Monday, September 27, 2010

Menu Plan for this Week

In an attempt to be a better steward of what God has given us, I am starting to plan a menu for the week.  This will be the first one so here it is....

Monday
Pasta w/ red sauce
Peas/Green beans
Tuesday
Meatloaf
Potatoes/Peas/Green beans
Wednesday
Hamburger Helper
Corn/Green beans
Thursday
Fried Ham
Peas/Green Beans
Friday
Hamburger Helper
Peas/Green beans/Tossed salad
Saturday
Hamburgers
Fried potatoes/peas/green beans
Sunday
Cheese Ravioli
Peas/green beans/tossed salad
Breakfasts
Eggs
Yogurt
Oatmeal
Toast
Fruit
Lunches
Taco Salad
Chicken Noodle or Tomato soup
Chicken Salad
Leftovers
Snacks/Desserts
Cake
Brownies
No Bake Cookies
Apples w/cheese

Now I just have to stick with it!

Til next time!
Linda

Friday, September 24, 2010

Citation –Withdrawn! Answers to Prayer!


This past Wednesday, hubby and I had to go to a hearing at district court for the citation received in August for driving a vehicle with a suspended registration.  You can read about that dilemma here and here.  The fine for this is close to $300 and since we were never without insurance, we decided to fight the citation.

The officer involved met us there and we were able to show him the information proving we were never without the insurance and he decided to withdraw the citation; we didn’t have to go before the district justice!  What a wonderful answer to prayer!

Today we had another answer to prayer.  Financially the past several months have been a struggle and I have been looking for a job and even though I had placed several applications, nothing came through.  I know that is because the job God had planned for me wasn’t available yet.  This past Tuesday I had an interview and today they called and offered me the job!  An answer to pray!

If I didn’t trust that God has my future planned, I would have become very discouraged by all the applications I had placed and not hearing anything from them.  I thank God for His love and concern for me, especially knowing that I do not deserve any of it.  I’m thankful that I am a sinner saved by grace!

Til next time!
Linda

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Day 3 - Back to Blogging

This week SITS is hosting a Back to Blogging campaign to get everyone back in a blogging and commenting routine. I've not really been in a routine so I'm going to use this as a starting point for a routine.  Today we are to share a post of which we are especially fond of the title.  I chose this one because the title is short, sweet, and to the point.  I believe it draws the reader in to find out about the timing.  Here it is....

It' All in the Timing!
My Pastor preached on John 11 this past Sunday morning; the story of Lazarus being raised from the dead.  It was a powerful sermon and very timely for me.

In case you do not know the story of Lazarus, I will give a short synopsis here.  Lazarus was ill and his sisters, Mary and Martha sent for Jesus to come.  Jesus did not go right away and Lazarus died.  They believed that if Jesus had been there Lazarus would not have died; what they did not understand was that Jesus had a plan.
Why did Jesus wait and why didn’t he heal Lazarus?  He could have done so from where he was, he did not have to be where Lazarus was to do that.  What we need to remember is that God does things in HIS TIME not ours.  What is wonderful about that is God often does better than what was asked for!  PRAISE THE LORD FOR THAT!

You see, Mary and Martha had wanted Jesus to come and heal Lazarus but Jesus did even better – He raised Lazarus from the dead giving him a new body.
Times of trials and testing provide a time for God’s glory to shine.  It is not important that we are comfortable.  Why does God deal with us like this…SO THAT HE MIGHT BE GLORIFIED AND THAT OUR FAITH MIGHT GROW!

Last week I was disappointed because I did not receive a job that I wanted.  I know God’s timing is perfect and so knew he did not want that job for me, at least not at this time but hearing this sermon reinforced that thinking in my head!  I needed that.

There are other situations that I am praying about and I need to remember that His timing is perfect and wait on Him for an answer.  The waiting part is hard for me; I want things to happen now so I frequently get frustrated while waiting for God but if I remember that He gives in His timing and that He gives even better than what we have asked for…well, I just need to keep trusting Him.

Till next time…
Linda <3

Thanks to the SITS girls for this challenge this week and thanks to the SITS Back to Blogging sponsors: Standards of Excellence, Westar Kitchen and Bath, and Florida Builder Appliances.

What is unconditional love?

This week SITS is hosting a Back to Blogging campaign to get everyone back in a blogging and commenting routine. I've not really been in a routine so I'm going to use this as a starting point for a routine.  Today we are to share a post that we wish more people had seen and read.  I chose this one on unconditional love because it is very dear to my heart and I don't think people realize just what it means - unconditional love!  Here it is....


Until my son fell in love, I never thought about how I would feel about his wife.  Would I grow to love her as I got to know her?  Would it take days, weeks, years?  I wasn't prepared for the answer.
You see it took only seconds.  Yes, only seconds!  As soon as I saw the first picture of them together, I knew Jacob was all in.  Of course, I had been talking to him and could hear the happiness in his voice but when I saw that same happiness in his eyes - I knew he had found the love of his life!  nothing could make a Mom happier and then I suddenly realized I loved her.

