As a kid I don't think I even knew what Veteran's Day was all about.  I don't think I knew what Memorial Day or Labor Day or Columbus Day were either.  Just extra days off from school.  As an adult I am thankful that we have a day set aside to remember our veterans.  It's easy to remember to say thanks to soldiers when they pass you by in a parade but sometimes we take them for granted in our day-to-day lives.  So Veteran's Day is that extra reminder I need. 

In my own family circle I can thank my dear husband who served in the U.S. Army when we first met.  My he made a handsome soldier and is still handsome now.   

And I also have my brother-in-law who served 20 years in the U.S. Air Force.  It's hard to believe he's old enough to have served that long.

 My gratitude goes out to these and the many, many others who have gone before them.  This day is for you and may I always teach my children to honor those who have served their country so selflessly. 

Jesus said, " Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."  John 15:13

Have you thanked a vet today?

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Another link - to a funny little story where a 2yo can inspire us all.

Check out As We Walk. 

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Have you seen these toys?  They've been around for a while now.  In fact when I go to their website, I don't see many of the toys we have from them.  So many have been discontinued and they have come out with fabulous new products.

I first brought up this company when telling you about my dd's Press and Dress dolls.  She has two sets, a modern day doll and a Victorian girl with lots of extra clothes that have been in this house for about 10 - 12 years.  My sister used to work for Pockets of Learning when they were based out of Massachusetts,  when my oldest was just a babe and she would buy her all kinds of neat things plus we would get some of their test samples for free!

My all time favorite toys from them were their play figures similar to this Noah's Ark playset.    The figures were always just the right size for my teething baby to grasp in her hand and she would gum that thing to death and I could just throw all the pieces in the laundry to keep them clean.  The best part is, even after all that chewing and washing, the play sets have lasted through each of my children and I still have them awaiting the next teether, should he or she ever come along.

Their books and wall hangings have delighted many a child coming through our home.  We always kept a basket of Pocket toys and soft books in the living room when I had lots of friends with little ones.  Even though this does seem rather like an advertisement.  It's good to get my mind off politics for a moment and I just couldn't help passing on these links to a cherished set of toys.  Maybe they will also delight your family. 

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Cheesy Chicken Rolls

2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken

1 TBS olive oil

1 onion, chopped

1 red bell pepper, chopped

chopped fresh basil

salt and pepper

8 oz cream cheese

1 can corn, drained

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1 package flour tortilla shells

Saute chicken in oil with onions and peppers.  Add basil, salt and pepper and continue cooking until chicken is cooked through.  Meanwhile mix cream cheese with drained corn and half the sharp cheese.  Remove chicken from pan and chop; add to cream cheese mixture and mix well.  Scoop chicken mixture into tortilla shells, roll them up and place all the rolls in a 9 x 13 baker.  Cover with remaining peppers and onions from pan as well as the shredded cheese.  Bake at 375 for 30 minutes.

Note - I made this tonight with what I had available in the kitchen.  The whole family loved it (except ds who doesn't *really* like anything.)  Now if I were the only one eating it and I happen to have some other items on hand, I might have added some green chilis and some kind of sauce.  You could also add some of your own favorite herbs, I am just very fond of basil and I happen to have a bunch I need to get rid of.

I think it would be yummy served with tossed salad and a glazed carrot, parsnip and turnip medley.

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I read a great article over at Timeless and Treasured Photography that I think you would also be interested in reading.  Please hop on over there to read Jason VanBemmel's article entitled The Loss of Respect and Consideration.

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12yo dd - Did you know that McCain...(sorry can't remember exactly what she said here) ...Do you know if our neighbor so and so will be voting for McCain?

Mom - I don't know I didn't talk politics with him yet, we just met.

6yo ds - Well I like George Washington best.  I wish I could vote for him.

Mom - But you know you can't right because he's dead?

6yo ds - Yeah, I know.

4yo dd - Well I like Tom Jefferson so I'm going to vote for him.

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I love homeschooling.

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I was reading an article in the October edition of Today's Pentecostal Evangel about the remarkable growth in overseas churches and why we don't see it here in the U.S. anymore, and I came upon a section on miracles that I found rather inspiring.  The article by L. John Bueno listed 5 reasons, but the 4th struck me personally, pointing out that in overseas churches "They depend on and expect the miraculous." 

Bueno asks this question, "How often do we actually put our faith for the miraculous into practice?"  As for me I can honestly say only when a life threatening situation comes up.

Yet the old testament is filled with miracles.  God even keeps the Isrealites out of the promised land because of their lack of faith in His miracles. 

 But as truly as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the LORD. Because all those men which have seen my glory, and my miracles, which I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and have tempted me now these ten times, and have not hearkened to my voice; Surely they shall not see the land which I sware unto their fathers, neither shall any of them that provoked me see it

Numbers 14:21-23

As Christians we believe the miracles of Jesus throughout His ministry as fact.

Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it. When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water...  John 2:7-9

Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son liveth. And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way.  And as he was now going down, his servants met him, and told him, saying, Thy son liveth.  John 4:50-51

We also read that not only Jesus performed miracles but through faith in Him his disciples did as well.

And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.  Acts 6:8

 And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.  For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed. Acts 8:6-7

Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them. Acts 15:12

Clearly miracles did happen after Jesus ascended into heaven and they are still happening today.  So why do I and so many other believers here in America set those miracles aside as though they can't happen to us or as though we are not worthy of a miracle?  Are we afraid of getting our hopes up?  How many times have you prayed for a loved one and felt God didn't answer the way you had hoped He would? 

It is time for me to put my faith in God for every miracle He has for me.  Bueno also states, "Miracles should happen continuously in the life of our churches.  People should come with an expectancy that, when they enter our churches, they're entering the realm of the miraculous that can extend to everyday life."  I wholeheartedly agree that we have fallen away from expecting those miracles and we need to get back to it.  I've underlined "everyday life" in my copy of the magazine. 

Abba Father, may I always see Your miracles in the everyday.  May I go into each day expecting your miracles and when my struggles come Lord, teach me to depend on only You, my Provider.  In the name of Jesus.  Amen

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