life by george

THE GIFT

2011-12-24T08:22:00.002-06:00

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. ~John 3:16

I pray you have accepted the best gift of all, Jesus, as your personal Saviour. Christmas is not about us. It's not about the presents, pretty paper, and food. It's not even about family and friends. I know, that's a shocker! Yesterday, as I was driving to work, I heard something on the radio that really convicted my heart. This person, a mother, was saying that she had strived to emphasize to her children that Christmas is not about getting together with family and friends, but, it's about the gift, Jesus. There is nothing wrong with getting together with family and friends, we should. But, what about the people who can't, or don't have family? What if something happened and they couldn't be with family and friends for Christmas? They could still be joyful and at peace, because Christmas is all about THE GIFT of Jesus in their hearts. I want to emphasize THE GIFT, not the gifts; I want to emphasize THE PERSON, not the people; I want to emphasize THE JOY AND PEACE, not the meat and desserts. Should I ever have to spend Christmas without family and friends, I can still have Christmas, because Christmas lives in my heart. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved. I pray you possess His great Gift of Salvation. It's a gift that is always the perfect fit, never wears out or breaks, and it's the same, yesterday, today, and forever. Jesus makes a difference in this life and the life to come.

Merry CHRISTmas to you.

Love,

Liesa

One King

2011-12-20T09:58:00.002-06:00

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. ~Matthew 2:1-2

When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.~Matthew 2:10-11

And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.~ John 17:3

And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.~REVELATION 19:16

One King

Written by Jeff Borders, Gayla Borders, Lowell Alexander

Kings of earth on a course unknown
Bearing gifts from afar
Hoping praying
Following yonder star

Silhouette of a caravan
Painted against the sky
Wise men searching
For the Holy Child

(Chorus)
One king held the frankincense
One king held the myrrh
One king held the purest gold
One King held the hope of the world

A star hangs over Bethlehem
A journey ends in the night
Three kings trembling
Behold the glorious sight

Heaven's treasure Emmanuel
Drawing men to bow down
Tiny baby born to wear a crown

(Repeat Chorus)

God rest ye merry gentlemen
Let nothing you dismay
Remember Christ our Savior
Was born on Christmas day
To save us all from satan's power
When we were gone astray

Oh tiny baby born to wear a crown

One king held the purest gold
One King held the hope of the world

Merry Christmas Moments of The Past

2011-12-15T19:29:00.000-06:00

For more moments of Christmas in our Life By George, click on the cute puppies above. You'll also find some recipes, devotions, and even some fun facts and information about Christmas. Enjoy!

Changes In My Life By George, Part 3

2011-12-13T09:23:00.004-06:00

Today, I will share with you the final post about the changes in my life. Remember, these are just the changes that have happened in my life this year, well really, just since the first of May. This change has not been as drastic or devastating to me as the other changes I shared with you in Parts 1 and 2. I guess you would think it should be drastic, but, to me, it hasn't been: not sure why.

As you know, I home schooled my children for most of their school years. I worked outside the home some, but, very little. Well, I AM BACK IN THE WORKING WORLD!

