a rose. It made me realize that there are so many times I stink like smoke when to be honest there was not even a spark to be found surrounding me much less a raging furnace.
The thought of the renewed faith Beth Ann has now, as she has come through her fiery furnace, encourages me. I'm so proud to call her friend. This was such a unique week during bible study-I couldn't help but recognize the bitterness that Satan sends my way when I face trials. I'm so glad that I have my faith to bring me back and keep me from giving in to that temptation of smelling like smoke. After all, who likes to be around someone who stinks!

Loose tooth

Addison could hardly wait to loose her first tooth. She is growing up too fast. We are all excited for her. She made herself cry after I pulled it because that's what she thought she was supposed to do? It won't be long until both the bottom teeth are missing.

Widows in a Surrey with Fringe on Top!

Tonight, the praise team sang for the widows in our church. It was a lot of fun~we sang show tunes from, well, let's just say a long time ago! We saw a video of some of them sharing their memories of growing up. The stories were great and I can only imagine the stories I'll tell one day of all the funny moments in my life. Like my daughter's nack for saying the wrong thing at the wrong time, or my daddy always having the excuse of "Because I'm Daddy", or Douglas always beating me at games. Needless to say, my cup runneth over like so many of those precious ladies there tonight! Blessings come in the strangest packages some times.

How ugly my first pound cake was, seriously!

Well, cooking (especially pound cake) is much like life, you follow the receipe and include all the right stuff and life still turns out a flop at times. Thankfully we have an ample supply of ingredients from our Savior, huh. I'm glad he never runs dry of butter, and all the other grace he gives us as we flop our way through these days.

snow picture

Here's my little snow angel

The beginning

I'm anxious to see just how much time I spend on my blog, but I've been wanting to start one for quite some time. The snow last week was such a breath of fresh air~ no not physically but mentally. To take a break from the norm and just sled with the kids and throw snow balls and to be completely lazy! I'm looking foward to starting a Beth Moore bible study series titled, Daniel. It starts in two weeks, what a blessing that will be as I draw closer to God