She and I had talked on the phone a couple of times but I can't say I knew her; I had met her only briefly once - how could I know her?  That is why I was surprised when I found myself loving her.  I suppose God made it that way - with unconditional love for families.

How far does this unconditional love go?  Is there anything that can cause that love to fade?  I truly believe there isn't anything she could say or do that would change how I feel.  God must have placed a component of forgiveness in that unconditional love, one that they don't have to ask for forgiveness nor do you have to say I forgive you.  Isn't that amazing!  I think so!  Isn't God amazing!

This unconditional love God gives us is different from salvation.  God loves all of us, that is why He sent His son to die on the cross (for our sins) and rose the third day but to get His gift of salvation, we must acknowledge we are sinners and accept God's gift of salvation - eternal life.  This too is amazing!  God is so awesome!

Thanks for reading!
Linda <3

Thanks to the SITS girls for this challenge this week and thanks to the SITS Back to Blogging sponsors: Standards of Excellence, Westar Kitchen and Bath, and Florida Builder Appliances.

A look back...

This week SITS is hosting a Back to Blogging campaign to get everyone back in a blogging and commenting routine. I've not really been in a routine so I'm going to use this as a starting point for a routine.  My first post was memories of my Dad and I'm going to share it again, even though it's only 6 months old.  Here is that post...

My Dad use to call me his l'il pea picker, hence the name of this blog.  He has been gone for 24 years but over the past several months I have been thinking about him and remembering the good times.  You know, the times when he hugged me or kissed me on the cheek when I was sleeping.  Those times.  You see, my dad was an alcoholic .  That was a difficult thing for me to admit.  I was at college and we were studying alcoholism when I had to face the fact - it was hard and for more years than I can remember, all I thought about were the bad times, so I'm grateful to be thinking of these good times because times were not always bad.
He use to hug and kiss us and would rub his new growth of stubble into our cheeks just to hear us squeal!  We would watch the Sunday afternoon movie together, there were only three channels back then.  He was proud to walk my sister and I down the aisle, even if it meant wearing a "monkey suit" - which he secretly loved.  He loved his grandsons, he had three within a seven month period.  The youngest of these was only 16 months old when Dad died.

When we were little, there were 4 of us, 2 girls and 2 boys, Dad worked away during the week and was home on the weekends.  Sunday evenings we would all get in the car and take a drive.  He would need to pickup his check, then we would drive and often end up spotting deer - I don't think it was illegal back then.
Dad was always very patriotic and served our country during the Korean war.  He belonged to the American Legion and the V.F.W. He was proud to be an American and instilled that patriotism in us.  I get tears in my eyes every time I hear the national anthem.  Memorial day he was generally involved in the arrangements for making sure the veteran's graves received new flags and for honoring those vets.

He remained active in the Army Reserves, serving one weekend a month and two weeks in the summer.  When he would come home from summer camp, he would bring us something special.   We have pictures where my brothers are wearing the gun holsters they got and my sister and I got Barbies!  Another time we each got fishing rods!

These are special memories because we did not get gifts except at birthdays, Christmas, and when Dad came home from summer camp!  My son received little gifts frequently, I think my Mom thought we were spoiling him - we probably were! The gifts from Dad were special!

I'm surprised at all the memories that are coming to mind - this has been a good thing or me to do!  Other memories include, fishing, Storybook Forest, and Sea World, but I've save those for another time.

Sometimes I wondered if he loved us but now I know he did and that I loved him.

Linda  <3

Thanks to the SITS girls for this challenge this week and thanks to the SITS Back to Blogging sponsors: Standards of Excellence, Westar Kitchen and Bath, and Florida Builder Appliances.

Hypothyroidism and Fluoride

When I was first diagnosed with hypothyroidism, I started reading and searching the internet for information and this thing that had such control over my body.  One of the things I found was that fluoride can negatively affect someone with hypothyroidism.  I thought I was one of these people but the past 3 weeks have now convinced me.

We usually fill water jugs with water from a local spring dam but when we couldn’t drive our van, we had to give up on this for a while.  This meant drinking tap water because I was not willing to spend money on spring water when we are already counting our pennies.  So for approximately 3 weeks I’ve been drinking tap water; I drink anywhere from 60 to 80 ounces of water each day.  For the past 5 days, I have been more tired and sleeping more than usual.  It is frustrating since my sleep was starting to get a little regular and now I am sleeping too much again.  Yesterday we did not get to church because I was sleeping - slept 18 hours.  I would get awake, look at the clock, think I should get up and then be back asleep before I knew it.

Hubby is going to fill the water jugs before going to work so I won’t be drinking more of the tap water but I do not know how long it will take to get this fluoride out of my system. Hopefully not too long!

Til next time!
Linda <3

Mobile Once Again!

Praise the Lord, for He is good!  Last Tuesday we finally got new plates for our van and once again are mobile!  It feels so good to be able to go to the store when I want/need to. We certainly are blessed with family who were willing and able to help us during this trial. I don’t know what we would have done without them!