I've always considered myself a "Working woman", because, if you do it correctly and sincerely, being a stay at home wife and mother is very hard work. It is very time consuming, tiring, and quite honestly, it takes brains! It does! There is so much to figure out and so many times, something so very unexpected comes along, and what do you know, you figure it out and make it work, and go on. If a stay at home wife and mom were to be paid monetarily, she'd never have to lift a finger again by the time her children were grown. She would receive a check for the following job titles, and then some: Planner, Organizer, Chef, Nanny, Teacher, Nurse, Disciplinarian, Coach, Decorator, Gardener, Housekeeper, Janitor, Taxi Driver, Laundress, Counselor, Banker, Teller, Cheerleader, Repair-woman, Cosmetologist, Manicurist, Massage Therapist, Actress, Librarian, Entertainer, Body Guard, Police-woman, Secretary, Singer, Dancer, and SO much more. I really could retire on all of that! LOL.   But, instead of being set for life with a pay off in money, I am reaping the joy and peace of having Godly, hardworking, responsible, and loving children, and that my friend, is priceless.   Would they have turned out the same had I chosen a different route? Maybe. But, Scot and I felt and still feel assured that this was the direction God would have us go in raising our children, and we were just crazy enough to obey. What a journey it was too! Perfect? Goodness no! We struggled in many areas. I confess that sometimes I am not a nice person, especially when I am exhausted. And I confess that I often, alright, VERY often worried way too much, which made me feel stressed. Just because you do what you know is the right thing for you and your family does not guarantee and easy road. My Scot worked extra hard to provide for us, and sometimes even that wasn't enough. We never went hungry or naked, but there were times, we sold something dear to us in order to pay a bill. There were times that we stretched meat and veggies way farther than we thought they could stretch. It was not always like that. There were times of more than plenty, and we would choose to go on a vacation or splurge on a go cart or something frivolous, but, the times I hold on to with all my being are those precious moments that we sat at the table and enjoyed our meals together, played outside in the yard, sat in the porch swing reading and singing, playing in the floor with blocks, barbies, and trucks, rocking the children before bedtime, going to church together, playing at the park, and just knowing that we four were a team through thick and thin, hard or easy. Oh, how blessed I have been!

Scot and I had agreed for years, that as soon as our home school journey was over, I would get a job and help get some bills paid off. Well, that is where we are now in our Life By George. I am a licensed Cosmetologist, but, I have really not had a desire to go back to that field. Remember, my Mother is very sick and I need to be able to help my Daddy take care of her. That is why I was unable to continue babysitting. It tied me down too much. What would I do? I need to help my husband, but I need to be available for my parents. I prayed and prayed and prayed. God knew my heart. He knew that my desire was to be an obedient help meet, but, as an only child, I needed to be of help with my parents also. God knew all of this when I was born, so, I just asked Him to open the door I should enter. I confessed that I had no clue as to what to do or even where to look for a job, and I knew if I acted on my own, I'd surely mess up. My heart was broken from giving up the little boys I had loved so much and taken care of since they were tiny, and the only jobs I had ever had outside the home were in a beauty shop, sewing factory, and schools. A local daycare had closed down a while back, but, under new management, it opened back up a few months ago. Of course, my 'logic' told me that was my sign!   You ever do that? lol.   I got the job at the daycare, but, schedule-wise, I was really back in the same boat as I was in when I babysat.    My employer at the daycare was a very sweet and understanding person, so, when Mother had an appointment, she would let me off with no problems, but, that was a days pay I didn't receive.

I had also put in an application at what I jokingly call 'my home away from home', one of the local grocery stores. I got a phone call one evening from a manager of a new buisiness that would soon be opening in town. She had gotten my application from the grocery store, because the new buisiness would be opening in the same building and under the same owner. And just what do you think the new buisiness is? A HARDWARE!!! Yes, Hardware, as in power tools, hand tools, knives, nails, chains, pipe, paint, glue, caulk, lawn and garden, pest control, and a million and fifteen different kinds of screws, nuts, and bolts! I went in for an interview later that week. I had never been in such an in depth interview in my life! One of the questions was "When was the last time you did something that you didn't have to do for someone, and what was it?" Another was "When you have several tasks that need accomplished, how do you handle it?" I was honest and told them I didn't have an answer for the question about doing something I didn't have to do for someone. I thought that was just a lifestyle. You shouldn't keep up with what you have to do or don't have to do. And the question about multiple tasks was a no brainer..."Lists! I make lots and lots of lists!" The hard part of the interview was when they started taking items out of a brown paper bag and asked me to identify them and tell their use. Oh My Goodness! I failed with flying colors! They said there was no failing to it, but, now that I have learned some things about the items, I know I failed! lol. They called a few days later and told me that I had the job. I had explained my concerns about working and meeting my mother's needs and the obligations I have as a pastor's wife. I also told them that I wanted to give my current employer a fair notice, so that she could have enough time to find a replacement. My manager has been so good to work my schedule around those things. The Hardware is open 13 hours a day, 6 days a week, so therefore, there are enough hours open to work, that as long as I give my manager a fair notice as to my needs, she has no problem in meeting them. I absolutely love my job! I enjoy greeting the people and trying my best to help them find what they need. My job also involves organization, which I love to do. Many skills I had as a full time stay at home mother has come in very handy, even in a hardware. My most favorite department in the hardware is the paint department. I love mixing the paint! Of course, the computer tells me the exact formula, or recipe, as I refer to it, and, I just put in the right parts. I also enjoy helping people in the home and gardening section. My least favorite is the very large department of screws, bolts, and nuts! Why there are so many choices, I have no clue! LOL. I'm learning, but, it will take quite a while. The people I work with are terrific, and, I do believe that I now have the job God intended for me to have after my home school journey. Balancing work and home is very mind boggling at times, but with the help of my wonderful husband and children, we are making it work.

