Where do you spend your money?

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy-meditate on these things. -Philippians 4:8

Last night at our Friday night Bible study Pastor Phil presented the idea what we all have "thought money". We are all familiar with the question, "What do you spend your money on?" Well, take that same question and apply it with "thought money". Where do you spend your "focus dollars"? Are you thinking about our Father and His Son? Are you meditating on things that the Apostle Paul described as "true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, and are praiseworthy"? Or does your mind flit to "earthly, soulish, and demonic" things? [James 3:15-16]

Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. -Colossians 3:2

My elder gymnast

The don't call it "The Great White North" for nothing

We are close enough to Canada that I can call Minnesota by that name.

Maybe El Niño is correct, and we WILL be having a warmer winter. Warmer winters=lots of snow.

First snowfall of the season. Enjoy!

Minnesota Twins vs. Detroit Tigers [Division Championship Tiebreaking Game]

After the Twins beat the Royals on Sunday, Daniel immediately went online to get tickets for the tie breaking game on Tuesday night against the Tigers. He got us great seats! And more importantly, WE WON!!

Pictures: [1] Dan, Marja, Me

[3] David

TRUE Strength Comes From One Source

Our Bible lesson in school today centered around Ephesians 6:10: "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might." This verse always make me think of the hymn that bears the same expression. VERY encouraging words, and it was a good reminder for me considering my last post was about fear of the dark/unknown.

Be strong in the Lord and be of good courage

Your mighty Defender is always the same

Mount up with wings as the eagle ascending

Victory is sure when you call on His name

Be strong be strong be strong in the Lord

And be of good courage for He is your guide

Be strong be strong be strong in the Lord

And rejoice for the victory is yours

So put on the armor the Lord has provided

And place your defense in His unfailing care

Trust Him for He will be with you in battle

Lighting your path to avoid every snare

Be strong in the Lord and be of good courage

Your mighty Commander will vanquish the foe

Fear not the battle for the victory is always His

He will protect you wherever you go

Yes, I AM ridiculous.

I was encouraged to see this past week that I was not the only person to be afraid of the dark. Thank you fellow poll voter! Maybe others think that our fear is irrational, but they just don't know what kind of scary scenarios play around in our heads. There could be an intruder hiding behind a closed door, or maybe a burglar has picked a lock in the middle of the night and plans to rob our house. *shudder* So whoever you are you can rest assured that I will ALWAYS leave a light on for you until you have entered the next room and have turned on the light in that room. I've got your back. *wink*

Four people weren't afraid of the dark at all, and the remaining three were only a little spooked when they were left alone. I think it goes without saying that I don't like being alone at night either.

I should point out that yes, I know that God is with me, and therefore what should I fear? But like I previously mentioned, there are things and people out in this world that are just plain evil, and it's hard not to be aware of them. But when I'm afraid I should turn to Jesus and cry out to Him. Prayer always brings comfort. ☺
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Well, on to a more cheerful poll. My favorite pair of jeans (and my most expensive pair) has not one, but two holes in them. What would you do in a similar situation?

Baby bragger

For several months now I have daily pointed out the kitties to Abigail. I usually say something to the affect of, "Kitty!" or "Where is the kitty?" And I make Abby pet them, and I say, "Nice kitty." Etc. etc.

Finally this morning a cat came into her room, and I said "kitty" again, and Abby repeated it! Three times she said it! It sounded more like "itty", but hey, that totally counts! ☺

Normally when a baby does something like this you want to show off their new ability. And usually they fail to perform in front of others. But, during lunch hour I brought Princess Ali to Abigail, and she said "kitty" again, this time in front of David. We were thrilled. And she actually repeated my "kitty, yeah". *beaming to myself*

"New" rooms

Last weekend David moved his drums to the garage. (Silently saying "yay" to myself. *wink*) (By the way, "Love ya, Hon!") Anyways... ☺ Since he moved his drums out of the basement there was left a large open area in their place in the downstairs family room.

Now, since Dave put up the new shelves in the den we have been debating about where we could put the Christmas tree this year as one of the shelves is now in the area where the tree usually goes. Discussing the tree and noticing the empty area in the basement led to an epiphany: We decided to move the computer desk down to the family room in the basement. ☺

So over lunch hour today David started to move the computer desk. It is now situated nicely in the family room, and it actually makes the room look cozier if that's possible considering it's a computer desk.

In the den there was left a large, open corner. David smiled and said, "A grand piano could go here." Yes, one WOULD look fabulous in that space. But...considering we our current piano was FREE I think it will be many years before we get a grand. So Dave moved our piano in the computer's old spot. I like it here much better as it makes the den look more formal somehow, although a grand would make it look especially regal. ;-)