When things happen I have a tendency to try and figure out what the Lord is trying to show/teach me-is this good or bad, I’m not sure!  So I’ve decided to make a list of what happened because of all this trouble.
  1. I am blessed by having family to help.  The time I spent in the car with my sister-in-law; niece and aunt was precious, quality time.  I’ve reconnected with each and that has been a true blessing.
  2. To complete tasks in a timely manner and keep record of those tasks.  This is something I have a problem with.  I tend to procrastinate – not a good quality.  As for keeping records, sometimes I do and other times I do not.  I need to be more consistent in this area.
  3. I reconnected with a friend from high school.  Emily and I “found” each other on face book this past year and have “talked” a little but when I mentioned our predicament, she came up with the idea of contacting our state representative for help.  We then had the opportunity to discuss God and prayer.  What a joy!  She now lives fairly close and since I’m mobile I plan to visit and nurture this renewed friendship!  I’ll be in touch Emily!
  4. God is in control and asks that we allow Him to be.  God promises to supply all our needs (Philippians 4:19)– not our wants but our needs and he does, we just have to trust him to do so.  We had food to eat, water to drink, and hubby had a way to and from work!  God is good and does supply our needs.  Too many times we think our wants are needs and we must be reminded of the difference.
Those are four of the things I’ve learned during this time, I’m sure there are more, if I really think about it but I know God allows things to happen to us for a purpose.  Our response can bring us down or build us up.  Which are you going to allow to happen to you?

Til next time!
Linda <3

Still no plates...

Well, here it is Saturday and still no plates for the van.  I really thought they would be here by now after everything from last week and earlier this week.

Today we received 2 letters from Jerry Stern’s (our state representative) office and I was a little disappointed when I opened the first one.  In that envelope were the application for registration, my check for payment, and a letter requesting more information about the car insurance.  They wanted info to prove we had the insurance and there was no lapse. Before I allowed myself to get upset, I opened the second envelope to find another letter from Penn DOT telling us the registration suspension has been removed from our record.  I think that means we can renew the registration but that would mean another week to ten days before getting the plates.  We have decided to just get a new registration and plates but it will be Monday – 2 full weeks – before we are able to do so.

When things like this happen, it makes one think about how dependent we are on vehicles, especially where we live.  There isn’t any other form of transportation available here.  If we lived in the city, we would have buses and cabs available.  Hubby has been able to walk to the store a couple of times but with my knee problems that has not been an option for me.  Fortunately, we were fairly well stocked with groceries, needing only to get bread, milk, and a few other things.  Things could have been much, much more inconvenient.

I have been able to be dependent on my God for His help throughout all of this.  Prayer is so important, it’s my chance to talk to God and ask for his help and guidance.  Reading my Bible is one way God talks to me but I also believe he speaks through others, many times we just have to slow down and listen.  That tends to be my problem in this age of instant gratification, people, including me wants results right away.  I need to keep working on this area of my life.

Til next time,

I Am Truly Blessed - (long)

This past week my faith was tested.  I experienced a trial – was I going to trust God to take care of the situation or was I going to try and fix it myself.

It goes back to November 2009 when we changed car insurance companies; apparently when you drop car insurance that company has to notify the Dept of Transportation making them aware of the situation.  We received a letter from the DOT requiring proof of insurance or we were to mail the license plate to them.

Fast forward to last Monday when the hubby was stopped by the police on his way to work for an expired registration sticker.  When hubby told me this, my first thought was that we had not received a notice of renewal for the registration.  He agreed then went on to say the police actually took the plates off the van because we didn’t have insurance.  Right away I knew this was related to the changing of the insurance last fall.  I also realized that is why we did not receive a notice for renewing the registration…according to PENN DOT the registration was suspended!  Apparently they never received the proof of insurance from the November change.  Our van was sitting in a church parking lot without plates and we were unable to drive it at all!

As soon as I hung up the phone, I started praying for God to help me with this situation.  It is amazing the peace I felt after saying that prayer.  That evening I prayed about the situation many times.
It took until Thursday late afternoon to get the insurance straightened out.  I had to take proof of insurance to the state representative’s office and they called PENN DOT.  They also helped me complete the new registration form and mailed it for me.  The new plates should be here in a week (this Wednesday prayerfully).
I praised God for His help and guidance and also for my sister-in-law who chauffeured me to the office, the store, and back home after a full day of work.  Thursday evening I publicly thanked the Lord for answered prayer by posting on facebook.

Friday the mail brought citations related to the incident – a total of almost $450.00 in fines.  When hubby told me by first reaction was to pray.  The largest fine was for “operation following suspension of Registration”.  I asked God for guidance because I certainly do not think we should have to pay this because there was no lapse in insurance coverage.  I called the state reps office and they said to bring the letter in.  Now this office is 8 miles from home and I have no plates so can’t drive my van to get there.  We are a one car family, so what to do.

