When You're Away The Cats Will Play?

By SUE MANNING, Associated Press Writer Sue Manning, Associated Press Writer – LOS ANGELES

What do cats do when their owners are away? There was one way to find out — "cat cams."
Fifty house cats were given collar cameras that took a photo every 15 minutes. The results put a digital dent in some human theories about catnapping.

Based on the photos, about 22 percent of the cats' time was spent looking out of windows, 12 percent was used to interact with other family pets and 8 percent was spent climbing on chairs or kitty condos. Just 6 percent of their hours were spent sleeping.
"What surprised me was how active the cats were. I believed my three cats were sleeping during the day," said Jill Villarreal, an animal behavior scientist who collected the data for Nestle Purina PetCare's Friskies brand of cat food.

The 777 photos studied by Villarreal showed the cats looking at a television, computer, DVDs or other media 6 percent of the time and hiding under tables 6 percent of the time.
Coming in at 5 percent was playing with toys; eating or looking at food finished at 4 percent.
Will the cats get movie cameras next? "We are in the think tank now," Villarreal said.

For all you pet lovies out there I recommend the actual article. It has the actual pictures of what the cats were doing throughout the day!

Article Here

Let The Waters Rise

This song really describes what I am going through and have gone through this entire year! I am so thankful that HIS love is enough...

Don't know where to begin

Its like my world's caving in

And I try but I can't control my fear

Where do I go from here?

sometimes its so hard to pray

When You feel so far away

But I am willing to go

Where you want me to

God, I trust You

There's a raging sea Right in front of me

Wants to pull me in

Bring me to my knees

So let the waters rise

If You want them to

I will follow You

I will follow You

I will follow You

I will swim in the deep

'Cuz You'll be next to me

You're in the eye of the storm

And the calm of the sea

You'll never out of reach

God, You know where I've been

You were there with me then

You were faithful before

You'll be faithful again

I'm holding Your hand

There's a raging sea

Right in front of me

Wants to pull me in

Bring me to my knees

So let the waters rise

If You want them to

I will follow You

I will follow You

I will follow You

God Your love is enough

You will pull me through

I'm holding onto You

God Your love is enough

I will follow You

I will follow You

Ohhh

There's a raging sea Right in front of me

Wants to pull me in

Bring me to my knees

So let the waters rise

If You want them to

I will follow You

I will follow You

I will follow You

Ohhh

The actual song

I Give YOU my life

I Give YOU my life

I fight You, Your truth, and Your way
I slap Your hand away as I grasp what isn’t mine
God help me to return what I have stolen
I give you my life, for it was me that snatched it back
I know
You created me
I belong to you
Yet every day I still run away
In spite of all this You came down to win me back
You died to redeem me
And now I’m twice Yours
Once because You thought me up out of nothing
Twice because You saved me when I hated You
Even though You created me You paid with Your life to buy me back
Now I am Yours
I am NOT my own
Jesus, I give You my life

Love,

Emphasis on the Cause not the Effect

One of my biggest temptations and struggles is not putting emphasis on doing something to be saved... "Being good" But being good is actually the effect of Jesus' power in your life. HIS grace and the unexplainable sacrifice of HIS life. This was the main point of the worship thought that I read this morning. --> "I am not saved by believing— I simply realize I am saved by believing. And it is not repentance that saves me— repentance is only the sign that I realize what God has done through Christ Jesus. The danger here is putting the emphasis on the effect, instead of on the cause. Is it my obedience, consecration, and dedication that make me right with God? It is never that! I am made right with God because, prior to all of that, Christ died."

Jesus' Grace is ALL that we NEED! This song really helped me understand that...

Song

The Lyrics

In Jesus alone, my atonement is known, I stand on grace.In Jesus the King, my salvation He brings, I stand on grace, stand, I stand on grace.In Jesus alone, my atonement is known, I stand on grace.In Jesus the King, my salvation He brings, I stand on grace.And Jesus your grace is all that I need, it's all that I need, yeah.And grace upon grace is all that I breathe, it's all that I breathe.In Jesus alone my atonement is known, I stand on grace.In Jesus the King, my salvation he brings, I stand on grace.And Jesus your grace is all that I need, it's all that I need, I need. And grace upon grace, it's all that I breathe; it's all that I breathe, yeah.And Jesus your grace, it's all that I need, it's all that I need. Yeah, and grace upon grace, it's all that I breathe; it's all that I breathe, yeah.And Jesus your grace it's all that I need, it's all that I need.And grace upon grace it's all that I breathe, it's all that I breathe.Yeah, and Jesus your grace, it's all that I need, it's all that I need, yeah.and grace upon grace it’s all that I breathe, it's all that I breathe.In Jesus alone my atonement is known, I stand on grace

In Return

This song came to my mind this morning. I am sorry I can't find a link online for the actual song but the words are more than enough! Giving your life to Jesus is an everyday commitment but I have been thinking of how much you receive in return. Praise God for accepting all of our broken hearts and lives!!

All I had to give

Was a broken heart, torn apart

That's all I had to give

All I had to give

Was an empty hope and promises

But in return He gave me joy

That could never be told

And in return he gave me love

That was more precious than gold

So whatever you have to give

You don't have to be ashamed

Just come as you are

And present it in Jesus name

For in return of a torn life

He'll give you life abundantly

And in return of a raging storm

The Lord will calm the sea

So whatever you have

The Lord has so much more

So what do you have to give

Oh if you were like me

You didn't have a lot of gold

Position or money

You didn't own wealth untold

But I'm glad He didn't look on the things that I had

But he looked and gave me all, all that I need Oh for in return He gave me joy

That could never be told

And in return He gave me love

That was more precious, more precious than gold

In return of a torn lifeHe gave me life abundantly

And in return of a raging storm

The Lord will calm the sea

So what do you have to give

copyright Marvin Winans

Modern Miracle Caught on Tape :)

The story


"A six-month-old baby had a miraculous escape after his stroller rolled off a railway station platform and into the path of an incoming train.

The incident, which happened Thursday at Ashburton railway station in Melbourne, Australia, was captured by CCTV.

The footage shows the baby's mother momentarily letting go of the stroller, which then rolls over the edge of the platform. Second later, a train pulls in to the station.

The stroller and baby were dragged 30 meters (33 yards) further up the track before the train came to a halt.

John Rees, a spokesman for train operator Connex, told Australia's Channel 7 television station: "It's a miracle this baby wasn't killed. The baby managed to escape with just a cut to the forehead, I'm told. It's a complete miracle."

The baby boy was quickly reunited with his distraught mother. He was taken to Melbourne's Royal Children's Hospital but was later discharged."

The Video is AMAZING!! GOD is AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!


Source-CNN

The FIG Cafe

I would like to highlight The FIG Cafe. This month is their official launch! If you are in the Alabama area please feel free to get involved. The organization is really good because they help you determine all of the available options for community service in your area. They even have monthly charity highlights. They then get together and go to that specific highlighted non-profit organization and offer their help. WOW!! God is moving and I am getting on board His train! I know you are as well! Let’s GO!!!