A quick note: A small Craftsman tool box makes a great makeup case! :)

"Christmas Bells"

2011-12-07T08:58:00.000-06:00

During the American Civil War, Longfellow's oldest son Charles Appleton Longfellow joined the Union cause as a soldier without his father's blessing. Longfellow was informed by a letter dated March 14, 1863, after Charles had left. "I have tried hard to resist the temptation of going without your leave but I cannot any longer," he wrote. "I feel it to be my first duty to do what I can for my country and I would willingly lay down my life for it if it would be of any good".Charles soon got an appointment as a lieutenant but, in November, he was severely woundedin the Battle of New Hope Church (in Virginia) during the Mine Run Campaign. Coupled with the recent loss of his wife Frances, who died as a result of an accidental fire, Longfellow was inspired to write "Christmas Bells".

He wrote the poem on Christmas Day in 1864."Christmas Bells" was first published in February 1865 in Our Young Folks, a juvenile magazine published by Ticknor and Fields. It was not until 1872 that the poem is known to have been set to music. The English organist, John Baptiste Calkin, used the poem in a processional accompanied with a melody he previously used as early as 1848.

(I got the above information from Wikipedia)

I get 'glory' bumps every time I read or sing the last verse...

Christmas Bells

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

I heard the bells on Christmas day
Their old familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

And thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along th’ unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

Till ringing, singing on its way
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

And in despair I bowed my head:
“There is no peace on earth,” I said,
“For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
“God is not dead, nor does He sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail
With peace on earth, good will to men.”

SHOW a Little Kindness

2011-12-05T07:53:00.000-06:00

Friday, while at work, a man walked in that I had seen several times at the local restaurant. He works for a nearby power association. He and several of the men he works with eat at the same place my mother used to eat at several times a week. I can remember, when she would see those men coming in, she'd say, "There's my buddies." They'd pick at her and talk to her every time they'd see her. Mother hasn't been able to go to the restaurant since June, and she misses seeing everyone. When I came around the corner at work, one of those men was in the store. I smiled and asked if I could help him find something, and he replied that he was looking for me. I know I probably looked a bit puzzled. He continued to tell me how he and the men he works with have missed seeing Mother at lunch, and then, he asked about her health. He then continued to tell me why he came in the store looking for me. He apologized for not even remembering her name, then, he asked if it would be alright for him and the other workers to visit with her and take her and daddy a plate lunch from the restaurant they had seen each other at. He said, "It HAS to come from there, cause that is our 'meeting place'." I told him that she doesn't eat much, but, he replied that that didn't matter to them, they wanted to do it anyway, so I gave him their names and directions to their house, and he left. I stood their dumb-founded! My heart was simply overwhelmed and so very touched by the kindness of these men. When I got off for lunch, I went to my parent's house, and my daddy was still teared up from their visit. He told me how they filed in, sat their lunches on the table, and continued to walk in, looking for Mother. He said they all took turns hugging her and talking to her, then, when it was time for them to leave, they all lined up and hugged her again. It was just a simple act of kindness. The cost was less than twenty dollars, the time was less than an hour, but, the results and benefits are eternal! They touched three hearts in a way that no medicine or money could ever achieve. God, bless those men and their families. May I be as sensitive, unselfish, and kind to others.

Count Your Blessings

2011-11-24T09:13:00.004-06:00

Count Your Blessings

When upon life's billows
You are tempest tossed
When you are discouraged,
Thinking all is lost
Count your many blessings,
Name them one by one
And it will suprise you
What the Lord has done.