Long story short - (is that possible at this point?!) – my aunt is going to take me this afternoon.  My sis-in-law would have a total of 32 miles involved for her to take me.  My aunt lives in the same town as me, so less travelling to do.

Please say a prayer we will be able to get this straightened out so we don’t have such a huge fine to pay.
All of this got me thinking, what kind of person am I?  Am I someone others could call and ask help of?  I haven’t always been the person I want to be so am going to be working on that.

So as for the question – how did I do?  Well, it’s a split answer, although I prayed for God to take care of this and I trusted him to do so, I also allowed it to get me down some.  I missed church on Wednesday when I am sure I could have made arrangements to get there but felt kinda sorry for myself instead.

So why am I blessed?  Because I have people in my life that are willing to help without judging me; what more could a person ask for?

Til next time,
Linda

Saturday

Saturday was a good day.  We spent the afternoon with friends and their family celebrating the first birthday of their son.  It was very enjoyable.  We watched the children playing and the adults enjoying each other’s company, either talking or playing horseshoes or washers (if I didn’t have a bad knee, I would have tried this game).  We had met some members of the extended family previously but don’t really know them so didn’t do a lot of talking but we both enjoyed the time there.  Maybe part of that is because our son, daughter (-in-law) and grandson are so far away and we don’t have the opportunity to spend time fellowshipping with them.  This was like a surrogate family.  I particularly enjoyed watching the members of the family interact with each other; you could tell they really enjoyed spending time together.  Thanks again for inviting us to share in this special day.

After leaving the birthday party, we had some time to kill before the outdoor movie so decided to visit hubby’s Mom and sister – more family time!

Next we watched the movie “Fireproof” on an outdoor screen at a local ice cream place and yes we enjoyed some ice cream while watching the movie.  We had seen the movie before but were eager to see it again.  You can read what this movie is about here.

Spoiler alert!  I had forgotten that the Mom in the movie was the one who did the Love Dare and it made me realize something.  There are times when I think my husband should treat me better, I imagine I’m not the only one out there that feels that way!  But God used this movie to show me, I should not wait for that but rather I change my attitude and be the one doing the Love Dare!

Isn’t it amazing how and what God uses to teach us?!

Til next time!
Linda

Sleep and Hypothyroidism

If you read my last entry, you know how my sleeping has been messed up with me sleeping 15 hours one day and then being up for 24 hours.  I didn’t like that anymore than the 12 hour sleep days but things are changing again.  Sunday night I slept 8 hours and was up at 8:30 am.  I liked that!

Although I was afraid I’d fall asleep in the evening but was pleasantly surprised that I didn’t and went to bed a little after 11:00 pm.  Yea!  I was even able to do a little reading before falling asleep!

Okay now for the bad part, I woke up a little after 6 this morning and wasn’t able to get back to sleep so here I sit.  Now I’m wondering how long till I get so tired that I can’t stay awake.  It’s Wednesday and that means prayer meeting at church tonight.  I want to go which means I will have to take hubby to work so I can have the car to get there then pick him up from work @ 11:30 pm.  I wouldn’t mind so much if I knew I could get a little nap before church and make sure I get up in time to get ready.

I guess I’ll let the day unveil and see what it brings!

Til next time!
Linda <3

Changes in Sleep Pattern

OK, so I’m not sleeping 12 hours a day now but this isn’t much better.  For over a week, I’ve been sleeping 15 or more hours one day and then staying up for 24 hours, then repeat.  I would love to change this because it is as frustrating as the 12 hours per day.  Saturday was one of those days that I was up for 24 hours and actually got some things done.  I went for groceries in the morning and in the evening my hubby and I went to a concert and then an outdoor movie showing.  It was a good day but then Sunday I slept and slept and slept; missed church and time that I could have spent with my hubby.

Now here I am again up all night and not tired; looking at being up till sometime tonight and then sleeping way to long on Tuesday.  I can’t figure out how to change this; since I’m not working, I don’t have to be up for a job so I guess part of me figures if I’m tired I might as well sleep.

I don’t like feeling this way; I long for the days when 6-8 hours of sleep was all I needed and I had energy to work a full day, even cleaning the house.  I feel useless, lazy, and worthless.  From my research on hypothyroidism, these are not uncommon emotions to experience.  I don’t feel this way all the time but certainly more often then I should.

Fortunately, I have a savior who wants me to pray to Him for help and I do that.  I also have friends and family who pray for me.  I truly do not know how people without the Lord handle things like this.  I am so thankful for a loving God!

Til next time!
Linda

Celebrating the 4th!

Saturday the hubby and I celebrated the 4th.  I guess that’s what you would call it.  We had a picnic at Shawnee Park.  Why I hesitate to call it a celebration is because it was just the 2 of us.  You see, this is the first time we haven’t been with at least some family for a picnic for the 4th of July…since we started dating 30 years ago.  Hubby’s aunt always had a picnic with lots of family until 3 years ago and we always looked forwards to going and getting to sit and talk with everyone.  The past two years we were with at least some family but not this year.