You can visit the blog here.

You can contact them for more information at their email address: fig.coffee@gmail.com


~Nina~

Me, You, and Destin

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353 New Species Discovered in the Himalayas

Asian Babbler Bird

This story is so interesting!!

KATMANDU, Nepal — The world's smallest deer, a flying frog and catfish that stick to rocks — as well as more than 350 other species — have been discovered over the past decade in the Himalayas, making it one of the world's most biologically rich regions, an environmental group said Monday.

But researchers warn that the effects of climate change, as well as development, threaten the diverse habitat that supports these species.

"The group found that almost three-quarters of the discoveries between 1998 and 2008 were plants, including 21 new orchid species. But it also listed 16 amphibians, 16 reptiles, 14 fish, two birds, two mammals and at least 60 new invertebrates. Most of the discoveries have already been reported in peer-reviewed, scientific journals.

"There will be close to 3,000-5,000 species that will be discovered if a systematic study is done over the next five years," said Bittu Sahgal, editor of Sanctuary Asia.

WOW!!

353 New Species Discovered in the Himalayas - FOXNews.com

The Persistent Porter

by INNOCE CHAPAMBA

A few years ago my family was returning home from Malawi to Zambia. At the border we had to wait several hours for the bus that would take us home. When the bus arrived, we stowed our luggage and found a seat. But just as we were about to leave, a porter told our family to get off the bus and wait for the next one. Mother argued, for the next bus wouldn't leave until the next day. But the porter politely but firmly insisted. Reluctantly we obeyed.
As he retrieved our luggage from the roof rack, my mother started crying. "Why us?" she said. "We have no place to sleep except out in the open." Other passengers tried to convince the porter to allow us back on the bus, but he politely refused. Finally we accepted the situation and sat down to wait until the next bus the following morning.
During the night the loudspeaker at the bus terminal crackled, awaking us. "The bus that left for the capital city yesterday afternoon was involved in a fiery crash. Everyone aboard that bus is dead."

Mother sat up and started crying. "My dears," she said through her tears as she gathered us close to her. "We should have been on that bus. The porter who forced us off the bus saved our lives. God saved us."
We sat stunned, trying to comprehend that God had saved us from death. We were Christians but not Adventists at the time. We recalled that although the porter had insisted that we get off the bus, he was never rude. "Is it possible that he was an angel?" we whispered among ourselves. When we arrived home, Mother told Father what had happened, and we all rejoiced in God's salvation.

Later I met some Adventist students who impressed me with their diligence and commitment to God. When told to help clean the campus on Sabbath, these students refused but politely offered to do their share of work on Sunday. One day I asked one of them about his faith, and he explained that Saturday is God's true Sabbath, the day God set aside for us to spend with Him. When I learned this, I wondered, Could they be right about the Sabbath?
I visited the Adventist church and eventually was baptized. I shared my faith with my family, and they, too, became Adventists.

I don't know why God sometimes intervenes and other times He doesn't. I'm sure many of us have been protected from harm without realizing it. I was blessed to have seen God's hand in a marvelous way.

Your mission offerings help spread God's love from person to person. Soon the whole world will know, and Jesus can come. Thank you for hastening that day.

Source

Ava Marie

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A Good Friday Laugh

Here are some funny pics of Miss Ava Marie. She is our Weimaraner puppy. She just turned 5 months old about a week ago. She has TONS of personality and is literally a little clown! Her face is so expressive I can sometimes tell what she is thinking! Example: George and I were sitting on the couch and she was playing with her toys. She then decided to hit George in the leg with one of her tug toys, and I was dying laughing... She looked at me with this face that said "I think I'll hit the both of you"....and before I could move WHAPP! (this is a pretty hard plastic toy with rope tassels on the end of it) hahahahaha She is silly!!! Well Enjoy!

--Ava and her "weapon"

HIS Product=Changed Lives :)

My world was consumed by drugs and violence, until God used the gift of woodworking to shape me into a different person. By Carlos Antiono Velasquez

I grew up on a family farm in the Andean mountains where we raised cattle and grew coffee and bananas. I loved the smell of cooking "panela" when we boiled the sugar cane to make brown sugar. But at age 12, my paradise shattered. The heavy lid of a wooden grain bin fell and struck my mother's head. Within days she died, and so did my world. I sought refuge in my father, but he sought refuge in the bottle. Despite my young age, he introduced me to alcohol. Although I didn't like it, when the men in the bar laughed at my reaction, I decided to be a "man." That day I took my first step down the road of addiction and wrong companions.

A bottomless void

When Pablo Escobar, a powerful drug lord, recruited my uncle to process cocaine, my whole family entered the drug business. Before long I'd earned a reputation at the laboratory for processing pure white cocaine.I had money, alcohol, women-but nothing filled the void inside me.Distorted values poisoned all areas of my life. Though I was a gifted craftsman at woodworking, I poured my energy into the drug business. I married a wonderful woman named Aleida, but instead of a romantic getaway,we spent our honeymoon at the laboratory.Our marriage was often in turmoil. One day after our second child was born, Aleida and I got into a bitter argument. She stormed off with the baby and, angry and hurt, I partied at the lab, showing off my latest weapon. To my horror the gun accidentally fired, and my 2-year-old son, Giovany, crumpled to the ground. The bullet had pierced his tiny body close to his spine. As we raced down mountain roads to the village clinic, several times I considered swerving the jeep over the precipice. Why live? I asked myself. Then Giovany groaned and I thought, Perhaps there is hope. I tried to recite the Lord's Prayer and the Rosary-then just screamed, "God, save my son!"When the young medic in the village cut into my little boy's body, I put my hand on my revolver, determined that if my son died, the doctor would die. But God used that doctor to save Giovany's life-and give me my first glimpse of His glory. The doctor didn't give Giovany much chance of walking again. Yet three days later he walked and was eventually released from the hospital. Despite my joy, I turned my back on this second miracle. After all, the mafia needed me to move a shipment of cocaine. But God didn't give up on me. Drug agents captured me, and I was sent to a prison in Urrao. Some of the inmates and I planned an escape, but the day we'd intended to flee, a massive earthquake destroyed the prison. Along with the other inmates I was shipped to Bellavista-a maximum security prison in Medellin. Having heard of the hellish conditions, I was terrified. As I walked through the patio (the Columbian term for prison block), I never expected to find a group of six prisoners singing. I drew near, and they opened their circle to me. One said, "Jesus loves you, Carlos." Those words penetrated deep, and I found myself returning to the group. I later discovered that Jeannine Brabon, an American missionary, had planted a powerful ministry in this dangerous prison a few years earlier in 1989. When I arrived at Bellavista there was a thriving community of Christian inmates. In time I opened my heart to receive Jesus as my Lord and Savior. His love filled that void inside me, and I felt happier than I ever had before. On her visit two months later, I eagerly told Aleida how God had changed me. But my wife only shook her head. "Carlos, you cannot play with God. I know all too well your evil lifestyle. Don't be a hypocrite!" That night as I wept in my tiny bunk, God spoke to my heart. "Carlos, words won't convince Aleida. Living the life will draw her to Me."