Chorus:
Count your blessings,
Name them one by one
Count your blessings,
See what God has done
Count your blessings,
Name them one by one
Count your many blessings,
See what God has done.

Are you ever burdened
With a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy
You are called to bear?
Count your many blessings,
Ev'ry doubt will fly
And you will be singing
As the days go by.

When you look at others
With their lands and gold
Think that Christ has promised
You His wealth untold
Count your many blessings,
Money cannot buy
Your reward in heaven,
Nor your home on high.

So, amid the conflict,
Whether great or small
Do not be discouraged,
God is over all
Count your many blessings,
Angels will attend
Help and comfort give you
To your journey's end.

Changes In My Life By George, Part 2

2011-11-23T21:29:00.002-06:00

It's been almost a month since I posted part 1 of Changes In My Life By George. As I said in that post, I have to have the right time (enough time) and be in the right frame of mind to post these types of posts. I touched on the changes of the end of our home school journey and my mother's declining health in part 1. As for my mother's health, it has declined even more since part 1, so please, please pray for her and my daddy. There have been a couple of situations since Scot surrendered to preach that I thought I felt as if someone had died; I thought I felt like someone had ripped our hearts out of our bodies and stomped them, but, that was nothing compared to watching my mother suffer day in and day out. We have done all we know to do with little or no relief, which makes us feel so helpless. The other day, I was bee-boppin' around, just a hummin', etc., and I realized that I was happy. I immediately felt so guilty. There my mother is home bound and in such terrible pain, and here I am going on about my business merrily. But, then, I realized that what I was experiencing was that peace that passes all understanding and that strength that only the joy of the Lord can provide. The circumstance, the situation looks so gloom and so sad. But for the Lord, I really don't know how I could stand to watch. I am extremely thankful for that peace and joy even in the midst of sadness and trouble. Isn't He wonderful?!

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. ~Philippians 4:7

My daddy retired a few months ago. My daddy has worked since he was a kid; either helping on the farm he was raised on, contracting & building houses for the public, or for the past 25 years, working at a motor home company. He came home that Friday, sat in his recliner for a little while to rest his legs and feet, and when he got up, he realized there was something wet in the floor. It was blood; HIS blood! He hadn't realized he was bleeding until then. A blood vessel had busted in the top of his foot! Blood was shooting out of a little pin sized hole like water shooting out of a water fountain! By the time, I got there, he had lost a good bit of blood. He was sitting with his foot in a garbage can, trying to get the bleeding to stop. When we realized we couldn't get the bleeding to stop, I helped him get his foot in a clean garbage bag, I tied it around his knee, and he and I headed to the ER. The doctor and nurses were stumped! They had never seen anything like it. They tried all they knew to do to stop the bleeding, but, nothing worked, so the doctor finally put a couple of stitches in to stop it. Daddy felt fine during the entire episode. On the way to ER, he looked over at me and said, "Well, I've been retired a little more than an hour and I'm already headed to the hospital." I smiled and said, "Let's just get all the excitement out of the way to begin with, and we'll have it whooped!" As I said in my last post, my daddy has done an excellent job taking care of my mother, the yard, the house, and the laundry. Of course, I knew he would!

Another change is Cale, our son, is now working full time at the same place my daddy retired from. I've shared with you before on Life By George about how Cale never really liked school; he loved to play and he loved to physically work. Cale has a good job and he seems to enjoy it. He is saving most of his paycheck so he can buy a better vehicle than the one he has. He has been very wise with his money, and we are very proud of him. He's so wise with his money that we are bad to tease him about being a tight wad. When he spends money, you know there was much thought that went into it!

This Thanksgiving is different than any other before for us. We had always eaten at my parent's house for the first 18 or 19 years of our marriage, and then, for the past 6 or 7 years, I have cooked at our house and invited Mother and Daddy to join us. This year, we are cooking here and taking it to my parent's house. We will eat with them there. Also, Mother can't get out and see all the Christmas decorations this year, other than when she has to go to a doctor's appointment, so, tomorrow, we are going to decorate her house for Christmas. She may can't go to the Christmas decorations, but the decorations can come to her!