Is it a bad thing to have spent the day together – just the two of us?  No I’m not saying that, it was just different.  Of course, if we lived closer to our son, daughter-in-law, and grandson, I’m sure it would have been different, but we aren’t able to change that situation at this time and besides things are in God’s hands.
I don’t mean to sound a little day about it all; guess I’m just missing family.  The past few months I’ve wanted to reunite with family.  I think God has been speaking to me about the importance of family.  Unfortunately, due to my mental and physical health, our relationship with family has suffered somewhat.  Also as nieces and nephews grow, everyone seems to be busier.

We are living a somewhat simpler life these days and I like it.  It puts things in perspective and you really start to see that money and things aren’t important.  Love and family are!

Til next time!
Linda

PS Discussion:  What did you do to celebrate the 4th?

Effexor XR Withdrawal Update and Miracles

It’s been awhile since I updated regarding my plan to get off the Effexor XR, so I thought I would do that today.

I have been off of it for 2½ weeks.  I know, I know, the plan was to take much longer weaning the dosage down but I ran out of them and decided I did not want to take the money to get it refilled.  I felt poorly for about a week with hot flashes and achiness as though I was getting the flu, along with being very emotional and a little irritable.  I was pleased that the irritability was not as severe as previously.  About a week into it, I noticed that physically I wasn’t feeling as bad as before.  The achiness was gone!  Yea!  This was a big improvement from other attempts to get off of it!

I am still emotional and tend to cry easily but overall, I am pleased with my progress.  The irritability still exists but it’s not as severe and I think I have been able to keep it in check pretty good. (Don’t ask hubby, he may not agree!)

The knee and joint pains have not been as bad as before and in fact I am not taking as much ibuprofen now.  This is an unexpected benefit of getting off the Effexor XR - maybe I won't need my cane one of these days soon!

I give God the glory for helping me to get through this; I could never do it on my own.  He is so gracious to help us and all we have to do is ask!  Others tell me they are praying for me and that is such a blessing (here come the tears again!). Yesterday we received a card in the mail from a couple at church, just to let us know they are praying for us, God’s people are so good!  Thank-you to all who are praying; those prayers are felt and much appreciated.

Maybe as I recover from the Effexor XR, my thyroid just might straighten out some!  That would be wonderful!

I am going to remember all those who prayed for us and pay it forward by praying for others and encouraging them as they move through their journey of life.

Til next time!
Linda <3

PS Discussion: My son and daughter-in-law had a wonderful experience with Earthly Angels, you can read about it here.   I have experienced miracles before and know God still performs them.  Have you experienced a miracle or the gift of an earthly angel?  Comment below and share it with us!

Depending on God

Had a great time Saturday; went to a family reunion and a grad party for my niece.  She just graduated from Slippery Rock University.  Congrats Beth!  We love you!

The family reunion was for my mom’s side of the family.  It was so good to see aunts, uncles and cousins that I haven’t seen in a few years.  (We hadn’t been to a reunion in a few years due to one reason or another.)  I was fortunate to have some great conversations with some cousins.

One was especially meaningful to me.  My cousin J was telling me how he came about getting his current job.
He had placed an application with one company and really wanted the job.  It was a better job, more money and better hours.  He had prayed about it but didn’t get the job.  This made him angry with God and he told God he was upset.  God then turned it around so that J could see it from God’s point of view (I’m paraphrasing here).  All of this made J realize he needed to keep trusting and depending on God to provide what J needed.  A year or so later, J applied for the same job with a different company.  He had an interview and was told he would hear something by Friday.  Monday came and he still hadn’t heard anything yet.   He said he had made up his mind to trust God and if God didn’t want this job for him, that was okay with him.
Turns out he got the job… he said he felt God was testing him to see if he would really trust God.  He also stated if he had gotten the original job, he would have been out of a job a year later.  God knows what is best for us.

This got me to thinking about my situation; no job even though I have applied and had interviews.  Maybe God wants me to learn to wait on Him and depend fully on Him.  He does promise in Philippians 4:19 “But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”  Sometimes what we consider a need is really a want and that is why we never get it.

I’m going to work hard on depending on God for my needs.  It’s not going to be easy; I tend to be too independent-as my hubby puts it-I give things to the Lord then take them back. I need to break the habit
I have an Aunt who once told me that she prays about everything – even something as simple as what to have for lunch and super each day.  That is total trust and faith in God.  I pray to reach that point one day; I’m going to start now…won’t you come along on my journey?

Til next time!
Linda

P.S. Discussion time: Do you depend on God for your needs? Comment below…

Father’s Day Memories


One of my best father’s day memories doesn’t involve my father but by husband and son. 

It was June 16th 1991 and 2 days before I had a total abdominal hysterectomy for uterine cancer, so I spent Father’s Day in the hospital and was not able to plan anything special for hubby.  No worries because Jacob, at the age of 6, took matters into his own hands.  He planned a “party” for his dad with the help of his Grammy A.  He asked her to get some crackers and drinks and invited people to their place after church that night for a celebration.  If memory serves me correctly, they had pizza with the crackers.  The memory of this still brings tears to my eyes.