A work of beauty

That same night I dreamed I found an ugly block of wood and carved a beautiful clock with an eagle perched on top. To my surprise, when I awakened the next morning I found a block of wood. Determined to recreate the clock from my dream, I bought a small, black-market chisel-the blademade from the in step of a shoe and the handle from melted plastic cups-and began my masterpiece. When I finished, I was thrilled someone wanted to buy it. On Mother's Day I intended to surprise Aleida, who was expecting our third child, with $20 from the project. But before I could make the sale, the chief ruler-the toughest inmate in the patio-came and took my clock. Heart broken, I had nothing to give Aleida but my discouragement. Jose Giraldo, another inmate, encouraged me, "God will provide." So I carved a second clock, only to have the ruler's second-in-command steal this one. I cried. Why was God letting this happen? Again, Jose urged me not to give up. I made a third clock and sold it. But before I could give it to the buyer, it was stolen by the lowest criminal inside. "I've had it!" I cried to Jose, throwing my Bible to the ground."The Christian life isn't for me. I turn my cheek only to be slapped again and again, and my wife is in great need.""Let's pray," Jose suggested, but I angrily shook my head. "You pray. I can't." His prayer soothed my anger. Afterward he suggested, "We should report this theft.""No, Jose." I answered, knowing the thief would be tortured. "I'm going to trust the Lord and allow Him to provide, even though I don't understand why life has been so difficult now that I'm a Christian."That night God spoke again: "Carlos, do you re-member the ugly block of wood? Through blows from the mallet and chisel, you formed a work of beauty.These trials are blows to chip away your bitterness and hatred, to make you into My image."From that day on, I studied the Bible. Although I continued to face serious trials, even death, I prayed God would not take me out of prison unless His presence would go with me. Eventually, I served my sentence and was released.


Today I work with other young men who come out of prison, encouraging them to start a new life in Christ. I understand all too well the struggles and challenges they face.It wasn't easy to start over with a family to support. But as I look back, I can testify of God's great faithfulness. My wife and my sons now each know the Lord Jesus as their personal Savior. The most important moment in our home is our family worship time together. We are growing in Jesus day by day, and love Him with all our hearts. He is our reason for living!

Adapted from Good News magazine (Nov./Dec. 2006). Carlos Antiono Velasquez and his family live in Medellin, Colombia. A graduate of the Medellin Bible Institute and now a pastor, Carlos has been on staff with Prison Fellowship Antioqua, a regional branch of Prison Fellowship Colombia, since 1999. Copyright C 2007 by the author or Christianity Today International/Today's Christian magazine.

HERSHEY'S "PERFECTLY CHOCOLATE" Cake

Yesterday I made this cake, and it was literally delicious!!! So moist and not too sweet. The icing is not my fav so I am still on the look out for the perfect icing but in the mean time... this is GOOD :) I used two 8-inch pans and it came out PERFECT :)



Ingredients:
2 cups sugar
1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup HERSHEY'S Cocoa
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1 cup milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water
"PERFECTLY CHOCOLATE" CHOCOLATE FROSTING(recipe follows)



Directions:

1. Heat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans.

2. Stir together sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt in large bowl. Add eggs, milk, oil and vanilla; beat on medium speed of mixer 2 minutes. Stir in boiling water (batter will be thin). Pour batter into prepared pans.

3. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks. Cool completely. Frost with "PERFECTLY CHOCOLATE" FROSTING

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine

2/3 cup HERSHEY'S Cocoa

3 cups powdered sugar

1/3 cup milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Melt butter. Stir in cocoa.

Alternately add powdered sugar and milk, beating to spreading consistency.

Add small amount additional milk, if needed. Stir in vanilla. About 2 cups frosting.

Be Glorified!

In early 2005, Korn guitarist Brian ‘Head’ Welch’s conversion to Christianity was treated as a significant, newsworthy event. More than 13,000 people showed up when he shared his testimony at a church in Bakersfield, California. The next day, an MTV camera crew followed him to Israel, where he was baptized in the Jordan River.

He recently released his autobiography; Save Me From Myself: How I Found God, Quit Korn, Kicked Drugs, And Lived to Tell My Story.

Korn is well known for hit like ‘A.D.I.D.A.S.’ (an acronym for “All Day I Dream About Sex”) and ‘Freak on A Leash,’ They were made millionaires many times over.Professionally, things couldn’t have been better, but on a personal level, his life was falling apart. His marriage had ended, leaving him a single parent, and after a decade of abuse, he was addicted to methamphetamines – speed - as well as Xanax, Vicodin, Valium and Celexa. He had also developed a serious drinking problem; both his father and grandfather were alcoholics, making Brian at least the third generation to struggle with the disease.

After a decade in L.A., he returned to his hometown of Bakersfield in 2004, where, shortly before his conversion, he began a partnership with two local real estate developers. Both were Christians, yet rarely shared – or even spoke - about their faith with him. Nonetheless, their impact was significant. “You know what? I saw something different. They were glowing; they had a glow about them, and they were always in good moods. They were just these guys in the real estate business, but I looked up to them for some reason. I thought it was the business and the money, because they were always wheeling and dealing, and that was my thing. Money was my god. It made me feel powerful and safe, so I wanted more and more. And that’s how awesome God is; he didn’t care that I was blind, chasing money. He still used that to get me in. It was cool.”When he finally decided to reach out, they were there for him.

The transformation was fast, radical, and ongoing. “I dove right in; I’m like gung ho for Jesus nonstop; hours every day talking to him and just living for him. Sometimes I’m a little extreme. I’m extremist, and I take the Bible literally, I take my relationship with God very seriously. I think that’s the way it should be, you know? All or nothing.”“I still go through dark days, and some are worse than others. But I know that it will pass. I mean, look at [Biblical King] David; it’s like he’s a schizophrenic or something; he’s happy one day, and upset the next. He was screaming out to God one day, and then he was joyful the next Psalm.

Another area that saw significant improvement was his relationship with his father. His dad had stopped drinking years earlier, but there were other, ongoing problems. “Recognizing anger was not helping the situation, he prayed about it; “God’s like; ‘No. No, no, no, no.’ He taught me…” He began to show love towards his father, and it set up a spiritual domino effect. “It’s crazy how that falls. God broke it; he just broke it, man. They ended up getting saved, and it’s like my dad’s a different person. He doesn’t drink, and I don’t drink, and we have the best relationship now - better than it’s ever been.

Many were impacted – some, profoundly.“This guy came up to me in Atlanta; he was a full-on tattooed guy, like 6’ 5”. He looked like a biker. Kind of like me,” Welch laughs, “but he came up to me, and he’s shaking. He’s like; ‘Dude, you have no idea.’ I go; ‘What?’ And he’s like; ‘I’m gonna fall down right now; I went to make fun of you on your website. I went to make fun of you and mock you, because I heard you became a Christian…and all of a sudden I got this power come on me, and all I could hear in my head was ‘Find out what’s in that book.’’“He went to a church, found a Bible, and he got saved.” It didn’t stop there. “His wife got saved, his parents got saved, and all his friends got saved. So all these people got saved because he was going to mock me, and God just zapped him.”They’ve stayed in touch. “He sent me a letter, he’s like full-on filled with the Holy Spirit, just loving life. He’s cool.”