Part 3 will probably conclude this blog series about changes in our lives...unless something else changes before then!

O Give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

O give thanks unto the God of gods; for his mercy endureth for ever.

O give thanks to the Lord of lords; for his mercy endureth for ever.

To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Psalms 136:1-4

Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:

Psalms 103:1-2

Happy Birthday, Noelle!

2011-11-02T08:42:00.000-05:00

Happy 23rd Birthday to my genuinely beautiful (inside & out) & sweet daughter!

Supper at the restaurant of her choice, Country Squire with Claire & Cale.

Noelle, Me, & Scot.

Changes In My Life By George, Part 1

2011-10-29T11:45:00.000-05:00

This is a post that I have had on my heart for quite a while, but knew that I needed ample time to think and write, in order to express all that I need to say. I wanted to pick a day that was a more 'normal' day, and that my emotions were not running wild from one extreme to another. If I chose a day that I felt concerned or sad, my post would reflect that. If I posted on a day that I'm on cloud nine, it would end up a 'Pollyanna' post. So, I am choosing this day to write what is on my heart. I have the house to myself, I have no place to be until later today, and my mood is pretty evened out this morning. (Yes, I over-analyze!)

This year, 2011, I believe, will stand out in my mind for as long as I have breath in my body. You know, we have those years and times in our lives that just seem to forever feel so current and real to us. There are some years that I barely even remember, but, then, there are a few years, I can tell you exactly what was happening, who was there, what we were wearing, and I can even recall the smell or feeling of that particular time. For instance, I was only 4 1/2 when my Pa-Pa Pounders passed away, but, I recall those few weeks before and the days during the visitation and funeral as if it happened yesterday. It's almost as if I can close my eyes and be there once again. One particular homecoming parade, Christmas party, ballgame at school, homework assignment, graduation, wedding day, the birth of my children, etc. fall into that category. There are a few unpleasant times that I remember and if I dwelled on, would rip my heart out just as it did at the time, but, I choose not to think on those as much.

The main CHANGES in my life by George in 2011 include the following:

1. Our Home school Journey comes to an end.

2. My Mother's health declines drastically.

3. My Daddy retires.

4. Both my children have full time jobs.

5. The time to help my husband financially arrives.

6. I become a working woman outside our home.

If you have visited Life By George much at all, you know that I have home schooled our children for many years, and that my life has been centered around my husband for 26 years, and my children for 23 years. Also, my parents are very important in my life. I have been far from perfect in all of these areas, but, my heart has been in the right place, and I tried so hard to dedicate my life to God, Family, Home, Church, and Friends.

I struggled from the beginning of Cale's senior year with feelings of sadness and uncertainty with the end of our journey of home schooling coming to an end. I gave this example one day (after Cale's graduation): 'I feel like I am in a boat without an oar, just sitting there, going whichever way the wind blows my boat.' Even though I had that feeling of wandering and of having no control, my heart and my mind still knew that God has been, is, and always will be in control, and that if I would just wait upon Him, all would be well. Who needs an oar when you have the Master of the wind, right? But, I am human, so, I struggled with some restless days and sleepless nights, and shed several tears crying out to God to guide me and direct my paths; to steer my boat, so to speak.

To help with expenses, during Cale's senior year in school, I had babysat one baby boy (from the time he was about 2 1/2 months old) full time and another baby boy part time. Needless to say, I fell head over heels in love with these little boys, and when circumstances changed with my Mother's health, my heart broke when I had to give the babies up. I honestly mourned over the decision. I didn't need to be so tied down that I couldn't jump in the van and leave at any given time of day.  Also, Scot and I had said for many years, that as soon as Cale graduated, I would get a good job, so I could help him with our expenses, and we could get some bills paid off, and not struggle as much financially. Giving up those two little boys rocked my boat quite a bit.