After the party they came up to the hospital to visit me; it was after visiting hours but at the time I worked there and was able to take a few liberties.

I would love to be able to do that with my grandson someday.

What is your favorite memory from Father’s Day?

Til next time,
Linda<3

Winning with Swagbucks

Yesterday, I wrote a post about swagbucks and promised one today on tips and tricks for increasing your winnings so here it is.  First you can earn at least 4 swagbucks each day (I know that doesn’t sound like much but multiply that by 30 days each month and they add up) by doing the following:
  1. Download and install the swagbucks toolbar.  You can search right from the toolbar the first time you use it for the day, you will receive a swagbuck.
  2. On the swagbucks home page, click on the daily polls.  Answer the daily poll and you will receive another swagbuck or if you are really lucky you might win up to 3.
  3. Also on the home page, click on the special offers.  Go through the special offers, clicking on skip and after 1 or more, you will receive another swagbuck or two.
  4. Lastly, on the home page, click on “Trusted Surveys”.  You will receive 1 swagbuck just for checking the survey page and you can get more if you qualify for one of the surveys and complete it
There you go, at least 4 swagbucks for just a few minutes of your time

Now about searching the internet; not every search will yield you swagbucks but I have found some things that seem to have increased my earnings.  Do searches at different times of the day, essentially morning, afternoon, and evening.  I will do a couple of different searches if I don’t get the swagbucks on the first one.  I will also do a couple searches from my phone and this has increased my earnings.  Now I’m not sure just what it is that increases the odds of winning, it might be that I am simply doing more searches than I use to.

There are also Swagcodes where you can win swagbucks for simply entering the code on the home page.  The number and amounts of these codes vary, so it is best to follow swagbucks on twitter and/or facebook.  I have the updates from both sent to my phone so I don’t miss a code.

There is a swidget you can download from the home page, which you can use to check for codes.

You can send in a suggestion for a poll and if it is used, you earn 100 swagbucks.

Trade in your old cell phone and video games for swagbucks.

You can earn swagbucks by shopping online using the links from the home page.

Take a picture of yourself with your prize and send it to swagbucks will earn you more swagbucks.

And refer your friends!  As they earn swagbucks, you earn the same up to 1000 swagbucks!

There you have it!  Now go join swagbucks by clicking here.

Til next time!
Linda <3

The Little Extras!

It has been a while since we have had money for any extras; you know things that one doesn’t absolutely have to have.  For me that means books; I know I could get them from the library but sometimes there are books I would like for my own library so I can refer to them at other times.  During the past year and a half I have been able to get a few books by 1). Buying used books from amazon.com.  I have had very good success with these books, most of them look brand new yet I pay a fraction of the price. 2). I earn amazon.com gift cards from Swagbucks.com.  In the past 18 months I have earned 20 $5.00 gift cards for amazon.com.  That’s $100.00 free and clear!  All I had to do is search the internet using the swagbucks search engine.

The swagbucks search engine is just like using google.com, in fact, swagbucks uses google.com and ask.com for it’s search results.  As you search, you win swagbucks which are then redeemed for prizes.  I prefer the amazon.com gift cards but there are many other prizes you can get.  Some include gift cards for other shops, sports and movie prizes.

You don’t win swagbucks for each search so don’t get discouraged when you don’t see them each time.  There are some tips and tricks and other ways to get swagbucks which I will include in a post tomorrow.  Here is a link to use to sign up http://www.swagbucks.com/refer/theladyinblack3 .  (Disclaimer: This link includes a referral link and I earn swagbucks as you earn when you use this link to sign up.)
Try it and earn some free items, in this economy every little bit helps!

Til next time!
Linda <3

Pray Without Ceasing


I’m having a rough day today.  Financial things are getting to me, even though I keep praying for God to help me.  It’s not His fault because I keep taking back the problems after giving them to Him.  Why is it that we do that?  I guess it’s part of human nature but it frustrates me also.  That is probably human nature too.

I pray asking for His help and guidance in what I should do.  Then in a little bit, I’m on line looking for work and it’s hard to know what isn’t a scam and that results in more frustration.  How do I get past this frustration?  I guess it means I need to be praying more.  I Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to “Pray without ceasing.”  that’s what I need to do and I really don’t know why it’s so hard.  Is it a lack of faith?  Anyone know?

God promises to help us and just wants us to ask for His help.  The Isaacs sing a song called “In God’s Hands” that speaks of placing our problems in His hands and He will take care of us.  I believe this and will continue praying and giving my problems to Him and each time I take it back, I will turn around and give it back to Him.

What is the thing that you give to God and then take back?  Let me know in the comments and I will pray for you too.