Direct Quote from Here

More Destin Pics

Just a few more pics :) awwwhhhhh Memories!! I seriously want to LIVE on the Beach!!

25th B-Day

This past weekend I took a mini vacay for my Birthday (Aug 7th). I went to Destin, FL which is one of the best beaches in the US. I went with my cousins and sister and I had soo much fun!! I thought I would be sad that I was getting OLD (turning a quarter of a century), but I was thankful! Another day and Another chance! Well I thought I would add some pics to give you guys an idea of how much fun we had :) Enjoy!!!

YOU Fail Us NOT

This song just really speaks to the FACT that GOD NEVER Fails and he loves you just the way you are because he created you :)


Failure doesn't phase you.
Worry doesn't win.
Loss doesn't leave you afraid to start again.
Our sin doesn't shock you.
Our shame doesn't shame you at all.
Mistakes do not move you.
Terror doesn't tame.
Death doesn't doom you to life in the grave.
Our suffering doesn't scare you.
Our secrets won't surprise you at all.
At all.

There is nothing above you.
There is nothing beyond you.
There is nothing that you can't do.
Whatever will come, we'll rise above.
You fail us not, You fail us not.
No matter the war, our hope is secure.
You fail us not, You fail us not. You fail us not.

Hatred doesn't hide you.
Evil doesn't ail.
Despair can't disguise you and tell you that you fail.
Our doubt doesn't daunt you.
Our darkness won't defeat you at all.
At all.

There is nothing above you.
There is nothing beyond you.
There is nothing that you can't do.
Whatever will come, we'll rise above.
You fail us not, You fail us not.
No matter the war, our hope is secure.
You fail us not, You fail us not.
Whatever will come, we'll rise above.
You fail us not, You fail us not.
No, You fail us not. You fail us not.

You are Bigger than the Battle x3
You are Bigger than the Battle has ever been
You are Bigger than the Battle x3
You are Bigger than the Battle has ever been

Whatever will come, we'll rise above.
You fail us not, You fail us not.
No matter the war, our hope is secure.
You fail us not, You fail us not.
Whatever will come, we'll rise above.
You fail us not, You fail us not.
No, You fail us not. You fail us not.


" Fail Us Not" by 1000 Generations

You can download the song here if you have Real Player on your computer :)

Or if you have Facebook you can visit their page and play the song.

Key Lime Pie U is Mine

I made a Key Lime Pie last night :) It was VERY GOOD and SWEET and TART!!. The recipie is below. I am kind of pressed for time lately (Ava is teething) soo I just used a pre-made graham cracker crust and I used more lime zest. Otherwise I followed this recipie to a tee.

Ingredients
Graham Cracker Crust:
1 paper-wrapped package graham crackers (1/3 of a 1 pound box) or 1 cup plus 2 1/2 tablespoons graham cracker crumbs
5 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
1/3 cup sugar

Filling:
3 egg yolks
2 limes zest grated (about 1 1/2 teaspoons)
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
2/3 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (if you get Key limes, use them: otherwise use regular limes)
Topping:
1 cup heavy or whipping cream, chilled
3 tablespoons of confectioners' sugar

Directions
For the graham cracker crust: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 9-inch pie pan. Break up the graham crackers: place in a food processor and process to crumbs. (If you dont have a food processor, place the crackers in a large plastic bag: seal and then crush the crackers with a rolling pin.) Add the melted butter and sugar and pulse or stir until combined. Press the mixture into the bottom and sides of the pan, forming a neat border around the edge. Bake the crust until set and golden, 8 minutes. Set aside on a wire rack. Leave the oven on.

For the filling: Meanwhile, in a electric mixer with the wire whisk attachment, beat the egg yolks and lime zest at a high speed until very fluffy, abut 5 minutes. Gradually add the condensed milk and continue to beat until thick, 3 or 4 minutes longer. Lower the mixer speed and slowly add the lime juice, mixing just until combined, no longer. Pour mixture into the pie crust. Bake for 10 minutes, or until the filling has set. Cool on a wire rack, then refrigerate. Freeze for 15 to 20 minutes before serving.

For the topping: Whip the cream and the confectioners' sugar until nearly stiff. Cut the pie in wedges and serve very cold, topping each wedge with a large dollop of whipped cream.

Have You Ever Actually SEEN Jesus?

A Little and A Big Miracle

"Do you know anyone who has seen Jesus since he ascended into heaven?" I asked my Junior Church class on Sunday. A quiet, "I did," from one of the boys definitely surprised me. "Have you really?" was my incredulous response. "Well, I haven't actually seen Him, but He did a miracle for me, so I know He is real," he replied. "Tell us about your miracle," I urged him. "A boy at my school was bullying me, and he kept on doing it and doing it. And then he just stopped." "And were you praying about it?" I asked. He nodded and a shy smile lit his face. "He's like the wind," another joined in. "You see what He does, but you can't actually see Him." Wow! They really get it! Yes, we do see Jesus by what He does in our lives. But I really meant seeing Him in person, just as He appeared to Saul and Stephen in the Book of Acts. The excitement of the early church is still very much alive on this Earth. The stories of what God is doing today can make the hair stand up on your neck! In countries where it is dangerous or illegal to be a Christian or own a Bible, Christ occasionally reveals Himself in person!!!!!

In November, 2003, The Voice of the Martyrs, which supports persecuted Christians, reported this incident.

In February, 2003, an Iraqi evangelist,'Matthias,' was arrested at a house church worship service by Saddam's secret police. He was taken to a notorious jail, tortured and threatened. One of his torturers told him, "No inmate entering here has ever left alive." Matthias was placed in a tiny cell with five Muslims. He prayed that God would use him to free his cell mates from their spiritual prison by introducing them to Christ. A sheik named Sayed was particularly offended by Matthias' Christian witness and told him he must pray to Allah or Mohammed. "Why should I pray to a dead prophet? I prefer to pray to the one, true living God. Jesus is alive, while all the prophets are dead in the ground,"Matthias told Sayed. One morning Matthias was awakened by Sayed kissing him. During the night, Sayed explained, Jesus had appeared to him and told him that Matthias would be released from prison. "He was dressed in white, and I could not see his face, because it shone brighter than the sun and blinded me." Sayed asked the man who He was, and He responded saying, "Jesus Christ." The Muslim cell mates all fell to their knees, asking Jesus to release them as well. Matthias was released one week later.


PRAISE GOD!!!!!!!!!!

Source

Birds Can Dance

Sooo I am having another moment where I am missing Emmie (My Quaker Parrot)... I ran across this story and thought it was absolutely ADORABLE :)


A head-banging parrot who became a YouTube sensation has demonstrated that an ability to appreciate music and keep a rhythm is not unique to humans, scientists say.