After I stopped babysitting, Mother's health continued to decline, so I didn't even look for another job right away. We almost lost her in July. She stayed in the hospital for several days. After that, she was in rehab for a couple of weeks. In the meantime, my Daddy, who has worked almost all of his life retired, so he could be home with Mother and be her caregiver around the clock. After Mother got home from rehab, she seemed to do some better for a few days, and then, she got worse. She suffers from Post Polio Syndrome, which there is no cure for. The pain is excruciating and constant. We were very saddened when we were told that her wheel chair and scooter would have to become her best friends...we cried in the doctor's office. Mother never walking again was a fact that broke our hearts and upset our world, but compared to the pain she has suffered, her not being able to walk has been minor. Between having surgery on her knee and several tests, she has been put to sleep 5 or 6 times since the end of July. When we rushed her to the hospital July 29th, they had to give her 4 units of blood. She had all the symptoms of stomach or colon cancer. They talked to us very frankly and we felt so hopeless. We got the word out and got our friends and families praying, and after doing a couple of tests on Mother that Monday and Tuesday, they told us she had a bleeding ulcer that had bled slowly, which is why she didn't realize she was losing blood. We were so relieved that she didn't have cancer. My Mother is the strongest woman I've ever met. Polio affects your muscles, and the initial disease left her with a limp and weak muscles, but she has NEVER used that as an excuse to half way do anything! She has always been a wonderful wife to my Daddy, an outstanding Mother to me, a caring and loving Ma-Maw to my children, and a constant and faithful servant to others. She was an immaculent housekeeper, a hardworking member of the PTA, a zealous and loud cheerleader in the Belmont Cardinal stands, a cook of large, delicious meals, and a comfort through phone calls, visits, and cards to many. Even since she has been in such terrible pain, went for days without sleeping, etc., she is still so thoughtful and caring toward others.  One day, when I went back to her bedroom, she handed me a list. The list had the names and dates of people that would have birthdays or anniversarys throughout the end of this year. She wanted me to buy cards for each of those people. The days that she can't write, if there is a special occasion coming up, she has me to sign and address the card for her. Would I be that thoughtful toward others during such a time? I truly hope so. Mother is weak, and Mother is tired, but she continues to look forward to the day she gets her strength back and feels better. Many tears have been shed and many prayers have been offered on her behalf, and as long as there is breath in her body, I know God can give her relief and renew her strength if it is His will to do so. This has honestly been the most trying and the hardest time of my 46 years. Daddy and I feel so helpless most days. We do our best to meet her every need, but, after you give the pain meds, and she is still hurting so badly, there are times of frustration. It hurts our hearts to see her in such pain and so uncomfortable. My Daddy has been amazing! The nights he gets to sleep, he checks on her and gives her meds to her right on time. He keeps the housework and laundry going and their yard is always neat as a pen. I don't know what lies ahead for us, but, I can't help but praise the Lord for His constant care, His peace when all seems chaotic, His grace always being sufficient, and His love always being unconditional. The Joy of the Lord has been our strength.

Our Fall Yard

2011-10-13T08:04:00.002-05:00

Noelle's creation....HAPPY FALL BY GEORGE!

He hath made every thing beautiful in his time...~Ecclesiastes 3:11

Scot's Woodwork

2011-09-29T09:12:00.001-05:00

Scot has been in The Man-Cave some this past Spring, and these are just a few of the treasures he has designed and made. The bowls are made out of cedar from Mississippi or Alabama.

He made and sold several bookcases this summer. We have some of these in our library.

My New Apron

2011-09-26T18:12:00.000-05:00

Friday night, Noelle told me to close my eyes because she had a surprise for me!

Isn't it so cute?!

She had it made especially for me!

I love monogrammed things....and PINK!

And HEARTS!

And especially gifts given with love.

Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies= Yummy Deliciousness!

2011-09-26T16:51:00.001-05:00

This is my Ma Ma Hazel Gentle's recipe

3 Cups oatmeal

1/2 cup peanut butter

2 cups sugar

4 TB cocoa

1 tsp vanilla

1 stick margarine

1/2 cup milk

Combine sugar, cocoa, milk, vanilla, and margarine in saucepan.

Boil 1 minute.

Remove pan from heat.

Stir in peanut butter and oats.

Stir well.

Drop onto wax paper.

Let cool.

Enjoy the old-fashioned goodness!

Meet Toby!

2011-09-12T09:57:00.001-05:00

I Can't Stand It Any Longer!!!!