Til next time!
Linda <3

Family Reunion and Sleep

Last week I posted about how much I was sleeping but the past few days have seen a change in this.  Thursday night I slept 8 hours and felt fairly good upon rising for the day and was able to stay awake till about 10:45 pm then I dozed for 20 minutes and thankfully that was all because I had to go pick up hubby from work, he gets off at 11:30 pm.  I stayed up till about 1:00 am then fell asleep around 2.

Saturday we had a family reunion to attend; it was with my Dad’s family.  Most of them I only see once a year but last year our nephew got married on the same day as the reunion so it’s been two years.  These are my cousins whom I played with growing up and some are the ones I babysat for years.  Yes that means you Jeff and Sandy!

I got up at 9:00 am because I had to finish my food preparation.  It was good to see aunts, uncles, cousins, and their kids and grandkids.  There are so many little ones that I don’t know their names nor who they belong to but it was fun to watch them.  I even got to hold one of the three babies there and I thoroughly enjoyed that!  I’m glad we were able to go and have marked the date for next year already.

Back to my sleep situation; as soon as I got home, sat down in my comfy chair and relaxed I fell asleep, it was around 8:00 pm!  I kept trying to wake up because I had homework to do but I could not keep my eyes open.  Finally some time after midnight I got awake enough that I could get on the computer and complete my homework.  It had to be posted before 5:00 am EST in order to be considered on time and not have points deducted for being late.  I have been able to maintain an A average in all my classes so far and didn’t want to risk losing that.

I finally got to bed and to sleep around 4:00 am, the bad part was that meant I couldn’t wake up enough for getting to church this morning.  That frustrates me.  This hypothyroidism is the pits sometimes.  Or I just haven’t figured out how to make it work for me.  I guess I will have to keep working on that!

Til next time!
Linda <3

Stewardship and gifts

I came across an article on stewardship while surfing the web one day and it really struck a chord with me.  I’m unable to remember where it was so please if it seems familiar to you let me know so I can give proper credit.

When I mention stewardship, most people think of tithing but it is actually more than that. It involves money but also material things and talents that God has given us.  One definition is “the conducting, supervising, or managing of something; especially, the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one’s care.”  Who has entrusted us with the things we have whether it be money, a home, a car, or a talent?  All these things come from God.  He entrusts us with them and in turn we are to take care of them and use them for His honor and glory.

I have not been a good steward of the things God has given me for many years.  I am not proud of this and only share it because God has laid it upon my heart to do so.  During the past 16 months, I have had to rely on God for many things.  Oh in the past I would pray and trust Him and have even served Him but then that would slip to the wayside.  I have never given up on Him and He has never given up on me.  Like the parable of the prodigal son, he takes me back into the fold and not only that but rejoices that I have returned.  Oh praise His holy name for that!  During these months when I have not been working and therefore not bringing in any money, God had been good.

he has shown me how I wasted what He entrusted me with.  I am ashamed of that and am praying for His guidance in being a good steward of what he is now giving us.  We have less money, but my faith has grown and as they say that is priceless.  I still struggle but remember to pray and place it in His hands, sometimes I take it back and have to pray again giving it back to him over and over again.  He is faithful and waits for me to come to Him.  He wants us to depend on Him; He has promised to supply all our needs.  What a great God we serve!  Please pray with me as I work o this are of my life.  Thanks!

Til next time!
Linda <3

I like my Sleep but this is Ridiculous!

I cannot remember the last time I felt rested after 8 hours of sleep.  I currently sleep about 12 hours a “night” and do not feel rested when I get up.  It’s not every night anymore but still more than I would like.  One of my goals of hypothyroidism treatment is to get awake in the morning after 8 hours of sleep and have energy to get work done.

I have a difficult time dealing with the sleeping thing; before my hysterectomy, I slept 6 hours a night and felt good when I got up.  I actually long for those days!  Now I spend more time sleeping than doing anything else and it seems like such a waste.

My doctor wants to do a sleep study to see if I have sleep apnea but I don’t want to do that yet.  I want to get off the Effexor XR and get the thyroid levels to where I have some energy and then if I am still sleeping so much I’ll do the sleep study.  I think he’s a little perturbed with me but I really don’t care at this time.

I’ve been reading Mary Shomon’s book the thyroid diet and am starting to think I need to change my diet not so much to lose weight but to see if there are certain foods that enhance the effect of the hypothyroidism.  A little back, I started drinking spring water to see if the fluoride in the tap water may be affecting me negatively, I continue to do that and have noticed a little increase in energy so will continue to do that.

I get frustrated with how I feel physically and need to do two things frequently; 1.  Remember that hypothyroidism isn’t a condition that is going to go away; I will have to live with it the rest of my life and 2. Pray for God’s help and guidance in dealing with it.

Til next time!
Linda <3

A New Body!

As I was lying in bed early this morning, awake because my knees were aching and the ibuprofen and Tylenol were not helping the discomfort, I was listening to the Isaacs.  One of their songs talks about heaven, the streets of gold and the mansion we will each have, all the wonderful things we will have.  These things God is going to give us, but the “only thing that matters” is seeing Jesus’ face and falling on our knees to praise Him!  When I am there I will be able to fall on my knees because they will no longer hurt!  Praise the Lord!  He can and will take away the pain – I will have a new body!