Alex, an African grey parrot, was one of 14 birds which displayed an ability to keep time with a tune.

Snowball the cockatoo, who appears to bop his head, tap his claws and squawk enthusiastically to the Back Street Boys' "Everybody" is one of several birds apparently capable of dancing to a beat, according to two studies published in the latest edition of the journal Current Biology.

In a study lead by Adena Schachner of Harvard University, researchers examined more than 1,000 YouTube videos of dancing animals and found 14 types of parrot species and one elephant genuinely capable of keeping time.

The video of Snowball has been viewed more than two million times since it was posted in 2007. Another video of Snowball shows him dancing to Queen's "Another One Bites the Dust."
Video of Bird Dancing

Scientists had previously thought that "moving to a musical beat might be a uniquely human ability because animals are not commonly seen moving rhythmically in the wild," Patel said.

That leads researchers to believe that an ability to process musical sounds may be linked to an ability to mimic sounds -- something that each of the parrots studied by researchers was able to do excellently, she said.

Other "vocal-learning species" include dolphins, elephants, seals and walruses.


Source

Brakes and Tithing

(Photo:The Times)
South African Man Miraculously Survives Accident after Cancelling his Life Insurance So he could Tithe to Church

Aimee Herd (July 17, 2008)

"When the truck started pushing my car towards this lane (the fast lane) and it started crumpling, I just had this urge to say 'Jesus! Jesus! Jesus!'" The accident happened on Tuesday of this week, near the Buccleuch interchange in Johannesburg, South Africa-you might imagine there was no way anyone inside the crushed older model VW Jetta could have survived. However, 49-year-old Absolom Morifi did survive, without any injuries, and he's calling it a miracle. Really though, the part of this Divine intervention story that makes it so amazing is what happened a few days before.While attending the Rhema Church over the weekend, Absolom felt a nudge by the Holy Spirit to step out in faith. "I went to church on Sunday and felt convicted about not paying my tithes and cancelled my life insurance instead," he explained.Though his wife wasn't on board with her husband's decision at first, to give the insurance money to God each month, she relented and the insurance was cancelled on Tuesday. Just hours later, his faith was put to the test when a huge loaded-down truck lost control of its brakes heading straight for Absolom's small car."When the truck started pushing my car towards this lane (the fast lane) and it started crumpling, I just had this urge to say 'Jesus! Jesus! Jesus!',"Absolom recalled. The Jetta was flattened under the enormous rig, and the Jaws of Life had to be used to cut Absolom from his compacted prison, yet he emerged completely unscathed. Among those amazed by the way Absolom had been preserved, was his wife."When I spoke to her just now," he explained, "I told her about the accident and that I wasn't injured, and she said that now, she believes in my God."

To listen to the account of the accident shared on talk radio by AbsolomMorifi himself,<http://www.pod702.co.za/podcast/bestofjohn/20080716JRBESTOFmir.mp3>

Source

Colombian Guerilla Melts Beneath Love of Jesus

(July 1, 2008)"The next several nights in dreams he saw a group of Christians carrying their Bibles into a church. He thought to himself, 'I would gladly lay down my arms for one of those Bibles.'" (Colombia, South America)-Wayne and Phyllys Wozniak are missionaries to Colombia, South America. They have shared with Faith News Network the testimony of a pastor known only by the name of "Wilson." According to the testimony, due in large part to the fact that Wilson's father was a Colombian guerrilla, by the time Wilson was 10-years-old, he was also a guerrilla. He lived for violence, crime and murder.

Notes the article: "One day he [Wilson] was sent to kill two Christian ministers who had spoken out against the paramilitary's atrocities. He found them, cornered them, and took careful aim. But before he could pull the trigger, he began to tremble uncontrollably. No matter how he tried, he could not pull the trigger. The next several nights in dreams he saw a group of Christians carrying their Bibles into a church. He thought to himself, 'I would gladly lay down my arms for one of those Bibles.'" "A few days later," continues the report, "while walking down the street, he came across another Christian. The Christian knew who he was and was frightened, yet he spoke to Wilson and said, 'Jesus loves you.'" It was then that Wilson reportedly fell weeping to his knees and gave his life to Jesus Christ. Of course, the enemy wasn't going to let Wilson off so easy. When two guerilla hitmen were sent to kill Wilson, they too were unable to carry out the murder and subsequently Wilson led them to the Lord. Praise be to God!!

Wednesday's Miracle-2

I was terribly busy yesterday. But I am serious about this line of posts. I pray that whoever is reading this, including myself, will come to a better understanding of Jesus as not only a miracle worker but as a close friend that loves you sooo much!!

Testimony of a Resurrection:

Stillborn Baby Raised by Praying Teens after 27 Hours
Aimee Herd (July 3, 2008)"

The other villagers came to the house to see this amazing miracle. They asked us which of the Indian gods we had prayed to for such a miracle tohappen. We told them we had prayed to the biggest God ever and we began toexplain to them about Jesus."

EDITOR'S NOTE: Kathie Walters Ministries has forwarded an amazing testimonyinvolving teenage prayer warriors on a mission trip to Guatemala. God isdoing great things among those who are willing to be used of Him. I am reminded of Habakkuk's prayer: "LORD, I have heard of Your fame; I stand in awe of Your deeds, O LORD. Renew them in our day, in our time make them known." May we ALL be willing to be used by God to bring life in a world filled with death. -Aimee Herd, BCN.

Dear friends,This is a testimony from a young lady in our church (14), who was part ofteam used by God to raise a stillborn baby from the dead in Guatemala. Weknow this young lady personally. Her character and integrity are withoutreproach. You are about to read a bonafide, contemporary Lazarus resurrection story. This is as close to the flame of a literal resurrectionfrom the dead as we have ever been! BIG blessings,Dave and Anita Testimony from