I Miss Bloggville!!!

BOOK or NO BOOK....

This Girl's Gotta Blog!

Meet our newest family member, TOBY LEE GEORGE.

Just look at ALL the preciousness!

Here he is all layed out napping in my lap!

He loves his Momma! Noelle adopted Toby at the Humane Society.

Can you say, SPOILED?

It's Time...

2011-07-06T13:34:00.001-05:00

To my dear friends and readers of Life By George.

I am taking a break from writing here at Life By George.   I am NOT calling it quits, just taking a break to pursue a long time dream: writing a book.   I have dreamed of this moment for many years, but felt that I should wait until my home school journey ended. I wanted 100% of me to be devoted to God and my family the past 26 years, especially, the last 23, since motherhood. If you can take on big endeavors and still be a good wife and mother, then, my hat's off to ya, but, I am pretty much an all or nothing kind of gal. To the best of my ability, with God's help and leadership, and trying to use Deuteronomy, chapter 6 as my guide, I have raised two exceptional children. Both are born again believers, and are devoted to living a 24/7 life honoring and pleasing their Heavenly Father. So, now, I am still a Pastor's wife, Mother, Daughter, and Friend, but I dream of adding 'Author' to the titles.

Please use this time to go back and read any or all of the 515 posts that I have shared here at Life By George.   And please, above all else, I ask that you place my name on your prayer list. Pray that God will make my paths straight, the words that should be written clear, and that the end result would be pleasing to Him, the author and finisher of my faith.

Now, should anything MAJOR happen in our lives by george, I may have to get on here and do a quick post! As of now, I am not expecting anything real important like weddings, babies, someone show up at my door with a million dollars, or anything, but you never know! :)

Mid to late Spring, 2012 is my goal to have the book finished and printed. Remember, mention me when you pray. And always, pray for my husband and pastor, Scot; our children, Noelle & Cale; our church family, and our extended family. May God be honored and glorified every single moment in the days of our lives, by george.

Until later....continue to shine! (Matt. 5:16)
Liesa George

My Country, 'Tis of Thee

2011-06-30T11:22:00.001-05:00

My Country, 'Tis of Thee

~Samuel F. Smith 1831

My country, 'tis of thee,

Sweet land of liberty,

Of thee I sing;

Land where my fathers died,

Land of the pilgrims' pride,

From ev'ry mountain-side

Let freedom ring!

My native country, thee,

Land of the noble free,

Thy name I love;

I love thy rocks and rills,

Thy woods and templed hills.

My heart with rapture thrills

Like that above.

Let music swell the breeze

And ring from all the trees

Sweet freedom's song;

Let mortal tongues awake;

Let all that breathe partake:

Let rocks their silence break,

The sound prolong.

Our fathers' God, to thee,

Author of liberty,

To thee we sing;

Long may our land be bright

With freedom's holy light.

Protect us by thy might,

Great God, our King!

Freedom Church Honors Cale

2011-06-25T09:45:00.000-05:00

A huge spread was enjoyed by all at church, in honor of Cale's graduation. The ladies were so sweet and planned the entire lunch. I was to bring....ABSOLUTELY NOTHING! But, I made apple dumplin's anyway! :) There were Graduation banners, plates, napkins, balloons, a half chocolate, half vanilla cake, and...Cale's favorite....ICE-CREAM! Cale enjoyed the special lunch and especially the kindness and thoughtfulness of all the people.

Cale's Graduation Night

2011-05-21T09:01:00.004-05:00

Beautiful Harrisburg Baptist Church was the place...

Friday, May 6, 2011, 7 p.m. was the time...

Cale in his cap and gown...so handsome!

Christian Home Educators of Northeast Mississippi Class of 2011

Cale with proud sister, Noelle

Our family

As music played, we reflected on the life and times of the seniors.

Some happy young adults!

(Aerial, Forrest, Joshua, Cale)

Each graduate chose the colors of their tassels. Cale chose Spartan colors, green and blue, in honor of the Cross Country team. This is my favorite picture that was taken during graduation.

A time to pledge allegiance to our country.