Til next time!
Linda <3

So Far, So Good!

Hi Everyone!  Sorry for the lack of posts recently; I have had to spend extra time on my schoolwork because of an inability to concentrate; more about that later.

In my last post, I told you that I was starting the every other day dosing of Effexor XR and I have.  It hasn’t been as bad as previously when I went off of it all together which I am grateful for.  It has been two weeks now and these are the symptoms I am having: 1. Inability to concentrate but not as severe, I just have to work a little harder at my schoolwork and take short frequent breaks. 2.  The knee/joint pains that I experienced before are present but once again, not as severe.  I am actually able to walk without my cane for short distances and not have pain in my knees, just a little discomfort.  I have also started doing some very simple exercise to strengthen my knees and as long as I only do them 3 times a week, the discomfort is tolerable.  3.  The emotional mood swings and crying are minimal compared to before.  I do find I am teary eyed at times; the irritability has not been present this time.

Overall I am pleased with how things are going, and am eager to get off the medication.  I don’t plan another decrease until I’ve been taking this dose for at least a month, that’s the plan right now anyway.  Thanks for the prayers that have gone up on my behalf; I appreciate each and every one of them.

Til next time!
Linda <3

Withdrawal Update

I have posted previously about my withdrawal from the anti-depressant Effexor XR and the symptoms I was having.  I saw my family doctor on April 27th and discussed the withdrawal with him.  We decided I would go back on the lowest dose and take even longer to wean off of it.  At the time, we decided I would take 6 months, two months on that dose daily, then two months at every other day and finally two months at every third day.  I hated the idea of going back on it but I was having difficulty concentrating on my school projects so much so that I was late with a couple of projects.  I can’t have that and so here I am taking the Effexor XR again.

Once again I was amazed at how I felt so much better after only two doses.  This stuff is powerful and I really want to get rid of it so hopefully this time weaning off more slowly will work.

As of today I have decided to start the every other day dosing of the Effexor and see how it goes.  I’m hopeful that I won’t be able to tell a difference with this change.  Time will tell – tomorrow will be the first skipped day.  Prayer helps so I will accept all prayers that are offered up on my behalf.

Til next time!
Linda <3

How was your Mother's Day?

Mine was great! Hubby took me out to dinner, something we do not do very often these days.  It was a good time with good food that I didn’t have to prepare.

My son called from Florida and we had a nice conversation and I got to “talk” to my grandson briefly, he’s only 13 ½ months old so isn’t really into the talking thing much yet.  I found out how they celebrated the day to make his wife feel special.

The best part of the day was being in church.  We have not been attending faithfully for quite some time.  When I was working, I spent much of the weekend sleeping and well, that has continued since being off. I know I’ve missed many blessings by not being there and I cannot change that but I can go o from here.  It was such a blessing to hear Pastor preach about Hannah and her son Samuel.

Hannah was a godly mother and raised Samuel to fear and love the Lord God.  Pastor pointed out how Samuel came to be a godly man even though he lived most of his life in a home where much ungodliness was happening.  You see Hannah promised God that if He gave her a child she would give that child back to Him. She only raised Samuel to the age of 4 or 5 then he lived in the temple with the priest whose sons were wicked.  How did Samuel become so godly in this ungodly environment?  It was because of his upbringing and the things in him by his mother in those few short years; read I Samuel chapters 1 & 2.

What can we take away from this?  Those first years of a child’s life are so important and impact their entire future.  As Moms we need to be sure we are teaching them the ways of God during that time.  The Bible tells us in Proverbs 22:6 “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it.”  Pastor did point out that if we did not do this then we need to start now.

I am thankful that even though we have not been faithfully attending church now, when Jacob was little we did go and he was trained in the things of the Lord.

Til next time,

Linda <3

No Energy Again!

I am very frustrated with my hypothyroidism.  I felt so good two weeks ago and was sleeping much less and actually had energy but now this past week I’ve been very tired again, hence the frustration.

I’ve been trying to figure out what was different between then and now.  Here’s what I came up with: I was eating more salads, at least one every day and the other thing is that I was drinking more root beer and less water.  Now none of that made much sense to me until I read a recent post on this blog.  She mentions fluoride and the link between it and hypothyroidism and how those of us with hypothyroidism should stay away from foods, etc. that have fluoride in them.

Well, that means tap water because as most of us know, they have been adding fluoride to the local water supplies for many years.  Now, I’m seeing a link to explain how I have been feeling and the difference between how I felt two weeks ago and now.  I’ve been trying to drink 80 ounces of water each day and that water is tap water.

I think I may try an experiment and drink spring water instead of tap water and see how I feel after a week or so.  It can’t hurt to give it a try and the results may mean more energy!  That would be wonderful!

I’ll keep you posted!

Til next time!
Linda <3