Abby: "My name is Abby. I am 14 years old. I live in western North Carolina. During the summer of 2008, I went on a ministry trip to Guatemala. During part of the trip, we divided up into small ministry teams (5 to 7 people)and visited different villages in the San Pedro La Laguna area. We traveledfrom village to village telling the Indian people about Jesus. On oneparticular day, we were visiting in the home of a young woman. She lived in a small village of about 14 or 15 houses. We were trying to lead the younglady to Christ, but it was not going very well. After awhile, we decided tomove on. Before leaving, we asked the woman if we could pray with her about anything in her life. She told us that just the day before, she had given birth to a stillborn baby and that we could pray with her about that. "In Guatemalan culture, there is great shame and condemnation on mothers whogive birth to deformed or stillborn children. We prayed a simple prayer thateverything would go well with the funeral and burial of the baby and thatthe mother would be spared the shame and condemnation associated with having given birth to a stillborn child. As we were praying this simple prayer, my friend and fellow ministry team member, Julia (age 17), told me that we needed to pray over the baby's body. I thought she was crazy to suggest this and that it was not a good idea. Julia was persistent. She said again thatwe really needed to pray over the baby's body. She told me to ask the mother if she still had the baby's body. When I asked, the mother told us the baby's body was wrapped up in a burial cloth in the back room. I asked her if we could pray over the body. The mother hesitantly said, yes. We went into the backroom and saw the baby's body wrapped up in a bundle on the bed.Julia poked her head out of the back room and asked if she could unwrap the baby's head. The mother said, yes, if we wrapped it back correctly when wewere done. Julia picked up the body and unwrapped the head. The baby's head was tiny and pale. The baby was stillborn and had been dead outside the wombfor 27 hours. Her skin had turned shades of purple. Our entire ministry team, five of us, began crying and praying over this baby. Praying/file photo"We prayed for thirty to forty minutes. At the end of that time, Julia screamed out to God, telling Him that she believed with all of her heart that this baby could be raised from the dead. After Julia screamed out, everyone was silent. We were quietly interceding and praying. Within a few minutes, the baby started moving. Then the baby coughed and began crying. The mother came rushing into the room. She was screaming, what is going on? No one could answer her. We were just staring at the baby, who had come back to life. The mother asked us again, what is going on? She began crying as she saw that her baby was alive. She ran out of the house and banged on every door in the village, telling all of the people that God isreal because her baby was alive. Within about thirty minutes, the baby's skin tone and movements had become completely normal."The other villagers came to the house to see this amazing miracle. They asked us which of the Indian gods we had prayed to for such a miracle tohappen. We told them we had prayed to the biggest God ever and we began to explain to them about Jesus. Soon, we realized we would not have time to minister salvation to each person individually. So, we gathered all the villagers together, turned on our little sound system and explained the wayof salvation. Everyone in the village, 80 to 90 people, prayed to receive Jesus. Each of them was baptized in the Holy Spirit and began speaking in tongues. Many would fall to the ground as the power of the Holy Spirit came on them."Five days later, we returned to the village to check in on the mother and the baby. The village had prepared a big dinner in honor of our team. We enjoyed a wonderful time of fellowship together. The baby, whom they named Julia, was perfectly healthy and had gained weight. Even after five days,the mother was still shaking from the impact of God on her life through the resurrection of her child. Two days after our follow-up visit, the mother brought baby Julia to church. The mother was still shaking from the power of God on her life following this astounding miracle."-Abby

Source

Air France 447

This story is soo amazing to me!! What is even more intriguing is what will this 13-year-old go on to do!! GOD’s awesome providence is definitely over her life. To me this is just more tangible proof that GOD is in Loving Control. You will not leave this earth until he has determined that your purpose has been fulfilled. Wow!! What an Awesome God we have!!! The sole survivor of Air France flight 447 is 13 year old Bahia Bakari. Her mother and 227 other passengers did not survive the plane crash into the Indian Ocean. More details are emerging about the actual crash as time goes on. However the authorities are sure the weather was very bad with winds up to 38 mph, the sea was also very rough. Apparently the plan dove directly into the water and did not break up until after the impact, which is actually unusual. They are still actively locating the wreckage and bodies of the victims. The authorities will then attempt to determine what really happened. However this posting is going to focus on the known details of Bahia’s survival. The following is her father’s statement about her survival.

"She didn't feel a thing. She found herself in water," Kassim Bakari told French radio RTL after speaking to his 13-year-old daughter Bahia who was recovering Wednesday in a hospital in Moroni.
"She said she was ejected from the plane," Bakari said.
"When I had her on the phone, I asked her what happened and she said, 'Daddy, I don't know what happened, but the plane fell into the water and I found myself in the water ... surrounded by darkness. I could not see anyone,'" Bakari said.
"She could hear people talking, but in the middle of the night she couldn't see a thing. She managed to hold on to a piece of something,"
She is a very, very shy girl. I would never have thought she would have survived like this. I can't say that it's a miracle, I can say that it is God's will, said Bakari,"

Bahia lives in Marseille, she only suffered with cuts to her face, and a fractured collar bone. The surgeon said "Her health is not in danger. She is very calm given the shock she suffered,"
The authorities attempted to throw a life buoy. She could not grab it. They had to jump in the water to get her," "She was shaking, shaking. They put four covers on her and gave her hot, sugary water.
The head of the rescue team in the Comoros also told RTL the teenager survived astonishing odds. "It is truly, truly, miraculous," said Ibrahim Abdoulazeb. "The young girl can barely swim."

Kassim Bakari said his daughter had been told her mother survived the crash. "When I spoke to her she was asking for her mother. They told her she was in a room next door, so as not to traumatize her. But it's not true. I don't know who is going to tell her.

Source:

http://www.cnn.com/2009/TRAVEL/06/30/air.crash.survivors/index.html

http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/europe/07/02/yemen.plane.survivor/index.html

Wednesday's Miracle

I have decided to try something out that is a bit different. I want to search the news and find an AWESOME and OBVIOUS miracle. So many times we forget how intricately involved GOD really is in our everyday lives. His miracles are often as straightforward as waking us up every morning. However, when you view his miracles from a standpoint of expectancy you can’t fully appreciate them. Every day he allows us to witness his miraculous POWER in a unique and amazing way. Sometimes I believe he shows off to remind us that he is ALIVE and is very much in control of this world. Amidst the chaos he is still concerned with you and me. We sin every day. The wages of sin is death. Praise GOD that he is MERCY!! We don’t receive what we have earned. PRAISE GOD!!!

I am thankful that he is soo AWESOME, MERCIFUL, and GREAT!!! I am thankful that even amidst all the suffering he is still merciful enough to allow us a glimpse of his loving direct kindness. Every Wednesday I will post a story that I pray will help remind us of that.

Sole-survivor crashes
January 26, 1972, Czechoslovakia: JAT DC-9; 27 killed; crew member fell to ground inside tail section
January 29, 1985; Reno, Nevada: Galaxy Airlines Lockheed Electra; 70 killed; boy, 17, thrown from wreckage
January 3, 1987, Ivory Coast: Varig 707-300; 50 killed; one passenger survived
August 16, 1987, Detroit, Michigan: Northwest MD-82; 154 killed; 4-year-old girl found in wreckage
November 14, 1992, Vietnam: Vietnam Airlines Yak 40; 30 killed; surviving passenger found eight days later
November 20, 1993, Macedonia: Avioimpex Yak 42D; 223 killed; one passenger survived
March 1995, Colombia: Intercontinental Colombia DC-9-10; 51 killed; 9-year-old girl survived
September 1997, Cambodia: Vietnam Airlines Tu-134B; 65 killed; 1-year-old boy survived
December 16, 1997, United Arab Emirates: Tajikistan Airlines Tupolev 154B; 85 killed; crew member survived
March 6, 2003, Algeria: Air Algerie 737-200; 102 killed; crew member survived
July 8, 2003, Sudan: Sudan Airways 737-200C; 116 killed; 3-year-old boy survived
August 27, 2006, Lexington, Kentucky: Comair CRJ-100; 49 killed; co-pilot survived
Sources: airsafe.com, planecrashinfo.com

June 1, 2009, Air France Flight 447 ;228; 13 year old girl survived

The next post is the back story about the survivor of Flight 447.....

