Reflecting on God's sovereignty

So I was rereading an old post of mine a while back about "Tightening Our Belts" and just had to laugh... It was for such a time as this that God has us prepare. Things are beyond tight right now, with my hours being cut and money gradually trickling in from K's business. Don't get me wrong his business is doing so much better now. They have daily jobs going on and quotes being written up. There is money coming in but much of that must go to a fledgling business with no start up capital. I think it has really been a miracle the way K and J have put it all together with no capital. God has just provided in amazing ways for all of us. Now with the Big C starting up things will be even tighter.
A couple months back God led us to a ministry called Angelfood Ministries. I must say that without which we would be a whole lot thinner! Someday I hope to pour back the help we have received from this sweet ministry, when times get better, maybe volunteer or donate. We praise God for His provision with every mouth full.

Enter...The Wubie

He loves this thing. We got it when we first adopted him. It has a little squeaky toy in the head which he chomps on at any given moment,even in the middle of the night. But it just can't lay anywhere in the apartment, no, Vigo has certain places he likes to set the Wubie. If you move it he trots on over and picks it up and puts it back where it was. He will take it in his mouth in the middle of it's body so when he runs the head and legs bob up and down. How Vigo keeps his balance I'll never know. I do know the cuteness factor is off the charts. He is getting bigger everyday and learning our ways more and more. I do get the feeling like I'm at work when he follows me around everywhere, getting under foot, his collar tags jingling in warning that I might step on him if I'm not careful. He's even sitting at my feet right now looking at me... So cute!

We Are Gathered Here Today...

We are back from the wedding. It was beautiful. The whole weekend was just full of God moments. First, one of my best friends were getting married to a guy I had been praying for for many years, also her first kiss (isn't that cool?). Second, she had arranged for us to stay with the parents of one of her good friends, former missionaries to South America with JAARS. Two very sweet people who encouraged K and I in our walks with God in more ways than one. They even prayed with us before we left. It is just a turbulent time for us that their spiritual nourishment just meant so much. I know they were a blessing when we needed it most. Third, we practically didn't have to pay a single penny the whole trip! Such a blessing too because we didn't have any money to spend! Fourthly, the only money we did have was a gift from my co-teacher cause she thought we might need it! God works in great and unfathomable ways doesn't He! Who would have known that a simple trip would be so over flowing with very tangible ways that He provides during a time when that is the main thing we need to learn about Him!

Got this in an email...gonna try to find something red for tomorrow!

Red Shirt
If the red shirt thing is new to you, read below how it went for one man...

Last week, while traveling to Chicago on business, I noticed a Marine Sergeant traveling with a folded Flag, but did not put two and two together.
After we boarded our flight, I turned to the Sergeant , who'd been invited to sit in First Class (across from me), and inquired if he was heading home.

"No, h e responded."
"Heading out I asked?"
"No. I'm escorting a Soldier home."
"Going to pick him up?"
"No. He is with me right now. He was killed in Iraq , I'm taking him home to his Family."

The realization of what he had been asked to do hit me like a punch to the gut. It was an honor for him. He told me that, although he didn't know the Soldier, he had delivered the news of his passing to the Soldier's Family and felt as if he knew them after many convers a tions in so few days.

I turned back to him, extended my hand, and said, "Thank you. Thank you for doing what you do so my family and I can do what we do."

Upon landing in Chicago , the Pilot stopped short of the gate, and made the following announcement over the intercom:

"Ladies! and Gentlemen, I would like to note that we have had the honor of having Sergeant Steeley of the United States Marine Corps join us on this flight. He is escorting a fallen Comrade back home to his Family. I ask that you please remain in your seats when we open the forward door to allow Sergeant Steeley to deplane and receive his Fellow Soldier. We will then turn off the20seat belt sign."

Without a sound, all went as requested. I noticed the Sergeant saluting the casket as it was brought off the plane, and his action made me realize that I am proud to be an American.

So here's a public "Thank You" to our Military Men and Women for what you do, so we can live the way we do.

Red Fridays: Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing RED every Friday.. The reason? Americans who support our Troops used to be called the "Silent Majority." We are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for God, Country and Home in record breaking numbers. We are not organized, boisterous or ov erbearing. Many Americans, like you, like Me, and all our Friends, simply want to recognize that the vast majority of American's supports our Troops. Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our Troops with Dignity and Respect starts this Friday -- and continues each and every Friday until the Troops all come home, sending a deafening message that .. every red-blooded American who supports our Men and Women afar, will wear something RED .

By word of mouth, press, TV -- let's make the United States on every Friday a sea of RED much like a homecoming football game in the bleachers. If every one of us who loves this Country will share this with Acquaintances, Coworkers, Friends, and Family, it will not be long before the USA is covered in RED; and it will let our Troops know the once "Silent Majority" is on their side more than ever, certainly more than the Media lets on.

The first thing a Soldier says when asked, "What can we do to make things better for You?" is: "We need your Support and your Prayers. "Let's get the word out and lead with Class and Dignity, by example, and wear something RED every Friday.

Ludovico Einaudi - Oltremare

So this is the artist our puppy was named after in the center. We, of course renamed him Vigo the Destroyer. Somehow our name for him seems more appropriate. This guys does beautiful work though don't get me wrong. Thanks Rob for posting the link.

Lovin' Saigon Noodle House!

I've found another favorite place to eat here in B'ham! Saigon Noodle House in Inverness! It is so good I could eat there every night if we could afford it. K seems to like it too. This is actually a picture of what I ordered last time we were there. I love the mix of flavors. They use a lot of cilantro which I love too. I don't know if it is authentic but it definitely is delicious!

Little Angel!

I absolutely love my new niece! T is calling her Nanachan! So cute! She posted a video of her on her site and I just want to watch it over and over! Notice the quilt in the back ground!!! Made by your's truly! Here is the video!

Everything in me wants to hop on a plane and head to see her! It will be a while before we get to meet her in person though! She will be so big by then! My sister and my mom both say she looks like me! Wow, she must be a beautiful baby then! :)

New Addition...

His name is Vigo, Lord of Destruction. We adopted him Saturday from the Shelby Humane Society. Already so full of personality. One of the bittersweet things is, he immediately went to kitty's old blanket and snuggled up to it when we got home. He is just so sweet and smart and filling our lives with laughter already! The house was just so empty after Keiko died. We found ourselves making up excuses to not be home at all, which often ended up more than we really can afford right now. This last weekend though we didn't want to leave our little bundle of joy home alone. We even took him to our local national park and went for a short hike! He loves cats and people, esp. children. He loves to snuggle up to us. He is a puppy so K is crate training him and he is doing well already. He is a beagle mixed with something we think might be jack russell. Welcome to the family, Vigo!