"One nation under God"

The Kindergarten class of 2011

JJ Jasper of American Family Radio was the special speaker. He encouraged the graduates to live a life of faith, love, and service.

As Mr. Jamie Gunnells called the Seniors name, the parents went forth to present the diploma to their graduate.

Cale gives me a rose....

After all the diplomas were given, my Scot dismissed us from the commencement exercises. "Dear God, please guide and direct, protect, make Your Divine will very clear for us all."

Cale with Maternal Grandparents (do you see the beam?)

Cale with Paternal Grandparents (more beams!)

Cale's display...

Congratulations to Cale!

2011-05-03T09:59:00.001-05:00

This morning, bright and early, Cale finished high school. No more DVDs to watch and no more books in his room. Cale is quite happy about this. And I...I am happy that Cale is happy! His graduation is Friday night, and that will officially be the end of our George Home school journey. We've been so blessed.

First day of home school.

Just a good ole boy...

Congratulations to Cale Scot George!

Pray For Smithville

2011-04-29T23:09:00.000-05:00

Tornado, April 27, 2011

Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. ~Galatians 6:2

And let us not be weary in well doing; for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. ~Galatians 6:9-10

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. ~Matthew 11:28

Good, Good News!

2011-04-23T23:05:00.000-05:00

In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.

He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come see the place where the Lord lay.

~Matthew 28:1-6

His Love For Me

2011-04-21T14:07:00.000-05:00

Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away. And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha: Where they crucified him, and two other with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst. ~John 19:16-18

And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified. And the soldiers led him away into the hall, called Praetorium; and they call together the whole band. And they clothed him with purple;; and platted a crown of thorns, and put it about his head. And began to salute him, Hail, King of the Jews! And they smote him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon him, and bowing their knees worshipped him. And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple from him and put his own clothes on him, and led him out to crucify him. ~Mark 15:15-20

And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross. And they bring him unto the place Golgotha, which is, being interpreted, The place of the skull. And they gave him to drink wine mingled with myrrh: but he received it not. And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments, casting lots upon them what ever man should take. And it was the third hour, and they crucified him. Mark 15:21-25

Give Away Goodies

2011-04-19T23:55:00.000-05:00

A couple of weeks ago, I hosted a give-away in honor of my 500th post here at Life By George. Mrs. C from Riverbend Ramblings won the drawing. I told ya'll I would take a picture of the gift before I wrapped it and mailed it...Well, guess what? I got it all wrapped and ready to mail, and remembered that I was suppose to take a picture of it. Needless to say, I didn't open it back up and take a picture. But, tonight, when I visited Mrs. C at her blog, I noticed she had pictures posted of the contents, so I copied her pictures so I could show you. Don't forget to visit Mrs. C. She's such a blessing to her family, community, church, and me!

I love monogram ANYTHING!

The bag behind it is what held all the goodies.

The bag contained perfume, nail polish, earrings, monogram tissues, flower seeds, and Winnie the Pooh stickers.

I 'Still' Find No Fault In Him

2011-04-18T10:00:00.000-05:00

Jesus, who did no sin, paid sin's debt for me, the sinner. ~ LG

And the whole multitude of them arose, and led him (Jesus) unto Pilate. And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ a King. And Pilate asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answered him and said, Thou sayest it. Then said Pilate to the chief priests and to the people, I find no fault in this man. ~Matthew 23:1-4

And Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people, Said unto them, Ye have brought this man unto me, as one that perverteth the people: and, behold, I having examined him before you, have found no fault in this man touching those things whereof ye accuse him. No, nor yet Herod: for I sent you to him; and, lo, nothing worthy of death is done unto him. I will therefore chastise him, and release him. (For of necessity he must release one unto them at the feast.) And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas: (Who for a certain sedition made in the city, and for murder, was cast into prison.) Pilate therefore, willing to release Jesus, spake again to them. But they cried, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. ~Matthew 23:13-21

God, Give Us Christian Homes

2011-04-13T13:59:00.000-05:00

I don't know the tune to this song, but the words are so meaningful and true. Oh, that we would desire that our homes be Christ-centered. God, please give us Christian homes.

God, Give Us Christian Homes!

~B.B. McKinney