1234 Lemon Cake!!

Lemon Cake is my Dad's FAVORITE CAKE!! So I decided to make this cake for him on Father's Day. He LOVED it!! And I must admit that this recipe was VERY GOOD. The cake was very moist, and the butter cream icing was very very good :) I made a few adjustments to this recipe. I used cake flour instead of all-purpose, I doubled the lemon curd recipe, I used a lemon butter cream icing, and I added about 1 tbsp of lemon juice to the cake. Well try this out and ENJOY!!! It’s really good :)

1234 Lemon Cake

· 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for pans
· 3 cups sifted all-purpose flour, plus more for pans
· 1 tablespoon baking powder
· 1 teaspoon baking soda
· 1/2 teaspoon salt
· 2 cups granulated sugar
· 4 large eggs, lightly beaten
· 1 1/4 cups buttermilk
· 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
· Grated zest of 2 lemons
· 3 cups Lemon Curd
· Sweetened Whipped Cream
· 12 ounces assorted fresh berries
· Confectioners' sugar, for dusting

Directions
1. Heat oven to 350 degrees.arrange two racks in center of oven. Butter two 8-by-2-inch round cake pans; line bottoms with parchment paper. Dust bottoms and sides of pans with flour; tap out any excess.
2. In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter on medium speed until softened, 1 to 2 minutes. Gradually add granulated sugar, beating on medium speed until lightened, 3 to 4 minutes; scrape down sides once or twice. Drizzle in eggs, a little at a time, beating after each addition until batter is no longer slick, about 5 minutes; stop once or twice to scrape down sides.
4. On low speed, alternately add flour mixture and buttermilk, a little of each at a time, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Beat in vanilla and lemon zest.
5. Divide batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake 25 minutes, then rotate the pans in the oven for even browning. Continue baking until a cake tester inserted into the center of each cake comes out clean, 10 to 20 minutes more. Transfer pans to wire racks to cool, 15 minutes. Turn out cakes; set on racks, tops up, until completely cool.
6. Remove the parchment from bottom of each cake. Using a serrated knife, slice each layer in half horizontally. Set aside the prettiest domed layer for the top of cake. Place another domed layer, dome-side down, on a serving platter. Spread 1 cup lemon curd over surface to within 1/2 inch from edges. Place second cake layer over the first, and spread another 1 cup curd over top. Repeat with third cake layer and remaining cup curd. Transfer partially assembled cake to the refrigerator.
7. Just before serving, place reserved dome on top of cake. Spoon sweetened whipped cream over the top. Sprinkle with mixed berries, and dust with confectioners’ sugar through a fine sieve.

LEMON CURD

Makes 1 1/2 cups
· 3 large egg yolks, strained
· Zest of 1/2 lemon
· 1/4 cup lemon juice
· 6 tablespoons sugar
· 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold, cut into pieces

Directions
1. Combine yolks, lemon zest, lemon juice, and sugar in a small saucepan. Whisk to combine. Set over medium heat, and stir constantly with a wooden spoon, making sure to stir sides and bottom of pan. Cook until mixture is thick enough to coat back of wooden spoon, 5 to 7 minutes.
2. Remove saucepan from heat. Add butter, one piece at a time, stirring with the wooden spoon until consistency is smooth.
3. Transfer mixture to a medium bowl. Lay a sheet of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the curd to avoid a skin from forming; wrap tightly. Let cool; refrigerate until firm and chilled, at least 1 hour. Store refrigerated in an airtight container up to 2 days.

LEMON BUTTER CREAM ICING

4 cups confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
2 tablespoons milk

Earthly Father

I forgot to post this closer to Father's Day... But I did make my dad his FAVORITE cake... I will post the recipe next :) But in the meantime this is just a mini note I wrote about my Dad. Trivial words can't express your parents so I stopped trying and just wrote this as a mini tribute..

Today is your day
The day we celebrate you
Few and exceptional
Brave and Courageous
Brilliance and Wisdom
Earthly Father
Today I celebrate the blessing that is YOU

My Dad is soo Handsome :) I LOVE you Daddy!!!!

~Nina~

Hold My Heart

The song is Here

How long must I pray, must I pray to You?
How long must I wait, must I wait for You?
How long 'til I see Your face, see You shining through?
I'm on my knees, begging You to notice me.
I'm on my knees, Father will you turn to me?
One tear in the dropping rain, One voice in a sea of pain
Could the maker of the stars
Hear the sound of my breakin' heart?
One light, that's all I am
Right now I can barely stand
If You're everything You say You are
Won't You come close and hold my heart
I've been so afraid, afraid to close my eyes
So much can slip away before I say goodbye.
But if there's no other way, I'm done asking why.
Cuz I'm on my knees, begging You to turn to me
I'm on my knees, Father will you run to me?
One tear in the dropping rain,
One voice in a sea of pain
Could the maker of the stars
Hear the sound of my breakin' heart?
One light, that's all I am
Right now I can barely stand
If You're everything You say You are
Won't You come close and hold my heart.
So many questions without answers, Your promises remain
I can't sleep but I'll take my chances to hear You call my name
To hear You call my name
One tear in the dropping rain,
One voice in a sea of pain
Could the maker of the stars
Hear the sound of my breakin' heart?
One light, that's all I am
Right now I can barely stand
If You're everything You say You are
Won't You come close and hold my heart.
Hold my heart, could you hold my heart?
Hold my heart.


This song just gave words to my unspoken heart.. I am still praying for peace, the peace that Jesus promised to leave all of us. To come and fill my heart. To hold my heart in a world of worry. A world that I am daily trying to submit to HIM. I can't do this by myself I need YOU to hold my heart!!!

Broken Hallelujah

You can listen to the song here... Then just meditate on the words.......
(I suggest right clicking the link and opening a new tab.. its easier)

With my love and my sadness
I come before You Lord
My heart’s in a thousand pieces
Maybe even more
Yet I trust in this moment
You’re with me somehow
And You’ve always been faithful
So Lord even now
When all that I can sing Is a broken hallelujah
When my only offering
Is shattered praise
Still a song of adoration
Will rise up from these ruins
I will worship You and give You thanks
Even when my only praiseIs a broken hallelujah
Oh Father, You have given Much more than I deserve
And I have felt Your hand of blessing On me at every turn
How could I doubt Your goodness
Your wisdom, Your graceSo Lord hear my heart
In this painful place
Chorus
Hallelujah
I lift my voice
Your Spirit moves
I raise my hands
I reach for You
Chorus

*In tears, Jesus this is what I want to tell you. YOu are sooo GOOD even when my heart is breaking. I know you love me. And as I praise you I feel your presence. Thank you for listening to this one voice in a sea of broken hallelujahs........

You are STILL My GOD

This song really spoke to me today and for the past week. When you decide to follow Christ you will go through a process of becoming detached from this world. But whether I am standing on a mountain or drowning in the sea.. Jesus, You are STILL My GOD. I just want to pray and request pray for all of us to rejoice and be exceedingly glad for great is our reward. Lord I believe help my unbelief.. :)

Actual Song Here

Still My God

Up and down like the tide is moving

In and out, we’re in motion

And the ocean pulls us under and even there,

You’re found You never change so I will sing

If I’m standing on a mountain or drowning in the sea

If I am filled with hope or crying out for mercy

If I’m singing Hallelujah or scared to make a sound

If I am learning how to walk or when I’m falling down I’m saying

You are still my God Still my God

In a world where so much seems uncertain

You remain both for the strong and broken

No matter where we are You are never far

And nothing changes who You are

If I’m standing on a mountain or drowning in the sea

If I am filled with hope or crying out for mercy

If I’m singing Hallelujah or scared to make a sound

If I am learning how to walk or when I’m falling down I’m saying

You are still my God Jesus

You are still my God

You were, You are, You will be forever You were, You are Yeah Yeah You were, You are God

If I’m standing on a mountain or drowning in the sea

If I am filled with hope or crying out for mercy Yeah

If I’m learning how to walk or when I’m falling down

If I’m standing on a mountain or drowning in the sea

If I am filled with hope or crying out for mercy

If I’m singing Hallelujah

When I am learning how to walk or when I’m falling down I’m saying

You are still my God Jesus You are, You are still my God Jesus You are still my God

Still my God Still my God

Beautiful

I wish I could tell you how beautiful you are
How much I love you
Not only because of your beauty but

Because I created you
I wish I could tell you how much I love you
Convey to you this love that I feel in my heart
I want to be with you for all eternity
I gave my life to make it our reality
I just thought you should know
That I will never love anyone the way I love you
That you are uniquely forever mine
You really are beautiful
I love you
Lately you seem distracted
But I know your heart
I know that you really love me too
That’s why I think you should know
He is lying to you
He tells you you’re beautiful
His words enter your mind
He thinks he stole your heart from me
Momentary distraction....
A future broken reaction...
I want you to know
I’ll pick up the fragments
Yes finally whole
Come to me because I know you are tired
You are broken
But I can fix you
I still love you
And you will always be beautiful to me

~By Nina~

Some beautiful ppl this is dedicated too, Our #1 loves us!!!!

P.S. I LOVE YOU

Message from the Sunflower-- "I am Thirsty"

Microchipped plants can now send text messages to a farmer’s cell phone and request water.

"It's akin to a clip on earring, very thin and smaller than a postage stamp, and is affixed to the plant leaf," said Richard Stoner, President of AgriHouse, a company marketing the technology.
You could use your regular cell phone service, and the plant would send you a text message when it needed water.

I am sure the wheels in your head are turning. The moment I read this article mine started as well.

George sent this link to me a few days ago. The moment I read it I immediately thought what if this concept could be translated to animals… Especially dogs.. Right now I am going through the housebreaking PROCESS with Ava Marie. Can I tell you its FRUSTRATING :) But her sweet little CUTE self kind of balances this equation.. But anyway the point is what if this whole concept could be transferred onto animals. If she could tell me she had to “go” we could speed up this process.. But back to the article at hand.

For areas that receive regular or generous rainfall this whole idea might not prove to be useful or economical. But for the western United States, where much of the water comes from underground aquifers, conserving water, and more importantly, conserving the electricity that pumps it to the surface and across fields, could save farmers hundreds of thousands of dollars each year.

They have also listed the implications for outer space. The original idea of cell phone plant communication was actually developed years ago by NASA scientist engineering future manned missions to the moon and Mars.

"You need plants on future space missions," said Hans-Dieter Seelig, a scientist at the University of Colorado at Boulder who worked on the original NASA project.

Of course plants convert carbon dioxide waste into breathable oxygen and the astronauts can use the plants as food. They also concluded that astronauts wouldn’t be able to bring along near enough food or supplies for the estrimated two-year mission to Mars. Therefore this can be used to reduce the amount of time and supplies necessary to sustain crops. Astronauts would know exactly how much water to give the plants.

During the initial NASA tests the scientists were able to reduce the amount of water necessary to grow plants by 10 percent to 40 percent.

The existing sensors have to be connected to a power source to take readings and transmit them over commercial cell phone towers. Stoner hopes that future sensors can be equipped with batteries, solar panels or even piezoelectric generators to generate the power necessary to run the sensors and transmitters.
Water in the western United States might be relatively cheap, but the electric bills to pump the water from underground aquifers do add up.

Bottom Line is sustainability in space might keep astronauts alive, and on Earth it's likely to save farmers time and money.

Actual Story-- Tech lets Plants Phone for Water

Coca-Cola, You Hurt My Muscles???

This story was really disturbing to me because I really love coca-cola…..
Most of us are consuming a lot more soft drinks that we used, this has led to a number of serious health issues that have previously been identified.

• Tooth Problems


• Bone Demineralization


• Development of metabolic dyndrome and diabetes


• And now a muscle problem called …. Hypokalemia

So here is the original scoop on the Coca-Cola Health Hazard

Drinking too much cola can increase the risk of a muscle problem called hypokalemia, experts warn.

In people with hypokalemia, a drop in blood potassium levels results in problems with vital muscle functions. Symptoms can range from mild weakness to serious paralysis, say Greek researchers who conducted a review of people who drank between two to nine liters of cola a day.

Two of the patients were pregnant women who were admitted to hospital with low potassium levels. One was a 21-year-old woman who drank up to three liters of cola a day and complained of fatigue, appetite loss and persistent vomiting. An electrocardiogram revealed she had a heart blockage, and blood tests showed she had low potassium levels, the researchers explained in a news release.

The second pregnant patient, who'd consumed up to seven liters of cola a day for 10 months, had low potassium levels and was suffering from increasing muscular weakness, the researchers noted.
Both patients made a rapid and full recovery after they stopped drinking cola and took oral or intravenous potassium. The case studies are described in the June issue of the International Journal of Clinical Practice.

"We are consuming more soft drinks than ever before, and a number of health issues have already been identified including tooth problems, bone demineralization and the development of metabolic syndrome and diabetes," and there's increasing evidence that excessive cola consumption leads to hypokalemia, Dr. Moses Elisaf, of the University of Ioannina, said in the news release.

Elisaf said the three most common ingredients in cola -- glucose, fructose and caffeine -- can contribute to hypokalemia.

"The individual role of each of these ingredients in the pathophysiology of cola-induced hypokalemia has not been determined and may vary in different patients," Elisaf said.

"However, in most of the cases we looked at for our review, caffeine intoxication was thought to play the most important role. This has been borne out by case studies that focus on other products that contain high levels of caffeine but no glucose or fructose."
However, "caffeine-free cola products can also cause hypokalemia because the fructose they contain can cause diarrhea," Elisaf said.

Okay so maybe those two cases O'd on the coca-cola!!! But knowing that something like that occurs is pretty scary....